Asbestos Lawsuits

Filing an asbestos lawsuit

Trained attorneys handle the process with skill and expedience

When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, filing an asbestos lawsuit usually isn’t the first thing on his or her mind. Yet time is an important factor in all diseases stemming from exposure to asbestos. Lawsuits of this nature must be filed quickly to remain within the statute of limitations.

Just as patients and their families will seek the best medical help, they also should seek expert legal representation. The attorneys at Seeger Weiss are experienced in handling asbestos lawsuits and in gaining for their clients the compensation that is due them.

While each case is unique, many asbestos lawsuits share common elements.

Research: Your attorney will help determine when, where and how you were exposed to asbestos. Because mesothelioma is caused only by contact with asbestos, an asbestos lawsuit hinges on finding where you were exposed, which most often is the workplace. This research will tell your attorney whom to charge as the defendant.

Paperwork: If an asbestos lawsuit proves viable, you will sign an agreement making you a client of the law firm. Note that until these papers are signed, there is no binding relationship between you and the firm.

Filing the lawsuit: Now working in an official capacity, your attorney will file the required documents to initiate an asbestos lawsuit. This carefully prepared document expresses your intentions in the suit along with your request for monetary compensation from the defendant(s). The defendant(s) will either deny responsibility or attempt to have the complaint dismissed. As cruel as it may seem, a motion to dismiss is often simply an attempt by the defense attorney to stall the proceedings, particularly if the victim is very sick or dying.

Discovery process: After the asbestos lawsuit is filed and before a trial or settlement takes place, your attorney will file motions, gather your past employment and medical records and take depositions from potential witnesses. There may be a question-and-answer exchange between plaintiff and the defendant(s).

Because a good attorney will not file an asbestos lawsuit against a defendant who is not clearly responsible for a client’s illness, the majority of cases go one of two ways: either the defendant(s) will settle out of court, or a trial will take place. During a trial, your attorney will show the jury when and how you were exposed to asbestos and who is to blame for your illness. Asbestos lawsuits are complex, but your attorney should be a skilled professional who can to guide you through the process with compassion.

Help with your asbestos lawsuit is available now

If you have mesothelioma, the lawyers at New York’s Seeger Weiss will prepare and file an asbestos lawsuit on your behalf. Contact the attorneys who care about you and your family and will fight to get you the due compensation and peace of mind you deserve.