Have chemicals from a nearby chemical plant, oil refinery, or agricultural facility impacted your health? You’re not the only person in this situation.

Research shows that exposure to dangerous environments or substances led to more than 424,000 illnesses and injuries, resulting in time off work in 2020.

Fortunately, a toxic exposure attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Let’s examine six tips for hiring a toxic exposure lawyer.

1. Examine the Lawyer’s Experience

Before hiring a lawyer to handle your toxic exposure case, check out their experience with chemical exposures.

Some personal injury attorneys focus on product liability or car accident claims instead. Meanwhile, others focus on wrongful death cases. Not every personal injury attorney is familiar with toxic exposures, so choose one with a track record of success in toxic exposure cases.

For instance, look for an attorney with tens of millions of dollars in toxic exposure verdicts and settlements.

2. Search for Previous Client Reviews

When researching toxic exposure attorneys, study their former clients’ reviews to determine which ones may give you the best results.

Read any client testimonials posted on your prospective attorneys’ websites. In addition, look at reviews posted on Google and social media sites like Facebook.

These sources can help you understand what to expect from these lawyers in three core areas. These include their ability to earn clients’ trust, their ability to resolve clients’ cases, and how responsive they are to their clients’ needs.

3. Consult with a Toxic Exposure Attorney

As you search for the best toxic exposure attorney, schedule in-person meetings with your top choices as soon as possible. These consultations are typically free.

During your consultations, you can ask each attorney specific questions about how they will handle your personal injury case.

For instance, ask them whether they will oversee the case. Some attorneys will hand off your case to another attorney at the firm or even a staff member with no law license.

Also, ask them to assess your case. How likely are you to win a settlement or favorable verdict?

In addition, ask them to describe how they would approach your case to help you get the maximum compensation possible.

You should ask each attorney if they have trial experience as well. Your case may go to a jury trial if you can’t settle.

4. Check the State’s Bar Association

Checking your prospective attorneys’ records with your state’s bar association can also help you choose the best toxic exposure attorney.

This will help you determine if anyone has filed a complaint against these attorneys. You can also find out if the association has censured any of the attorneys.

If any attorney has had questionable practices or has a tarnished reputation, the association can tell you this, too.

Choose only a lawyer who is in great standing with the association. Make sure they also have the licensure to handle every case they say they can handle.

5. Ask About Their Pricing

This is another important step in choosing the right toxic exposure attorney. Not every attorney’s fee will fit your budget.

Fortunately, most attorneys use the contingency pay structure versus a flat fee or a per-hour fee. The contingency structure is generally the most affordable and cost-effective option for law clients.

With this structure, you’ll be charged based on your case’s outcome. Your attorney will receive payment only if they recover compensation for you.

The typical contingency fee is between 33% and 40% of the recovered money. You’ll need to agree on this fee before the attorney begins working on your case. This fee should be outlined in your contract.

You may also have to pay extra expenses like deposition, witness, and filing fees.

6. Ask About Their Representation Agreement

When seeking the best attorney, ask your potential attorney for a copy of their representation agreement.

This document should explain your responsibilities as their client. For instance, the attorney may say they expect you to cooperate with them fully. This includes giving the attorney information and documents to support your chemical exposure case.

The representation agreement should also reassure you that your attorney will keep your case confidential. If any information from your case has to be disclosed, the agreement should explain the situations where this may be necessary.

Quality representation agreements include termination clauses as well. These clauses specify how contracts between attorneys and clients can be terminated. Your agreement will also mention the fee associated with terminating your contract with the attorney.

7. Follow Your Instincts

Finally, follow your gut when looking for the best toxic exposure attorney.

You should feel comfortable with the attorney you choose. If you have a bad feeling about an attorney, choose someone different to handle your claim and represent you.

Your personal injury case might take several months to resolve. So, pick an attorney you don’t mind working with over the long haul.

This attorney should be one you can trust and feel safe with. They should make you feel reassured, heard, and seen.

How We Can Help with Your Case

As you search for an attorney for your toxic exposure case, choose one who is experienced in this area of law. Also, make sure they have a great reputation online and with your state’s bar association.

Your chosen attorney should also have an affordable fee structure and be willing to answer your questions during a free consultation.

At Heard Accident & Injury Trial Lawyers, we take pride in representing clients who have been hurt by chemical exposures. Get in touch with us to learn more about our legal services, and book a consultation today!