Mesothelioma case values depend on the individual factors of each case. An expert asbestos attorney can estimate a reasonable amount. They act on behalf of their clients to get this amount through lawsuits, claims, and asbestos trust funds.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about qualified mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
How Do I Find Out What My Mesothelioma Case Is Worth?
A lot of factors go into determining the value of a mesothelioma claim. There is no way to predict an exact amount, but an experienced asbestos attorney can make a reasonable estimate.
If you work with an asbestos law firm or lawyer, they will review the circumstances of your case to determine an amount to seek. They will fight for that amount through a lawsuit, settlement, and other sources of compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for Asbestos Cases?
Settlement amounts vary widely in mesothelioma lawsuits and depend on the specifics of each case. The average settlement in mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits is between $1 and $1.4 million.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in settlements, but some go to trial. A jury usually awards a much higher amount. The verdicts in asbestos lawsuits range between $5 and $11.6 million. The average is around $2.4 million.
What Is the Highest Mesothelioma Settlement?
Settlement amounts are not always disclosed, so it is not possible to identify the largest amount awarded. However, verdicts are a matter of public record.
A Mississippi jury awarded a record verdict for an asbestos case in 2011. The amount, $322 million, went to Thomas Brown Jr.
Brown worked in oil fields for decades and developed asbestosis later in life. The jury awarded the amount against Chevron Phillips and Union Carbide.
The record-setting award included $300 million in punitive damages. Unfortunately, the judge vacated the verdict, but the results show how willing juries are to compensate victims.
What Is the Typical Asbestos Trust Fund Payout?
Companies that go bankrupt due to asbestos lawsuits often set up trust funds to compensate future claimants. The average payout from an asbestos trust fund is $180,000, but again, there is a lot of variation.
What Factors Affect Mesothelioma Case Value?
Averages are helpful to give you an idea of what your asbestos case could be worth, but it’s essential to understand how much amounts vary. Your individual mesothelioma case value depends on several factors:
Medical Costs
Anyone dealing with an aggressive disease such as mesothelioma will tell you how costly treatment is. Treatments, therapies, medications, and even the costs of getting to and from medical appointments, factor into your case worth.
Medical costs will differ depending on your medical center and the type of treatment you receive.
For instance, the average cost of lung surgery can be around $39,000, whereas the average price of chemotherapy can be $30,000 and over. Even if the patient has insurance, radiation therapy can sometimes cost $2,000 or more monthly.
Lost Wages
Economic losses for both the patient and the patient’s loved ones are factored into the overall mesothelioma and asbestos case worth.
For instance, you might miss work due to medical appointments and treatments. The illness is so severe for many patients that they can never return to work.
Stage and Severity of the Disease
The stage of your disease and how long you’ve suffered from mesothelioma will significantly impact your case value. People in the later stages of the disease and those who’ve lived with the disease for a long time after diagnosis typically have a higher case value.
The Extent of Asbestos Exposure
The amount of asbestos you were exposed to, and the duration of exposure matters in determining overall case value.
Although asbestos is unsafe at any level, generally, the longer the exposure and the higher the amount of exposure, the more likely the patient will develop an aggressive asbestos-related illness.
Non-Economic Costs
Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease that puts a physical and mental strain on both victims and loved ones.
The physical and emotional pain you and your loved ones have endured may factor into your case value.
Losses to Dependents
If you have dependents, your case value may increase due to loss of economic support, loss of emotional support, and more. This may include anyone who lives in your household that depends on you for financial support.
You may qualify for loss of consortium if you have a spouse or partner who suffered due to your illness.
Other Factors
Other factors that help determine a mesothelioma and asbestos case value include:
- Your age
- The type of asbestos involved
- The strength of your proof of asbestos exposure
- The companies involved and their degree of negligence
- The defendants’ actions toward the victim and in the workplace
- Any eyewitness testimony
- State laws where you live or file your lawsuit
What Are Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claims Worth?
If you lost a loved one to an asbestos illness or if they died during their lawsuit, you may want to pursue a wrongful death claim.
The value of this claim depends on many of the same factors as a lawsuit brought by the victim. Additionally, you can consider funeral expenses and your own emotional suffering and loss of companionship.
Sources of Compensation to Boost Your Mesothelioma Case Value
As a victim of asbestos exposure, you can seek compensation through multiple sources. Doing so may increase your case’s value and the compensation you receive to cover medical and other expenses.
Lawsuit Settlements
Most mesothelioma cases end in settlements. However, there are instances in which your case may go to trial.
There are pros and cons to both trials and settlements, but an experienced asbestos attorney will ensure you understand your options and what’s best for you.
Settlements provide a guaranteed way for you to obtain compensation for your disease.
An attorney typically negotiates a settlement amount with the defense after providing solid proof of your case. Settlements are also much quicker than trials, and you don’t have to worry about the other side appealing the decision.
Lawsuit Verdicts
Settlement amounts are usually lower than verdict amounts awarded during trials. On the other hand, going to trial is a risk. If the jury decides in favor of the defendants, you get nothing.
Trials also take longer to resolve than settlements and are typically more mentally and physically taxing. For someone with a terminal illness, a trial may be too much and take too long.
Asbestos Trust Funds
When companies are responsible for asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses, they often face thousands of costly lawsuits. This led many companies to file for bankruptcy. As part of the restructuring process, these companies set up asbestos trust funds to compensate claimants.
If you’re eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund, the administrator determines your claim value by looking at:
- The amount of funds in the trust
- How much of the funds must be set aside for future claimants
- The stage of your disease
- The extent of your exposure and illness
Benefits
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you get any benefits to which you are entitled:
- Workers’ compensation
- Disability insurance
- Social Security Disability payments
- VA benefits for veterans
Mesothelioma case values vary significantly because asbestos and illness affect people differently. Rely on an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to evaluate your case and maximize the value of your claims.
Work with a Mesothelioma Lawyer to Maximize Compensation
The best way to ensure you have a fair chance of recovering the money you really need is to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Mesothelioma and asbestos firms have years of experience working on cases like yours.
They have the resources necessary to prove companies were negligent in your asbestos exposure. They can also prove that your illness resulted from that exposure.
Additionally, the right lawyer will be able to maximize the value of your case. They can find all the expenses you might not have considered. Find a reputable, successful firm with proven experience winning for asbestos clients.
Additional Resources to Help Determine Your Case Value
Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
