SEG is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services to each and all of its clients. We pride ourselves on having the skills and resources to challenge the largest of companies who, in many cases, have unlimited financial resources. Every client can expect their case to be managed by a partner and an experienced team of SEG attorneys and staff. It is our philosophy that every case demands individual, special attention. Consequently, SEG does not handle class-action cases. Every case that SEG accepts for legal representation is worked up for trial and we expect to try every case to verdict, although many successfully settle out of court or during trial. SEG works on a contingency-fee basis, so the client does not pay SEG any fee unless there is a successful recovery. The purpose of this section of our website is to briefly describe the legal process you can expect if SEG accepts your mesothelioma case.

Diagnosis

When someone has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the first question raised by physicians is, “where were you exposed to asbestos”? Mesothelioma is considered a “signature” disease, meaning it is almost always linked to prior occupational, domestic or environmental exposure to asbestos. Our firm is dedicated to serving victims of mesothelioma and our practice stretches from coast to coast.

Investigation

SEG attorneys work closely with a team of investigators who will meet with you quickly, often within a day or so of contacting SEG. Our investigators will research potential sources of asbestos exposure that may have occurred decades in the past. In addition, we will thoroughly investigate historical documentation and co-workers which may lead to the discovery of exposure sites and products. From this point, SEG will research the manufacturers, distributors and sellers of the asbestos materials and products that may have been the source of asbestos exposure.

Filing Suit

Once the investigative part of the client’s case is completed, SEG will file suit against the responsible party or parties. In many cases, the suit may involve claims against as few as one party or as many 50 or more parties. From this point, the defendant companies will typically have approximately 30-45 days to answer the lawsuit. Once all parties have filed a formal answer to the suit, then discovery will commence against all defendants.

Client’s Deposition

As soon as practical after filing the suit, SEG will schedule the client’s deposition. The deposition is an opportunity for the client to provide testimony about a wide variety of topics, including the client’s medical condition, nature and extent of exposure to asbestos, and the damages suffered to date. The deposition is typically videotaped to preserve the testimony for trial in the event the client is unable to attend or testify at trial. Both SEG counsel and defense counsel have an opportunity to ask questions during the deposition process.

Experts

SEG spares no expense when it comes to consulting with the most qualified experts in the country on asbestos disease. We are dedicated to consulting with the top experts in the world on the treatment and cause of mesothelioma. We will consult with a wide variety of experts, including industrial hygienists, pathologists, oncologists, economists, epidemiologists, occupational & preventative medicine experts, as well as others. In addition, SEG will consult with the client’s treating physicians concerning the client’s care and treatment and medical bills and expenses. These treating physicians and qualified experts on asbestos disease are then asked to testify at trial to explain critical medical and scientific issues to the jury.

Trial

SEG is a trial firm. We expect to try every case to verdict. If we accept your mesothelioma case for legal representation, that is the commitment we make. But whether the case is tried or settled is a decision our clients ultimately make with the benefit of our advice and recommendations. Although we have offices located in Dallas, Texas and Long Beach, California, SEG trial attorneys are committed to trying cases nationwide. Indeed, SEG currently represents clients in suits pending in at least 20 states. The client can typically expect the trial to last 2-4 weeks, depending on the jurisdiction and number of defendants remaining at the time of trial. SEG trial attorneys have successfully obtained over $200 million in trial verdicts for their clients over the past decade. View SEG Law track record to see amounts received by clients in featured cases. Because of this stellar trial record, many of our client’s cases are successfully resolved through settlement prior to verdict.

Appeals

SEG also has an experienced appellate department dedicated to handling complex law and motion subjects, including appeals, writs, removals, summary judgments, etc. SEG will handle the client’s case from filing through appeal, if required.

Bankruptcy Trust Claims

SEG may also pursue clients’ claims against bankruptcy trusts. Through the bankruptcy process trusts have been formed on behalf of many companies responsible for damages resulting from the manufacture and/or distribution of asbestos containing products. Though the bankrupt companies may no longer be sued in court for their liability for manufacturing asbestos containing products, the trusts are funded to ensure that those harmed by the products of those companies may still be compensated for their damages. SEG has a bankruptcy department dedicated to filing claims against such trusts on behalf of its clients.

For more information on the legal process, please feel free to contact us at intake@seglaw.com.