Ask an Asbestos Attorney

The following FAQ (frequently asked questions) will help you understand why you may want to contact an asbestos attorney, some basics of how asbestos lawsuits generally work, and why you should consider the attorneys of Goldberg, Persky, & White, P.C. to represent you in your case. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us (or call us toll free at 1-800-471-8980).

VIDEO: Mesothelioma Lawyer

Asbestos attorney Dave Chervenick answers common questions about mesothelioma & other asbestos injuries in this video.

I have an asbestos disease and want to file a lawsuit, what should I do?

You need to contact a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible because every state has a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations outlines a specific time period in which you can file a lawsuit and if you do not act promptly, your window of opportunity may expire. This amount of time varies from state to state. We would be pleased if you contacted us, Goldberg, Persky, & White, P.C. (GPW) by contacting us via the web or by calling us at 1(800) 471-3980; you are under no obligation to pursue a lawsuit if you contact us, but you will have more information on which to base your decision (and discover what kind of time frame you have to decide). Learn more about our experience.

How much will you charge me to investigate my situation to see if I have a case?

We do not charge a fee for investigating a potential claim. We work on a contingency fee basis which means that we only take a fee if we obtain money for you.

How much will it cost for me to speak to a Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. attorney about my rights?

We do not charge a fee for speaking to potential clients about their rights. We only earn a fee if we become your legal representative and obtain a recovery for you. If you have any questions about your legal rights pertaining to asbestos injuries or other matters, please feel free to contact us at (800) 471-3980 or contact an asbestos attorney online here.

How long has Goldberg, Persky, & White been defending mesothelioma and asbestos clients?

Since 1978, GPW—and its predecessor law firms—has been a pioneer in "toxic tort" lawsuits (which includes asbestos injuries, maganese poisoning, and other toxic exposures). This experience means a broad knowledgebase is already in place, increasing efficiency and reducing lead time so that we can do our best to resolve your case promptly and effectively.

If I decide to pursue a lawsuit, how much will Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. charge to represent me?

Most of the clients we represent retain us on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only earn a fee if we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. In addition, we also recover the costs of prosecution (filing fees, expert fees, etc...) from the proceeds. We have an obligation to our clients to minimize costs at all times—an obligation which is taken most seriously. In addition, we always give our clients the option of retaining us on an hourly basis if that is their desire. However, clients who retain us on a contingency fee basis owe us no fee or costs whatsoever in the event that no recovery is obtained. For this reason, most of our clients elect to retain us on a contingency fee basis; in this manner, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain because Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. bears the financial risk of prosecuting your case.

How long will it take to resolve my asbestos lawsuit?

This depends to a large extent on the court in which your case is filed. As mentioned elsewhere in our site, we practice in many states. The court where your case is filed depends on where you live and/or where you were exposed to asbestos. Generally, many of our clients receive some settlement monies within a few months of filing suit. One factor in deciding where to file your suit is the time that it will take to completely resolve your case.

How much will I recover in a lawsuit?

This question is impossible to answer at this stage because it depends on many factors such as your age, your asbestos disease, your medical condition, the nature of your asbestos exposure and the products that you were exposed to. For information on your specific case, please contact us to speak with one of our asbestos attorneys.

What if I never worked with asbestos but I worked around others who were using it?

Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. has represented many clients who were indirectly exposed to asbestos. In other words, the client did not work directly with asbestos or asbestos-containing products but worked in the same building, facility or mill where asbestos was used by others. Out asbestos attorneys have also represented wives who have been exposed to asbestos that came home on the work clothes of their husband. Indirect exposure to asbestos does not preclude a person from filing a lawsuit if they are suffering from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or other asbestos-related cancers. If you have any questions about your legal rights concerning your asbestos-related disease, please feel free to contact us at (800) 471-3980 or via our web form.

Can a lung cancer victim who smoked still pursue an asbestos lawsuit?

Yes. Physicians who are knowledgeable about asbestos-related disease will tell you that asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking are a lethal combination. Alone, both cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer - for a person who has been exposed to asbestos and smoked the risk is tremendously magnified. For that reason, asbestos exposure has been determined to be a substantial contributing factor in the development of lung cancer for those who smoke(d).

I was exposed to asbestos but I don't know if I have an asbestos disease. What should I do?

When you visit your doctor for a checkup, tell him or her that you were exposed to asbestos and you are concerned that you may have an asbestos disease. Contact us if your doctor is unable to help you or if you don't have a doctor that you see on a regular basis. We can help you find one in your area.

I was exposed to asbestos for many years - what will happen to me in the future?

Hopefully nothing. In fact, many people who have been exposed to asbestos will have no adverse health effects during their life. Unfortunately, many people are not so fortunate. If you have been exposed to asbestos, we recommend that you advise your physician of this fact and obtain periodic checkups to ensure that you are not developing an asbestos-related condition. In addition, as a general matter, we encourage all asbestos exposed individuals to discuss smoking cessation efforts with their physicians as smoking can compound the effects of asbestos, increasing the risk of developing an asbestos related disease.