Written By: Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
Mesothelioma Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation can offset this life-altering disease, one that forms due to asbestos exposure and is a direct result of corporate negligence. Compensation is available for thousands of patients seeking necessary treatment.
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Important Facts About Mesothelioma Compensation
Since mesothelioma is due to asbestos exposure, most patients are eligible for compensation:
- Companies used asbestos despite knowing it was dangerous.
- Compensation options include lawsuits, trust funds and VA benefits.
- Lawyers and VA claims agents can help victims file claims easily.
- The top lawyers and VA claims experts do not require hiring fees.
How to Get Mesothelioma Compensation
Each mesothelioma case is different, but the general process for how to receive compensation is largely the same. There are three steps to the process:
Determine which type of compensation you qualify for. Compensation can come from lawsuits or asbestos trust funds. You might be a veteran, which means you’re also eligible for compensation from the VA.
Compile evidence showing how you were exposed to asbestos. This is the most important part to get compensation. Gathering proof of your exposure will leave little doubt that the companies you’re filing against are responsible for your cancer.
File the appropriate claim or claims with help from experts. Lawyers can help you file claims in multiple jurisdictions and against multiple companies. This effort improves the likelihood you get compensated and increases how much you may receive.
The primary type of compensation comes from taking legal action against an asbestos manufacturing company that is responsible for a patient’s past asbestos exposure. In most cases, victims of mesothelioma receive compensation from a settlement or an asbestos trust fund. We can help determine which applies to your case.
There are also secondary avenues patients can take to receive mesothelioma compensation, such as veteran-specific benefits issued by the VA. Learn more about the types of mesothelioma compensation from our Legal Support team.
Types of Compensation for Mesothelioma
Many patients struggle with filing a legal claim because they aren’t the type to take legal action. However, they are victims of corporate negligence and should be compensated.
Good law firms will help their clients by traveling to them and discovering the sources of their exposure.
Many companies that used asbestos have filed for bankruptcy. Trust funds compensate patients with asbestos-related diseases who file claims against bankrupt companies.
There once was a combined $30 billion in asbestos trust funds. While that amount fluctuates, there are still tens of billions of dollars available.
Veterans are the largest group of mesothelioma patients. There are several types of compensation available to veterans with an asbestos illness. The most common are VA Disability Compensation and VA Pension.
Busting Myths About Legal Options
Filing a claim can seem like a stressful, lengthy process. This is why reputable mesothelioma attorneys handle the majority of claims themselves.
Some people hesitate beginning the legal process due to common misconceptions:
- Hiring a mesothelioma attorney is expensive.
- A legal claim takes up a lot of personal time and resources.
- You can’t take legal action if you’re unsure of the responsible party.
- If you file out of state, you have to travel.
- Claims are filed against the government if your condition is related to military service.
Each is untrue. The top mesothelioma law firms protect their patients from out-of-pocket expenses and lengthy legal procedures.
What to Expect From an Experienced Law Firm
Most patients don’t know all of the asbestos products they were exposed to. Attorneys can determine this and which companies are responsible.
While pursuing treatment, the last thing a patient needs is more expenses. Fortunately, mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid a percentage of the amount recovered from the claim.
In regards to a legal claim, travel is not a concern. Attorneys from top law firms will travel to a patient’s home to collect all necessary information.
Most patients don’t know all of the asbestos products they were exposed to. Attorneys can determine this and which companies are responsible.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that used asbestos in their products declared bankruptcy after a flood of claims wiped them out. Realizing that thousands more could develop mesothelioma, Congress amended the bankruptcy code in 1994.
Doing so allowed liable companies to set up trust funds for people exposed to their products. Trust funds ensure that those harmed can receive mesothelioma compensation.
The approval process for a trust fund claim is much faster than filing a lawsuit. Some attorneys even sit on the boards to manage funds and distribute compensation.
Filing a trust fund claim requires providing detailed information and evidence of exposure to asbestos. An experienced attorney can help patients outline their exposure history and access their fair share of funds. Get access to asbestos trust funds now.
Compensation for Veterans
Veterans make up around one-third of the roughly 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually in the country. The high rate of mesothelioma among veterans is due to the overabundance of asbestos in the military. Veterans can file claims with the VA as well as with the court system. They also have access to asbestos trust funds.
Here are three ways veterans can get VA compensation for their mesothelioma diagnosis or other asbestos-related diseases:
Disability Compensation – Veterans with mesothelioma qualify for a 100% disability rating. Disability compensation for unmarried veterans starts at $3,146 per month.
Dependency and Indemnity – The VA recognizes that family members are affected by a mesothelioma diagnosis, too. Payouts to surviving spouses start at $1,357 per month.
Pensions – Wartime veterans with limited income may be eligible for a VA pension.
Get Help Filing a Claim
Veterans have some misconceptions about VA claims. Filing a claim can be a lengthy, complicated process — but only if you do it on your own. Getting experienced help ensures you receive benefits including:
- Free help filing a claim
- Ensuring you submit a complete claim
- Reducing the stress of filing
Mesothelioma Guide’s VA-accredited claims agent can help for free. Retired Navy LCDR Carl Jewett has helped hundreds of veterans receive full mesothelioma compensation. Connect with LCDR Jewett for help filing a claim.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Compensation
What are my options for mesothelioma compensation?
If you’re seeking compensation for your mesothelioma, your options include Veterans can file for monthly compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This compensation comes from either Disability Compensation or Pension claims. In addition to VA claims, veterans can also get legal compensation through asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
What is the average compensation for mesothelioma?
The average recovery amount is between $1 million and $1.4 million. However, your compensation might be higher or lower. Each claim is unique and you should connect with one of the top mesothelioma law firms to learn how much you might receive.
Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?
People diagnosed with mesothelioma can get compensated. The first step is determining how exposure to asbestos occurred and which companies are responsible. If a patient has passed away, then their immediate surviving family members can receive compensation.
Can veterans get compensation for mesothelioma?
Veterans can file for monthly compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This compensation comes from either Disability Compensation or Pension claims. In addition to VA claims, veterans can also get legal compensation through asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
Last Edited: December 9, 2022.
