MESO Series: Part III
Why You Need Legal Advice When Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The fact that mesothelioma patients and their families have had to endure pain and suffering, both financial and emotional, as a result of the callous actions of manufacturers of asbestos-containing products is unconscionable. Companies that knowingly perpetuated the use of this harmful material for decades after it was known to be dangerous should be held accountable. Today, many victims are successfully filing lawsuits in Massachusetts to get the compensation they deserve.
Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, medical bills can start adding up quickly. From initial doctor consultations, to chemotherapy or radiation, to surgery and at-home care, even the best insurance won’t cover the mounting costs. You and your family deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing an experienced attorney is on your side and will fight for your right to financial compensation to secure your family’s future.
Mesothelioma law firms typically offer a free consultation to discuss a potential case and most firms will only require a fee or out-of-pocket expenses once they win. Legal proceedings will not affect your medical care, insurance, or benefits like Social Security, Medicare, disability, veterans benefits, or retirement.
There is no downside to seeking legal advice and there may well be a significant financial upside.
Whom To Contact for Help
Almost 2,000 mesothelioma lawsuits were filed nationwide in 2022 against a broad range of manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Although many corporate entities have since declared bankruptcy to avoid paying for their actions, an estimated $30 billion is available from asbestos trust funds that have been established to help compensate victims.
If you were exposed to asbestos during the course of your employment – including service in the U.S. military – and have since developed mesothelioma, we encourage you to contact a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation. If you are a U.S. mIlitary veteran with mesothelioma, you may also be eligible for VA benefit programs and we encourage you to reach out to your local VA for assistance.
How to Choose the Right Law Firm
Before deciding which firm to choose to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuit, you should do some research to maximize your potential compensation. These types of cases are highly specialized and only a few legal professionals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have experience with mesothelioma lawsuits.
As we outlined in a previous post, there are a number of questions you should ask before hiring a lawyer to defend your rights in a Massachusetts mesothelioma case:
- Do they understand Massachusetts law?
- Do they know all potential defendants to include in your suit?
- Have they tried a case exactly like yours before?
- Are they part of the local legal community?
- Do they have “boots on the ground” in MA?
- Are they personally available to you and your family?
- Who will pay for their travel costs (especially if they are out of state)?
- Do they truly care about you and your family?
- Do they win?
Learn about the answers you should be looking for and why local experience matters most when hiring a mesothelioma litigation firm in Massachusetts in our blog post here.
Don’t Miss Out On The Compensation You Deserve
The litigation process can be intimidating and confusing. At Shepard O’Donnell, we take the time to explain the process from beginning to end, setting realistic expectations and timelines. If you are unable to come to our offices due to health or other reasons, we will come to you to listen to your story (even if you live in another state) and tell you honestly if we think you have a viable claim. We want you to be comfortable with the process and learn enough about it so you aren’t surprised by the many steps involved. The legal process does not have to take over your daily life. Our attorneys work diligently in the background, dealing with all the hassles of the litigation process so you don’t have to, allowing you to concentrate on what’s most important—your health and your family.
If you think you might have a mesothelioma case in Massachusetts, we encourage you to reach out to Shepard O’Donnell. We have helped hundreds of individuals and families obtain justice for their injuries, regularly obtaining settlements and verdicts in the millions. And you will never pay unless we deliver results for you.
