How Mesothelioma Law Firm Works

For over three decades, the mesothelioma law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has limited its practice to asbestos litigation. In that time, ELSM has helped thousands of mesothelioma victims get the financial compensation they deserved for injuries they sustained from asbestos products made and sold by negligent asbestos companies.

In this section, you can learn more about our firm, our experienced legal team, and the outstanding results that we have achieved for our clients. We are confident that after you learn more about us, the clients we serve, and our past track record, you will see how we can put our decades of experience winning mesothelioma settlements to work for you and your family.

Initial consultations at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen are always free of charge and are designed to help us evaluate your case and measure your chance for a viable, successful lawsuit. We answer any questions you may have about the process thoroughly at this time. In addition, because Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen operates on a contingency fee basis, the client pays nothing unless we succeed in your behalf and money is recovered.

Meet the Partners at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen

The Partners at ELSM will do everything in their power to make sure you and your family get the justice and financial award that you deserve.

James Early

Jennifer Lucarelli

Robert Sweeney

Chris Meisenkothen

Ethan Early

Brian Early

Beyond the partners, the remaining mesothelioma lawyers at ELSM are experienced, dedicated, hard-working, and committed to their clients. They take time to get to know you and your families as individuals and they truly care about the people they serve.

Meet 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.

Donni Young

Mark Bibro

Brian Kenney

Lindalea Ludwick

Laura Vitale

Matthew Park

Derell Wilson

Ron Meneo

Jeffrey Kanca

Catherine Ferrante

More About ELSM




ELSM has consistently been at the top of the list in terms of per case settlement dollars obtained for its asbestos clients. 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 lawsuits, 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 website 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 website. 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.

Nationwide Experience

We represent clients in every state across the Nation. See where we’ve worked in your state.

Recent Settlements

See some of the recent settlements that we’ve negotiated on behalf of our clients.

12 Reasons to Hire ELSM

Learn why we are a top mesothelioma law firm and what we’ll do to get top results for you.

Client Testimonials

We are honored to work with each and every one of our clients and are always happy to hear when we’ve exceeded their expectations.

Client Profiles

We represent a wide range of clients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Common Questions

In this section we provide comprehensive answers to your most frequently asked questions.

We Are a National Mesothelioma and Asbestos Law Firm

With experience you can trust, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is a nationwide firm dedicated exclusively to representing victims in mesothelioma lawsuits. Having over two decades of asbestos law experience, we represent in excess of one thousand eight hundred victims of asbestos disease in their cases against the asbestos industry. 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. and have developed close working relationships with reputable mesothelioma attorneys throughout the United States. Click on a state below to get information about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in your state.

We Represent Clients Across the United States

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
We’ve Earned National Recognition




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 & World Report Best Law Firms, and we have been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers rating publications.

Martindale-Hubbell's Highest AV Rating

Martindale-Hubbell 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 & 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 & 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.

Dear Mr. Early:

I am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the highest accolade in Martindale-Hubbell; an AV rating. This is as a result of an extensive, confidential review conducted among the legal profession in your community.

Your AV rating is important because it is a confirmation of the status you have achieved as a highly respected, ethical member of the Bar. It signifies that your legal abilities are of the very highest standard and that your professional ethics are unquestioned. You now join a select group of attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their legal expertise and professional reputation.

Martindale-Hubbell has gone to considerable lengths to confirm the validity of your rating. To maintain the accuracy of ratings, periodic reevaluations are conducted.

Our congratulations to you on your new rating.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Roycroft, Jr.
Vice President

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

To start the process of seeking compensation for a mesothelioma client, ELSM begins with a brief introductory meeting. During this meeting, an attorney from ELSM will outline the various steps of the legal process; address any questions or concerns you may have related to the legal process; and discuss the ways in which a mesothelioma client has been exposed to asbestos.

After this introductory meeting, ELSM will work on your behalf to collect all diagnosing medical reports from the medical facilities where you were treated. Before a mesothelioma lawsuit is filed, ELSM performs a thorough work history investigation of the diagnosed party. ELSM will collect work history records, including, union records, military service records, and other documents to substantiate employment history. In addition to interviewing the mesothelioma client, ELSM will also identify any potential family members, co-workers, and other product identification witnesses who can assist in providing details about the work history and potential asbestos exposure in the case.

After we have completed a thorough product identification and work history investigation, our next step is to identify potential recoveries through asbestos trusts. A number of companies have admitted past asbestos liability and have set up asbestos trusts to compensate mesothelioma clients who present qualifying claims. ELSM is familiar with these asbestos trusts and their requirements for successful claims submission. For the most part, compensation through these trusts happens relatively quickly assuming your particular case meets each trust’s exposure criteria.


$32 Billion Available in Asbestos Trusts for Mesothelioma Victims

To help cover medical costs and provide financial security.

After your case has been evaluated for recovery through the asbestos trusts, ELSM then begins investigation of your case against viable companies who have yet to fully admit their asbestos liability. After an investigation period of about 30 to 60 days, ELSM will determine the proper venue to file the legal action. Venue selection is extremely important and is determined based on a number of factors including: a thorough understanding of scheduling, process time-frame, settlement history, and local laws. ELSM can file a lawsuit in any forum where a mesothelioma client has resided, worked, or served in the military. ELSM can also file your lawsuit in “open forum” states that are agreeable to allowing non-resident / non-exposure claimants to file.

As soon as the proper forum is determined, ELSM will file a formal Complaint on behalf of the mesothelioma client. The Complaint will typically assert various legal causes of action against the asbestos companies likely responsible for causing or contributing to a mesothelioma client’s diagnosis. The number of asbestos companies or defendants named in the Complaint will vary based on the specific type and amount of exposure a mesothelioma client may have had during his/her lifetime.

After filing the Complaint, the Discovery phase commences and usually lasts 3 to 4 months. Discovery allows ELSM to present information to the Defendant asbestos companies which document where, when, and how the mesothelioma client was exposed to particular asbestos products. ELSM can present this information via written documents (interrogatories) and/or oral testimony (deposition) to the Defendant asbestos companies. The Defendant asbestos companies will also be entitled to present information and/or documentation to your attorney during this period. ELSM will also file appropriate motions in Court during the Discovery phase on the mesothelioma client's behalf. Additionally, ELSM will likely try to reach some financial settlement(s) during the Discovery phase.

Most mesothelioma lawsuits will not end up going to trial, but rather will resolve in settlements well in advance of the trial date. Throughout the entire process, ELSM will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of seeking trial resolution vs. settlement with the mesothelioma client. ELSM values continued client input and respects the client’s right to decide what may be in his/her best legal interests. Should a matter proceed to trial with your approval, ELSM is experienced, qualified, and prepared to do so.




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.

Don't Lose Your Rights to File a Mesothelioma Claim

Each state has its own deadlines, called statutes of limitations, which allow victims of mesothelioma to file lawsuits. Don't wait until it is too late to protect your rights! Request a Free Evaluation now if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The evaluation will cost you nothing. Our attorneys will travel to visit you at your convenience. We understand how difficult a time this is for you and will assist in any way that we can. You can also fill out the form below to receive a free Mesothelioma packet, or call us toll-free at 1-844-401-4277.



Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/lawyer/law-firm/#ixzz4FrpsL68T

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers

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Mesothelioma attorneys understand asbestos legal issues and the unique challenges asbestos victims face. We offer information on what to expect when working with a mesothelioma lawyer, as well as help finding a qualified mesothelioma attorney for your case.
Successful asbestos ligation requires an attorney who understands the many facets of the case, from how people get exposed to asbestos to the state-by-state regulations about filing lawsuits, to the fragile nature of many clients. Often, people who inquire about an asbestos-related claim are people who are also coping with mesothelioma cancer and all the health issues that go along with treatment.
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Choosing a lawyer to represent you in depositions and in legal filings can be as important to your family’s future as selecting the right doctor. If were you exposed to asbestos and you tim got sick as a result, you have a right to stake a claim for compensation.

The dangers and toxicity of asbestos were well-known in the 1930s, yet corporations continued using it extensively through much of the 20th century. They willingly put profits ahead of the health and well-being of employees and the public. An experienced asbestos lawyer will know how to hold those corporations responsible.
Tips for Finding an Asbestos Litigation Specialist

You should consider several things when you start to evaluate the hiring of an attorney. You want to find someone with whom you feel comfortable talking because you will be discussing intimate details about your health and about where you used to work. Although your lawyer likely will know all the right questions to ask you, good communication is essential.

Affording an Attorney
In the area of asbestos lawsuits, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until you receive compensation, and nothing at all if your case is not successful. There is very little risk to you. Contingency fees protect you because they usually are based on a percentage of any compensation you receive. Be sure to discuss this percentage during your first meeting with an attorney.

How Attorneys Help in Asbestos Cases

Mesothelioma claims are different from other workplace injuries in a couple of ways. They fall into a special area of the law because the injuries that are in question do not typically occur because of an accident or sudden event. Instead exposure to asbestos takes place over time, with an illness developing 20 to 50 years later. This is why a qualified mesothelioma attorney makes sense for someone considering litigation or a trust claim.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Attorney

Do you have an asbestos claim?

Mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with important legal decisions and stay up to date on asbestos-related cases all over the country. They use this knowledge to offer an opinion about your case and also to present the strongest possible case, should you decide to file a claim.
When were you exposed to asbestos?

Identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos is very important to your lawsuit. Without this information, it may be difficult to make a claim. Mesothelioma attorneys can help gather evidence related to your asbestos exposure. They routinely work with medical experts to trace when and where asbestos exposure occurred. They already have research and medical evidence at their disposal, which may be helpful to your case. They may also have helpful contacts with other organizations that fight for workers’ rights concerning asbestos-related diseases.
Who is responsible for your asbestos exposure?

It can be difficult to know which companies to sue in an asbestos lawsuit. During the decades that usually pass between asbestos exposure and diagnosis, the companies at fault may go out of business, move, change their names or even be sold to other companies. Mesothelioma attorneys have experience identifying and locating the companies responsible for their clients’ suffering.
What is your case worth?



Part of presenting a strong case is adequately estimating how much compensation you should receive. Mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with the medical and other day-to-day costs of living with asbestos-related illnesses. They also have experience estimating the value of future expenses, as well as the value of damages that are harder to put a number on, such as emotional anguish.

Experienced law firms have detailed records of asbestos claims, asbestos workplaces and asbestos products dating back more than 50 years. They can help you pinpoint potential exposure sites from anywhere in the country.

Filing a Claim
The financial aspects of mesothelioma care can be overwhelming. They can include income loss, expensive treatments that may not be covered by your health insurance, plus pain and suffering suffered by you and for your family.
Asbestos Exposure and Negligence

Because the disease is preventable – asbestos exposure usually is caused by someone else’s negligence – legal options may be available to help recover these costs. Learn more about asbestos exposure:

Asbestos lawyers focus their practice on knowledgeably and effectively bringing to justice companies that exposed employees and the public to asbestos products. An attorney can help you consider your options and file a claim against the company responsible for your asbestos-related illness. More than one company may be responsible, too. A mesothelioma attorney can identify all companies at fault.

Obtaining Compensation

Mesothelioma lawsuits have helped thousands of victims receive financial assistance. The ultimate goal is to put money in the hands of someone who deserves it – someone who needs help reducing financial hardships during an illness and providing a more stable future for loved ones.

Every claim is different, and an experienced attorney will treat each client individually. This is not class-action law. A good attorney can explain what types of compensation are available specific to your individual case. It is important to save all your medical and financial records so that your lawyer can have up-to-date information about your expenses.
Common expenses related to illness caused by asbestos exposure:

Lost wages
Medical bills
Expenses not covered by insurance
Travel expenses for medical treatments
Pain and suffering
Caregiver costs
Funeral expenses

You will be asked to show medical records and to answer questions about how you may have been exposed to asbestos. A good attorney can walk you step-by-step through the process, making sure you are kept up to date on every development. Much of the time, the attorney handles almost everything for you, making the whole process easier.

How to Hire a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer

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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.