The pain and suffering mesothelioma patients experience is a result of asbestos exposure, most often caused by profit-blinded companies disregarding employees’ health and safety. Decades before asbestos claims came to trial, many companies knew the potential risk of asbestos exposure but neglected to inform their employees and the public. As a result, asbestos continued to be mined, imported, exported, and used in a variety of building materials throughout much of the 20th century. Once these companies admitted negligence and took responsibility for their dishonesty, victims suffering from asbestos-related illnesses were finally able to receive compensation for their injuries.
Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is important to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation. In addition to the restitution for pain and suffering, compensation can be used for:
- Medical expenses
- Travel costs for medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Treatment costs
- Your ability to support dependents
- Funeral expenses
Each victim’s case is different. Therefore, it is critical that you contact a law firm that specializes in asbestos-related cases to guide you through the proper channels.
Types of Compensation
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will assist you or your family member with eligibility, care value, and types of compensation available to you. The most common types are legal claims, asbestos trust funds, and Veterans claims.
Legal Claims – As with most mesothelioma cases, legal claims are based on corporate negligence. The idea of filing a lawsuit can be intimidating – even burdensome, especially for those dealing with a recent mesothelioma diagnosis. An experienced and reputable mesothelioma lawyer can place their client’s mind at ease by uncovering corporate documents, purchase orders, invoices, etc., that not only show company negligence, but that they deserve compensation for their asbestos injuries.
Asbestos Trust Funds – Also known as Bankruptcy Trust Funds, these Asbestos Trust Funds were set up by companies responsible for asbestos-related illnesses. Often, these companies have filed bankruptcy and are no longer in business; therefore, they have been ordered to set up funds to financially compensate mesothelioma patients and their families. In some cases, applying for trust fund compensation can expedite review of your mesothelioma claim.
Veterans Claims – Veterans, especially those working on naval shipyards, are one of the highest populations to develop mesothelioma. Several types of compensation, such as disability benefits and pensions, are available to those exposed to asbestos—while serving in a branch of the U.S. armed forces.
Believing that filing a claim leads to a stressful, lengthy process should not be a concern of those suffering from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawyers handle the majority of the claims, while allowing the patient and their loved ones to focus on their health and well-being. In addition, due to varying statutes of limitations, they will ensure that your claims are handled in a time sensitive manner to maximize potential compensation.
