Getting Compensation for Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may be able to receive financial compensation from a lawsuit, trust funds, and/or benefits paid out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of this diagnosis alone. Asbestos companies spent decades hiding the dangers of their products from the public, exposing millions of hard-working families to this deadly substance.
Nearly all mesothelioma victims who get financial assistance do so without going to court — and many of them receive their first payouts within 90 days.
- $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to pay mesothelioma victims
- $1 million to $1.4 million average settlement amount
- $9+ billion recovered for families by Simmons Hanly Conroy
- $5 million to $11.4 million average verdict amount
Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office
Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with nationally recognized mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy to help patients and their families pursue the settlement compensation they deserve. To date, the firm has recovered over $9.3 billion in mesothelioma compensation for clients nationwide.
Get a free legal consultation with Simmons Hanly Conroy today to learn how they might be able to help your family.
Mesothelioma Compensation: Settlement Amounts
You can seek compensation through a mesothelioma settlement after filing a lawsuit against the product manufacturer(s) responsible for your asbestos exposure.
A settlement prevents you from having to go to trial, which means you can receive money faster if your claim is successful. The average mesothelioma settlement payout is $1.1 million to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports, but some people have received much more than this.
Notable mesothelioma settlements secured by Simmons Hanly Conroy include:
- $12 million for a laborer with pleural mesothelioma
- $9.5 million for a construction worker with pleural mesothelioma
- $6.3 million for the surviving family of an Iowa asbestos worker
- $4 million for a Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma from serving on the USS Randolph
- $3.8 million for a restaurant worker with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $2.8 million to the surviving family of an Illinois heavy equipment operator
“The financial freedom from filing a lawsuit has made the time I have left even better.”
Mesothelioma Compensation: Verdict Amounts
If your attorney cannot reach a settlement with the asbestos company’s legal team, your lawsuit will proceed to a trial. In a trial, a judge or jury will determine if you are owed compensation and, if so, how much.
According to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports, the average mesothelioma trial verdict ranges from $5 million to $11.4 million. However, some asbestos victims have been awarded much more.
Simmons Hanly Conroy has a long track record of securing substantial verdicts for its clients, including:
- $250 million for a steelworker in Indiana (the largest-ever mesothelioma verdict)
- $34 million for a California mechanic from Ford Motor Company
- $40 million for a Navy veteran in Washington
- $15 million for the surviving family of a New York construction worker
- $10 million for a Louisiana longshoreman
- $6 million for the surviving family of a Missouri laborer
In some trials, the judge or jury will order asbestos companies to pay punitive damages as additional punishment for their negligence.
Top 3 Ways to Pursue Mesothelioma Compensation
Whether you’re a current patient or surviving family of someone who passed away from mesothelioma, there are three main ways you can pursue asbestos compensation.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you decide which of the following mesothelioma compensation options is best for your situation.
1. Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma lawsuits offer patients and families a chance to secure the compensation they deserve.
There are two main types to consider:
- Personal injury lawsuits: These are filed by patients seeking compensation for expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, home health care, and the emotional toll of their mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: For families who lost a loved one to mesothelioma, this type of lawsuit can help cover expenses such as travel costs, unpaid medical bills, and funeral expenses, providing some relief during a challenging time.
By pursuing these legal options, patients and families can find hope in securing the financial support they need to navigate the challenges of mesothelioma with greater ease and peace of mind.
“I want people out there to realize that there is help. They can get a settlement from these manufacturers that continued to use asbestos and knew that it was dangerous for people.”
2. Asbestos Trust Funds
After facing a flood of legal claims, many asbestos product manufacturers filed for bankruptcy protection in the early 1980s to try to sidestep their liabilities.
While these bankrupt manufacturers can no longer be sued, they were ordered by courts to set aside significant amounts of money in asbestos trust funds as compensation for mesothelioma victims. There’s over $30 billion already set aside in these trusts as of 2024.
Most people are able to file claims with multiple trusts because of the widespread use of asbestos in the U.S. military and manufacturing industries up until the 1980s. On average, mesothelioma victims receive $300,000 to $400,000 in total compensation from asbestos trust funds.
We can help you or a loved one file asbestos trust fund claims. Check if you qualify now.
3. Veterans Benefits
If you or a loved one is a veteran with mesothelioma, you may be able to seek government compensation as well as legal assistance.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes mesothelioma as a total disability and offers monthly payments to veterans with this cancer as part of its benefits package.
In fact, married veterans could potentially receive nearly $4,000 a month in tax-free disability compensation. This financial assistance can provide vital support to you and your family during this challenging time.
In addition, if you receive treatment through the VA health care system, most if not all of your medical expenses could be covered.
Compensation is also available for the surviving spouses of veterans who pass away from service-related mesothelioma.
Who Can Receive Compensation for Asbestos Exposure?
Patients and family members affected by mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other serious diseases linked to asbestos exposure may be able to receive legal compensation.
You do not need to know where or how you were exposed to asbestos to pursue compensation.
A qualified asbestos attorney can help you determine how much compensation you might be able to receive.
Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Members
An experienced lawyer can help obtain mesothelioma compensation for family members. Surviving spouses, children, and estate executors can file for compensation if their loved one died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Still looking for the right mesothelioma lawyer? Our Free Attorney Checklist can help you find an attorney who will fight to get you maximum compensation.
How Long Does It Take to Get Mesothelioma Compensation?
Every case is different, but many people start to receive mesothelioma financial compensation from asbestos lawsuits and asbestos bankruptcy trust funds in as few as 90 days.
Factors that can affect your payout timeline include the type of mesothelioma claim filed, the statute of limitations in the state where you file, and the number of asbestos manufacturers named in your claim.
“The first time we got a settlement check — and there have been a few — I was able to tell the kids, ‘We got some money today. Wow, this thing really works.”
Knowing that other families have received mesothelioma compensation within a few months can provide much-needed peace of mind during an uncertain time in your life.
How to Access Asbestos Compensation
You can file compensation claims by working with an experienced lawyer.
A mesothelioma lawyer can file a lawsuit or trust fund claims on your behalf. They can also help you gather the documentation you need to access VA benefits.
Here are the steps for accessing compensation:
- Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Connect with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to see if you’re eligible for compensation and learn which options are best for you and your family. - Let Your Attorney Gather Evidence of Asbestos Exposure
In this phase of the claims process, your lawyer will outline the facts and collect evidence that supports your claim. This might include medical records, work history, military service documents, and a list of asbestos-containing products you were exposed to along with their manufacturers. - Have Your Lawyer File Your Mesothelioma Compensation Claim
Your lawyer will file a claim for compensation on your behalf. They’ll make sure all the necessary documentation is correctly submitted and that your claim is presented effectively to maximize your potential compensation. - Receive Compensation for Your Family
Many clients start to receive payouts within the first 90 days after filing a claim. Trust funds and settlements will award compensation more quickly than if the lawsuit goes to trial. Your attorney will help you choose the best option to maximize your compensation and get you the money your family needs as soon as possible.
Working with a mesothelioma law firm will help prevent any delays in this process. Your legal team will keep you updated at every step and fight to get you the most compensation possible.
Take the first step toward accessing mesothelioma compensation with a free legal consultation.
Other Types of Compensation for Mesothelioma
In addition to legal compensation and disability benefits, you can pursue other avenues to help cover the costs of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Other forms of financial assistance for mesothelioma include:
- Long-term disability insurance. If you have long-term disability insurance, you may be able to receive a percentage of your salary while you take time away from work to get treatment. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also provides compensation to family members who need to take a leave of absence to care for a loved one.
- Medicaid and Medicare. These government-funded programs can help you pay for medical expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, they typically don’t cover the entire cost of treatment, which can easily exceed $500,000.
- Mesothelioma foundations. Many cancer organizations and charities offer travel grants, co-pay assistance, and other types of financial aid for mesothelioma patients and caregivers.
- Private insurance. Depending on your plan and provider, health insurance may cover a portion of your mesothelioma treatment. That said, this doesn’t cover out-of-pocket costs like travel, transportation, and hotel stays during treatment.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If mesothelioma has prevented you from working, you may qualify for SSDI. The Social Security Administration has a Compassionate Allowances program that reduces the wait time for qualified individuals with mesothelioma.
Get Compensation for Mesothelioma Now
Mesothelioma Hope is dedicated to helping patients and caregivers find relief and peace of mind by empowering them with knowledge of all their financial options.
We can connect you with top mesothelioma lawyers who will work diligently on your behalf to pursue compensation, giving you more time to focus on treatment and spending time with the people you love. And we’ll be here at every point along the way.
Request a free consultation to get started or call (866) 608-8933 to speak with a Patient Advocate right now.
Mesothelioma Financial Compensation FAQs
Is there compensation for mesothelioma?
Yes, if you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos in the past and it caused you to develop mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
It’s important to talk to a mesothelioma lawyer who knows how to navigate the legal system and can fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
How much is the compensation for mesothelioma?
The average compensation for mesothelioma ranges from $1.1 million to $11.4 million, depending on whether your case ends in a settlement or a trial verdict.
This compensation may include financial damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
How do I get asbestos compensation?
You get compensation by working with a lawyer to file claims against the asbestos product manufacturers or companies that exposed you or a loved one to this cancer-causing substance.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can review your case for free, confirm if you’re eligible for asbestos compensation, and submit your claims as quickly as possible.
Contact our team today to find top mesothelioma lawyers in your area.
What is the average payout for mesothelioma victims?
Every case is different, but these are the average payouts for each type of mesothelioma compensation:
- $1.1 million to $1.4 million for lawsuit settlements
- $5 million to $11.4 million for lawsuit verdicts
- $300,000 to $400,00 for asbestos trust fund claims
These averages reflect factors such as the severity of the illness, the extent of their asbestos exposure, and other circumstances specific to each case.
Is there a deadline to file for asbestos cancer compensation?
Yes, there are deadlines called statutes of limitations for filing asbestos cancer compensation claims. These deadlines vary by location and the type of claim (personal injury, wrongful death, or asbestos trust fund claims).
Failing to file within the specified time frame may impact your ability to receive compensation. This is why you should consult with an asbestos attorney as soon as possible after a diagnosis or death of a loved one.
Your asbestos lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure your claim is filed within the necessary time frame to protect your legal rights.
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