IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK IN SELECTING A MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEY
1. Will your law firm handle my mesothelioma case, or simply refer it to another firm?
ANSWER: SEG is a trial firm, not a firm that refers cases to other firms. Along with a team of attorneys and staff, a SEG partner will personally handle your case from beginning to end. We will not “refer” your case to another firm. However, SEG does accept clients by referral from other attorneys all over the country.
2. Will my case settle before trial?
ANSWER: Most mesothelioma cases handled by SEG settle before verdict. This past year, approximately 26% of our clients’ cases were tried to verdict. The remainder were resolved prior to verdict. We expect to try every client’s case to verdict, but because of our significant verdicts and settlement history in the past, we are able to resolve most cases prior to verdict. However, some clients simply tell us they want “their day in court” and we’re happy to try their case to verdict. After all, trying cases before juries is what we do.
3. Do I have to pay attorneys’ fees or expenses?
ANSWER: You do not have to pay any attorneys’ fees or expenses, unless SEG obtains a financial recovery for you. SEG will advance the necessary expenses and fees to prosecute your case. These fees and expenses will not be recovered by SEG unless there is a financial award to you. If SEG does not obtain a financial recovery for you or your family, you are not obligated to repay SEG for any fees or expenses incurred on your case.
4. How long will it take to prosecute my case to completion?
ANSWER: The time frame between filing your case and completion varies depending on the facts of your case, the applicable law and the state of filing. In most cases, we are able to request and obtain a “preference” or expedited trial setting because of our clients’ exigent medical condition. This enables us to get a much quicker trial date than normal. In some cases we are able to obtain a trial date within 90 days of filing the case, others it may take as long as a year. On average, however, it takes approximately 6-8 months between filing and trial. For wrongful death cases, the time frame is somewhat longer. If your case goes to trial, you can expect the trial to typically average between 2 - 4 weeks. If a jury verdict is appealed, it could take anywhere from 1-3 years. But keep in mind, your case can settle at any point during the process.
5. Why should I choose your firm to handle my case?
ANSWER: You should choose SEG because of our track record and our individualized attention to every, single client. SEG handles only a limited number of cases each year. The reason for this is simple- we believe that every client needs and deserves individual attention. While we have offices in Texas and California, SEG has a nationwide practice. SEG has handled mesothelioma cases in over 20 different states. We have a proven track record of individual client recoveries in the multiple millions of dollars, after deducting attorneys fees and expenses (see our record of Cases and Verdicts). Of course, we cannot guarantee results to any client, as the results of any case are dependent on the specific facts of each case. But SEG can and does guarantee our best efforts for you and your family.