 What Are The Stages Of The Lawsuit
And What Is My Involvement?
Many of our clients have never been involved in a
lawsuit. Although each case is different, there are some
common elements to every case:
FIRST CONTACT
Our first contact with you is a personal telephone
call from Mr. Belluck or Mr. Fox. During that telephone
call, if we determine that you should pursue a legal
claim, we will schedule an appointment to meet with you
within one week. During that initial meeting, which can
be at your home or in our office, we:
- explain the process of filing and prosecuting a
lawsuit;
- explore your work, life and medical history; and,
- obtain signed authorizations to get copies of medical
and employment records
During the meeting, if we conclude that there is a
reasonable chance of a successful outcome, we will
present you with a retainer agreement. A retainer is a
legal fee agreement between Belluck & Fox and our
clients that explains the legal fees and other terms
related to our representation. The attorney who meets
with you will explain the details of this agreement.
FILING THE COMPLAINT
After researching and investigating the responsible
companies, we file an individual legal claim on your
behalf in a state court. These companies include
manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and installers of
asbestos materials. These companies are the defendants
in your case.
We do not sue your employer(s), because this is
generally prohibited by workers' compensation laws. The
lawsuit alleges that the defendants are responsible for
manufacturing, selling and/or installing defective
asbestos products and equipment, caused you to be
exposed to asbestos and that they failed to warn you of
the dangers of asbestos. The defendants have
approximately one month to answer the allegations in
your complaint.
PROSECUTING THE CASE
The first consideration is your health. We will do
everything possible to respect your privacy and minimize
any further disruptions in your life. We may ask the
court to advance your case quickly so we can assure you
a fast resolution of your case, usually no longer than
one year from the filing of the complaint.
Once the Court issues a schedule for your case, the
discovery phase of your case begins. This means that we
secure all of the evidence necessary to prove that the
corporations we sued on your behalf are held responsible
for your injuries.
As part of this process, you will testify at a
deposition and answer questions about your background.
We arrange for your deposition to be conducted at a
location which is convenient for you, even, if
necessary, at your home. Of course, Belluck & Fox
will be present at every step of the process.
We also conduct a thorough investigation in your
case, including talking to your co-workers, demanding
documents from the asbestos companies and reviewing your
medical history. We also hire medical and other experts
to help us in the case.
We wish to emphasize that most, if not all, of the
work required to prosecute your case is undertaken by
Belluck & Fox, and does not require us to disturb
you or your family.
SETTLEMENTS
As the case progresses, some defendants may seek to
resolve your case for fair value settlements. In many
instances a case will settle your prior to the date that
the trial is scheduled to begin.
TRIAL
If we do not receive a full and fair settlement for
your claims, we will advise you of the options for
trial. During the trial, we will present testimony and
evidence in support of your claim. We will also have
medical and other experts testify on your behalf.
Belluck & Fox are experienced trial lawyers and will
fully represent you and your family in every phase of
the trial.
Belluck & Fox provides individualized and
professional representation from the first client
meeting to the last appeal in your case. If you have
been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung
cancer, contact Belluck & Fox, by clicking
here.
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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Medical FAQs
What is asbestos?
What types of
injuries are caused by asbestos?
What trades and
occupations work with asbestos?
What
types of products contain asbestos?
Could I have been
exposed to asbestos in my home?
Why was asbestos
used in building and insulation products?
What did companies
know and when did they know it?
What is
Mesothelioma? How do you get Mesothelioma?
What are the
symptoms of Mesothelioma?
How is
Mesothelioma diagnosed?
What is the
medical staging of Mesothelioma?
What are the
treatment options for those diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
How do I
locate and participate in clinical trials?
Legal Help FAQs
What Legal Options Are
Available To Individuals Injured By Asbestos?
If I Don't Remember
How I was Exposed To Asbestos, What Can I Do?
What Are The Stages Of
The Lawsuit And What Is My Involvement?
How Do You
Prove Which Asbestos Companies Are Responsible For My
Injury?
Will You File My Case As
A Class Action Or As An Individual Lawsuit?
What If My Loved One Had
Died Or Is Too Sick To Speak To An Attorney?
Do I Have To Pay For
The Costs Of My Lawsuit?
Are There Time Limits For
Filing A Legal Claim?
If I Smoked
Cigarettes, Can I Still File A Claim Against The
Asbestos Companies?
Which Companies
Are Sued In Asbestos Cases?
I Have Read About
Many Asbestos Companies Filing For Bankruptcy, How Do
These Bankruptcies Affect My Case?
Which
Asbestos Companies Are Bankrupt Or Out Of Business?
How Can I
Find Out If I Should File An Asbestos Lawsuit?
Is There Going To Be A
Trial In My Lawsuit?
How Long Will It
Take For My Lawsuit To Be Completed?
How Do I
Know That Belluck & Fox Will Treat My Family With
Dignity And Give Individual Attention To My Case?
Can I Contact You On
Behalf Of My Father, Husband Or Relative?
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