Want structured settlement cash now? Not so fast!

Man counting money © Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock.com

Looking for cash to stay afloat? You're not alone. There are those who have a need for money and will turn to some unusual places to get it.
Selling annuities, structured settlements, scheduled lottery payoffs or other ongoing payments for cash became more popular during the recession. But if you're still feeling the cash crunch, this tactic is a potential option.

Unless the financial predicaments are dire, most financial advisers recommend against cashing in annuities or structured settlements. Selling off an annuity can trigger surrender charges as high as 10 percent, and those who sell before age 59 1/2 can also face federal taxes and penalties. Structured settlements are attractive because they generally provide tax-free income for life.
Yet, sometimes cashing in is the only option. That $500 monthly payment from an old accident may have helped with medical bills early on, but if the beneficiary lost his job and fell behind on some bills or had to make significant costly repairs to his home, a lump-sum payout of $50,000 may seem quite enticing.

Downsides of cashing in your settlement

Selling off an annuity can cost surrender charges of up to 10 percent.
Selling before age 59 1/2 can trigger federal taxes and penalties.

Americans have a great deal of money tied up in structured settlements and annuities, with a little less than $6 billion worth of new structured settlements written each year, according to the National Structured Settlements Trade Association. At the end of 2013, there were also 34.8 million individual deferred annuity contracts in place exceeding $2.58 trillion, according to LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute, a nonprofit research trade association for the financial services industry.

It's my money, and I want it now!

J.G. Wentworth is one of the world's largest buyers of structured-settlement payments and annuities. It handled more than $2 billion in payment transfers between 1994 and 2009.
In 2009, then-chief marketing officer Ken Murray said that the company had seen a steady increase in customer inquiries following the economic downturn. Despite what was happening in the economy, there were always people looking to sell annuities, structured settlements and lottery winnings, Murray said. Due to the nature of the business, buyers of payments usually see customers when they are in some sort of financial predicament.
"Historically, the common denominator is people who need cash, but there are some new reasons we are hearing more frequently than others as a result of the recession. It might be the fact that they lost their job or their mortgage payments have increased," said Murray.
The company declined to provide an update on whether inquiries were on an upswing.
Some television commercials and advertisements may seem to imply that getting a quick cash payout on a structured settlement or annuity is just a phone call away. Rather, it's a court-controlled process that comes at the discretion of a judge. A phone call to an advertised 800 number is only the beginning of a lengthy process, and a regulatory framework mandates that every single transaction go before a judge, who must decide whether the transaction can move forward.
The payee, the structured settlement holder, must prove that they have a legitimate need for the money and calculate the payout amount that they are requesting. While regulations for annuities and lottery winnings can differ, the payee can't turn a structured settlement into cash simply because he wants a new car, a nice vacation or an RV to tour the country. In order to keep unscrupulous companies at bay, most state laws also require that the transfer of the settlement rights be in the best interest of the payee.

How does it work?

When a structured settlement holder calls, an agent and team will review the settlement, circumstances and reasons the applicant needs the cash. If they decide to move forward, they offer the payee an upfront sum to surrender the stream of payments, along with a discount rate.
This discount rate, which is typically between 6 percent and 29 percent, is comparable to the interest you would pay on a loan, says Grover Christopher Collins, managing partner at the Collins Law Firm in Nashville, Tennessee. As such, the lower the discount rate, the better the deal.
"You can negotiate," Collins says. "It's not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition; and you can also shop around."
Once you do accept an offer, however, the company will file a petition for transfer of the structured settlement in court in the state the company is in.
"The judge is the final arbitrator of whether it gets approved or not," Collins says. Rulings are made based on, among other things, what the person needs the money for, what the discount rate is and the structured settlement company's reputation.
Exact processes will vary depending on jurisdiction, but from the time a payee calls to the time they receive money can be as little as 62 days or as long as 90 days, Collins says.
David Lewis, senior vice president and general counsel with Stone Street Capital LLC, says few people sell their entire transactions at once. Payees usually sell a portion of their payments, just enough to meet their financial needs, and offers from companies are detailed in disclosure statements with discount rates and all the information they need to make an informed decision. Lewis says other factors that go into determining the payment amount include: in which state the payee resides, the payments they want to sell and the size of the payments.
"It gets pretty complex and, regrettably, has become more complex recently. The amount is a function of many factors, and these factors are more sensitive today than they might have been (in 2008)," says Lewis.
Lewis specifically points to insurance companies that have seen their credit ratings downgraded. The cost of funds and capital has also gone up, and developments throughout the credit markets can have big implications in the structured settlement industry. Right after the 2008 banking crisis, fear spread about the vulnerability of cash and assets kept in certain institutions. Despite the fear and bad press, many people weren't looking to cash in their payments in a panic that they wouldn't be there, Lewis says. A judge also would be unlikely to accept that fear as a reason for selling payments anyway.
"If someone called for that reason, we wouldn't do business with them and would just tell them not to be worried. We would be buying that annuity anyway, so if we thought it wasn't going to be good, we wouldn't be buying it in the first place," says Lewis.

Submit a vehicle donation in California (CA)

Car Donation Service in California (CA)

California car donation is easy in the "Golden State". Keep in mind that when you donate your car in CA, you'll receive a tax receipt. With the huge number of programs out there vying for your vehicle donation, it may be hard to figure out the best organization to donate your car to. Car Donation Wizard proudly partners with the best national and local charities. How do we choose who's the best? We look for organizations that will best use the money raised from your vehicle donation to help change the lives of others. Organizations like the American Cancer Society, V-Dac (Vehicle Donation to Any Charity), Car Talk, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, the North Shore Animal League and many more.

Donate your car, SUV, boat on a trailer, motorcycle, motorhome or other vehicle to charity today and we'll help return 80% of the net proceeds back to your charity. This is more than any other California or national organization can say. Check us out through the California Attorney General's website, where it's every vehicle donation program's responsibility to publically submit their return to charity.

If you have an older model, higher mileage vehicle that might be releasing harmful emissions, our donation program can also help you recycle your old vehicle in California. Recycling a car helps create steel for use in future vehicles, with steel being the number one most recycled product in the U.S.

Start your California car donation today with one of our great nonprofits. If you still have questions on what to donate, how to donate, or who to donate to, call our customer service team at 877-957-2277.

Cities and Towns in California

Adelanto, Adin, Agoura Hills, Ahwahnee, Alameda, Albany, Albion, Alhambra, Alpine, Altadena, Alturas, Amador City, Amboy, American Canyon, Anaheim, Anderson, Angels Camp, Angelus Oaks, Angwin, Apple Valley, Applegate, Aptos, Arcadia, Arcata ,Arnold, Arrowbear Lake, Arroyo Grande, Artesia, Arvin, Atascadero, Atherton, Atwater,Auburn, Avalon, Avenal, Avery, Avila Beach, Azusa, Badger, Baker, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Ballard, Banning, Barstow, Bass Lake, Bear Valley, Beaumont, Belden, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Belmont, Belvedere, Belvedere Tibrn, Ben Lomond, Benicia, Berkeley, Bermuda Dunes, Bethel Island, Beverly Hills, Bieber, Big Bar, Big Bear Lake, Big Pine, Big Sur, Biggs, Bishop, Blairsden, Bloomington, Blue Jay, Blue Lake, Blythe, Bodega,Bay Bodega, Bolinas, Bonita, Bonny Doon, Bonsall, Boron, Borrego Springs, Boulder Creek, Boulevard, Bradbury, Brawley, Brea, Brentwood, Bridgeport, Brisbane, Broderick, Brookdale, Brownsville, Buellton, Buena Park, Burbank, Burlingame, Burney, Buttonwillow, Calabasas, Calexico, Caliente, California City, California Valley, Calimesa, Calipatria, Calistoga, Calpine, Camarillo, Cambria, Camino, Campbell, Canby, Canoga Park, Canyon Country, Canyon Lake, Canyondam, Capistrano Beach, Capitola, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carnelian Bay, Carpinteria, Carson, Cassel, Castaic, Castro Valley, Castroville, Cathedral City, Catheys Valley, Cayucos, Cazadero, Cedarville, Central Valley, Ceres, Cerritos, Chatsworth, Chester, Chicago Park, Chico,Chinese Camp, Chino, Chino Hills, Chowchilla, Chula Vista, Citrus Heights, Claremont, Clayton, Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Clio, Cloverdale, Clovis, Coachella, , Coalinga, Coarsegold, Cobb, Coleville, Colfax, Colma, Coloma, Colton, Columbia, Colusa, City of Commerce, Compton, Concord, Corcoran, Corning, Corona, Coronado, Corte Madera, Costa Mesa, Cotati, Cottonwood, Coulterville, Covelo, Covina, Crescent City,Crescent Mills, Crestline, Cromberg, Crowley Lake, 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Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, La Crescenta, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Jolla, La Mesa, La Mirada, La Palma, La Puente, La Quinta, La Selva Beach, La Verne, Lafayette, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Almanor, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Elsinore, Lake Forest, Lake Hughes, Lake Isabella, Lakehead, Lakeport, Lakeshore, Lakewood, Lancaster, Landers, Larkspur, Lathrop, Lawndale, Laytonville, Lebec, Lee Vining, Leggett, Lemon Cove, Lemon Grove, Lemoore, Lennox, Lewiston, Lincoln, Lindsay, Littleriver, Littlerock, Live Oak, Livermore, Livingston, Llano, Lodi, Loma Linda, Lomita, Lompoc, Lone Pine, Long Barn, Long Beach, Loomis, Los Alamitos, Los Alamos, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Angeles, Los Banos, Los Gatos, Los Olivos, Los Osos, Lotus, Loyalton, Lucerne, Lucerne Valley, Ludlow, Lynwood, Madera, Malibu, Mammoth Lakes, Manchester, Manhattan Beach, Manteca, Maricopa, Marina, Marina Del Rey, Mariposa, Markleeville, Martinez, Marysville, Maywood, McClellan AFB, McCloud, McFarland, McKinleyville, McKittrick, Meadow Valley, Mendocino, Mendota, Menlo Park, Merced, Mi Wuk Village, Mi-Wuk, Middletown, Midpines, Mill Creek, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Milpitas, Mineral, Miramonte, Miranda, Mission Viejo, Modesto, Mojave, Mokelumne Hill, Monrovia, Montague, Montara, Montclair, Monte Rio, Monte Sereno, Montebello, Monterey, Monterey Park, Moorpark, Moraga, Moreno Valley, Morgan Hill, Morro Bay, Moss Beach, Mount Shasta, Mountain Mesa, Mountain View, Mt Baldy, Mt Shasta, Murphys, Murrieta, Myers Flat, Napa, National City, Needles, Nevada City, Newark, Newbury Park, Newhall, Newman, Newport Beach, Nice, Niland, Nipomo, Norco, North Fork, North Highlands, North Hollywood, Norwalk, Novato, Oak View, Oakdale, Oakhurst, Oakland, Oakley, Occidental, Oceanside, Ocotillo, Ojai, Olancha, Old Station, Olema, Olympic Valley, Ontario, Orange, Orange Cove, Orick, Orinda, Orland, Orleans, Orosi, Oroville, Oxnard, Pacific Grove, Pacifica, Pacoima, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palmdale, Palo Alto, Palos Verdes Estates, Paradise, Paramount, Parker Dam, Parlier, Pasadena, Paso Robles, Patterson, Pearblossom, Pebble Beach, Perris, Pescadero, Petaluma, Petrolia, Phillipsville, Philo, Pico Rivera, Piedmont, Piercy, Pine Grove, Pine Valley, Pinecrest, Pinedale, Pinole, Pioneer, Pioneertown, Piru, Pismo Beach, Pittsburg, Pixley, Placentia, Placerville, Platina, Playa Del Rey, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Plymouth, Point Arena, Point Reyes Sta, Pollock Pines, Pomona, Port Hueneme, Porterville, Portola, Portola Valley, Poway, Project City, Quincy, Ramona, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ravendale, Red Bluff, Redcrest, Redding, Redlands, Redondo Beach, Redway, Redwood City, Reedley, Reseda, Rialto, Richmond, Ridgecrest, Rio Dell, Rio Vista, Ripon, Riverbank, Riverside, Rocklin, Rohnert Park, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosamond, Rosemead, Roseville, Ross, Running Spri, Running Springs, Rutherford, Ryde, Sacramento, the state capital, Salida, Salinas, San Andreas, San Anselmo, San Bernardino, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Clemente, San Diego, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Gabriel, San Jacinto, San Joaquin, San Jose, San Juan Bautista, San Juan Capistrano, San Leandro, San Luis Obispo, San Marcos, San Marino, San Mateo, San Miguel, San Pablo, San Pedro, San Rafael, San Ramon, San Simeon, San Ysidro, Sand City, Sanger, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Clarita, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa, Santa Ynez, Santa Ysabel, Santee, Saratoga, Saugus, Sausalito, Scotia, Scotts Valley, Seal Beach, Seaside, Sebastopol, Selma, Sepulveda, Shafter, Shasta Lake, Shaver Lake, Shell Beach, Sherman Oaks, Shoshone, Sierra City, Sierra Madre, Sierraville, Signal Hill, Simi Valley, Smith River, Soda Springs, Solana Beach, Soledad, Solvang, Sonoma, Sonora, South El Monte, South Gate, South Laguna, South Lake Tahoe, South Pasadena, South San Francisco, Springville, Squaw Valley, St. Helena, Stanton, Stinson Beach, Stirling City, Stockton, Strawberry, Strawberry Vally, Stronghold, Studio City, Sugarloaf, Suisun City, Sultana, Summerland, Sun City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sunnyvale, Sunset Beach, Susanville, Sutter Creek, Sylmar, Taft, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Tahoma, Tarzana, Tecate, Tehachapi, Tehama, Temecula, Temple City, Templeton, The Sea Ranch, Thermal, Thousand Oaks, Thousand Palms, Three Rivers, Tiburon, Tomales, Torrance, Tracy, Trinidad, Trinity Center, Trona, Truckee, Tujunga, Tulare, Tulelake, Turlock, Tustin, Twain, Twain Harte, Twentynine Palms, Twin Bridges, Twin Peaks, Two Harbors, Ukiah, Union City, Upland, Upper Lake, Vacaville, Vallejo, Valley Ford, Valley Springs, Van Nuys, Venice, Ventura, Vernon, Victorville, Villa Park, Visalia, Vista, Volcano, Wallows, Walnut, Walnut Creek, Walnut Grove, Warner Springs, Wasco, Washington, Waterford, Watsonville, Wawona, Weaverville, Weed, Weott, West Covina, West Hollywood, West Sacramento, Westlake Village, Westminster, Westmorland, Westport, Westwood, Wheatland, Whitethorn, Whittier, Williams, Willits, Willow Creek, Willows, Wilmington, Windsor, Winters, Wofford Heights, Woodlake, Woodland, Woodland Hills, Woodside, Wrightwood, Yermo, Yorba Linda, Yosemite National Park, Yountville, Yreka, Yuba City, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley

How do I release the liability of my donated vehicle in California (CA)?

The state of California DOES require a Certificate of Title in order to transfer ownership of your vehicle. If your vehicle was last titled in the state of CA we can accept a Reg 262 and Reg 227 form in place of the title. These are secure forms that can be obtained at any local DMV office. We ask that your license plates remain on the vehicle at the time of pick-up UNLESS they are personalized.
In order to complete your California car donation, transfer your title by entering the name of our authorized agent, ADVANCED REMARKETING SERVICES in the buyer/purchaser field. Please PRINT and SIGN your name in the seller/owner field EXACTLY as it appears at the top of the title.

How do I sign my title to donate a car in California?

For detailed instructions on how to properly fill out your title click on one of the pictures below to see an example title
car donation title for California

Car Donation to Charity - Running or Not - Free Pickup

Welcome to Donation Line, one of the largest, most visited and trusted vehicle donation centers in America. By utilizing Donation Line to donate cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles and even donate jet skis and snowmobiles, tens of thousands of donors like you have supported several hundred charities including the Disabled American Veterans, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Wycliffe Bible Translators and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
95% of donors who have completed our online survey stated that they would use Donation Line in the future and recommend Donation Line to friends and family.

Car Donation Steps

Making a vehicle donation is faster, easier and safer than selling your vehicle and benefits a charity in need. Complete the Vehicle Donation Form now or call toll free 1-877-227-7487. As an accredited Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating, we ensure that all aspects of the vehicle donation to charity process are handled professionally and efficiently. This includesFAST, FREE pickup and IRS compliant tax deduction documentation. We accept any car donation, anywhere in the United States, running or not. In many states you can still donate your car to charity even if you lost your title.

Car Donation and Non-Profit Charities

On this site, you choose any one of our 500+ 501-C3 non-profit charities you want to benefit from your used car donation and you receive a tax deduction for your vehicle donation. All charities are pre-qualified to ensure your donation is tax deductible. Once you submit your auto donation, our experts work to maximize the return on your donation,thereby providing you with the highest tax deduction allowed by law and providing the selected charities with the most funds to provide services, conduct research and outreach.
Simply complete our 'Donate Your Vehicle Now' form to the right, or call us Toll-Free at 1-877-227-7487 anytime, seven days a week to start our no cost, no hassle vehicle donation process. Phones are answered by our experienced and trained operators. You will be contacted by our towing agent who will arrange a speedy pickup. The towing agent will provide a pickup receipt and the charity you select will send you a tax deduction letter. After your vehicle is picked up by the towing agent pleaseComplete the Online Survey, so we can make sure we continue to be the best Vehicle Donation Center in the United States.
To learn more about how to donate a car, boat, motorhome, etc. and get answers to the most frequently asked questions, please click here.

Asbestos Lawyer

Choose the Right Asbestos Attorney for Your Claim

Our Law Firm Helps Asbestos Victims in the U.S. & Canada

Workers harmed by occupational asbestos exposure have a champion in their Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyer. If you reside in the United States or Canada and have developed mesothelioma or asbestos-caused lung cancer, our law firm can provide you with the right attorney who is experienced in the type of claim that you have.
Asbestos Lawyer Who Understands Your Issues
You may be viewing this website page because you need the legal support of an accomplished asbestos cancer lawyer. You have come to the right place. Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos attorneys have been helping people like you since 1986 – and have obtained significant mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer verdicts and settlements for the injured workers and their loved ones.

The Right Asbestos Lawyer to Handle Your Automotive Exposure Claim

In a recent case, the asbestos lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg secured a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against an auto giant on behalf of a New York City brake reliner who lost his right lung to mesothelioma. The auto company had known about the dangers of asbestos since the 1930s. Tragically, however, the employer deceived its workers for decades by failing to inform them about the life-threatening nature of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Our client’s illness was entirely avoidable and our top-notch Asbestos Litigation team was able to prove as much.
Sadly, this case is one of thousands that Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyers have brought to court on behalf of those whose lives have been upended by asbestos.

The Best Asbestos Lawyer to Help with a Construction Exposure Case

Many construction workers were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis and were unaware of the lethal dangers, said an asbestos construction lawyer at the firm. The daily toll from asbestos dust exposure is 30 deaths in the U.S., and that rate is expected to increase, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Workers who are ill with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis are hardworking people just like you – people who worked in industries such as motor vehicle production and repair, construction and the textiles industry. These are people whose families have been robbed of financial security while companies that made, distributed and used asbestos, profited.

Which Asbestos Lawyer to Choose?

On behalf of those harmed, the asbestos lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg have filed thousands of cases to help provide financial security, access to medical care and dignity. Weitz & Luxenberg has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for its clients.
The asbestos lawyers at our firm have succeeded in securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Beyond those million-dollar awards, still tens of thousands of clients have been able to recover lesser sums but nonetheless money that helps pay for substantial portions of medical costs and other related expenses. Our asbestos lawyers have even obtained financial awards from asbestos companies that were bankrupt.

We Offer Free Consultation with Top Asbestos Lawyer

If you would like a free consultation with our top asbestos lawyer or learn more about your legal options for a mesothelioma lawsuit, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our mesothelioma law firm will contact you as soon as possible.
We also provide a wide variety of information throughout our site, such as pages on our mesothelioma settlements and pages on specific jobs associated with asbestos exposure.
Weitz & Luxenberg represents asbestos clients nationwide. For a free case review from a top asbestos lawyer, simply complete the form on this page or call 1-800-476-6070.

Recent W&L Results

$20 Million
The family of a former Navy shipfitter who died earlier this year of mesothelioma received a verdict of against a manufacturer of boilers that were insulated with asbestos.

$1 Billion
W&L's Ellen Relkin, as lead counsel in the NJ Rejuvenate and ABG II hip stem litigation, played a key role in negotiating the more than $1 billion settlement. Most qualifying plaintiffs will receive $300,000 or more.

Mesothelioma Law Firm - Mesothelioma Lawyer - Excite

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium ?? a thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs. In most cases, the tissue surrounding the lungs is affected. However, cases have been reported in which other body organs are affected with this condition. This form of cancer is very aggressive and often proves fatal if it is malignant Mesothelioma.

Know the Risk Factors Although several materials can possibly cause this disease, mesothelioma is primarily attributed to exposure to asbestos as reported by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the CDC. Furthermore, Asbestos has been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a human carcinogen.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant Mesothelioma. The latency period for the disease is reported to be around 20 to 40 years. So exposure to asbestos can go unnoticed for decades. Hence, mesothelioma cases are diagnosed years after the first exposure to asbestos occurs. In a study conducted by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), annual multiple-cause-of-death records were analyzed for the period from 1999 to 2005. It was found that a total of 18,068 deaths were reported because of malignant Mesothelioma.
Who should be concerned? Asbestos is imported into the United States and was even mined in the country during the 20th century. In the US, the use of asbestos peaked in 1973 when it amounted to 803,000 metric tons before declining to 1,700 metric tons in 2007. Industrial workers employed in settings such as manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding prior to 1980s are the ones who are at most risk, as federal safety regulation was not in place at the that time. Exposure continues to occur today because of the demolition of buildings in which asbestos was used during construction.
Steps to Take in Case Of Asbestos-Exposure Related Mesothelioma After taking into consideration several research findings, exposure to asbestos has been singled out as the main cause of Mesothelioma in most cases. This exposure affects individuals differently. Several factors are involved, including concentration, frequency and duration of exposure as well as the shape, size and chemical makeup of the fibers that determine your chances of contracting Mesothelioma.
It is natural to feel concerned about Mesothelioma if you have experienced chronic exposure to asbestos. Doctors recommend that such people should get regular CT scans or chest x-rays. They must also get lung function tests as these tests can detect problems caused by asbestos fibers. If any problems are detected, you should obtain a professional Mesothelioma diagnosis. In the unfortunate event of being diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you have the grounds for filing a lawsuit. A Mesothelioma law suit can help you claim compensation for the additional costs borne in dealing with this disease as well as for the resulting emotional distress and trauma.
Why choose a Mesothelioma Law firm The dangers associated with asbestos exposure have been known to the Asbestos manufacturers for decades. Victims of the disease rightly feel that they should have been warned about these dangers and so undue hardships both for the victims and their families could have been avoided. Treatment plans are often tailored to the patient's needs so the medical expenses incurred because of the disease vary from person to person and are often considerable.
If you feel that you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma and have also been exposed to asbestos fibers during their lives, you will typically be eligible for filing a lawsuit and claim compensation for any treatment related expenses, as well as for the pain and suffering caused by this disease. The litigation process involved is quite complex. So it is better to hire the services of a Mesothelioma law firm that has the time as well as the resources to tackle investigations specific to your case.

How to Hire a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer

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.

Mesothelioma Law Firm

For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos, resulting in numerous people seeking a law firm specializing in mesothelioma to help them cover the overwhelming expenses associated with the disease.Typically, mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job site that used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public, as asbestos was an extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hinderance of information, workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be eligible for financial compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more. If you suffer from mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area.

What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do?

Law firms specializing in mesothelioma are different from any other type of law firm. Whereas other firms may specialize in areas like car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus primarily on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law firm or even a personal injury firm that specializes in a wide array of injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in mesothelioma cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and diseases.

Attorneys at these law firms have knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, these law firms are comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals.

Moreover, an experienced firm understands that the victim is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical history, litigations, and more.

A dedicated mesothelioma law firm also understands the severe emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An good firm takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their loved ones throughout this enduring process.

What to Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Law Firm

Unfortunately, not all law firms specializing in mesothelioma are the same. While some may have several years of experience, other firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma. In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law besides mesothelioma while another firm may solely focus on asbestos cases.

Aside from using your good judgement when determining which law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider:

The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases.
The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases.
Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases.
Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases.
The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with asbestos diseases.
The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be accessible.
You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a firm.

Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a law firm that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is guaranteed. An experienced law firm will help you to understand your chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is 100% guaranteed.

Making Things Easier

Although leading mesothelioma law firms do the majority of work for your case, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that the process gets rolling faster.

First, make sure to gather your medical documents, including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information to your initial meeting. This will allow the firm to determine if your case can be taken on.

Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work history and information including the full company name, address, phone number, your job role, and how long you worked there.

Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness.

How a Mesothelioma Law Firm Can Personally Help You

When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A good law firm should be able to provide you with following information:

Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace. In some cases, they may already have the information available.
If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Asbestos law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on. Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact amount of compensation before reviewing your case.
Your Case Worth: If the firm decides you have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses, daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The aforementioned factors, along with other details, such as if your former company has a trust fund set up or not, will also come into play.
Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change ownerships. In some cases, your former company is responsible, the manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just one sole responsible entity, yet in a different case, there may be several responsible parties. Remember that part of the law firm’s job is to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties that are liable for your exposure to asbestos.

Law Firm Fees

Law firms may have different fees as well as different payment options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough financial burden in dealing with their illness, and are unable to afford up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many firms work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid when you get paid.
If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive compensation either in most instances. The good news, however, is that a firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be successful.
Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending upon the firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages work with the firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later on.
If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a good chance that they don’t have the financial resources to successfully prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a firm that has the financial capability to take on your case on a contingency fee basis.
Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to court?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is understandable, as most people who are dealing with an asbestos-related illness generally do not want to spend time in a court room. Generally, you will not have to go to court. Most mesothelioma lawsuits are taken care of via settlements.
In some instances, however, if the defense doesn’t agree on a settlement or if you don’t agree on a settlement, you may have to go to trial, which requires going to court. An experienced law firm will help you through every step of the way, and if you are too ill to attend, arrangements can be made to record your testimony beforehand.
What if I don’t know which company exposed me to asbestos?
As previously mentioned, part of an asbestos law firm’s job is to uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. The culpable parties are typically manufacturers who supplied asbestos to job sites, which can range from one company to many.
I have workers’ compensation benefits. Can a law firm still help me even if I have other compensation benefits?
Other compensation benefits, such as workers’ compensation or VA benefits, doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation from the companies who exposed you to asbestos. An asbestos law firm can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Additional Tips to Remember

When searching for a law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be filed out of state.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state.
Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any firm that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy.
A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure.