Asbestos Litigation Paralegal
Asbestos litigation paralegals help attorneys prosecute mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos companies. These companies were responsible of putting asbestos in many different types of products. In many cases, years go by between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
In 1988, Vogel was a caseworker at Brobeck, an asbestos defense company. The firm had a special asbestos docket.
Preparation for the Trial
A paralegal working in asbestos litigation is an essential part of the attorney's team. Baton Rouge asbestos attorneys aid in the pursuit of justice for those diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease. A toxic tort paralegal is responsible to assist attorneys in making preparations for trial. This involves extensive legal research as well as the creation of numerous documents that will be presented to the court by both plaintiffs' and defendants' lawyers.
A paralegal in asbestos litigation is responsible for the creation of legal documents, including motions and pleadings, as well as discovery requests, responses and memos. Paralegals also conduct computerized legal research or medical, scientific, and technological literature research to prove the client's claim. They should also be able to identify and analyze information like medical records or corporate documents for their lawyers.
Asbestos paralegals also prepare demand packages, medical chronologies and expense itemizations for mesothelioma cases. They are knowledgeable about the mesothelioma claim process and work with patients who are terminally ill and their families.
Preparing for a trial involves the use of an attorney's legal research and medical knowledge to develop expert witnesses, and to prepare persuasive testimony. A paralegal can also help in juror selection, which is a critical step in the litigation process. She can make suggestions on how to question potential jurors or rebut witness testimony.
When a trial is scheduled, the asbestos litigation paralegal assists attorneys in preparing courtroom procedures such as scheduling depositions and other court appearances. The paralegal may also act as a liaison to clients, keeping them apprised about the status of their case and responding to inquiries.
The security of confidential information between an attorney and a client is one of the most important responsibilities of an asbestos litigation paralegal. The law firm who employs the asbestos litigation lawyer must ensure that their employee does not divulge information regarding asbestos lawsuits that are pending or upcoming with third parties. It is not uncommon for employers to establish screening procedures prior to hiring a new employee that effectively shields the employee from such matters. This was once called by a judge as a "cone silence". The Harrison firm's main argument on appeal is that they did not know Vogel had any particular confidences with Brobeck. The evidence supports the conclusion that the company did not make the proper diligence or take reasonable measures to protect confidential information.
Document Preparation
If a person is diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma or any other disease, they may seek compensation from companies who exposed them. To file a claim, victims should seek out a reputable mesothelioma lawyer in New York. Those firms are familiar with asbestos bankruptcy funds as well as the laws in this state that protect victims from unfair treatment.
The law firm will seek the assistance of paralegals, lawyers, and other professionals in order to prepare for the trial. This involves the preparation of legal documents and submission to the court, gathering and reviewing medical records and preparing other evidence for presentation during trial.
Asbestos litigation can be complex and requires a team of experts to assist attorneys at every stage of the process. Litigation paralegals make up an important part of the team and typically work on several cases at a time. A mesothelioma legal professional has many duties and must be able to work independently and in an environment that is fast-paced.
For instance, a mesothelioma paralegal at one firm may need to submit numerous documents to the court and other parties, including subpoenas, motions, notices of hearings and other Pleadings. Paralegals should be knowledgeable about all aspects of a case and possess excellent organizational skills.
To prepare for trial, paralegals also look over medical records, examine documents, and investigate the facts of each case. They should be aware of the product, company and scientific and medical history for each piece of evidence. This is a crucial duty in asbestos or toxic tort cases, as getting the right information can make a an enormous difference in the trial.
Another important aspect of the asbestos paralegal's work is contacting plaintiffs to request their questionnaire answers. These questionnaires can be a treasure trove of information for attorneys pursuing mesothelioma cases. The questionnaires can also be used to detect asbestos-related diseases and determine whether an individual is eligible for compensation. The statute of limitations or deadline for filing a personal injury claim in the state of New York is three years from the date of diagnosis.
Interviewing Witnesses
Paralegals are often used to assist mesothelioma lawyers with the complicated litigation involving asbestos. They interview clients, gather documents and information, research asbestos-producing companies, and medical and scientific documents for patients. They also draft documents and assist in filing and reserving asbestos bankruptcy claims.
A paralegal who has experience in asbestos litigation can also interview and prepare witnesses' testimony. They will collaborate with the attorney and the client to determine what types of questions should be asked to obtain the most accurate information. They will plan and coordinate a witness's appearance in a deposition, or at trial.
Paralegals who work with asbestos must be patient, because they spend a lot of time researching, writing documents, and responding to queries from attorneys. They may also have to speak with witnesses and clients and work closely with insurance adjusters. It is important for them to remain professional at all times, regardless of the circumstances.
A paralegal could be involved in a wide range of cases, including medical malpractice defense and insurance bad faith litigation. In certain instances they also work on a range of general liability issues and products liability cases involving asbestos claims.
A vastly experienced attorney in toxic tort and asbestos litigation, Sara has performed investigations and gathered evidence in a variety of asbestos cases. Sara has prepared interrogatories, requests for production and researched companies. She has also identified officers, retrieved documents from archives and conducted research locally and nationally. She also has worked closely with insurance companies to evaluate asbestos claims.
Krista is well-versed in mesothelioma's effects on asbestos-related diseases, and other asbestos-related illnesses on a person's life quality. She is able to prepare medical chronologies for her attorneys and has experience preparing bankruptcy trust claims for mesothelioma. She enjoys working on these types of cases as they require extensive research into the product, the company and the medical and scientific history.
Waters Kraus & Paul can assist should you or someone near has been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma. Our mesothelioma attorneys hold asbestos producers and other responsible parties accountable for the role they played in causing these life altering illnesses.
Prepare Exhibits
Asbestos litigation paralegals are instrumental in building cases to aid victims of mesothelioma or asbestosis or any other asbestos-related illnesses win compensation from the parties responsible. These professionals perform many tasks behind the scenes to help lawyers fight for maximum compensation through insurance companies or mesothelioma funds.
Preparing exhibits to be used in a trial is one of the most important tasks a paralegal can undertake. Exhibits are the evidence that are presented during a trial and can include medical records, documents or even video recordings of interviews with witnesses. A properly-prepared exhibit list is essential to the success of a case as opposing parties frequently raise objections to the evidence. Some of the most common objections are relevance and authenticity.
Joanne has been in the legal field for over 10 years and has realized that her passion for detail, organization, and precision is a perfect combination for mass torts. She loves the repetitive nature of the job and is fascinated by the complex nature of asbestos litigation as well as other toxic tort litigation. She enjoys the challenge of identifying the right pieces that will help strengthen the client's case. This is particularly relevant when analyzing the product, company and medical/scientific background.
She also enjoys the rigorous process of trial preparation and assisting attorneys during depositions. Joanne's vast experience in the field has led her to work for multinational corporate defense firms, which includes mesothelioma cases. She is currently working with Husch Blackwell's asbestos and mass tort practice, collaborating with a variety of documents such as Medicare documents, discovery materials, court pleadings and deposition preparation.
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing lawsuits against the responsible parties. You may file a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for the losses resulting from your illness including lost income and quality of living, funeral and burial costs as well as pain and suffering and much more. A New York mesothelioma attorney can explain the distinctions between these types of lawsuits and give guidance on how to submit a claim.