Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which can occur in various occupational and non-occupational settings. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, hiring a mesothelioma lawyer can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota, including their qualifications, experience, success rate, and fees. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about mesothelioma legal cases, so that you can make an informed decision about your legal options.
Our mission is to empower mesothelioma patients and their families with knowledge and resources to win their legal battles and enjoy a better quality of life. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that mesothelioma can take on your life, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Who should read this article?
This article is intended for anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Minnesota or has a loved one who is suffering from this disease. It is also relevant for people who have been exposed to asbestos in Minnesota and want to know their legal rights and options.
Mesothelioma Lawyers in Minnesota – What You Need to Know
What is a mesothelioma lawyer?
A mesothelioma lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in handling mesothelioma cases. This type of lawyer has in-depth knowledge and experience in asbestos laws, regulations, and litigation procedures, as well as medical and scientific aspects of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court, depending on your case.
What qualifications should a mesothelioma lawyer have?
A good mesothelioma lawyer should have the following qualifications:
| Education | A degree in law from an accredited law school. |
| License | A valid license to practice law in Minnesota. |
| Experience | At least 5 years of experience in handling mesothelioma cases. |
| Expertise | Expertise in mesothelioma laws, regulations, and litigation procedures. |
| Success rate | A high success rate in obtaining compensation for clients. |
| Client reviews | Positive reviews from past clients. |
What should I look for in a mesothelioma lawyer in Minnesota?
When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer in Minnesota, you should consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer who has handled similar cases and has a proven track record of success.
- Expertise: Choose a lawyer who has deep knowledge of mesothelioma laws and regulations, as well as medical and scientific aspects of the disease.
- Location: Hire a lawyer who is based in Minnesota or has experience practicing in the state, as they are familiar with local laws and courts.
- Fees: Look for a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case and receive compensation. The fee should be a percentage of the compensation, typically around 30-40%.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and regularly with you, and keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
- Compassion: Hire a lawyer who listens to your concerns, shows empathy, and understands the impact of mesothelioma on your life and family.
How much does a mesothelioma lawyer cost?
Mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case and receive compensation. The fee should be a percentage of the compensation, typically around 30-40%. This arrangement allows mesothelioma patients and their families to pursue justice without upfront costs or financial risks.
What are my legal options if I have mesothelioma?
If you have mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation through one or more legal options:
- Personal injury lawsuit: If you were exposed to asbestos in a workplace or other setting and developed mesothelioma as a result, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, such as your employer, product manufacturer, or property owner. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Wrongful death lawsuit: If your loved one passed away from mesothelioma, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their estate and survivors. You may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages.
- Asbestos trust fund claim: If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has filed for bankruptcy, you may be able to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund. These funds were established to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases, and have billions of dollars available for eligible claimants.
What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases in Minnesota?
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota. The deadline varies depending on the type of lawsuit and the circumstances of the case. In general, you have 4 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of mesothelioma to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are exceptions and nuances in each case, so it is important to consult a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Mesothelioma Lawyers in Minnesota – Profiles and Reviews
Who are some of the top mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota?
Here are some of the top mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota, based on their qualifications, experience, success rate, and client reviews:
1. Brayton Purcell LLP
Brayton Purcell LLP is a national law firm that has been representing mesothelioma patients for over 30 years. The firm has a dedicated mesothelioma practice and has recovered billions of dollars in compensation for clients. The firm has offices in Minnesota and California, and offers free initial consultations and contingency fee arrangements. Brayton Purcell LLP has an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
2. Sieben Polk P.A.
Sieben Polk P.A. is a law firm based in Minnesota that has been serving clients since 1952. The firm has a mesothelioma practice and has won significant verdicts and settlements for clients. The firm offers free consultations and contingency fee arrangements, and has a team of experienced trial lawyers and support staff. Sieben Polk P.A. has an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.
3. Maslon LLP
Maslon LLP is a law firm based in Minnesota that has been providing legal services for over 60 years. The firm has a mesothelioma practice and has represented clients in various industries, including construction, mining, and manufacturing. The firm offers free consultations and contingency fee arrangements, and has a team of skilled litigators and negotiators. Maslon LLP has an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation.
How can I find mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota?
You can find mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota by using the following resources:
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Mesothelioma Law Firms Directory
- Mesothelioma.net Lawyer Match
- American Bar Association
What should I ask a mesothelioma lawyer in Minnesota?
Here are some questions you may want to ask a mesothelioma lawyer in Minnesota during your initial consultation:
- What is your experience in handling mesothelioma cases?
- What is your success rate in obtaining compensation for clients?
- What is your fee structure and how are costs and expenses handled?
- What is your communication policy and how often will you update me on my case?
- What is your strategy for my case and what are the strengths and weaknesses?
- What is the estimated timeline for my case and how long will it take to resolve?
- What are my legal options and what are the risks and benefits of each?
Mesothelioma Lawyers in Minnesota – FAQs
1. Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota if I was exposed to asbestos in another state?
Yes, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota if you were exposed to asbestos in another state or country, as long as the responsible party has sufficient ties to Minnesota, such as being incorporated or doing business in the state.
2. Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota if the responsible party has gone bankrupt or out of business?
Yes, you can still pursue compensation through an asbestos trust fund, which may have been set up by the responsible party or its insurers. You may also be able to recover compensation from other liable parties, such as co-workers, product manufacturers, or property owners.
3. What evidence do I need to prove my mesothelioma case?
To prove your mesothelioma case, you need to show that:
- You were exposed to asbestos
- The exposure caused your mesothelioma
- The responsible party had a duty to protect you from asbestos exposure and breached that duty
- You suffered damages as a result of the exposure and the breach of duty
4. How long does it take to receive compensation in a mesothelioma case?
The timeline for receiving compensation in a mesothelioma case varies depending on the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the willingness of the responsible party to settle or go to trial. In general, it can take several months to a few years to resolve a mesothelioma case.
5. Can I still file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I was a smoker?
Yes, you can still file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you were a smoker, as long as you can prove that your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure and not by smoking.
6. Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit on behalf of my loved one who passed away?
Yes, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one who passed away from mesothelioma, as long as you are an eligible survivor under Minnesota law.
7. Can I afford to hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
Yes, you can afford to hire a mesothelioma lawyer, as most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations. This means that you do not have to pay anything upfront and the lawyer will only get paid if you win your case and receive compensation. The fee should be a percentage of the compensation, typically around 30-40%.
8. How can I prove my asbestos exposure if it happened many years ago?
You can prove your asbestos exposure by providing the following types of evidence:
- Medical records and diagnosis of mesothelioma
- Occupational history and work records
- Witness testimony from co-workers, supervisors, or family members
- Product and company documents showing the presence of asbestos
- Expert testimony from occupational medicine or industrial hygiene specialists
9. Can I get compensation if I have benign mesothelioma?
Yes, you can get compensation if you have benign mesothelioma, which is a non-cancerous form of mesothelioma. Although benign mesothelioma is less serious than malignant mesothelioma, it can still cause pain, discomfort, and medical expenses. You may be able to recover damages for these losses through a personal injury lawsuit or other legal options.
10. Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I was exposed to asbestos as a veteran?
Yes, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you were exposed to asbestos as a veteran, as long as the exposure occurred during your military service and the responsible party can be identified and sued. You may be able to recover compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other sources.
11. Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I was exposed to asbestos in a non-occupational setting?
Yes, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you were exposed to asbestos in a non-occupational setting, such as at home, school, or public building. You may be able to recover compensation from the property owner, product manufacturer, or other responsible party.
12. How can I improve my chances of winning a mesothelioma lawsuit?
You can improve your chances of winning a mesothelioma lawsuit by doing the following:
- Hiring an experienced and qualified mesothelioma lawyer
- Gathering as much evidence as possible, such as medical records, work records, and witness testimony
- Being honest and consistent in your testimony and responses to questions
- Being patient and persistent in pursuing your case, as mesothelioma litigation can take time and resources
13. What are some alternatives to mesothelioma litigation?
Some alternatives to mesothelioma litigation include:
- Settlement negotiations: You can try to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party outside of court, which can save time and money and avoid the risks of trial.
- Mediation: You can engage in mediation, which is a form of alternative dispute resolution that involves a neutral third party helping you and the responsible party to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: You can file a claim with an asbestos trust fund, which may offer a quicker and less complicated way to get compensation, especially if the responsible party has gone bankrupt or out of business.
Conclusion – You Deserve Justice and Compensation
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Minnesota, you have a right to seek justice and compensation for the harm and losses you have suffered. Mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights, while you focus on your health and well-being.
In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on mesothelioma lawyers in Minnesota, including their qualifications, experience, and fees. We have also answered some frequently asked questions about mesothelioma legal cases, so that you can make an informed decision about your legal options.
We hope that this guide has been useful and informative for you, and that you
