Guide to Finding New York Asbestos Lawyer

If you have an asbestos-related illness, you may be shocked and scared. You may also be wondering if you need to hire a New York asbestos lawyer to help you sue. If you are trying to figure out whether you need NY asbestos lawyers, this guide can help. In this guide, you will learn how a NY asbestos lawyer can assist you in filing a suit, and understand the role of New York asbestos lawyers in your legal proceedings.

Do I Need a New York Asbestos Lawyer?

Abestos-related illnesses can be deadly, and they result from completely preventable causes. NY asbestos lawyers are experienced with mesothelioma and other illnesses that result from asbestos exposure. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, even a relatively mild one, you may incur high medical costs and have pain or trouble breathing—and as soon as you're diagnosed, you can take your diagnosis to a NY asbestos lawyer. New York asbestos lawyers can help you to understand your options for seeking damages from unscrupulous employers who allowed you to be exposed to asbestos.

What Can My New York Asbestos Lawyer Do for Me?

Negotiating with an employer for an asbestos settlement is possible for someone to do on their own—but without a NY asbestos lawyer to back you up and advocate for your legal rights, you may receive a low settlement offer. Your NY asbestos lawyers will represent you to judges, juries, and insurance companies so that you can get the best possible settlement or award.

I'm Not That Sick Yet—Can I Still Sue?

Even relatively minor problems, like pleural plaques or asbestos warts, can cause discomfort and embarrassment. What's more, New York asbestos lawyers know that these conditions often are simply the precursors to more serious problems.

Your asbestos-related illness may qualify you to receive damages even if it is not severe at this time. A New York asbestos lawyer can help you figure out if you are eligible and begin the process of filing a lawsuit.

Do I Need a Lawyer Right Away?

All states, including the state of New York, have “statutes of limitations” that govern how long you can sue after an event. NY asbestos lawyers can tell you that the New York statute of limitations is 3 years for asbestos claims.

This means that you need to file a lawsuit with a NY asbestos lawyer within 3 years of finding out you have an asbestos-related illness in order to win your suit. New York asbestos lawyers cannot file a suit if the statute of limitations has expired. Consulting with a New York asbestos lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis gives you the best chance of obtaining a good settlement or award.

Can I Afford NY Asbestos Lawyers?

Lawyers have a reputation of being expensive, but your NY asbestos lawyer doesn't have to be. Most New York asbestos lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not need to pay anything to your New York asbestos lawyer upfront for his or her legal services.

Instead of paying upfront, you will give your NY asbestos lawyers a set percentage of your award. Your NY asbestos lawyer will typically take between one third and 40% of your total award money as a fee. This fee is standard and similar among all New York asbestos lawyers, and can sometimes vary a few percentage points depending on if your New York asbestos lawyer takes your case to trial or settles it before reaching the trial phase.

When NY asbestos lawyers agree to take a case on contingency, this is because they believe they have a strong chance of winning a settlement or jury award. Your NY asbestos lawyer, working on a contingency fee basis, will receive no fees at all from you if you lose your case.

Finding a New York Asbestos Lawyer

With all the New York asbestos lawyers advertising online, in phone books, and on billboards, you may not know which NY asbestos lawyer is right for you. If you want to find NY asbestos lawyers in your area who can take your case, you may want to use New York's lawyer referral service. This service, which is completely free, will allow you to find a New York asbestos lawyer without having to sort through many other New York asbestos lawyers who may be located further from your home.

Contact information for the lawyer referral service that can refer you to NY asbestos lawyers is on the website for the state bar of New York. When you call the referral service, you will be asked questions about your need for a NY asbestos lawyer, and then referred to New York asbestos lawyers close to you who will give you a free half-hour consultation.

Your First Consultation With a NY Asbestos Lawyer

Your free consultation with NY asbestos lawyers is the first time you will meet with each New York asbestos lawyer you consult with. Because fee structures among New York asbestos lawyers are so similar, you may want to have several consultations with NY asbestos lawyers before deciding which NY asbestos lawyer is right for you.

Before you visit for your first consultation with a New York asbestos lawyer, write down any questions you may have for potential New York asbestos lawyers. This will help you to remember at the consultation. Bring a pen and paper so that you can write down notes about your NY asbestos lawyer, including information about fee structures. Don't be afraid to ask your NY asbestos lawyers as many questions as you need—that's what they're there for.

You will need to bring medical documentation showing your asbestos-related illness, as well as documentation showing you worked or lived near asbestos, in order to have New York asbestos lawyers take your case. Your New York asbestos lawyer is ethically bound to keep your information confidential, even if you choose not to pursue your case with him or her. This means that you can feel free to tell NY asbestos lawyers sensitive or embarrassing personal information without fear of your confidentiality being compromised.