Mesothelioma Settlements - The Largest Mesothelioma Settlements in History

Mesothelioma patients require compensation to pay medical bills, lost income and other expenses. Compensation also assists families in dealing with the emotional and physical effects.

Companies that manufacture asbestos often result in large verdicts for victims and their families. Here are five of the largest mesothelioma settlements ever recorded.

1. Roby Whittington Case

A person diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, may bring a lawsuit against an asbestos-related company or trust fund to claim compensation for medical expenses and medical bills. Mesothelioma settlements may differ based on many factors but if the defendant will settle, victims can get a substantial amount of money quickly.

A mesothelioma jury verdict is usually higher than a verdict awarded in other types of personal injury cases. However, mesothelioma settlement amounts can be reduced following an appeal, when parties typically reach a private deal.

The verdict of $250 million in Roby Whittington's trial is the largest mesothelioma settlement for one plaintiff. The verdict was handed down by the Madison County, Illinois, jury on Friday, and includes $50 million in compensatory as well as $200 million in punitive damages. Whittington was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 21 in 2001. He worked in Indiana at the Gary Works of U.S. Steel from 1950 to 1981.

In general mesothelioma lawyers would prefer to settle instead of going to trial. Trials are more costly, carry higher chance of negative publicity, and can take longer. However there is no assurance that a mesothelioma case will win a jury award or even reach trial.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should consult with a lawyer about their options. Asbestos attorneys can help victims bring a lawsuit against those responsible and determine the best course of action for compensation. They can assist victims in applying for trust funds and other financial resources to ensure they can receive the funds they deserve. For veterans, this may include a mesothelioma settlement as well as VA disability payouts. Veterans who have mesothelioma may be eligible for VA benefits if they contracted the disease as a result of their military service or exposure to asbestos-containing substances.

2. Nancy Lopez's Case

Mesothelioma patients may be awarded compensation via a verdict or settlement. Settlements are monetary awards that are immediate and verdicts have to be executed by a jury. Settlements are more efficient and less expensive for both parties. They can also result in more compensation than a verdict.

The largest mesothelioma payout ever awarded to a mesothelioma victim was $250 million. The settlement was awarded to retired worker Roby Whittington as part of an action filed against US Steel. Nancy Lopez, a New Mexico native, was also exposed to asbestos when working at the Jackson County Courthouse. She later died of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma victims and their families can receive compensation from several sources which include trust funds and asbestos lawsuits. Trust funds can start paying out in as little as 90 days after a lawsuit is filed. The duration of a lawsuit will depend on the complexity and cooperation of the defendants.

Asbestos-related companies are not averse to public litigation, as they are at risk of negative publicity and financial losses. They typically settle mesothelioma cases instead of putting themselves at risk for a huge jury verdict or a lengthy legal process. Mesothelioma lawyers know how to deal with these companies in order to obtain the best results for their clients.

Lawyers who have expertise in mesothelioma have the skills as well as the knowledge and experience to take on large asbestos companies and secure significant settlements for their clients. State laws give individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma a period of one to five years to file a lawsuit against the company(s) responsible for their asbestos exposure. They are required to respond before the time limit expires, but not to offer a fair and full settlement.

3. Cases of the Libby Mine

Vermiculite mines were contaminated by asbestos in the town of Libby, Montana. Many people were exposed to the dangerous fibers, and many were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases as a result. In 2011, a judge granted one of the largest mesothelioma settlements ever. The case awarded $43 million to a number of former workers and residents affected by asbestos contamination.

Asbestos is found in many places, including residential, commercial and mining sites. The Libby asbestos mines aren't an exception. The large amount of asbestos exposure in the Libby mines has contributed to the higher prevalence of asbestos-related illnesses than most other places. In Libby the majority of asbestos-related diagnoses are respiratory ailments. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is one of the most difficult diseases to treat.

According to lawsuits against W.R. Grace filed by company officials, the harmful nature of tremolite used in their vermiculite mining was known. They also hid details about the asbestos from regulators and workers. They did this in spite of their own internal research which showed that airborne tremolite caused mesothelioma, lung scarring, and cancer in laboratory animals.

Libby's company and senior management kept this information from the senior management of the company even after workers began suffering from respiratory issues. Some of these workers died due to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Libby residents and miners still get a diagnosis of mesothelioma due to the lengthy time of latency. However, mesothelioma treatment options are now more readily available than ever. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness get in touch with a mesothelioma doctor today for help finding the best treatment. These centers offer a variety of cutting-edge treatment options and may include participation in a clinical trial.

4. DaimlerChrysler Cases

Compensation for cancer caused by asbestos can cover medical expenses and other damage. Legal action against companies that expose asbestos-related diseases to people can help patients and their family members receive a fair amount of compensation, while also holding the responsible parties accountable.

The majority of mesothelioma cases result in settlements. These are often carefully negotiated and prepared by asbestos lawyers. Some lawsuits are litigated and juries decide the final amount of the settlement.

Asbestos companies may also file motions to dismiss or to lower a jury's verdict. This is among the reasons that it is critical for mesothelioma victims to hire an experienced lawyer.

Asbestos lawyers understand the way that companies like DaimlerChrysler try to reduce their liability for exposure through lengthy lawsuits. They will act quickly to ensure defendants respond before the time runs out. A average mesothelioma lawsuit settlements attorney can negotiate a better compensation package for patients to ensure they receive the compensation that they deserve.

The Court finds that DaimlerChrysler's initial argument in its motion to overturn punitive damages is based on a false assertion. DaimlerChrysler claims that its efforts in good faith on a specific aspect of Young's case should result in a denial of punitive damages since it was not acting with malice and reckless disregard of her rights.

Asbestos suits are complex however the majority result in settlements that provide compensation for victims' pain and suffering. Settlements for mesothelioma can't be able to reverse the disease or bring a loved back however they can ensure that patients have access to financial security and the most effective treatment. Mesothelioma suits hold asbestos manufacturers accountable, and discourage them from promoting harmful products.

5. U.S. Steel Cases

Mesothelioma victims have racked up billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. These settlements can be used to cover treatment costs, pay for lost wages, and compensate victims for their pain and discomfort. A mesothelioma lawyer can help determine the best approach to pursue compensation.

It is not uncommon for asbestos companies to try to settle cases to avoid the expense of a trial. A mesothelioma attorney knows that settlements made in the early stages may not provide the victim with the amount they deserve.

Many mesothelioma patients can qualify for payouts from trust funds or workers' compensation. These benefits are based upon the specific circumstances of each patient's exposure and how the disease has affected them.

Mesothelioma lawyers can also make use of their negotiation experience to help victims comprehend what they could receive in a settlement. A typical mesothelioma settlement will include the payment of past and future medical costs, loss of income and compensation for suffering and pain.

The most successful mesothelioma lawyers will fight for every penny of compensation for a victim. It is for this reason that mesothelioma patients should always seek out a law firm that has years of experience and a solid track experience in asbestos litigation.

The average settlement for mesothelioma is between $1 million and $1.4 million, and the verdict in mesothelioma cases is around $2.4 million. But, every case is unique, and the best mesothelioma lawyers can create a solid case based on evidence that guarantees a higher payout. They will take into account all aspects of the patient's diagnosis of mesothelioma in order to determine the amount they should receive for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In certain cases, a judge will decide who wins mesothelioma litigation without a trial through an appeal or summary judgment.