How To Choose the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma wreaks havoc on the lives it impacts. If you or a loved one is facing this devastating illness, the experienced asbestos attorneys at Sieben Polk P.A. can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us online or call 651-437-3148 today for a free consultation with a trusted Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer.
- Choose a mesothelioma lawyer with experience handling asbestos-related claims and a track record of success.
- Pay attention to the firm’s reputation, including client testimonials and professional recognitions.
- A firm with a compassionate and client-centered approach will be ready to represent you with the care you deserve.
Understanding Mesothelioma and the Importance of Finding the Best Mesothelioma Attorneys
A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing for both the victim and their loved ones. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have lost a family member to the disease, the Minnesota mesothelioma attorneys at Sieben Polk P.A. can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. Asbestos exposure is the cause of nearly all mesothelioma cases.
The disease has a long latency period, meaning it takes several decades to develop mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. Exposure may occur on job sites, in older homes, or through secondhand contact from a family member who worked around asbestos.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Mesothelioma Case
Due to the strong link between asbestos and mesothelioma, asbestos manufacturers are almost always responsible for paying mesothelioma victims’ damages. However, getting full and fair compensation is rarely easy.
Holding asbestos companies accountable takes deep legal knowledge and decades of case experience, especially when your exposure occurred 20, 30, or even 60 years ago. That is why choosing a skilled mesothelioma attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make after a diagnosis.
At Sieben Polk P.A., we have recovered over $840 million for Minnesotans in asbestos cases, and we understand what it takes to build a strong case for compensation.
A qualified attorney can help you by:
- Investigating your work history or personal background to determine when and where you were exposed to asbestos
- Gathering evidence of asbestos exposure
- Identifying potential sources of compensation, such as asbestos trust funds or lawsuits
- Filing a claim or lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
What Key Qualities Should I Look for in a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Your choice of representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here are the qualities to look for when selecting an asbestos attorney:
- Experience with asbestos-related cases: Mesothelioma claims are highly specialized and require attorneys who understand how to trace exposure back decades. Sieben Polk P.A. has tried more asbestos cases in Minnesota than all other law firms combined.
- Knowledge of mesothelioma laws and compensation: An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will understand the state and federal laws that might affect your case, as well as how to pursue all available compensation options, such as trust funds, lawsuits, and Veterans Affairs (VA) claims, to maximize your recovery.
- Track record of successful settlements and verdicts: Proven results matter. Our firm has recovered over $840 million for Minnesotans in asbestos-related cases and is the only law firm in the state that handles these cases exclusively.
- Compassionate and client-focused approach: A mesothelioma diagnosis is deeply personal. You deserve a team that listens, communicates openly, and treats you with dignity, just as we have done for thousands of families across the Upper Midwest.
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Mesothelioma Law Firm
Asking the right questions can help you determine if a law firm has what it takes to handle your asbestos case effectively. These conversations can also help you feel more confident about the team you choose to represent you.
Consider asking the following questions before you hire a mesothelioma law firm:
- How long has your firm handled mesothelioma cases?
- What is your success rate with mesothelioma claims?
- Does your mesothelioma law firm work on a contingency fee basis?
- What evidence can you provide to support my asbestos exposure claim?
- What resources do you have access to that can help you identify the source of my asbestos exposure?
- Who will be working on my case?
- Can you share examples of results you’ve obtained in cases like mine?
- Do I need to travel to meet with your lawyers?
Understanding the Process, Timeline, and Available Compensation Options for Asbestos & Mesothelioma Cases
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue personal injury compensation. You must have a mesothelioma diagnosis to file a claim—you typically cannot sue for asbestos exposure before you become ill.
If a loved one has died due to mesothelioma, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Eligible loved ones often include the surviving spouse, children, parents, or estate representative.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Minnesota
The legal process looks different in every case. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in filing a Minnesota mesothelioma lawsuit:
- Diagnosis: Your doctor identifies mesothelioma symptoms and confirms the diagnosis.
- Initial consultation: You meet with an attorney to discuss your case and legal options.
- Case investigation: Your legal team investigates where and when the asbestos exposure occurred using employment records, exposure site data, or product history. They gather evidence of your medical history and source of exposure.
- Filing the claim: The attorney files a lawsuit or submits claims to asbestos trust funds, depending on the details of your case.
- Negotiation: Your legal team negotiates a settlement with the insurance company or trust fund administrator.
- Trial: If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney represents you in trial and advocates for you before the jury.
- Receiving compensation: If successful, you may receive compensation through a settlement, jury award, or trust fund disbursement.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Minnesota?
The timeline varies considerably. Some claims may resolve in a matter of weeks, while lawsuits may take several months—or even years—depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
An experienced attorney can help you fast-track your claim by gathering critical documents and identifying the best path to compensation based on your unique circumstances.
What Types of Mesothelioma Claims Are Available?
There are multiple ways to recover compensation for mesothelioma, depending on your situation:
- Asbestos trust fund claims allow victims to recover compensation from asbestos companies that have declared bankruptcy. These trusts were established to pay claims without the need for a lawsuit.
- VA disability claims are available to veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service.
- Personal injury lawsuits let individuals with mesothelioma file a claim directly against the companies responsible for their exposure. They seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death lawsuits allow surviving family members to file a claim after losing a loved one to mesothelioma. They may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and more.
Finding the Best Mesothelioma Law Firms by Checking Client Reviews and Testimonials
Social proof can be a powerful indicator when choosing a mesothelioma law firm. Reviews, testimonials, and case results can demonstrate how the firm treats its clients and how successfully it has pursued compensation for asbestos-related illnesses. Professional awards and recognitions can also signal that the firm has a positive reputation within the legal community.
At Sieben Polk P.A., we’re proud of the feedback we’ve received from our clients and peers. We believe our case results, testimonials, and accolades reflect the dedication we bring to every mesothelioma case.
Checking Client Reviews and Testimonials
Nothing speaks more clearly about a law firm’s service than the words of its former clients. Testimonials from other mesothelioma victims or their family members offer meaningful insight into what it’s like to work with the firm during a vulnerable time. If clients consistently describe feeling respected, receiving timely updates, and attaining meaningful results, that’s a sign you’ll be in good hands.
Reviewing Past Mesothelioma Case Results and Settlements
A firm that has secured significant compensation in numerous asbestos exposure cases will be better equipped to seek a favorable outcome for you. Take a look at our mesothelioma settlements and verdicts to learn about the types of results we’ve achieved for our clients.
Looking for Awards or Recognition in the Legal Community
Look for a firm with membership in legal organizations and awards from legal publications. These recognitions show that other professionals respect the firm’s integrity and track record.
Our firm’s awards include Top 100 Super Lawyer, Top 40 Plaintiff Personal Injury Attorney, Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year for plaintiff’s product liability, and Minnesota Law & Politics “Rising Star.” We’ve also received a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, which is the highest peer rating standard in the industry.
Finding the Best Mesothelioma Attorneys via Referrals
If someone you know has also been diagnosed with mesothelioma, ask them who represented them. Because asbestos exposure often occurs in shared environments—like job sites, industrial facilities, or even family homes—referrals from coworkers, union members, or trusted friends can be a powerful starting point, leading you to attorneys already familiar with the exposure risks in your industry or community. These insights can be especially valuable if you’re unsure where or how you were exposed.
While a referral is never a requirement, it can help you feel more confident that you’re choosing a lawyer who understands the challenges ahead and has a history of helping others in your community.
Sieben Polk P.A.: Your Top Mesothelioma Lawyers in Eagan, MN
Our lawyers have recovered over $840 million for Minnesotans in asbestos cases. With a 50-year track record in fighting for asbestos exposure victims, we’re the firm you want on your side after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
When you turn to us with your mesothelioma case, we’ll take the client-centered approach you deserve. That means we’ll listen to your story, clearly communicate your legal options, and handle every step of the process while you focus on your health.
We’re ready to put our experience, knowledge, and dedication to work for you and your family. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us online or call 651-437-3148 for a free consultation.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma FAQs
We answer common questions from mesothelioma victims and their loved ones in the following section.
Start by contacting a lawyer who handles asbestos exposure claims. We can help you navigate your next steps, which may include investigating your exposure history, gathering evidence, and preparing paperwork to submit to the court.
The statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims is usually one to six years from diagnosis or death. The exact deadline will depend on your location.
The timeline varies significantly. Some asbestos lawsuits settle in a few months, while others take over a year.
Possibly. Many asbestos companies have declared bankruptcy, and the courts have required them to set up trust funds to compensate victims. We can help you explore this option.
It may take several weeks to receive your compensation after a settlement or jury verdict. After the asbestos company sends payment, we’ll deduct our legal fees and disburse funds to any medical providers that have placed liens on your compensation.
Yes. If your spouse, parent, or other close family member passed away due to mesothelioma, our attorneys can help you file a wrongful death claim.
You can only file a lawsuit if you develop an asbestos-related illness. However, we encourage you to document the exposure in case you become ill in the future.