What Is Mesothelioma Compensation?
Mesothelioma compensation is money paid out to victims of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and more. This compensation comes from the manufacturers of asbestos-based products.
Companies that made and sold asbestos-based products knowingly exposed millions of people to this deadly material between the 1930s and early 1980s. These companies were fully aware of the potential loss of life and did not protect people, even after scientists had proven that asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma and other diseases.
Dennis, a victim of mesothelioma, talks about his journey from diagnosis to filing an asbestos claim. View Transcript.
Duration: 2 min 48 sec
The specialist called me one night at 5:30 and I thought, “this is odd time for them to be calling me.”
He said, “Dennis, I have the results for your test.”
And my reaction was, “Oh, good. What do you got?”
He didn’t speak for like five or seven seconds and I thought, “Oh my god, this is it.”
And he said, “The results from the biopsy are you have mesothelioma, you’ve been around asbestos.”
They determined I had peritoneal mesothelioma, that means it’s mostly in my stomach.
I asked her, “How long am I going to live, doctor?”
She told me, “I see five to ten years and I will hope for ten to fifteen.”
So I thought, “Oh my god, I just lose my dad three months earlier, now I got cancer.”
I had fun being a mechanic. The dust from brake jobs, yeah there’s a lot, especially in the hub of the wheel; got to get all the dust away so you can put in the new stuff.
I knew there was asbestos in it but I didn’t know it was harmful. I didn’t know it would cause cancer.
Do I call the attorneys? I didn’t know I would get these benefits. It’s helped complete our – make our living financially, we would have been in Hell in high water without these benefits.
I had a legal team on my side in two or three days I believe, and I was very comfortable.
They were real people and they came to my house. They treated me like a person, not a number. They took care of every step and they explained to me the steps that would be taken and as time went on, they needed to they would call me on the phone and let me know and it was a good experience.
If someone was diagnosed with mesothelioma, as I was. I would tell them, first of all, you need help like I did. We were given something we were never warned about, that asbestos was in the things we worked with.
They made it very personal for me in a good way. For my wife, and kids and my family, they really helped me and they treated me like a person.
Mesothelioma lawyers have the experience needed to file a claim against these negligent companies and help mesothelioma patients get compensation and justice.
Compensation for mesothelioma can alleviate financial burdens caused by medical treatment costs. Mesothelioma compensation can also ensure a victim’s family is taken care of into the future.
Who Is Eligible For Mesothelioma Compensation?
Patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis or other serious asbestos-related diseases may be able to apply for legal compensation. Patients do not need to know how they were exposed to asbestos to pursue compensation.
Mesothelioma compensation for family members is also available in some cases. Spouses, children, and estate executors can file for compensation if a loved one passed due to mesothelioma.
The best way to see if you can pursue compensation is to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Download our free Questions to Ask Your Lawyer checklist to ensure you get the answers you need.
Mesothelioma Compensation Amounts
You can receive compensation from a lawsuit, trust funds, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are several different factors that can affect the amount of asbestos compensation you may receive from your claim, so case values can vary.
The average mesothelioma lawsuit awards between $1 million and $1.4 million to the victim through a settlement. Trials may award more or less money depending on the jury verdict.
Some notable mesothelioma settlement amounts include:
$10.2 millionU.S. Navy veteran, Washington- $9.5 millionConstruction worker, California
- $6.5 millionU.S. Army veteran, Louisiana
- $1.2 millionSecondhand exposure, Missouri
You can file an asbestos bankruptcy trust fund claim or collect VA benefits even if you win money from a mesothelioma lawsuit.
According to RAND Institute for Civil Justice, the average asbestos trust fund claim awards around $41,000. Veterans who file for VA financial benefits can often receive over $3,000 a month — or more — if they have mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to file a mesothelioma compensation claim. Reach out to our knowledgeable and compassionate team today to see if you are eligible.
Benefits of Mesothelioma Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation can help pay for the costs and ease the financial burden of fighting this cancer.
Some of the common costs associated with mesothelioma include:
- At-home care
- Chemotherapy
- End-of-life care
- Loss of income
- Medication
- Pain and suffering
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Travel expenses for out-of-town treatments
- Other related costs
Asbestos compensation can also help victims support their families even after their death. Family members can rest assured knowing they will not have to face a financial burden if a loved one passes away from mesothelioma.
Types of Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims
Mesothelioma victims have several options to pursue legal action and receive compensation from negligent asbestos companies. Depending on your diagnosis and work history, you may be able to get financial assistance in multiple ways.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you decide which of the following compensation options is best for your needs.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits filed against manufacturers of asbestos-based products that can help you secure compensation.
Types of mesothelioma lawsuits include:
- Personal injury lawsuits: Mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to get compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Some judges will also order punitive damages (monetary punishment for the defendant).
- Wrongful death lawsuits: Family members that have lost a loved one to asbestos-related disease can file lawsuits to get money for lingering medical bills, pain, suffering, and funeral costs. Punitive damages can also be awarded in wrongful death cases.
It is key to work with a top asbestos lawyer to file a mesothelioma case and assist you during the claims process. This can give you the best chance at receiving compensation.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many companies that knowingly exposed people to asbestos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after facing an influx of legal claims.
Asbestos product companies that go bankrupt can no longer be sued. However, these manufacturers were required to set aside significant amounts of money for asbestos trust funds to compensate mesothelioma victims.
Today, there is an estimated $30 billion available in asbestos trust fund compensation. Some people who file an asbestos claim are awarded money as soon as 90 days. Work with an asbestos attorney to make sure your mesothelioma compensation fund claim is filed correctly.
VA Benefits Claims
Veterans may also be eligible to receive asbestos compensation through VA Benefits. The VA considers mesothelioma a disability and provides monthly benefit payments to veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma.
You can still pursue legal action and continue to collect VA benefits. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans gather the information needed to file a strong VA benefits claim. No legal action is taken against the U.S. military or government.
How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation
Mesothelioma victims and their loved ones can file a compensation claim with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Mesothelioma lawyers can file a lawsuit or trust fund claim on your behalf. They can also help you gather the right resources to access VA benefits. It is important to work with a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation to ensure your claim is filed correctly.
If you file your claim by yourself or with a non-specialized law firm, it may be filed incorrectly. This can result in a significant delay in getting mesothelioma compensation or may result in your claim being denied as a whole.
You can avoid all the stress that comes with a legal claim by working with a mesothelioma law firm. Your legal team will keep you updated throughout the process and will be committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Connect with a lawyer today to learn more about your legal options and filing a claim to win mesothelioma compensation.
Seek Mesothelioma Compensation Today
You should not be responsible for paying for your cancer treatment if you developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos companies hid the dangers of their products from the public for decades, exposing millions to this deadly substance. They should be held accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma compensation from a legal claim can help you afford treatment to potentially improve your life expectancy and quality of life. Compensation can also secure your family’s finances in the future, so you can rest assured that they will not be left with any financial burden.
Working with a lawyer is the best way to ensure your claim is filed properly. Get a free legal consultation today to learn if you can collect mesothelioma compensation.
Mesothelioma Compensation FAQs
What is the average settlement for mesothelioma victims?
The average mesothelioma settlement is anywhere between $1 million and $1.4 million.
There are many factors that can impact your potential payout amount, so the best way to determine your case value is to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer.
How long will it take to receive mesothelioma compensation?
Some claimants receive mesothelioma compensation in as little as 90 days.
However, there are many factors that can affect the amount of time it takes to resolve your claim such as the type of claim, the statute of limitations, the number of manufacturers being sued, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
How do I file a mesothelioma claim?
You can file your claim by working with a mesothelioma lawyer.
A mesothelioma attorney with experience handling claims similar to your own can help you file your claim in a timely manner. This can help you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
