Maybe. If you think you know what caused your cancer (or if a doctor identified a cause of your cancer) and someone is responsible, you very well might have a claim against them. So, what should you do?

The first step is to find a lawyer. And not just any lawyer, someone who specializes in this type claim—exposure or “toxic tort” claims. These claims can be very technical and difficult, so you want a lawyer with extensive experience. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of time and a lot of stress for nothing.

Make sure you find a lawyer who will handle your case on a “contingency fee” basis, meaning that they don’t charge you anything unless you win, in which case they get a percentage of the amount you get. Make sure the lawyer is picking up the costs too—experts in these cases can be super expensive.

Speaking of experts, the first thing the lawyer will likely do is consult with an expert to make sure there is good science behind your claim. If an expert won’t swear under oath that your exposure to the bad guy’s chemicals caused your cancer, you shouldn’t bring a claim. If your lawyer doesn’t take this step, you probably want to look for a different lawyer!