Anyone watching TV late at night has probably seen out of state law firms running commercials for asbestos exposure cases here in Louisiana. As a firm that focuses our practice on such cases, we’re often asked whether or not these out of state firms can effectively handle these cases and what the pros and cons might be.
The short answer is “Yes”, out of state firms CAN handle your mesothelioma case in Louisiana.
However, it’s more important to understand why many of these out of state firms choose to refer cases locally to Landry & Swarr rather than handle the case themselves.
Why Meso Cases are Common in Louisiana.
Occurrences of asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma can be found throughout the United States, however, Louisiana has more than it’s fair share of cases which is one of the main reason you see so much interest in meso cases from out of state firms. In addition to all the normal types of industries where asbestos exposure has occurred, Louisiana is home to a large shipbuilding industry as well as as paper mills and oil and gas facilities, which are among the worst culprits of asbestos exposure (as industries). The White Lung Association covers how broadly used asbestos was in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and how reluctant some companies were to change their manufacturing practices.
The Importance of Local Knowledge
Given these factors, you can see why local experience is important in handling asbestos related cases. The companies are different, the industries are different and the circumstances are somewhat unique to our area.
Additionally, the time frame of when you can take legal action due to developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is difficult to pin down and varies from state to state. Louisiana has a relatively short time frame after a diagnosis for victims to file against their former employers.
Also, when handling any kind of work injury case, it is always best to work with a firm that has experience in getting compensation from the particular companies and industry involved. Shipyard manufacturers may be different in court from, say, construction companies, and some of the companies who may be liable for the exposure (as long as 40 years ago) are now out of business.
For all of these reasons, it is best to use a Louisiana law firm for a Louisiana meso case . A local, Louisiana based law firm with specific experience in this area of the law will be the most familiar with all of the state regulations, common industries as well as the companies involved with local meso cases. Most importantly, you will definitely want to hire a Louisiana-based law firm that has a history of obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for their clients with similar cases.
Attorney Referrals
Here at Landry & Swarr, we work with many reputable out of state firms that refer Louisiana cases of mesothelioma to us. These firms put together the initial facts of the case, then choose to allow Landry & Swarr to handle the case for many of the reasons outlined in this article. These firms recognize the value of local experience and knowledge in handling such cases, and trust the attorney at Landry & Swarr to secure the best outcome for their clients.
Landry & Swarr handles asbestos exposure cases – it’s not just another area of practice, it’s all we do. If you need to litigate against a large corporation because you or a loved one has contracted mesothelioma, you can benefit from our local knowledge and years of experience handling Louisiana cases. Call us at 504-299-1214 to speak to us about your legal options.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/basics/definition/con-20026157