Introduction
An asbestos attorney is trained to handle asbestos related cases and claims. Such attorney’s represent people making personal injury claims as a result of asbestos exposure. They also represent accused companies. Basically, their work entails getting fair compensation for their clients, in terms of medical expenses; they also handle any disputes between the company at fault and the injured parties. Generally, asbestos exposure results in a cancer referred to as mesothalioma. It has adverse effects and it surrounds the lungs, heart and the abdomen. Other diseases caused by asbestos include: lung cancer, pleural disorders and asbestosis. Most the personal injury cases and claims filed deal with these ailments which require costly medical attention.
History
When an asbestos attorney is consulted, he meets with the clients (plaintiff). During the first encounter, he will review the case; organize all records and drafts needed for the case. He will also summarize medical reports. In such cases, it is advisable for the injured party to consult with more than one doctor so as to validate the medical claims. Based on the medical report, he will come up with a figure detailing the expenses that are likely to be incurred. Asbestos cases need a lot of historical information. The asbestos attorney who has been assigned the case will embark on analyzing the plaintiff’s employment history. It is thus important to have work contracts with you. From here, he will come up with a list of all the places the injured person has worked and the period in which he was in contact with asbestos. This is in a bid to establish a company’s extent of liability. The attorney will then use this information to calculate the compensation.
Features
Asbestos lawyers are also hired by companies which have been sued for asbestos exposure. In such circumstances, it is the attorney’s duty to defend the company and prove that it is not liable for the claims filed. To build a strong case, the asbestos attorney is required to hire an expert who will carry out an inspection of the plaintiff’s place of work. He will also take a look at the safety regulations put in place and find out if the plaintiff was in violation of any of them. Photographs of the machinery used are also presented in court. An asbestos attorney should have an eye for detail and he shouldn’t leave any stone unturned.
Tips and comments
Asbestos cases are complicated and they require a legal expert who has vast experience in such cases. The main objective of an asbestos attorney is to act as a mediator between the plaintiff and the company at fault. He should strive by all means to settle the case outside court. If they do not come to an agreement then the case goes to trial. The attorney must have all necessary documents ready such as pre-trail briefs. He will also be required to issue notices to witnesses. Once the case is heard, the attorney will come up with a settlement if he finds the judge’s ruling fair, if not, he is free to make an appeal.
