A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports on the close relationships between some doctors who treat mesothelioma patients, and the plaintiffs’ attorneys who litigate asbestos lawsuits.

The report details significant contributions to mesothelioma research made by some such attorneys, as well as some asbestos lawyers sending “elaborate gift baskets” to doctors, providing tickets to “professional sporting events,” or offering “paid work as expert witnesses.” According to the report, the doctors then serve as referrers and marketing tools, giving an edge to doctor-favored attorneys seeking to represent mesothelioma clients.

The article explains the cases are a hot commodity in the legal world because “Mesothelioma patients are in high demand by plaintiffs’ attorneys. A single successful mesothelioma case against companies that made asbestos products can be worth an average of $1.5 million to $2 million, according to legal consultants. The plaintiffs’ lawyers get anywhere from 30% to 40% in fees.”