2024 How to Find the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer in North Carolina?

North Carolina employees and residents may have faced asbestos exposure from employment, military service, or living near these activities. The state also has several natural asbestos deposits. Because of this, many people throughout the state have an increased risk of related illnesses, including mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed after years of suspected asbestos exposure, it’s important to know how to find the best mesothelioma lawyer in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, some of the most dangerous industries to work in, especially from the 1930s to 1970s, were talc mining, asbestos mining, construction, oil refineries, shipyards, and chemical production. Mesothelioma is a deadly and aggressive cancer with significant financial and emotional costs. Many people who are diagnosed have grounds for a claim to recover these costs. These claims are much easier with the help of an attorney.

Finding the Right Mesothelioma Attorney in North Carolina

It is essential to find an effective and compassionate attorney to represent you in your asbestos and mesothelioma claim. An attorney increases the likelihood of a high settlement, but it is important that your attorney is properly qualified to represent you.

You should always research firms and their professional reputations. You should also have a consultation or initial meeting with a potential attorney to ensure that you are comfortable with them representing you in this serious issue. Some beneficial traits you should look for in a mesothelioma lawyer include:

Experience With Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cases

It’s important that your attorney is experienced in mesothelioma cases. There are unique laws that apply to mesothelioma claims and different statutes of limitations based on what type of claim is being filed. These laws also vary from state to state, so your attorney should have experience in the state and local requirements for where you lived or worked. An experienced attorney ensures that you have the right information in your claim and file it by the right time.

This experience is also useful for having an efficient claim. An attorney who has worked on mesothelioma or other asbestos-illness claims before has the knowledge and resources to gather the relevant evidence to support your claim. They also know how to effectively negotiate your settlement quicker and when it is beneficial to litigate your claim.

Case Results and Successful Outcomes

Review the firm’s past work in mesothelioma and asbestos claims and determine their success rate, particularly compared to other firms in the same category and location. Look at the value of settlements in case outcomes, including in cases similar to yours, such as whether you are an employee, veteran, homeowner, or consumer. Cases with higher settlements may indicate the strong negotiation skills of the attorneys at a firm. Determine if their cases are settled largely in negotiation and if they have trial experience.

Good Client Reviews and Referrals

One great way to determine the skills, experience, and reputation of a firm and attorney is to review client testimonials and reviews. You should also ask those you trust for attorney referrals. You may be able to get referrals from co-workers or homeowners who were also exposed to asbestos or from your medical provider who diagnosed you.

Referrals and reviews can help you understand important things about an attorney, like their ability to communicate, success in cases, and ability to understand and advocate for your needs.

Open Discussion About Fees and Costs

The most common way that attorneys charge for mesothelioma claims is a contingency fee basis. This means that you only owe attorney fees if they secure you a settlement, and those fees are taken as a percentage of the total settlement.

Always discuss fees and pricing with an attorney during an initial meeting, and determine what additional court or other expenses you may be responsible for. Your mesothelioma attorney should understand how much financial strain you are already under, so they should be open and honest when discussing fees.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Mesothelioma Claim About?

A: A mesothelioma claim is about securing financial recovery for mesothelioma patients who developed the illness due to corporations and employers that made and produced asbestos-based products. In some cases, these companies were aware of the dangers and placed profit over health and safety. In other cases, companies actively hid the fact that these products were dangerous. To have a valid mesothelioma claim, an individual must have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have been exposed to asbestos.

Q: What Is an Asbestos Lawyer?

A: An asbestos lawyer represents clients who have been exposed to asbestos due to another party’s negligence and developed an asbestos-related illness as a result. This may be a personal injury, product liability, workers’ compensation, or even a wrongful death claim. Many companies knew the dangers of asbestos and allowed it to remain in use, exposing thousands of employees and veterans to the substance daily. Those living with these individuals or who lived near facilities with high asbestos concentrations were also put at risk.

Q: What Is the Average Payout for Mesothelioma Victims?

A: The average payout for mesothelioma victims and their family members can range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars. Each settlement is unique and varies significantly based on many factors, including:

  • The exact damages you suffered, including your lost income and the cost of your medical bills
  • If there are multiple companies at fault
  • The level of negligence the company displayed and if it acted with reckless disregard for human safety
  • The long-term effects of your illness on your life
  • The significance of the available evidence
  • If the case goes to court or not
  • The capabilities of your attorney

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Mesothelioma Case?

A: Many mesothelioma cases are settled within a year or less, and some only take a couple of months. Other times, they can take longer than a year. Each case is unique, and the timeline varies based on:

  • The skill and experience of your attorney
  • If the claim is settled out of court or is litigated
  • Which state jurisdiction the case is under
  • The severity of the damages you suffered
  • How much evidence is present in the case
  • Whether fault is obvious or contested

Your attorney can give a more accurate estimate of your case’s timeframe.

Wallace & Graham, P.A.: Mesothelioma Attorneys in North Carolina

When a company ignored the known dangers of asbestos or even hid this information from their consumers and employees, they should be held liable for the harm that those individuals suffered. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we have more than 40 years of combined experience in mesothelioma claims, and we want to help you obtain compensation. Contact our firm today.