Common Questions

How does ELSM differentiate itself from other law firms that also file asbestos lawsuits? 

At Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen our clients are our number one priority. We purposely limit the number of asbestos cases that we take on to ensure that our clients receive the first class individualized attention that they need and deserve. We are experts in asbestos law and have been focusing in this area for over 20 years. Each case is handled individually and an attorney and legal assistant are personally assigned to each and every case. Your assigned legal team will be with you throughout the entire process. Other law firms take on so many cases that they lose the ability to offer that personal touch to their clients. That is an area that we will absolutely not compromise on at ELSM.

Another differentiating factor is that we handle our mesothelioma lawsuits with a comprehensive approach. By this we mean that we handle cases from both a legal and medical perspective. We realize that in many instances our clients are still receiving medical care for their illness and are interested in knowing about the latest medical research as it relates to their disease. We are well represented at all of the major medical conferences that provide information on the latest technological breakthroughs and treatment options available to patients with mesothelioma. We maintain relationships with medical professionals who specialize in asbestos related illness and, when applicable, will share relevant treatment information with our clients.

Lastly, we realize how critical it is to know the companies who made the asbestos products that have harmed our clients. We make it a point to regularly update our knowledge databases with the latest information on the companies who sold asbestos products knowing that they could cause cancer.

Utilizing this three-pronged approach, we have brought numerous asbestos cases to trial and have won multi-million dollar awards for our clients.

If Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen only has offices in New York and Connecticut and I live in another state or on the West Coast would I be better off hiring a local lawyer instead?

The answer in most instances is "No". As noted above, the breadth and depth of expertise that we bring to asbestos litigation will most likely never be matched by a smaller local law firm. We have been handling asbestos cases for over 20 years and bring that experience and knowledge to each case we take on. Also, living in another state or another coast does not require that you hire a local lawyer and in most cases would not be the wisest choice. This is because asbestos lawsuit values can be higher in some jurisdictions like New York City as those jurisdictions value asbestos claims more. There may also be situations where asbestos exposure occurred in more than one state.

The attorneys at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen are experts in determining the most advantageous place to file a lawsuit. There are choices. We can help you make the wisest choice so that you can rest comfortably knowing that the asbestos case we file is worth the most money. If we determine that it is in the best interest of the case to file it in another state we partner with a local attorney from the extensive mesothelioma attorney network that we have developed over the last 20 years. In this case you can be assured that not one, but two experienced and knowledgeable law firms are responsible for your case at no additional charge to you.

How long does it take to receive money from a lawsuit if one is filed?

Usually not more than one year. However, if your diagnosis is severe (malignant) and you are still alive it is probable that you will receive partial monetary compensation within four months and the entire process will be complete within six to twelve months.

Will I have to go to trial? I'm not certain that it is something I want to go through.

In many instances it is not necessary to go to trial because our cases settle. You do have the option to request to go to trial, however, and that request will be honored. In the event that going to trial is necessary and you need to undergo cross examination or deliver a deposition in a courtroom setting we will take every measure to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Will I personally have to do a lot of work if I agree to file an asbestos lawsuit?

Our clients find that making the decision to go forward with a lawsuit against an asbestos company is the hardest part of the process. Once that decision is made we make it our job to ensure that the process is a comfortable one for you.

Do I have to pay any money up front to retain your services?

Absolutely not! At Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that unless money is awarded to you, the lawsuit will cost you nothing. There are no financial risks involved in filing a lawsuit with us.

If I don't receive any settlement money but huge expenses were incurred in filing the lawsuit will I be on the hook to pay those expenses?

Our clients are never responsible for expenses incurred in filing a lawsuit. Unless you receive money you do not have to pay for any expenses.

I'm concerned that if I am awarded money that the expenses might significantly reduce the dollar amount that I finally end up with. Is this true?

It is not true. Because we have so many years of experience with asbestos litigation behind us our expense levels are quite low compared to other smaller less experienced law firms. Additionally, If you do not have to go trial expenses generally only run between three and five percent.

Do I have any say in whether or not I want to agree to a settlement? Can I choose not to settle because the award is too low or I want to go to trial?

You have complete control over accepting or rejecting a settlement. In fact, you must formally agree to accept a settlement offer before any money can be awarded.