How Mesothelioma Victims Can Seek Financial Recovery

A mesothelioma diagnosis brings a lot of disruption to your life, from medical care to employment coming to a halt. Many families face pressure from multiple directions at once. The cause of disease usually traces back decades to asbestos exposure at construction sites, shipyards, factories, or military settings. 

This history matters because it can often determine the kind of financial recovery you’re eligible for. Financial recovery addresses lost income, treatment costs, and the toll placed on loved ones. Below, we explain how compensation works and where claims come from. We also share different paths for families and victims to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis. 

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims 

Asbestos trust funds exist because many companies that made or used asbestos products went bankrupt years ago. Courts required those companies to set aside large sums of money to pay mesothelioma victims now and in the future. More than $30 billion remains in these funds specifically for people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. 

Trust funds don’t involve going to court. Patients or family members submit paperwork showing diagnosis, proof of exposure, and other required details. Compensation depends on factors like medical history, age, severity of disease, and exposure evidence. 

Lawsuits and Settlement Agreements 

Another way to seek compensation is to file a lawsuit against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. These legal actions are usually filed by a mesothelioma lawyer on behalf of the patient or family. Most cases never reach trial. Instead, defendant companies offer settlement agreements to end the lawsuit. 

Settlements provide guaranteed payment without the uncertainty of a trial. Amounts vary with each case, but average settlements can go up to a million dollars. If a settlement is not reached, some cases go to trial, where a judge or jury may award higher amounts. 

Settlements and verdicts cover things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and the loss of ability to earn in the future. A mesothelioma lawyer gathers evidence and files the case before time limits run out to make sure you get the highest compensation possible. 

Veterans Affairs Benefits 

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma often qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many who served between the mid-20th century and 1980 encountered asbestos on ships, in shipyards, and in other military workplaces. 

VA benefits can include disability compensation (up to $4,158.17 per month), pensions, and health care through the VA system. These benefits are available regardless of any trust fund claims or lawsuits filed. 

Other Aid and Support Programs 

Some other programs may also help cover costs after a diagnosis. These may involve: 

• Workers’ compensation benefits if exposure occurred while working for a company with this type of coverage 

• Social Security Disability Insurance if a patient can no longer work because of mesothelioma 

• Government health insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid, depending on age and income

• Grants or assistance from community groups focused on cancer care support 

These forms of help do not block a person from filing a trust fund claim or pursuing a lawsuit later. They can relieve some financial burden while other processes are underway. 

It’s extremely hard to navigate your life after a mesothelioma diagnosis, and financial recovery can prove to be helpful during this process. A mesothelioma lawyer can act promptly to review your work and exposure history and build a case accordingly. 

Alternatively, you can explore other options based on your employment history and exposure source. Regardless of the compensation approach you select, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional help where needed. 

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