Getting Compensation for Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may qualify for financial compensation from lawsuits, trust funds, or benefits paid out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Mesothelioma treatment and long-term care can be expensive and overwhelming. When mesothelioma leads to the loss of a loved one, compensation for family members may help cover medical bills, lost support, and other expenses left behind. Many asbestos companies knew their products were dangerous but failed to warn workers or families. Today, the legal system allows victims to hold those companies accountable.
Nearly everyone who receives mesothelioma compensation does so without ever going to court, and many begin receiving payouts in as few as 90 days.
Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with one of the leading national asbestos law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy, to help patients and families get the compensation they deserve. The firm has recovered more than $10.3 billion in mesothelioma compensation for clients nationwide.
Get a Free Case Review with Simmons Hanly Conroy today to find out whether you may qualify for mesothelioma compensation.
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Mesothelioma Compensation Amounts
Thousands of patients and families have chosen to seek compensation for mesothelioma through qualified attorneys. The mesothelioma compensation amounts below are real results secured by the lawyers at our partner law firm.
Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts
You can seek compensation through a settlement after filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the product manufacturers responsible for your illness.
A settlement prevents you from having to go to trial, which means you can receive money faster if your asbestos claim is successful. The average mesothelioma settlement payout is between $1 million and $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports: Asbestos, but some people have received much more.
Notable mesothelioma settlements secured by Simmons Hanly Conroy include:
- $12 million for a laborer with pleural mesothelioma
- $6.3 million for the surviving family of an Iowa asbestos worker
- $4 million for a Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma from serving on the USS Randolph
- $3.8 million for a restaurant worker with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $2.8 million to the surviving family of an Illinois heavy equipment operator
- $9.5 million for a construction worker with pleural mesothelioma
Money from these settlements has helped families pay for medical treatment, in-home assistance, and other ongoing expenses related to mesothelioma.
“I want people out there to realize that there is help. They can get a settlement from manufacturers that continued to use asbestos and knew that it was dangerous for people.”
Mesothelioma Verdict Amounts
If your attorney cannot reach a settlement with the asbestos company’s legal team, your lawsuit will proceed to a trial. A judge or jury will determine if you are owed compensation for mesothelioma and, if so, how much.
According to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports: Asbestos, the average mesothelioma trial verdict ranges from $5 million to $11.4 million. However, some asbestos victims have been awarded much more.
Notable mesothelioma verdicts secured by Simmons Hanly Conroy include:
- $250 million for a steelworker in Indiana (the largest-ever mesothelioma verdict)
- $40 million for a Navy veteran in Washington
- $15 million for the surviving family of a New York construction worker
- $10 million for a Louisiana longshoreman
- $6 million for the surviving family of a Missouri laborer
- $34 million for a California mechanic from Ford Motor Company
Recently, Simmons Hanly Conroy won over $24 million in a jury verdict for a Chicago man who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while working as a janitor at a talc processing facility.
In some trials, the judge or jury will order asbestos companies to pay punitive damages as additional punishment for their negligence.
How to Get Mesothelioma Compensation
If you’re living with mesothelioma or you’ve lost a loved one to the disease, there are a few ways to seek compensation for asbestos exposure.
The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy can walk you through each option and help you understand what you may be eligible for.
1. Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma lawsuits offer patients and families a chance to secure the compensation they deserve from the corporations that harmed them.
There are two main types of lawsuits:
- Personal injury lawsuits are filed by patients seeking compensation for expenses like medical bills, lost wages, home health care, and the emotional toll of their mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by families who lost a loved one to mesothelioma and can award compensation for lost income, unpaid medical bills, and funeral expenses.
By pursuing money from a lawsuit, patients and families can find hope in securing the financial support needed to navigate the challenges of mesothelioma with greater ease and peace of mind.
“The financial freedom from filing a lawsuit has made the time I have left even better.”
2. Asbestos Trust Funds
Beginning in the late 1980s, many companies that made asbestos products filed for bankruptcy after facing thousands of lawsuits. Although these companies can no longer be sued, courts required them to set aside money to compensate people harmed by asbestos.
Each company placed money into a mesothelioma compensation fund to pay current and future victims. Today, more than $30 billion is set aside across asbestos trust funds to help mesothelioma patients and their families.
Because asbestos was used so widely, many people qualify to receive payments from more than one mesothelioma compensation fund. On average, victims receive a combined total of about $300,000 to $400,000 in compensation.
We can help you or a loved one file asbestos trust fund claims. Check if you qualify now.
3. Veterans Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers mesothelioma a total disability. Because of this, eligible veterans with mesothelioma can receive monthly payments and health care benefits through the VA.
VA benefits may include:
- Disability compensation (currently $4,158.17 a month for married veterans)
- Free or low-cost treatment through the VA health care system
- Compensation for surviving family members if a veteran passes away from service-related mesothelioma
VA benefits aren’t taxed, and receiving them doesn’t affect your right to pursue other forms of mesothelioma compensation.
Who Can Get Asbestos Exposure Compensation?
Many people affected by asbestos exposure may qualify for legal compensation, including patients and family members.
You may be eligible for asbestos compensation if you are:
- Someone diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness
- A spouse or partner of someone who passed away from an asbestos-related disease
- An adult child or dependent of a loved one who died due to asbestos exposure
- A family member or estate representative authorized to file a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one
You don’t need to worry about proving asbestos exposure. Experienced asbestos attorneys can identify which products and companies are responsible and determine what compensation you may be able to receive.
If you’re still looking for the right mesothelioma lawyer, our Free Attorney Checklist can help you find an attorney who will work to pursue the maximum compensation available.
How to Use Compensation for Mesothelioma
Any money you receive from a mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos trust fund belongs to you. There are no restrictions on how it must be spent, and you can use it in the way that best fits your needs.
Mesothelioma compensation can be used to:
- Cover everyday living expenses
- Hire in-home care or respite support
- Pay for extended or experimental treatments
- Pay for mental health or counseling services
- Replace income lost during treatment
- Set up financial support for children or grandchildren
- Support charitable or meaningful causes
- Travel to specialized treatment centers
How you use mesothelioma compensation is a personal decision. For many families, this financial support helps reduce stress, maintain stability, and focus on treatment and time together rather than ongoing financial strain.
“Mesothelioma compensation can be essential to helping families afford medical bills, cover living expenses, and protect their future financially.”
Steps to Getting Asbestos Cancer Compensation
You can file asbestos compensation claims by working with an experienced lawyer. A mesothelioma attorney can file a lawsuit or trust fund claims on your behalf. They can also help you gather the documentation you need to access VA benefits.
Here are the steps for accessing compensation:
- Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer: Connect with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to see if you’re eligible for compensation and learn which options are best for you and your family.
- Let Your Attorney Gather Evidence of Asbestos Exposure: Your lawyer will outline the facts and collect evidence that supports your claim. This might include medical records, work history, military service documents, and a list of asbestos-containing products you were exposed to, along with their manufacturers.
- Have Your Lawyer File Your Mesothelioma Compensation Claim: Your lawyer will file a mesothelioma compensation claim on your behalf. They’ll make sure all the necessary documentation is correctly submitted and that your claim is presented effectively during the claims process to maximize your potential compensation.
- Receive Compensation for Your Family: Many clients start to receive payouts in 90 days or less after filing a claim. Your attorney will help you choose the best option to maximize your compensation and get you the money your family needs as soon as possible.
Working with a mesothelioma law firm will help prevent any delays in this process. Your legal team will keep you updated at every step and fight to get you the most compensation possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get Mesothelioma Compensation?
Every case is different, but many people begin receiving compensation for mesothelioma sooner than expected. In many situations, the first payments arrive within 90 days, especially when claims are resolved through settlements or trust funds rather than going to trial.
Several factors can affect the payout timeline. These include the type of mesothelioma claim filed, the statute of limitations in the state where the claim is filed, and how many asbestos manufacturers are involved.
Knowing that other families have received mesothelioma compensation within a few months can provide much-needed peace of mind during an uncertain time.
Take the first step toward accessing mesothelioma compensation with a Free Case Review.
Other Types of Mesothelioma Financial Compensation
Along with legal compensation and disability benefits, there are other ways to help manage the costs of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Here are some additional options for mesothelioma compensation:
- Long-term disability insurance may replace part of your income if you are unable to work during treatment. In some cases, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can also help family members who need time off to care for a loved one.
- Medicaid and Medicare can help cover certain medical expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, these programs usually don’t pay for all treatment-related costs, which can be substantial.
- Mesothelioma foundations and cancer organizations may offer financial assistance such as travel grants, help with co-pays, or other support for patients and caregivers.
- Private health insurance may cover some medical treatments, depending on your plan. Out-of-pocket costs, including travel, lodging, and transportation, may not be fully covered.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available if mesothelioma prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program helps speed up approval for eligible patients.
Many people rely on a combination of these resources to manage the financial impact of mesothelioma. Understanding all available sources of compensation can help reduce stress and ensure you and your family have the support you need during treatment and recovery.
See If You Can Get Mesothelioma Compensation Now
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help patients and caregivers navigate the financial aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Through our partnership with Simmons Hanly Conroy, we connect families in all 50 states with experienced attorneys who have a strong record of securing compensation.
Our team can help you:
- Determine how you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos
- Understand your compensation options and what to expect
- File for VA disability benefits or increase your existing benefits
- Get guidance on next steps and typical payout timelines
Request a free case review to get started, or call (866) 608-8933 to speak directly with a Patient Advocate who can walk you through your next steps.
Mesothelioma Compensation Claim FAQs
Do you get compensation for mesothelioma?
Yes, many people who get mesothelioma receive financial compensation. Mesothelioma compensation is meant to help with the costs that come with the disease, such as treatment, travel for care, and everyday living expenses.
You may receive compensation for mesothelioma from:
- Lawsuits against asbestos companies
- Asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt manufacturers
- VA benefits if the exposure happened during military service
A mesothelioma attorney can explain which options apply to you and whether you qualify for more than one type of compensation.
Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?
People diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible for compensation. This includes exposure that happened on the job, during military service, or through secondhand contact with asbestos at home.
Family members may also qualify. Spouses, children, and estate representatives are commonly able to pursue asbestos claims after death. You don’t need to know exactly when or where exposure occurred, as attorneys can investigate your background to find that information.
Contact our team today to see if you qualify to file a claim for mesothelioma.
What is the average payout for mesothelioma victims?
There’s no single payout amount, since every case is different. The average mesothelioma settlement awards $1 million to $1.4 million, while cases that go to trial can result in higher payouts if the jury finds in favor of the victim.
Some people also receive compensation from asbestos trust funds. These payments are usually smaller than lawsuit settlements, but they can add up because many victims are eligible to file multiple mesothelioma claims.
How long does it take to settle a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Mesothelioma lawsuits that settle out of court usually move faster than those that go to trial. In many cases, settlement payments begin within about 90 days after an agreement is reached.
Some lawsuits take longer if the asbestos companies dispute the claim or negotiations take more time. An experienced attorney can handle these issues and work to reach a settlement as efficiently as possible.
If you want to know how long a lawsuit may take in your case, a free case review can help explain the process and next steps.
Do you have to pay taxes on a mesothelioma settlement?
In most cases, mesothelioma settlements aren’t taxable. Money meant to cover medical bills, income lost because of illness, and pain and suffering usually isn’t treated as taxable income.
There are a few exceptions. For example, if interest is added to your award, that portion may be taxed. Because tax rules can vary, some people choose to talk with a tax professional or financial advisor after receiving mesothelioma compensation to understand how it applies to their situation.
Is there a deadline to file for asbestos disease compensation?
Yes. There are deadlines called statutes of limitations for filing compensation claims for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. These deadlines vary by state and by the type of claim.
In most cases, you have 1-3 years from the date of diagnosis or from the date a loved one passed away. Missing the deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, which is why it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
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