Important Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer
Brendan Little, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: August 9, 2024
- Before you hire an attorney, inquire about your legal options, who will be involved in your case, and what you can expect at each stage of the filing process.
- Ask about the cost of hiring a mesothelioma lawyer, and stick to lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis.
- Get to know your prospective attorney’s experience with mesothelioma cases, their track record of results, and whether asbestos litigation is their primary focus.
While no amount of money can truly compensate for the suffering caused by mesothelioma, compensation may help cope with the disease’s physical, emotional, and financial toll. If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, an attorney experienced in mesothelioma cases can help you explore your options.
Choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between receiving maximum compensation and bearing your disease’s financial burden alone. That’s why it pays to ask thoughtful questions and choose your lawyer wisely. Bergman Oslund Udo Little offers a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
Ten Questions To Ask Your Mesothelioma Lawyer
When meeting with a mesothelioma lawyer, come prepared with a list of questions. These questions to ask a mesothelioma attorney will help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your legal representation.
Get Help with Your Mesothelioma Compensation Options
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Most reputable mesothelioma law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee will typically be a percentage of your compensation. Moreover, many of these firms will pay the litigation costs upfront, so you’ll pay nothing out-of-pocket for their services.
If a law firm doesn’t offer a contingent fee agreement, you’ll be left to pay for their services and court fees upfront, providing little incentive for them to win your case.
Before you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, ask prospective attorneys the following questions:
- Do you work on a contingency fee basis? If so, what percentage do you charge?
- Are there any upfront costs I should be aware of? What expenses might I incur during the litigation process?
- How will you handle expenses if the case is unsuccessful?
Bergman Oslund Udo Little represents clients on a contingency fee basis. When you meet with our attorneys, we’ll help you understand how this fee structure works so there are no surprises down the road.
What Are My Legal Options?
There are several potential ways to seek compensation if you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis. Not all asbestos claims go to trial, so you’ll want to ask your mesothelioma lawyer about compensation options, such as settlements before litigation or trial, asbestos trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos product manufacturers, and VA benefits available to those exposed to asbestos during military service.
Lawyers should be willing to explain all possible legal routes and each option’s likelihood of success.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, each mesothelioma case is unique and requires a tailored approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Bergman Oslund Udo Little’s lawyers can help you determine the proper legal options for your circumstances.
Why Should I Choose a Local Firm Over a National Firm?
Law firms that focus on mesothelioma often handle cases nationwide. These large firms may have dozens of office locations and hundreds of attorneys, some of whom may never personally meet or even speak to their clients. Smaller local firms are often a better fit for the highly personal nature of mesothelioma cases.
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we believe in providing personalized attention to each of our clients. As a local firm with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, our attorneys live and work in the same communities as our clients, allowing us to better relate to their needs. In addition, we have in-depth knowledge of local asbestos-exposure sites, asbestos products, and common occupations in the area at risk for asbestos exposure.
We have two office locations—one in Portland and one in Seattle—which means lower cost and greater convenience for you. Our team includes highly qualified attorneys, so you’ll receive dedicated attention and communication from the same team throughout your case.
How Long Have You Been Handling Mesothelioma Cases?
Each mesothelioma case an attorney works on adds a new layer of knowledge and perspective to their practice. They take this insight to future cases, constantly improving their ability to achieve positive outcomes for their clients.
Inquire about a prospective attorney’s specific experience with mesothelioma cases. Ask how many they have handled and what the outcomes were. The more mesothelioma cases an attorney has dealt with, the more likely they are to secure the compensation you deserve.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little is the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm and has handled asbestos and mesothelioma cases for nearly 30 years. Our attorneys have represented over 850 mesothelioma victims, making us one of the most experienced mesothelioma law firms in Washington and Oregon.
Is Asbestos Litigation Your Primary Focus?
Asbestos litigation is highly specialized. It requires a nuanced understanding of asbestos history, the scientific and medical aspects of asbestos-related diseases, and the legal precedents established in previous cases.
Some firms handle asbestos cases as a small part of a broader practice. Such experience may not provide the depth of knowledge necessary to litigate these complex cases effectively. Be sure to ask a prospective mesothelioma attorney about their experience, specifically with mesothelioma cases, rather than just personal injury or other types of law.
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we have been handling mesothelioma cases almost exclusively since 1995. We devote our practice to helping families cope with the tragedy of a mesothelioma diagnosis, which has allowed us to develop an unparalleled level of expertise in this area of law.
Do You Have a Track Record of Results in Asbestos Cases?
Past success doesn’t guarantee future results, but it’s crucial to consider when choosing a mesothelioma attorney. A successful track record shows they have what it takes to fight for their clients and win.
The team at Bergman Oslund Udo Little has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our success has earned us a national reputation as a local leader in asbestos litigation. We’re happy to share our success stories and testimonials during your free consultation.
How Often Do Cases Go to Trial? What Is the Success Rate?
While many mesothelioma cases settle before trial, you want a lawyer willing to take your case to court if necessary. Take time to understand a prospective attorney’s approach to settling versus going to trial. Ask how often their cases go to trial and their success rate.
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we frequently obtain impressive settlements for our clients. However, we are not afraid to go to trial. Our team has an impressive success rate in mesothelioma trials, which includes numerous multi-million dollar awards. Some of our most noteworthy court verdicts include:
- $30 million for a former factory worker and his family for mesothelioma resulting from crocidolite asbestos fiber exposure
- $10 million for a mesothelioma victim and his wife based on World War II-era take-home asbestos exposure
- $4.25 million for an electrician and his wife against an asbestos product distributor for shipyard-related asbestos exposure
Who Will Be Involved in My Asbestos Case?
Knowing who will handle your asbestos case and their role can provide peace of mind before you begin the legal process. Ask your prospective mesothelioma attorney who will be involved in your case day-to-day, including associates, paralegals, and case managers. They should know how much support staff your case will need and their specific responsibilities each step of the way.
“Incredible team of attorneys, have kept both my wife and I informed and up to date with all the legalities of our case.”
– Randall C.
When you turn to Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we’ll create a small team of experienced asbestos attorneys and other professionals just for you. Our team will take the time to understand the impact of your diagnosis and build a personalized strategy to hold wrongdoers accountable.
What Resources Do You Have to Help Determine My Asbestos Exposure History?
Mesothelioma is almost always the result of asbestos exposure, but proving the source of that exposure can be challenging. Ask your prospective attorney how they will investigate your exposure history and what resources are available. The right mesothelioma law firm will have access to databases of asbestos exposure sites that can help determine when and where your exposure occurred.
“Our husband and father’s diagnosis of mesothelioma was potentially caused by exposures to asbestos from his father’s work clothes when he was a young child; service in the Vietnam war…, employment in a steel mill and in construction, as well as in personal home construction and car service. Only Bergman Oslund Udo Little who already had detailed records on asbestos products, the industrial firms and military vessels using those products, their suppliers and producers could have located those responsible for his exposures and identified potential defendants.“
– Joanne L.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little has in-depth knowledge of asbestos exposure sites in the Pacific Northwest. Our extensive proprietary database contains exhaustive information on high-risk occupations, asbestos-containing products, and other exposure sources throughout Washington, Oregon, and beyond. We use these resources to identify potentially liable parties and build a strong case for compensation on your behalf.
What Is the Filing Process Like at Each Stage, and How Involved Will I Have to Be?
Knowing what to expect if you proceed with a mesothelioma claim can help you decide whether to pursue legal action. Ask your prospective attorney what the process is like and how much you and your family will participate at each stage.
“I cannot say enough about this firm. They took on a very frightened and vulnerable client and walked him through the gauntlet of 3-years of legal proceedings, eventually securing a favorable outcome. He was treated with dignity and respect, and finally “heard” as a result of [this] firm’s hard work. We, the Client’s family, are forever grateful.”
– Gina P.
The right attorney will understand that mesothelioma patients and families have little time and energy to spare. While some involvement from you is necessary, a mesothelioma firm should minimize your responsibilities as much as possible. The lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little will do the heavy lifting for you so you can focus on your health and spending time with your family.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Mesothelioma Lawyers
Now that you know the critical questions to ask lawyers for mesothelioma, it’s time to find your legal advocate. Bergman Oslund Udo Little is ready to answer these questions and more.
Don’t wait to seek the counsel you deserve in this most important decision—contact us today for a free consultation.
Speak to a Mesothelioma Attorney Today
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
