Sokolove Law is a personal injury law firm that handles cases involving asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and related illnesses

Sokolove Law is a private law firm based in Massachusetts that focuses on personal injury claims tied to asbestos exposure. The firm represents people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis after exposure to asbestos at work, in military service, or in older buildings. The firm does not work on a fee unless they recover money for you — this is called a contingency fee arrangement.

The firm operates in multiple states and handles cases that may involve settlements from asbestos trust funds, lawsuits against manufacturers or employers, or both. Sokolove Law also maintains a database of asbestos exposure locations and occupations, which they use to help document how and where exposure occurred.

Key Takeaways

  • Sokolove Law works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the firm takes a percentage of any money recovered.
  • The firm handles mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer cases that stem from asbestos exposure in occupational or military settings.
  • Cases may recover money through asbestos trust funds (established by bankrupt manufacturers), settlements, or jury verdicts.
  • The firm operates across multiple states and can file claims in jurisdictions where exposure occurred or where you currently live.

How Sokolove Law takes cases and what happens after you contact them

When you contact Sokolove Law, a representative will ask about your diagnosis, your work history, and where you believe asbestos exposure occurred. This conversation is free and does not obligate you to hire the firm. If the firm decides to take your case, you will sign a retainer agreement that outlines the contingency fee percentage (typically 25 to 33 percent of recovery) and what costs the firm will advance on your behalf.

After intake, the firm's legal team will investigate your exposure history, gather medical records, and identify which asbestos trust funds or defendants may be liable. Many cases settle before trial; others proceed to litigation. Throughout the process, you will have a point person at the firm who updates you on progress and explains next steps.

Asbestos trust funds and how they differ from lawsuits

Asbestos trust funds are pools of money set aside by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products and later filed for bankruptcy. These funds exist to compensate people harmed by those products. Filing a claim with a trust fund does not require a lawsuit — you submit documentation of your diagnosis and exposure, and the trust reviews it against its payment criteria.

A lawsuit, by contrast, is filed against a defendant (a company or employer) that is still solvent and operating. Lawsuits can take longer but may result in larger awards. Many cases involve both: a claim filed with one or more trust funds while a lawsuit proceeds against other defendants. Sokolove Law handles both types of claims and decides which route or combination makes sense based on your specific exposure history.

What documentation you will need to provide

To move forward with a case, Sokolove Law will need your medical records showing your diagnosis (mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer), pathology reports if available, and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. You will also need to provide your work history, including employer names, job titles, dates of employment, and descriptions of your duties and the materials you handled.

If your exposure was military-related, you will need to provide your service records or a copy of your discharge papers (DD Form 214). The firm may also ask for witness statements from coworkers who can confirm your exposure, or for photographs of the workplace if available. Having this information organized before your first conversation with the firm speeds up the intake process.

Fee structure and what you pay if the case settles or goes to trial

Sokolove Law works on contingency, which means the firm advances all costs (court fees, informed witnesses, medical record retrieval, investigation) and takes a percentage of any money you recover. You pay nothing out of pocket during the case. If the case does not result in a recovery, you owe the firm nothing — though you may be responsible for certain court costs depending on your state's rules and the retainer agreement you sign.

If the case settles or results in a jury verdict in your favor, the firm deducts its fee and reimbursable costs from the recovery before sending you the remainder. The exact percentage varies but typically ranges from 25 to 33 percent. Before you sign any agreement, the firm must explain the fee structure in writing, and you have the right to ask questions about how costs are calculated.

States where Sokolove Law operates and how location affects your case

Sokolove Law is licensed to practice in multiple states, including Massachusetts, New York, California, Florida, and others. You do not have to live in one of these states to hire the firm — many clients contact them from across the country. However, the state where your exposure occurred or where you currently reside may affect which court has jurisdiction over your case and what laws explore to your claim.

Some states have more favorable statutes of limitations (the important date for filing a lawsuit) or damage caps than others. The firm will explain how your location and the location of your exposure affect your options. If you live in a state where Sokolove Law is not licensed, the firm may partner with a local attorney or refer you to another firm that can handle your case.

How long cases typically take from start to settlement or verdict

The timeline for an asbestos or mesothelioma case varies widely depending on whether it settles or goes to trial. Trust fund claims often move faster — typically three to twelve months from filing to decision. Lawsuits can take longer: many settle within one to three years, but cases that proceed to trial may take three to five years or more from filing to verdict.

Factors that affect timing include the number of defendants, the complexity of your exposure history, whether medical causation is disputed, and court schedules in your jurisdiction. Sokolove Law will give you a realistic estimate based on the specifics of your case. During settlement negotiations, the firm will advise you on whether an offer is reasonable or whether pursuing trial might result in a larger award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to hire Sokolove Law, or can I shop around?

You are not obligated to hire any firm. You can speak with multiple personal injury attorneys before deciding. Many offer free consultations. Ask each firm about their experience with asbestos cases, which trust funds they have recovered from, and how they structure fees. The firm you choose should be transparent about costs and realistic about timelines.

What if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago but was just diagnosed?

Mesothelioma and asbestosis can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. Most states allow you to file a lawsuit based on when you were diagnosed, not when you were exposed — this is called the "discovery rule." Sokolove Law can review your specific situation and tell you whether the statute of limitations in your state allows you to file. Do not delay; important date vary by state.

Can I file a claim if the company that exposed me no longer exists?

Yes. If the company filed for bankruptcy, it likely established an asbestos trust fund to compensate victims. Sokolove Law can identify which trust funds explore to your exposure and file claims on your behalf. If the company is still operating, the firm can pursue a lawsuit. In some cases, both options are available.

What happens if I settle with one trust fund but later develop another asbestos-related illness?

This depends on the terms of your settlement and the specific trust fund. Some settlements are structured to cover only the illness diagnosed at the time of settlement. If you develop a new illness later, you may be able to file a separate claim. Discuss this possibility with Sokolove Law when reviewing any settlement offer.

How does Sokolove Law prove where my asbestos exposure happened?

The firm uses your work history, witness statements, occupational databases, and historical records of asbestos use in specific industries and workplaces. They may hire industrial hygienists or occupational health experts to testify about exposure levels in your workplace. Medical experts will also review your diagnosis and confirm it is consistent with asbestos exposure.