Mesothelioma Compensation
Following a diagnosis of mesothelioma, patients and families are faced with increasing financial and medical expenses. Compensation can offset these expenses and help victims.
Compensation can be awarded through the courts or trust fund, or through the VA. Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their loved ones to obtain this money. Compensation can help pay for medical treatment as well as living expenses, travel and other expenses.
VA Benefits
Veterans who were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits may be used to pay for mesothelioma-related treatments and other medical expenses. Compensation is available to the spouses who survive and kids of deceased veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military.
Veterans should seek out a VA-accredited lawyer with experience in mesothelioma to file their compensation claims. A lawyer can ensure the proper forms are filled out and that the information included on them is accurate. Incorrect forms could lead to delays or even denial of the claim.
The mesothelioma lawyers at Sokolove Law have helped thousands of veterans access their rightful VA benefits. These include monetary compensation for asbestos-related illnesses, as well as monthly financial payments. Compensation for mesothelioma sufferers is based on the degree of disability.
Asbestos victims who receive VA compensation must prove that exposure to asbestos during the military caused their mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related illness. This is done by filing a VA disability claim or mesothelioma lawsuit.
VA claims can be complicated and require the assistance of an experienced attorney. A mesothelioma attorney will work with the mesothelioma doctor to gather the necessary details and complete all VA documentation. This includes the obtaining of an official medical opinion, known as a nexus declaration, which confirms the connection between the veteran’s military service and mesothelioma.
Patients with mesothelioma can be treated at one of three VA hospitals that are mesothelioma specialists. They can also request an appointment with a mesothelioma expert in the civilian field from their VA doctor. If a veteran is granted a mesothelioma VA benefit, they are able to receive treatment outside of the VA system through the Veterans Choice Program.
Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos are not aware of their right to compensation for mesothelioma. Many veterans diagnosed with this cancer do not file a claim because they assume that it is not worth the trouble. But, it is essential that a mesothelioma lawsuit is filed as the government offers compensation to those diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition.
Asbestos Trust Funds
A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans claim compensation from asbestos trust funds. These trusts were set up as part of the bankruptcy process when asbestos-related companies filed for protection from class-action lawsuits. They put aside funds to compensate mesothelioma victims lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. There are billions of dollars in these trusts.
Each asbestos trust fund has its own policies for filing claims and determining the amount of compensation. Typically, they ask for documents proving exposure as well as an evidence of an asbestos-related diagnosis. Depending on the fund, they might ask for information regarding where and when asbestos was exposed. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist veterans decide which asbestos trust fund to file a claim with, and gather all necessary documents.
Mesothelioma compensation can help pay medical costs and lost income, while helping a family maintain their quality of life. It also allows victims to participate in clinical trials for new treatments. Asbestos victims can use trust fund money to cover the cost of transportation, lodging and meals during these trials.
The money received from asbestos trusts cannot be paid back, so the victims get to keep the entire amount. They should be aware that the value of mesothelioma claims is determined by the payment percentages. Each asbestos trust has its own schedule for how much they pay each victim.
If a mesothelioma sufferer accepts the value of their claim, they will then undergo a liquidation process. The asbestos trust will mail the patient a check following several weeks.
People who were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, are able to file a claim with the asbestos trust fund. Families can also file on behalf a loved one who has passed away from mesothelioma. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will determine the eligibility of the victim, and recommend legal options to be compensated.
Settlements
Mesothelioma patients and their families can receive compensation in two ways: through negotiated settlements made with asbestos manufacturers or by jury verdicts. Each has pros and cons.
A mesothelioma-related settlement negotiated by negotiation is a contract between the attorney of the victim and an asbestos company in which the victim agrees to let go of all future claims against the defendant in exchange for a financial amount that is negotiated with the lawyer representing the victim. Settlements are usually awarded for medical expenses that have occurred in the past or to come as well as lost wages and other losses that are documented in connection with the diagnosis of asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma may also be awarded non-economic damages for the physical and mental pain they've endured as a result of asbestos exposure.
A mesothelioma suit may be filed while the victim is still alive or after their death, according to the laws of the state. Mesothelioma victims and their successors typically have between one and three years to file a mesothelioma suit following the date of asbestos exposure.
It is crucial that the victims or their family members hire an experienced asbestos lawyer. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you evaluate all options and figure out the most suitable compensation for you.
Weitz & Luxenberg is known for its ability to get significant awards for clients. The firm won the largest asbestos group verdict in the history of New York, a $190,000,000 judgment on behalf of 36 Brooklyn Navy Yard workers diagnosed mesothelioma resulting from decades of asbestos exposure.
A mesothelioma claim settlement can be an efficient and cost-effective way to receive compensation. However, it does not ensure that the victim receives the amount they desire. On the average, a mesothelioma case is worth between $1 million to $1.5 million, but it depends on the specifics of each case.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are handled by trust funds due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis. Asbestos companies that exposed asbestos-related diseases filed bankruptcy and, as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, they set up trust funds to cover future claims. Over $30 billion is available in asbestos trust funds for victims.
Trial Verdicts
A mesothelioma lawsuit could result in a judgement or verdict which is awarded to the victim for the asbestos-related damages they suffered. Settlements or verdicts resulting from trials can be used to pay for medical costs as well as future expenses such as home medical care and living expenses. Other sources of financial assistance are available to patients with Mesothelioma including the VA Pension or Aid & Assistance benefits.
Mesothelioma lawyers can determine the best course of action for their clients. This could include the negotiation of an equitable mesothelioma settlement or bringing the case to trial. But, settling the case outside of court is often the fastest and simplest solution for mesothelioma sufferers. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will ensure that the victim receives an equitable and reasonable compensation that is in their best interests.
If a defendant is unwilling to settle the matter it will be tried. During the trial, lawyers on both sides gather evidence. The judge and jury decide whether the defendant is liable and how much money they have to pay. They also decide if punitive damages should be added to compensatory damages.
A majority of lawsuits result in mesothelioma-related settlements before the case goes to trial. The amount of money awarded is contingent upon various factors such as the severity of the disease and the life expectancy of the victim.
Trial verdicts can also be awarded for past and future lost income, unpaid medical bills as well as pain and suffering and other expenses incurred by victim and their family. A mesothelioma lawyer will assist victims in documenting the costs and losses that they have suffered.
mesothelioma compensation claims and their families can count on the lawyers at Lanier Law Firm for help filing a claim or pursuing an action against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. The firm has recovered billions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for people who were harmed because of the negligence of asbestos producers who put profits ahead of the safety of their employees. Lanier Law Firm has offices in New York, California and Washington, DC. Call the firm to find out what a mesothelioma lawyer could do to assist you with your legal matter.