FAQs - Choosing the right silicosis injury lawyer

How long do I have to file a silicosis lawsuit?

Statutes of limitation, which define the amount of time people have to file a claim after they are injured by or exposed to a dangerous substance, are different in every state; therefore, it's important to contact an silicosis injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Will I have to testify?

You will likely have to give a deposition. Depositions are formal interviews given under oath that are recorded by a court reporter. The deposition is attended by the attorneys involved in the suit and may later be used in court as testimony. If you are very ill, your attorney can conduct a deposition in your own home or office. Depositions involve only your silicosis injury lawyer(s), attorney(s) for the corporation responsible, a court reporter, and the witness.

If your case goes to trial, you may have to testify in court at that time. Your silicosis injury lawyer should help you understand the kinds of questions that might be asked and how you can best answer them to protect yourself. Frequently, offers to settle before going to trial are made by those involved in the litigation. It is your choice whether to accept any such offer.

How long does it take?

Each case is unique and how long it takes will depend on many factors like where and how your exposure occurred, where you are filing the case (what state, the level of the court—state or federal), how many cases the court has to hear, and how quickly that court's cases tend to go to trial. Your silicosis injury lawyer is responsible for moving your case through the process as efficiently as possible.

How much might I be awarded?

The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstances of each case including, but not limited to, the evidence of exposure, the severity of illness and capabilities of the law firm you hire to represent you.

What are my chances of success?

Your chances of success depend on the circumstances of your case. After you have chosen your attorney, you should meet with him or her to discuss your case and evaluate the chances of a successful outcome. However, if a medical diagnosis of silicosis has been made and there is clear evidence of exposure based on specific employer negligence, you have a very good chance of recovery if you use a capable silicosis injury lawyer experienced in handling silicosis cases.

What will filing a case cost me?

Be sure that any firm you choose is willing to work on a contingent fee basis. This means that they assume the entire financial risk of the case on your behalf and only get paid if they are able to obtain compensation for you. They then take a percentage of the settlement as payment. Similarly, all the costs of your case including research, filing, expert witnesses, depositions, interrogatories, and trial are paid by the firm and reimbursed from the recoveries that are obtained. You will never pay for anything out-of-pocket or be required to pay any legal fees if the firm is unable to obtain compensation for you.

Please contact us if you have questions or need more information. HendlerLaw represents individuals who have been diagnosed with silicosis. Call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-443-6353 or e-mail us at help@silicosisadvice.org.