You are probably numb and maybe a little frightened. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a terrifying thing, and the details your doctor gave you may have seemed overwhelming. While there are new and promising treatments available, there is no cure yet. In addition to the concerns you have about your health, you are likely worried about your family.
After years of working at Avondale Shipyard or another Louisiana industry, your exposure to asbestos may have been kept from you. Perhaps you did not receive protection, or your employer did not provide you with enough information about the dangers. Now, you and your family must deal with the consequences, and you may be wondering how to seek potential compensation from your former employer.
The hard road to justice
It is quite a challenge to seek compensation for exposure to asbestos that resulted in mesothelioma or a related disease. The burden will be on you to prove that your exposure on the job caused your deadly condition. Many companies with a history of asbestos dangers have already paid out millions in settlements and verdicts to victims like you. Therefore, they now spend a great deal of time and money fighting lawsuits.
The attorneys for many industries practice no other law than to defend against asbestos claims. They know the complicated technicalities of asbestos exposure and the medical science behind mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancers. If you want a fighting chance when you face these Goliaths, you will want to look for certain qualities in your attorney, including:
- Thorough knowledge of your disease, its impact on your life and its outcome
- Ability to discuss your illness with experts in mesothelioma
- Experience with class action lawsuits at the state and federal levels
- A firm grasp of the technical aspects of asbestos and mesothelioma trials
- A frank, realistic approach that doesn’t mislead you with hype
- A proven track record with solid references from satisfied clients
Another critical element to look for is someone with whom you can relate. You will be working closely with your attorney for a considerable amount of time, and you may not always be feeling well as you do. It will be important to know that your attorney has compassion and determination to keep you focused on the goal and to represent your needs every step of the way.