When patients and families contact MesoLawyersCare, one of the most common questions asked of us is: How much is my case worth?
The answer to these questions is that “it depends” on many factors. Based on the decades of experience of the the four firms that comprise MesoLawyersCare, three important factors that affect the value of your mesothelioma case are:
1. The Identification of Asbestos-Containing Products Made or Sold by Specific Companies in Your Case:
Many people have been led to believe that if someone has mesothelioma, then they automatically will be paid a large amount of money. This is not true. One of the most important factors that will influence how much a mesothelioma case is worth is whether there is solid evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured or sold by specific companies. The identification of a product manufacturer or seller is known as “Product I.D.” in asbestos litigation. This evidence usually takes the form of eyewitness testimony by the person who used the asbestos-containing products or other eyewitnesses (such as co-workers). For example, if a person who developed mesothelioma worked as an auto mechanic and was exposed to asbestos from performing brake repairs, this does not necessarily mean that any company that made asbestos-containing brakes will agree to pay or be required to by a jury. The case would require “Product I.D.” evidence that the person diagnosed with mesothelioma was exposed to dust from brakes manufactured or sold by a particular company or companies.
2. The Location Where Your Case Can be Filed:
Another important factor that will impact the value of a mesothelioma case is the places in which the particular case is able to be filed. There are certain locations or courts (known as “jurisdictions”) where the value of cases typically is higher. However, there are rules regarding what cases are allowed to be filed in which jurisdictions. A mesothelioma case can usually be fled in a jurisdiction where some of the asbestos exposure occurred. However, the case can also be filed in other jurisdictions, including the place where the defendants are headquartered or committed wrongful acts relating to the case. If the case can only be filed in “lower value” jurisdictions, then the case is more likely to have a lower value. On the other hand, if the case can be properly file in a “higher value” jurisdiction, then the chances of obtaining a higher case valued are increased. Factors influencing whether a jurisdiction is “higher value” versus “lower value” include: whether punitive damages are available, whether there is a history of high jury verdicts and the legal claims that are available to pursue in the particular jurisdiction.
3. The Lawyers You Choose For Your Case:
All mesothelioma lawyers are not equally qualified or experienced. The value of your mesothelioma case in the hands of one firm can have a much different value as compared to the value of the same case in the hands of another firm. The most important reasons for choosing MesoLawyersCare and for the success of our firms in representing families affected by mesothelioma are: Experience, Resources, Proven Track Record and Commitment. The Experience comes from a group of more than 70 attorneys who have been doing this work for more than 3 generations. We have seen essentially every different type of asbestos exposure in mesothelioma cases. The Resources comes from the combination of 4 successful law firms with offices, attorneys and investigators located throughout the United States. The Proven Track Record comes from decades of verdicts and settlements for our clients. For more information on this, see our verdicts and settlements page. Our Commitment is shown by our willingness to take on the most challenging mesothelioma cases, the close relationships we have with our clients, and our continuing contributions to mesothelioma research, which is part of the mission of MesoLawyersCare.
The three factors discussed above are important to consider in determining what your mesothelioma case may be worth. Keep in mind, that the most important first step is verifying that the diagnosis of mesothelioma exists in a particular case and that the case can be filed by the applicable statute of limitations. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us now (using the phone number, live chat or form on this website), so we can see if we can help you with your case.
