About Mesothelioma Compensation
Acquiring compensation for asbestos exposure and the diseases that result from it – such as mesothelioma – can be a straightforward process with the assistance of a legal team that is experienced in handling mesothelioma claims. Identifying an experienced law firm with expertise in asbestos litigation to help you manage your mesothelioma lawsuit is the best strategy for pursuing your legal claims and assuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation based upon your individual claims.
This page provides detailed information about the types of mesothelioma compensation you may be eligible for should you decide to file a mesothelioma claim, along with information about what to expect when going through the legal process.
Types of Asbestos Compensation
In general, there are four types of compensation available for mesothelioma claims.
Settlements
One way to receive compensation for asbestos-related diseases is through a legal settlement. To receive a settlement, it is first necessary to file a claim against one or more companies for either personal injury or wrongful death. Often times, companies will prefer to settle such claims rather than to risk a full trial, which could result in them having to pay even more money. Even if a case does go to trial, a claim may still be settled before the final verdict is issued.
The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits result in settlements. Having a team of knowledgeable lawyers who have demonstrated an ability to successfully navigate the settlement process is the most certain way to receive the maximum compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families.
Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Funds
Exposure to asbestos has a long history, and over time a number of companies that manufactured, distributed, sold, or used asbestos products and materials have either gone out of business, merged with other corporations, or been restructured due to bankruptcy. In some cases, the downfall of these companies was due directly to the liability they incurred because of their use of asbestos.
Even though such companies no longer exist, it may still be possible to receive compensation from them. In many instances, the companies were required to establish asbestos bankruptcy trust funds (“asbestos trusts”) and fund them with enough money to pay mesothelioma claims brought against them. These mesothelioma trust funds typically have a set of established criteria, and mesothelioma victims who meet those criteria can expect to receive compensation from the fund.
Jury Awards
From time to time, a mesothelioma claim may make it all the way to a jury trial. If no settlement is reached, and if the defendant is found liable for the asbestos exposure that led to the development of mesothelioma, a jury will determine the amount of compensation to be paid to the injured party. The amount awarded often includes actual expenses incurred as well as punitive damages.
Waiting for a verdict can sometimes be risky, which is why many companies want to settle. However, it may also be in the best interest of the plaintiff to settle as well, since juries could also return a verdict that either finds the company not to be liable or which awards a smaller amount of compensation than they might have received as a settlement. Having a skilled attorney who can advise you about the strength of your case and the likelihood of a favorable verdict and award is critical to ensuring that, as a mesothelioma victim, you receive the greatest remuneration possible.
Compensation for Veterans
Retired military personnel – especially those who served in the Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and U.S. Army Transport Service – comprise one of the largest populations of people who were exposed to asbestos, due to the use of this material in warships and other naval vessels. As a result, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has designated mesothelioma as one of several diseases that qualify for disability benefits.
The available benefits for veterans exposed to asbestos is dependent upon certain criteria—a veteran must have been discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable conditions and show that the asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma occurred during the time of his/her service. Veterans may also be eligible to receive no-cost health benefits through the VA for service-related disabilities, including mesothelioma.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE For Mesothelioma Victims
Request FREE information about financial assistance that may be available for those diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Learn More About the Following:
Mesothelioma Trust Funds
$32 Billion Already Set Aside
Compensation for Veterans
It’s Easy to See if You Qualify
How Much Compensation Can I Get?
There is no set amount of compensation for mesothelioma claims. Each case needs to be assessed individually, and the amount of money you receive will depend on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- Where you have lived, worked, or served in the military
- Your age now, when you were exposed to asbestos, and when you received a mesothelioma diagnosis
- What products or materials containing asbestos you were exposed to
- How much physical or mental anguish (pain and suffering) you experienced as a result of your disease
In addition, your compensation amount will include consideration of how much money you have spent, as well as wages lost, due to your disease, including:
- Lost income from being out of work
- Your inability to support dependents
- Medical bills for diagnosis and treatment
- Travel expenses to and from treatment centers
- Funeral costs
Jury awards potentially could also include punitive damages to penalize the company liable for the asbestos exposure.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Compensation Consultation
The first step to gaining an understanding of your mesothelioma compensation opportunities is to request a free consultation from a top mesothelioma law firm.
You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-336-0086 to learn more about the opportunities for financial assistance available to you.
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