If you file an asbestos case against a manufacturer, you should expect to be called a liar more than once. Unfortunately, unscrupulous plaintiffs and lawyers have taken advantage of the asbestos liability pie, and their perfidy has hurt legitimate claimants.
Depending on the severity of your asbestos-related illness, a defendant may be willing to settle out of court to avoid more asbestos litigation. This doesn't mean, however, that you won't need a lawyer. In fact, you should hire one to go over the agreement and see if it's fair to you.