If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Indiana, you have legal options.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a dangerous material once commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other trades.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, so symptoms often don’t appear until 20-50 years after exposure. The most common types are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. Prognosis varies but can be poor, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Exploring Your Legal Options
If you were exposed to asbestos on the job or by a product, you may be entitled to compensation. Indiana has a statute of limitations of 2 years from diagnosis to file a lawsuit, so time is of the essence. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help determine if you have a case, find asbestos trust funds you may be eligible for, and guide you through the legal process. They work on contingency, meaning there are no upfront fees and they only get paid if you win your case.
Some companies that exposed workers and consumers to asbestos in Indiana include:
- Dow Chemical (manufacturer)
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber (manufacturer)
- Johns Manville (manufacturer and mine operator)
- Union Carbide (chemical manufacturer)
READ ALSO: A Guide to Finding a Qualified Mesothelioma Lawyer Pittsburgh
How to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer in Indiana: What to Look For
Here are some of the key things you should look for:
1. Experience Handling Mesothelioma Cases
Look for a lawyer with experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. These are complex cases that require in-depth knowledge of asbestos litigation and mesothelioma laws. An experienced lawyer will know how to build a strong case and work to get you the best possible compensation.
2. Focus on Mesothelioma Cases
Choose a lawyer who focuses specifically on mesothelioma and asbestos cases, not just personal injury law in general. Mesothelioma cases require specialized knowledge that a lawyer with a general practice may lack. Look for phrases like “asbestos litigation,” “mesothelioma law,” or “asbestos exposure attorneys” on the lawyer’s website and marketing materials.
3. Record of Successful Settlements
Review the lawyer’s track record of success in reaching settlements for mesothelioma clients. Settlement amounts can vary widely, so look for a lawyer with a proven history of securing substantial settlements. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a lawyer’s success rate can indicate their skill and expertise.
4. Free Initial Consultation
Look for a lawyer who offers a free initial consultation. This allows you to meet with the lawyer, ask questions about their experience, and discuss the details of your case with no upfront cost. You can then determine if they are the right fit before paying any legal fees.
5. Contingency Fee Basis
The vast majority of mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they are able to secure compensation for you. There are no upfront legal fees, so you have nothing to lose by hiring a lawyer. They get a percentage of your final settlement amount as their fee. This ensures your lawyer will work diligently to get you the maximum compensation possible.
The Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Indiana
Here are some of the top mesothelioma law firms in Indiana to consider:
1. Gori Julian & Associates
With over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements, Gori Julian & Associates is one of the most experienced mesothelioma law firms in the nation. They have represented thousands of asbestos victims and their families. The firm has multiple offices across Indiana, including in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Merrillville and South Bend.
2. Simmons Hanly Conroy
Simmons Hanly Conroy is a national firm devoted solely to asbestos litigation. They have recovered over $6 billion for mesothelioma victims and currently represent clients from all over Indiana. The firm is based in Alton, Illinois but handles cases throughout the Midwest, including in Indianapolis and Gary.
3. Clifford Law Offices
Operating for over 35 years, Clifford Law Offices has been advocating for asbestos exposure victims and their loved ones. They have won over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, including many notable cases in Indiana. Their headquarters is in Chicago, but they handle mesothelioma lawsuits statewide.
The key to finding the right mesothelioma lawyer in Indiana is to locate an experienced firm that specializes in asbestos litigation and has a proven track record of success. Look for a firm that offers a free initial consultation, works on contingency so you pay nothing up front, and has the resources to go up against large companies in court.
Conclusion
With the guidance of a skilled mesothelioma attorney, you can pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death of a loved one. Don’t go through this process alone get help from legal professionals who understand how best to handle these complex cases.