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Thursday, 24 September 2015

Info About Mesothelioma Law Firm

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is nationally recognized for our representation of product liability and mesothelioma victims, and for our understanding of and compassion for injured parties and their families. Our experience in these matters spans two decades and our lawyers have been recognized as some of the best in the country. We have been awarded Martindale-Hubbell's highest AV rating, we are a National, Tier 1 ranked law firm with U.S. News and World Report Best Law Firms, and we have been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers rating publications.

The Attorneys at ELSM

Meet the experienced team of attorneys at ELSM who will work tirelessly on your behalf to earn you the highest settlement award possible.

James Early

Jennifer Lucarelli

Robert Sweeney

Chris Meisenkothen

Ethan Early

Brian Early

Donni Young

Mark Bibro

Brian Kenney

Lindalea Ludwick

Laura Vitale

Matthew Park

Derell Wilson

Ron Meneo

Jeffrey Kanca

Catherine Ferrante

More About the Attorneys at ELSM

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has consistently been at the top of the list in terms of per case settlement dollars obtained for its asbestos clients. We represent in excess of one thousand eight hundred victims of asbestos disease in their cases against the asbestos industry. Hundreds of these victims suffer from mesothelioma cancer. We are currently licensed to practice in: California,Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. Almost two decades of asbestos law experience has resulted in close working relationships with mesothelioma attorneys throughout the United States for the representation of individuals with asbestos cancer. We will carefully explain your legal rights to you.

We have dedicated extensive resources to gathering information and evidence against the asbestos industry. We will explain the multiple paths to follow to maximize your recovery against asbestos manufacturers and suppliers. We will discuss with you the options of law suits, out of court settlements, and claims in the bankruptcy courts. We will seek to determine and advise you as to the best course of action in your case. In many cases we can obtain settlement offers from certain asbestos manufacturers within a few months of retention.

We urge you to consider our extensive database of medical information, mesothelioma treatment options, and product identification that dates back to the 1930s when choosing your legal representation. Our Web site contains the most up-to-date information from the best sources; it is a source of pride, and we hope that it shows. Maintaining the site and adding new material is a daily process because our clients indicate they want it that way. In fact, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is often approached by doctors and world medical conferences, asking if they can place information on our Web site. Of course, we answer yes. Moreover, we are a nationally recognized law firm, which runs at the forefront of asbestos litigation, as we are intimately involved with current legal and political events regarding asbestos. We urge you to contact Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen first.

Martindale-Hubbell's Highest AV Rating

ELSM has been awarded Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV rating for excellence in ethical standards and legal expertise. This highly regarded system utilizes both client and peer review feedback to rate lawyers in the areas of experience, expertise, knowledge, judgment, communication and ethics.

The goal of the rating system is to help those seeking legal counsel to make informed decisions with a higher level of confidence. When you choose a law firm with a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, like Early, Lucarelli Sweeney and Meisenkothen, you can be assured that you have chosen to work with attorneys that are well regarded by their peers, have an exceptional track record and that work with a high degree of integrity.In short, you have chosen the best.

The following letter from Martindale-Hubbell confirms that Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen has earned an AV rating, the highest rating awarded only to those who exhibit excellence and uphold high standards of conduct in the legal profession.

Meet Our Welcome Team

We are eager to serve you. ELSM's initial consultations are 100% free of charge and since ELSM works on a contingency basis you will NEVER be charged anything out of your own pocket. ELSM only gets paid if it makes a recovery on your behalf.

Annette Charlevois

Kim Curnane

Your first contact with the firm will usually be with Annette Charlevois or Kim Curnane. They are experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate asbestos paralegals who have dedicated their lives to helping mesothelioma clients. They will listen to your individual situation and, together with you, decide on the next best course of action. Often a conference call or an in home visit with one of our lawyers is arranged at your convenience. Click on the links above to learn more about Annette and Kim.

James F. Early in Newsweek's 2012 Leaders of Asbestos Law

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney, & Meisenkothen is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Attorneys - Mesothelioma in New Haven CT

WHY WORK WITH MESOLAWYERSCARE?

Why You Need an Experienced Asbestos Litigation Law Firm
The simple answer is that experience counts in the increasingly complex world of asbestos litigation. You will best be served by a law firm which specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require an in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure history and diseases.

We have the knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history. We also have deep investigative skills and know how to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos.

And our recognized and awarded attorneys understand the complex legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals.

More importantly with decades of experience we understand what mesothelioma victims and families are going through. We understand both the emotional as well as the financial problems associated with an asbestos-related diagnosis.

We know what your priorities are. Let us take care of the legal matters. We are with you and for you every step of the way.

What to Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Litigation Law Firm

Not all “mesothelioma law firms” are the same. Some are not even litigation firms. They will simply refer your case to someone else.

Apart from your own judgement here are several factors to consider:

Decades of experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases.
Deep knowledge of asbestos laws.
Proven success in obtaining substantial financial compensation for victims and families.
Client testimonials from the past and the present.
A recognized law firm with awarded attorneys.
A no charge initial consultation.

And lastly, a firm that gives back to the underfunded and dedicated medical research, treatment and patient care teams.

A caring firm will care for you.

When Should You File a Claim?

You should file a law suit as soon as you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.

Most States have what is called a ‘statute of limitations’ which can be as short as only one year from date of diagnosis or death.

Some have two to three years and a very few more.

The bottom line is that the sooner you begin the process by calling an asbestos litigation law firm, the better it will be.

Why Choose MesoLawyersCare?

We are four of the most recognized leading law firms in asbestos litigation in the country. We have received numerous awards and recognition from our peers and industry such as:

In 2015 alone thirty of our attorneys received the prestigious Super Lawyers recognition.

We were each driven by the common mission to do more to help victims of mesothelioma and their families.

At the same time we wanted to create a means of continuing to giving back to the mesothelioma medical research and patient care communities. Combined over the past years, we have donated over $10 million. We have done this with MesoLawyersCare.org and we pledge to continue giving by donating a percentage of legal fees.

We wanted to provide equal access to anyone, anywhere in the US to a group resource of decades of experience and a proven successful track record of national asbestos litigation.

We wanted to bring the value of our combined depth of experience, record of success and deep expertise, to anyone in need, anywhere.

That became our mission and it is embodied in MesoLawyersCare.org

Client Testimonials:

“I wouldn’t hesitate to refer Levy Konigsberg to anybody who has experienced a case of mesothelioma”. Marlene. Her father was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

“I will always remember and be thankful for your hard work on my behalf as well as your friendship”. Jim S. Nemeroff client.

“I sincerely thank you [Cooney & Conway] for filing on our behalf. I am deeply appreciative of your counsel, time and caring. Alice.

“Your [Kazan] assistance in recovering compensation for my fiancée’s claim has been appreciated. It saddens me that after serving his country for 30 years, he passed from mesothelioma. His family and I will be grateful always”. Ms. Y.P.

“After finding the right doctors I found the right lawyers in Levy Konigsberg”. Gary.

“You [Cooney & Conway] all worked hard for us and continue to. Dad meant a lot to me and I appreciate the fact that he meant a lot to you and your staff. Thank you for your tireless effort pursuing his case”

“I have never met anyone so honestly concerned and deeply caring in my lifetime. You [Nemeroff] showed respect and professionalism throughout this process”.

“You [Kazan] have helped to get all our grandchildren through college”. Leo and I both thank you”.

Recent Settlements and Judgments:

Consolidated Mesothelioma Plaintiffs – $200 million

James H. – $35.1 million

Roger D. – $19.9 million

Kevin B. – $12.3 million

Rose-Marie G. – $27.3 million

Patrick and Sharon S. – $6.8 million

Emily, Debbie & Tammy B. – $11.8 million

Consolidated Mesothelioma Plaintiffs – $47.1 million

Susan B – $30.3 million

Mr. C – $11.5 million

Debbie C- $7.5 million

Alfredo H. – $55.5 million

Roberts & Durbin – $9.2 million

Kenny – $7.5 million

Blandford – $6.4 million

Note: Prior results are no guarantee of similar future outcome.

With just one call you can put all our experience and success to work for you.

Call us now at 1-800-201-3571

What are Mesothelioma, Asbestos Lung Cancer and Asbestosis?

Mesothelioma:

There are three major types of mesothelioma:

Pleural

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. It represents about 75 percent of the cases of the disease. The cancer forms in the pleura, which is the protective lining around the lungs. This can cause fluid to collect around the lungs and can be quite painful. This is often one of the first symptoms to appear in pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal

When malignant mesothelioma appears in the abdomen, it is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is sometimes called abdominal mesothelioma. This accounts for around 20 percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. In rare cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is also found in the testicles.

Pericardial

Pericardial mesothelioma attacks the heart and is by far the rarest form of the disease. The fluid that collects around the heart can cause serious heart problems, beginning with chest pain.

Asbestos Lung Cancer:

While the term “asbestos cancer” is often used in reference to mesothelioma, a number of other cancers are associated with asbestos exposure.

As the term suggests, asbestos cancer can cause genetic changes in healthy mesothelial cells. Over time, healthy mesothelial cells develop DNA damage that can lead to cancer.

Lung cancer can be directly caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis:

Asbestosis is a chronic (long-term) lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.

The outlook for asbestosis can vary significantly, depending on the extent of damage to the lungs and whether any other conditions are present.

Asbestosis can get worse over time and severe cases can place a significant strain on a person’s health and shorten their life expectancy, but in many cases the condition progresses very slowly or not at all.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms, whether it is in the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ. The symptoms mentioned below can be caused by illnesses other than mesothelioma. But if you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Tiredness (fatigue)
Sweating and high temperatures
A persistent cough
Losing weight when not dieting
Loss of appetite
Difficulty swallowing
A hoarse or husky voice
Some people have changes in the shape of their fingers and nails called finger clubbing.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

Pain in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdomen
Feeling or being sick
Poor appetite
Losing weight when not dieting
Diarrhea or constipation

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fluid in the pericardial space
Persistent coughing
Heart palpitations

Jobs with High Asbestos Exposure Risk

Shipyards and ship building
The Navy
Construction
Automotive
Aerospace
Pipefitters
Steamfitters
Welders
Boilermakers
Railroad workers
Plumbers
Power plant workers
Chemical plant workers
Firefighters

More - Experience, Resources, Offices, Success

The call and consultation are free.

Put more to work for you.

Wednesday, 23 September 2015

law firms Loans | 04:02

How to Hire a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer

Find a mesothelioma lawyer who can help you win money damages to compensate you for your exposure to asbestos.

Need Professional Help? Talk to a Lawyer

Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims almost always win money damages if they sue, but the cases can be complicated and a mesothelioma lawyer is usually needed to identify the parties who are liable for the asbestos exposure (asbestos manufacturers, insurance companies, or asbestos victims' trust funds) and begin the lawsuit or settlement process. Because mesothelioma cases are a specialized legal niche it's important to understand how mesothelioma lawyers operate and how to hire a good one. Read on to learn more. (For general information about hiring an attorney, check out Nolo's article Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer)

The Legal Background

People who find out that they are suffering from mesothelioma (often as a result of working with asbestos) usually have an excellent chance of recovering substantial money damages -- either from the company that manufactured or installed the asbestos, or from an asbestos victims' trust fund. But these cases can get complex, especially from a medical standpoint, since mesothelioma often shows up 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Having an experienced attorney on your side -- especially one with a record of success in mesothelioma cases -- can make all the difference. (To learn more about mesothelioma cases, read Nolo's article Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits: What to Expect.)

Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can be key to your case, but it can also take time and effort. If you are not feeling well, make sure you get help from a consumer savvy relative or friend. As discussed below, you'll get the best results if you do careful research as to a lawyer's qualifications and track record and then interview several. You also may need to bargain as to the amount of the contingency fee and other costs.

Ways to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer

Ask former colleagues. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, chances are good that people who you worked with at the time of your exposure also suffer from it and may have already hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit. If they have achieved a good result through a lawyer they like and respect, this is one good place to start.

Check Nolo's online Lawyer Directory. Some attorneys featured in Nolo's lawyer directory handle mesothelioma cases (full disclosure: lawyers pay a fee to list with Nolo). These attorneys have filled out a detailed profile containing valuable information about their schooling, professional background, legal specialties, and personal attitudes. While there are also a number of other legal directories, we believe Nolo's provides the most consumer friendly information. Go to the Mesothelioma - Asbestos section of Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a mesothelioma attorney in your area.

Investigate lawyers online. Because mesothelioma cases can be so profitable, many law firms spend big dollars on Internet ads and websites. Just Google mesothelioma lawyer and you'll find a long list. Click on a few ads or websites and you'll see that everyone claims to be the best of the best. How do you cut through all this hype to focus on a short list of hopefully excellent mesothelioma lawyers? We recommend that you carefully read the legal information each lawyer provides. In our experience lawyers who provide well-written, in-depth information demonstrate a superior sensitivity to client needs. By the same token, we distrust lawyers who say little more than "I can get you millions pronto -- trust me."

How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer

Check a lawyer's references. A good mesothelioma lawyer should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of a few satisfied clients. Of course, the lawyer will have to get the permission of the client, but this can usually be arranged. Although you'll only be given the names of very satisfied clients, it can still be very helpful to talk to someone who has worked with the lawyer you are considering in a mesothelioma case.

Interview the lawyers. Once you develop a short list of mesothelioma lawyers, contact their offices (again, get help if you are very ill). Request a case evaluation and, if possible, arrange a personal interview. Ask who exactly will manage your case (often a case manager, who is a non-lawyer in larger firms). Find out who you can call or email if you have questions, and how long it will take to get back to you. Anticipating these questions, many law firms will give you a written overview of what to expect. Especially if it's detailed and guarantees that all calls and emails will be returned in 24 hours, this is a good sign.

Negotiate fees with the lawyer. Mesothelioma lawyers charge a contingency fee for their legal representation, plus additional costs to prepare your case. One good approach is to contact several lawyers, making it clear that you'll take your time before signing a fee agreement. Your goal is to find a good quality lawyer who will represent you for 25% to 30% of your recovery, instead of 33% to 40%. But keep in mind that mesothelioma cases can be very complex. If you find an attorney who comes well-recommended and has a lot of experience (and a record of success) representing mesothelioma clients, a few percentage points on a contingency fee probably shouldn't dictate whether or not you hire that attorney.

Find out how are costs handled. A good attorney will deduct costs (things like filing fees and expert witnesses' compensation) off the top of any settlement or award, before the money is divided and the attorney takes their agreed-upon percentage. That way you and the attorney share payment of the costs. And a good attorney will give you receipts showing that all costs incurred were specific to your case -- meaning you're not being saddled with part of the bill for the firm's general operating expenses.

by: Ralph Warner