If your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, they were likely exposed to asbestos — a toxic mineral that companies used for most of the 20th century despite knowing the health risks. As a result, many mesothelioma patients qualify to seek compensation for their illness.
But filing a claim isn’t always an easy choice. Many patients need encouragement from someone they trust before they’re ready to take that step.
While filing a lawsuit can seem intimidating, your support could make a big difference in helping your loved one secure the financial compensation they deserve.
A Free Case Review can help your family member understand their options and determine if they qualify for compensation. Get in touch to see how our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy can help.
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5 Tips for Starting the Conversation
Talking to a loved one about filing an asbestos claim doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. These 5 tips can help you approach the topic of compensation and encourage your loved one to pursue justice for their asbestos exposure.
1. Listen to Their Concerns
Begin by asking your loved one how they feel about filing a mesothelioma claim and what their concerns are.
Since they’ll need to lead the claim, it’s important that they feel ready and confident to move forward. Your family member may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their financial situation, so this is a good time to show them you’re there to help.
Ask open-ended questions like these to get them thinking:
- What worries you most about the future?
- How do you feel about covering medical costs and out-of-pocket expenses?
- Is there anyone you’d like to be involved in your health care decisions?
- Would seeking justice from the asbestos companies that caused your illness help bring you peace of mind?
Discussing difficult topics with your loved one, such as the financial reality of treatment, can not only reduce their stress — it can also give them the courage to take action.
2. Tell Them What to Expect When They File a Claim
For someone unfamiliar with the legal process, filing a claim can seem daunting if they don’t know what to expect. This is where you can ease their fears and keep them focused on the end goal.
Here’s how to address some common worries:
- “It seems complicated.” Reassure them that an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can handle all the details and will work with their schedule. Your loved one can focus on their health and family while their legal team does all the legwork.
- “It sounds expensive.” Explain that reputable mesothelioma law firms like Simmons Hanly Conroy don’t charge hourly fees and will never ask for any payment upfront. They only get paid if they win your loved one’s case.
- “I don’t want conflict.” Remind them that mesothelioma lawsuits target the asbestos companies responsible for their illness. It’s not about stirring up controversy — it’s about holding those accountable who knowingly used asbestos even though it could cause cancer.
By addressing these concerns, you can help your family member feel more empowered moving forward.
“There is no way to make mesothelioma easy. But I think that Simmons Hanly Conroy made it as easy as was humanly possible.”
3. Encourage Them to Think About Financial Planning
Did you know that nearly 50% of cancer patients go into debt due to treatment costs? It can cost well over $400,000 a year to treat mesothelioma, and insurance doesn’t cover everything.
Unexpected expenses to consider include:
- Deductibles
- Lost wages from time off work
- Medication copays
- Travel or hotel stays during treatment
You can help your loved one understand how compensation could ease this burden. By filing an asbestos claim, they may secure the funds needed to cover treatment and protect their financial future.
“We spent all of our savings, all of our Roth IRA, and we were looking for more money to pay for my treatment. We were deeply in debt, and if we hadn’t gotten the settlement, we probably wouldn’t still be living on our farm.”
4. Show Them the Potential Benefits of Filing an Asbestos Claim
To help your loved one see the benefits of taking legal action, it’s important for them to understand where asbestos compensation comes from and why it’s available.
Many companies knowingly used asbestos despite the health risks. Filing claims for asbestos is a way to hold these manufacturers accountable and provide financial support to innocent people impacted by their negligence.
Seeing real examples of others who’ve successfully filed asbestos claims can make this feel a lot more achievable.
Recent settlements secured by our legal partners include:
- $13.1 million for a carpenter with pleural mesothelioma
- $12 million for a laborer with pleural mesothelioma
- $9.5 million for a construction worker with pleural mesothelioma
- $4 million for a U.S. Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma
- $3.8 million for a restaurant worker with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $10.5 million for a pipefitter with mesothelioma
Beyond lawsuit settlements, over $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Your loved one may also be concerned about how long it will take to receive compensation if their claim is successful. You can help put their mind at ease by explaining that many asbestos cancer claims start awarding compensation in 90 days or less.
“The legal process was new to us, but Simmons Hanly Conroy came through 100%. They got John the money he deserved.”
Does someone in your life have mesothelioma? Call (866) 608-8933 to connect with a Patient Advocate and learn how we can help.
5. Help Them Prepare for Their Free Case Review
When your loved one is ready to take the first step, encourage them to get a free case review with a mesothelioma lawyer. Their legal team can help uncover where and how your family member was exposed to asbestos — even if they don’t remember being around this dangerous mineral.
As part of their support system, you can make the process easier by helping to gather medical records and other details their lawyer may need. It’s also reassuring to remind your loved one that none of this is their fault. Knowing they aren’t to blame for their diagnosis can give them the confidence to file a claim and seek the justice they deserve.
Norris and Lori Morgan: The Power of Family Support
After retired construction supervisor Norris Morgan was diagnosed with mesothelioma, his wife Lori stood by his side every step of the way. Not only did she encourage him to see a doctor for his symptoms, but she also convinced him to file an asbestos claim.
When Norris became too ill, Lori met with his attorneys and helped provide them with the details needed to build his case. Her dedication is a reminder of how powerful the support of close loved ones can be when facing mesothelioma.
Is your loved one ready to get started? Reach out to our team now for a Free Case Review.
You’re Not Alone: Find Out How We Can Help You Today
With experienced attorneys and advocates on our side, Mesothelioma Hope can help your loved one file an asbestos claim for compensation so they can focus on getting the medical care they need.
We can also help your family member:
- Manage treatment-related side effects
- Access support groups and other resources
- Apply for or increase their veterans benefits
We offer support at every stage of the mesothelioma journey. Don’t wait: Call us at (866) 608-8933 to get started.
