Legal Compensation for Asbestos Exposure Victims

Receiving Legal Compensation

Accessing compensation for mesothelioma is a complicated and challenging process. Asbestos companies have aggressive defense lawyers that will stop at nothing to disprove your allegations. When accessing trust funds or VA benefits, you must provide sufficient evidence to support your claims.

Without the help of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, it can be difficult to receive the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Compensation Claim?

A compensation claim allows you to apply for compensation from an asbestos company and argue why you deserve a payout. Your claim will explain that you were exposed to asbestos during your employment, and this resulted in your illness. There are several types of compensation claims, including personal injury, wrongful death and trust fund claims.

Types of Legal Compensation

Most asbestos victims seek compensation through lawsuits, trust funds and VA benefits. It’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can recommend which form of compensation will award you the most money.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

You may be able to sue asbestos companies as long as they have not declared bankruptcy. This is the most complicated and time-consuming way to pursue compensation. While compensation payouts can be generous, filing an asbestos lawsuit is risky because there is no guarantee of success if your case goes to trial.

Fortunately, the vast majority of mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over 100 asbestos companies have declared bankruptcy to free themselves from asbestos lawsuits. Many of these companies set money aside in trust funds to compensate their victims. Anyone who developed an asbestos-related disease after being exposed to asbestos can access these trust funds. Filing a trust fund claim is the safest and fastest way to get compensation.

Today, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds for future claimants.

VA Benefits

Veterans are much more likely to develop asbestos-related illnesses than civilians, accounting for one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides compensation to veterans who suffered diseases from asbestos exposure while serving the country. The VA only provides compensation to cover military-related expenses, like healthcare or lost wages. They do not pursue punitive damages against asbestos suppliers.

It’s also worth noting that veterans cannot sue the government or the U.S. military. But they can pursue private lawsuits against companies while claiming VA benefits.

Asbestos Compensation Amounts

The amount of your compensation payout will depend on the type of compensation you seek as well as the severity of your suffering. Typically, lawsuits that end in a settlement pay out more money than trust funds. However, the values vary with each case. People with mesothelioma often receive the highest compensation amounts possible in any claim.

Assessing Legal Compensation

Your compensation claim will be evaluated to determine how much money you will receive. Compensation claims adjusters follow a schedule of standard payouts depending on specific illness levels. Typically, claimants receive monthly payouts.

Many factors will influence your compensation amount, including:

• Illness severity: People with minor illnesses like benign tumors and non-life-threatening tissue scarring may receive less compensation than those with fatal diseases like mesothelioma.
• Victim Expenses: Courts and trust funds consider the costs of the victim’s medical treatments, lost wages and personal suffering. They may also award punitive damages against highly negligent defendants.
• Other Payment Sources: Compensation claims may be adjusted if you have received settlements in claims against other defendants, workers compensation or benefits from Medicare or Medicaid.

How Long Will It Take To Receive Compensation?

Compensation timeframes depend on how severe a claimant’s case is and the type of claim being made. While lawsuits can take years to play out, some trust fund claims get processed in a matter of months. Without legal help, it may be near impossible to receive financial compensation in a timely manner.

Since many mesothelioma patients face unfavorable life expectancies, it’s essential to work with a lawyer to accelerate your compensation claim.

Statute of Limitations

Some compensation claims are subject to statutes of limitations. These are laws which dictate how much time you have to take legal action after receiving your diagnosis. In most states, personal injury claims must be filed within 2-3 years of your diagnosis. Family members often have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim after the victim has passed away.

Legal Help and Compensation

Seeking compensation for an asbestos-related illness is tricky. Claimants must be able to prove a link between their illness and the company’s products.

The best thing you can do when seeking asbestos compensation is to work with an experienced lawyer specializing in asbestos cases. Mesothelioma law firms have the expertise needed to build your case against asbestos companies and ensure it’s successful. Working with an experienced lawyer may mean the difference between winning compensation and losing out entirely.

Seek Compensation Today

If you have developed an asbestos-related disease after being exposed to asbestos at work, you may be eligible for compensation.

It’s important that asbestos victims work with a highly experienced law firm specializing in asbestos-related litigation. Mesothelioma cases are a priority, and significant compensation payments have been negotiated for many victims. For more information on asbestos-related claims, contact our Justice Support Team today.