Mesothelioma Law Firm & Settlements

Looking for a mesothelioma law firm? The Law Firm of Lewis & Scholnick offer nationwide legal representation to victims of Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

Attorneys Guy Lewis and Eric Scholnick have handled well over 1,000 asbestos personal injury and wrongful death cases, and have participated in mesothelioma settlements totaling over $50,000,000.00.

The law firm Lewis & Scholnick was formed in January 1990. Specializing in personal injury and wrongful death claims based on asbestos exposure, including cases of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, the firm has successfully represented hundreds of clients. The success and reputation of this well respected mesothelioma law firm is not only attributed to their legal knowledge and skills, but to the fact that they offer the personal service and client attention of a smaller firm while getting big law firm results. Their continuing representation of victims diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, or other forms of cancer has brought attorneys Lewis and Scholnick to the forefront of asbestos litigation.

The law firm of Lewis & Scholnick will match their firms results against any mesothelioma law firm in the nation. If you are looking for a mesothelioma law firm that will get you the best possible results, your search is over.

Mesothelioma Information

The law firm of Lewis & Scholnick specializes in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits based on asbestos exposure: Each year more than 3,000 people will die from mesothelioma, a disease that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a known toxin, is an extremely dangerous material and even low levels of exposure can trigger mesothelioma. Scientists have known about asbestos's carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties since the 1930's but irresponsible companies continued to use asbestos, which was a cheap insulator and fireproofing material. These corporations have put workers and their families at risk for decades. We have provided the following mesothelioma information for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is the most serious of all the asbestos-related diseases. This type of cancer is where the malignant cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.

In the early stages the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lungs andheart or in the diaphragm or the lung. As it progresses it spreads beyond the lining of the chest to the lymph nodes in the chest and may continue into the chest wall, and heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, into nearby lymph nodes. Eventually it may spread to distant organs or tissues.

If you or your family members have been exposed to asbestos on the job, in your neighborhood, or in the home, it can take as many as 20 to 40 years before asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma become symptomatic. Family members of workers who may have carried asbestos materials home on their clothing are also at risk. Early detection is important for the treatment of this type of cancer.

How do I find the best mesothelioma law firm ?

MESOTHELIOMA LAW FIRM

How do I find the best mesothelioma law firm?

Most mesothelioma law firms are reputable.  Only a small number have been sued for fraud or malpractice or have been reprimanded by the courts.  Here are some things to consider when evaluating a law firm:

High ratings from the most prestigious independent lawyer rating agencies

There are several independent lawyer rating organizations that rate mesothelioma lawyers and law firms for performance and ethics.  Probably the best known, oldest, and most prestigious is called Martindale-Hubbel.  These ratings are calculated from peer review – other lawyers and judges.  You want a firm with the highest scores and for Martindale-Hubbel the highest score is called “AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.” Only a s

Awards or accolades from important legal and consumer organizations

A more experienced mesothelioma law firm will have received awards and accolades from various consumer groups and legal organizations.  You may ask about these.

Specific experience with your type of asbestos exposure

This means if you are a 65 year old male who worked construction when you were younger in Philadelphia then you should consider hiring a law firm with prior experience representing males in their 60’s who did construction work in Philadelphia.  Or if you are a 70 year old house wife in Oregon who washed clothes for your husband who is an ex-auto mechanic then you should consider hiring a firm with experience with secondary exposure (asbestos fibers brought home on another’s clothes) in Oregon.  It is important that the law firm you hire has the experience that fits as precisely as possible with you and your type of asbestos exposure.  The reason is because there are many different companies that made many different types of asbestos containing products at different times and distributed these products to different cities and states.  Specialized knowledge is needed in order to demonstrate who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and to build a case that will withstand legal scrutiny.  It can be advantageous to hire a law firm that already has this knowledge.

Possessing the resources to select the appropriate jurisdiction for your case

Most asbestos cases are heard in state court and each state is different in terms of its speed of processing cases and their historical values.  In addition a legal “nexus” must exist between a plaintiff and defendant in order to file a complaint in a specific jurisdiction.  Since most mesothelioma victims are exposed to a variety of asbestos containing products from different defendants, there may be more than one jurisdiction available.  You want a law firm that has the resources to select the legally appropriate venue that offers you the greatest advantages in speed and value.

Does the law firm have a successful trial record?

It can be a big advantage to hire a mesothelioma law firm that has recent wins in court.  This is because trial wins send a powerful message to asbestos defendants that they have to pay appropriate settlements or they may have to face your successful mesothelioma trial lawyers in the court room and risk an even bigger loss.  Therefore, you may want to consider hiring a law firm that has many recent wins at trial.

Does the law firm prepare and present cases for individual review to the trust funds? Does the law firm arbitrate with the trust funds if necessary?

There are over 60 asbestos trust funds with nearly $30 billion in trust for asbestos victims.  Some of these funds may be available to you.  Today, these trust funds comprise a larger and larger percentage of overall compensation for most mesothelioma victims.  To maximize the value of your claim it can be helpful to treat your claim individually by submitting for individual review and arbitrating to get a better value when necessary. Unfortunately, many law firms do not do this.  This is something you may want to ask about.

Summary

To summarize – here are six important considerations when selecting a law firm:

• High ratings from the most prestigious independent lawyer rating agencies
• Awards or accolades from important legal and consumer organizations
• Specific experience with your type of asbestos exposure
• Possessing the resources to select the appropriate jurisdiction for your case
• Does the law firm have a successful trial record?
• Does the law firm prepare and present cases for individual review to the trust funds? Does the law firm arbitrate with the trust funds if necessary?   

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma Law Firm With Proven Mesothelioma Lawyers Ready To Help Your Family

As one of the nation’s leading mesothelioma law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy has a proven track record. Every asbestos attorney and mesothelioma lawyer at the Firm is committed to helping families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

Our mesothelioma lawyers have been working with people diagnosed with mesothelioma since 1999, and in that time our asbestos lawyers have represented thousands of individuals from all areas of the United States.

Our asbestos lawyers have seen firsthand the pain a mesothelioma diagnosis can cause and are passionate about helping victims and families affected by mesothelioma.

At the Firm, each mesothelioma lawyer focuses on providing clients with the personal attention they deserve. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our asbestos attorneys will travel to you, no matter your location.

Mesothelioma  Attorneys

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming news, but our mesothelioma lawyers are ready to help you in any way they can. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a mesothelioma lawyer at the Firm today for a free consultation with any mesothelioma questions – legal or otherwise – you may have.

Recent Results for Our Clients

• A lifetime HVAC worker from North Carolina receives a $3.6 million settlement.
• Shipyard worker and engineer from Nevada receives $2.9 million settlement.
• Engineer from Missouri receives $3.9 million settlement.
• Wisconsin man with lifetime navy asbestos exposure receives $2.9 million settlement.
• Plastics factory worker from Iowa receives $2.5 million settlement.
• Powerhouse worker from Illinois receives $2 million settlement.
• St. Louis area man and his family received a $3.5 million settlement after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos cancer.
• A Montana man’s family received a $4.9 million settlement after he was exposed to asbestos and contracted pleural mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs.

Since 1999, the mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy have recovered over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for thousands of clients.* If you’re looking for an asbestos lawyer who understands your case and can help you get the compensation you deserve, learn more about our experienced team. Read about results attained by our asbestos lawyers by visiting the Verdicts and Settlements page.

Further, our asbestos lawyers have made giving back to our clients and finding a cure for mesothelioma a priority. We are one of the nation’s leading supporters of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and have pledged $10.2 million to build the Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University.

In 2010 the firm launched the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation, a private non-profit organization with a mission to help expert medical and scientific researchers make dramatic advances in mesothelioma treatment options for patients and their families. The firm is also the national sponsor of the Foundation’s Miles for Meso fundraising event.

Our mesothelioma law firm was built on one principle: to give clients and their families the care and respect they deserve. Experienced asbestos lawyers know that while each case is unique, they all have one thing in common: every mesothelioma client is a person whose life has been destroyed by someone else’s negligence. When you come to Simmons Hanly Conroy, you can expect your case to get the respect and attention it deserves from a seasoned asbestos lawyer.

Please contact a Simmons Hanly Conroy mesothelioma lawyer with any questions or concerns you might have, or to determine if you have a case for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Our law firm and team of experienced mesothelioma lawyers are extremely knowledgeable about asbestos and, in particular, mesothelioma. As an experienced law firm, we have learned that one of the most powerful weapons we can offer clients and prospective clients is information. The links on this page will help you learn about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit and what you can do if you are sick due to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Law Firm

For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos.Typically, mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job site that used asbestos-related products (ACMs). In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public since asbestos was an extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hinderance of information, workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be eligible for financial compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more.

If you or a loved one is a victim of an asbestos disease, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, fill out our form today to find out the amount of money you and your family are owed. Over $30 billion is available in mesothelioma and asbestos trust funds and we’ll fight to ensure that you have a successful shot in getting what you’re entitled to.

What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do?

Mesothelioma law firms are different from any other type of law firm. Whereas other law firms may specialize in specific areas such as car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus only on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law firm or even a personal injury law firm that specializes in a wide array of injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in mesothelioma cases as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and diseases.
Attorneys in a mesothelioma law firm have the knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma law firms are comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals.

Moreover, an experienced malignant mesothelioma law firm understands that the victim is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the law firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical history, litigations, and more.

A dedicated mesothelioma law firm also understands the severe emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An experienced mesothelioma law firm takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their loved ones throughout this enduring process.

What to Look for When Hiring a Mesothelioma Law Firm

Unfortunately, not all mesothelioma law firms are the same. While some may have several years of experience, other law firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma. In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law besides mesothelioma while another law firm may solely focus on asbestos cases.
Aside from using your good judgement when determining which law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider:

• The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases.
• Your case should never be transferred to another law firm to handle.
• The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases.
• Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases.
• Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases.
• The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with its diseases.
• The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be accessible.
• You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a mesothelioma law firm.

Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a mesothelioma law firm that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is guaranteed. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will help to understand your chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is 100% guaranteed.

Making Things Easier

Although leading mesothelioma law firms do the majority of work for your case, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that the process gets rolling faster.
First, make sure to gather your medical documents, including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information to your initial meeting. This will allow the law firm to determine if your case can be taken on.

Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work history and information including the full company name, address, phone number, your job role, and how long you worked there.
Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness.

How a Mesothelioma Law Firm Can Personally Help You

When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A mesothelioma law firm should be able to provide you with following information:
Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace. In some cases, they may already have the information available.

If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Mesothelioma law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on. Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact amount of compensation before reviewing your case.

Your Case Worth: If the law firm decides you have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses, daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The aforementioned factors, along with other factors, such as if your former company has a trust fund set up or not, will also come into play.

Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change ownerships. In some cases your former company is responsible, the manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just one sole responsible entity yet in a different case, there may be several. Remember that part of an experienced mesothelioma law firm’s job is to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties that are liable for your exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Fees

Mesothelioma law firms may have different fees as well as different payment options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough financial burden in dealing with their illness and are unable to afford up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many law firms work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that the law firm only gets paid when you get paid. If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive compensation either in most ways. The good news, however, is that a law firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be successful.
Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending upon the law firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages work with your law firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later on.

If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a good chance that they don’t have to financial resources to successfully prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a law firm that has the financial resources and backup in order to take on your case on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices.

Additional Tips to Remember

• When searching for a mesothelioma law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be filed out of state.
• An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state.
• Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any mesothelioma law firm that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy.
• A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure.