The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2009 that 18,068 Americans died of mesothelioma from 1999 through 2005, an average of about 3,000 patients per year. According to estimates, another 1,500 die annually from asbestosis, while the number of asbestos-related lung cancer deaths has been set as high as 8,000 per year.

The toll continues to climb. A former assistant U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Richard Lemen, told the U.S. Senate in 2007 that another 270,000 to 330,000 deaths are expected to occur over the next 30 years.(1)

Often, asbestos victims are those who can least afford the expensive medical treatment required to fight the disease. For instance, the construction and maintenance industries account for thousands of patients. Asbestos-related diseases often deprive families of financial security during retirement years, even though many of the companies that manufactured, distributed, and used asbestos continue to profit.

A former assistant U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Richard Lemen, told the U.S. Senate in 2007 that another 270,000 to 330,000 deaths are expected to occur over the next 30 years.

Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer

For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, hiring an established lawyer marks the crucial first step toward holding companies accountable and seeking compensation for the damages caused by asbestos exposure.

Choosing a mesothelioma lawyer is a very personal decision. The ideal lawyer is not only equipped with resources and experience necessary to get you the compensation you deserve but also is responsive to your needs, empathetic to your unique medical situation, and wholly invested in your family’s future.

Before partnering with a lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to help you determine if he or she is experienced enough to take your case. These may include:

• How knowledgeable are you about the different options for seeking compensation?
• What is your track record with trust fund claims and mesothelioma lawsuits?*
• Can you be easily reached to answer questions I may have during the process?
• Do you have the resources needed to make my cases successful?

You’ll find few lawyers can surpass the experience, resources, and compassionate legal help that Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys have provided asbestos victims for more than 30 years. With 33,000 asbetos cases under our belt, we’re ready to help even more families seek justice.