What Is a Mesothelioma Verdict?
Mesothelioma verdicts are the result of a mesothelioma lawsuit that goes to trial. Through a verdict, a jury determines the winner of the case after hearing evidence from both sides.
Mesothelioma verdicts can favor:
- The plaintiff (the mesothelioma victim who filed the lawsuit or their family)
- The defendant (asbestos-containing product manufacturers that were sued)
- Neither (if the jury cannot come to a decision)
If the mesothelioma verdict favors the plaintiff, the defendant must pay them compensation.
Mesothelioma verdicts award $2.4 Million on average, according to recent industry reports.
A favorable verdict allows plaintiffs with mesothelioma to hold manufacturers of asbestos-containing products financially responsible for causing their cancer, as these defendants knew their products were dangerous but denied it to keep making money.
However, mesothelioma trial verdicts may also favor manufacturers. In these cases, the plaintiff may receive little or no compensation.
No matter what verdict, the losing side may be able to take legal action to change the verdict through an appeal. While these actions may help plaintiffs who lose, they may also work in the defendants’ favor.
As a lawsuit progresses, a skilled mesothelioma lawyer can help a plaintiff determine if a trial is in their best interests and, if so, build a trial-ready case on their behalf.
Mesothelioma Verdicts vs Settlements
Most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court rather than through a trial.
In a mesothelioma settlement, the manufacturers named in the lawsuit individually agree to pay the victim money, and the lawsuit against them does not go to trial.
While mesothelioma verdicts through a trial may award more compensation than a settlement, the risks often outweigh the drawbacks. This is why lawyers usually try to reach mesothelioma settlements rather than proceeding with a trial.
In fact, some lawsuits are settled mid-trial or even after a verdict is reached, according to the American Bar Association (ABA).