Sometimes it is unnecessary to hire a lawyer. If you're writing a will, going to a Small Claims Court, getting a variation to child support, or dealing with a minor traffic charge, then you may very well be able to resolve your own legal issue yourself. In the case of a Mesothelioma, it is also sometimes possible for the issue to be settled out of court. Realistically, however, if you live in New Jersey, you will most likely need to hire a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer to motivate and negotiate with the party that is responsible for your injury.
In order to decide whether you need a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer, consider the following questions:
Does your injury fall under the category of Tort Law? In short, was your injury the result of someone else's negligence?
Did the incident occur in New York, and will your case be considered in this state?
How impactful has your injury been on your life? Would the compensation you may be awarded be worth the stress and effort that you will need to go through? Are you comfortable going to court and speaking in front of people?
Do you expect a lawyer to be representing the other side? Is it possible for them to counter-sue?
Is it financially possible for you to hire a lawyer? Is financial assistance available, and are you eligible for it? If you cannot pay for a lawyer or attain financial assistance, is your situtation compelling enough for a lawyer to want to work Pro Bono (for free)?
Special Note: If you are dealing with an abusive person or party, it is very important to get a lawyer so that you do not have to come into contact with him/her. Additionally, all statements you make could be used against you, and hiring a lawyer early in the legal process can save you future aggravation.
How Can I Find a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Ask friends or family members for a referral. As with all areas of business, many people find it easier to work with professionals that they already have a personal connection with.
Type in "New York Mesothelioma Lawyer" in the upper right hand corner of this page. Our Google powered search engine will help locate relevant lawyer pages for you.
Visit your local state bar association, from which you may be able to make a free 30 minute appointment. This possibility varies from state to state, and may depend on your specific location and issue.
Visit the American Bar Association online. Their site will work similarly, but may be more difficult to navigate.
How Do Mesothelioma Lawyers Charge?
Unfortunately, not all lawyers work with the same billing system. The following list includes a handful of the many ways that they may bill, and the bold text is likely to be the term they'll use to describe that particular billing type.
Hourly basis: Your bill will depend entirely on the amount of time they spend working on your case.
Flat rate: They will charge a certain fee for a certain type of work, such as a will, regardless of the amount of time they spend working on your case.
Retainer fee: A deposit towards your final bill that you must pay in advance. Usually, a lawyer will not start working on your file until you pay the retainer fee.
Sliding scale: You will be charged less money if you have a low income. You can ask local community legal clinics or to recommend a lawyer that bills in such a manner.
Monthly installments: May be requested if the lawyer expects a payment for his work every month.
Pro Bono: Would indicate that the lawyer will not be billing you, and is personally compelled to donate his or her time as an act of charity.
