Mesothelioma Compensation
After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, patients and their families are faced with increasing financial and medical expenses. Compensation can help offset the costs and aid the victims.
Patients and their families may get compensation through lawsuits or trust fund or the VA. Compensation can help pay for medical treatment, travel, living expenses, and other costs.
VA Benefits
Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related ailments could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits could help pay for mesothelioma treatment, in addition to other medical costs. Compensation is available to the spouses of survivors and kids of deceased veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military.
Veterans should employ a seasoned VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyer to file their claims for compensation. A lawyer can make sure that the proper forms are filled out and ensure that the information contained in them is accurate. Incorrect forms could result in delays or even the rejection of the claim.
The mesothelioma lawyers of Sokolove Law have helped thousands of veterans get their rightful VA benefits. They provide monetary compensation for asbestos-related illnesses as well as monthly financial payments. Compensation for mesothelioma patients is based on their disability level.
Asbestos-related victims who are awarded VA compensation must prove that their exposure to asbestos in the military triggered mesothelioma or other asbestos-related condition. This is done by filing a VA disability claim or mesothelioma lawsuit.
VA claims are complex and require an experienced attorney to submit them in a timely manner. A mesothelioma lawyer will collaborate with a mesothelioma physician to gather all necessary details and complete all VA documents. This includes getting a nexus certificate, which is an official medical opinion that confirms the link between the veteran's service in the military and their mesothelioma.
Patients with mesothelioma are able to be treated at any of the three VA hospitals that specialize in mesothelioma. mesothelioma compensation can also ask for a referral to mesothelioma experts in the civilian field from their VA doctor. If a veteran receives a mesothelioma VA benefit, they can receive care outside the VA system through the Veterans Choice Program.
Many asbestos-exposed veterans are not aware they are entitled to mesothelioma settlements. Many veterans who are diagnosed with this cancer do not make a claim as they assume that it is not worth the effort. It is crucial to file a mesothelioma lawsuit since the government pays those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related ailments.
Asbestos Trust Funds
A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans file claims for compensation from asbestos trust funds. These trusts were established as part of the bankruptcy process, when asbestos-related companies filed for protection against class-action suits. They set aside funds for compensation of victims with mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as other asbestos-related diseases. These trusts contain billions of dollars.
Each asbestos trust fund has its own policies for filing claims and determining compensation amounts. Typically, they ask for evidence of exposure and an evidence of an asbestos-related diagnosis. Depending on the trust, they could also ask for information about where and when asbestos exposure occurred. Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help veterans identify which asbestos trust fund to file a claim against and gather the necessary documentation for each.
Compensation for mesothelioma could help a family to pay medical bills and replace lost income while preserving their quality of living. It can also enable victims to participate in clinical trials of new medications. Asbestos-related victims can use money from trust funds to cover the cost of travel, lodging and food during these trials.
Compensation from asbestos trusts do not have to be paid back, meaning that a victim can keep all the compensation they receive. However they should be aware that the value of a mesothelioma claim is calculated using rates called payment percentages, and each asbestos trust has a distinct schedule for how much it will pay each victim.
If a mesothelioma patient accepts the amount assigned to their claim, it will go through a liquidation as well as assignment process. The asbestos trust will send the patient a check after several weeks.
Any worker who was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, is eligible to make an asbestos trust fund claim. It is also possible for family members to file on behalf of a deceased loved one who passed away from mesothelioma. A top mesothelioma lawyer can review a victim's eligibility and suggest the best legal options to obtain compensation.
Settlements
Mesothelioma patients and their families may receive compensation in two ways: through negotiated settlements made with asbestos manufacturers, or through juries' verdicts. Each has pros and cons.
A mesothelioma settlement that is negotiated is a contract between the victim’s attorney and the asbestos business, which stipulates that the victim will not to file any future claims against the defendant. The victim’s lawyer negotiates a cash award. Settlements are usually awarded for future or past medical expenses as well as lost wages and other losses documented as a result of the diagnosis of asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma may also be awarded non-economic damages for the mental and physical suffering they've endured as a result of asbestos exposure.
A mesothelioma suit can be filed while the victim is still alive or after their death, according to the laws of the state. Mesothelioma patients, or their heirs have typically one to three years from the date of exposure to asbestos to file a lawsuit.
Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated and it is essential for victims or their families to work with a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer. A mesothelioma lawyer will help you evaluate all options and figure out the most suitable compensation for you.
Weitz & Luxenberg is known for its ability to get huge awards for its clients. The firm racked up the biggest group asbestos verdict in New York history, a $190 million settlement on behalf of 36 Brooklyn Navy Yard workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses after years of exposure.
While a mesothelioma lawsuit is an expedient and cost-effective way to recover compensation, it's not a guarantee that the patient will receive the amount they wish to. On the average, a mesothelioma case is worth between $1 million to $1.5 million, however it varies based on the specifics of each case.
A large number of mesothelioma lawsuits are handled by trust funds since there is a long delay between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma diagnoses. Asbestos firms that exposed their workers to asbestos declared bankruptcy and as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, they created trust funds for future claims. More than $30 billion is available as asbestos trust funds for the victims.
Trial Verdicts
A mesothelioma-related case could result in a verdict or a judgment which is awarded to the victim for asbestos-related damages. Settlements or verdicts can be used to pay for medical expenses, loss of income and future needs, such as in-home health care and living expenses. Other financial aid options are available to patients suffering from Mesothelioma, such as the VA Pension or Aid and Assistance benefits.
Mesothelioma lawyers can determine the best option for their clients. This could involve negotiations for an equitable mesothelioma deal or taking the case to trial. But, settling the case outside of court is usually the most convenient and fastest option for mesothelioma patients. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will ensure that the victim receives an appropriate and fair compensation that is in their best interests.
In the event that a defendant does not agree to settle the case, it will be heard at trial. During this process, attorneys from both sides will gather and share evidence. The judge and jury will decide whether the defendant is responsible, what amount of money they have to pay and whether punitive damages should be added to the compensatory award.
Before a trial, a majority of lawsuits settle their mesothelioma claims. The amount of compensation awarded depends on several factors such as the severity of the illness and the life expectancy of the person suffering from the disease.
Trial verdicts can be awarded for future and past lost income, medical bills that are not paid, pain and suffering and other expenses incurred by the victim and their family. A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims document all the expenses and losses they have suffered.
Asbestos victims and their families can rely on the attorneys at Lanier Law Firm for help filing a claim or pursuing an action against the companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos. The firm has recovered billions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for victims who suffered injuries because of the negligence of asbestos producers who put their profits before the safety of their workers. Lanier Law Firm is located in New York, California, and Washington, DC. Contact the firm now to find out how a mesothelioma attorney can help you with your legal matter.