Mesothelioma Settlements - The Largest Mesothelioma Settlements in History

Mesothelioma sufferers require compensation to cover medical bills, lost income and other expenses. Compensation helps families cope with the emotional and physical consequences of the disease.

Often, asbestos companies are sued by victims and their families who win large settlements. Here are five of the largest mesothelioma lawsuits.

1. Roby Whittington's Case

A lawsuit brought by a patient diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness against an asbestos-related trust fund or company seeks compensation to cover medical expenses and other costs. Mesothelioma settlements vary based on many factors but if the defendant is willing to settle, victims can receive a substantial amount of money quickly.

A verdict in mesothelioma cases is typically higher than other types of personal injury claims. After a trial, the parties are often able to reach an agreement to settle privately which can lower the amount of mesothelioma lawsuit settlement.

The $250 million verdict in Roby Whittington's case is largest mesothelioma settlement for a single plaintiff. The verdict was handed down by a Madison County jury in Illinois last Friday. It includes $50 million in compensatory settlements and $200 million of punitive ones. Whittington was diagnosed with mesothelioma 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 reach a settlement instead of going to trial. Trials cost more, have a higher risk of negative publicity, and take longer. There is no guarantee that a mesothelioma lawsuit will succeed or even get to trial.

A lawyer can help those who suffer from mesothelioma to understand their options. Asbestos lawyers can assist victims file lawsuits against responsible parties and pursue compensation in the most efficient way. They can also assist victims apply for trust fund benefits and other financial resources to ensure they receive the money they need. Veterans could receive VA disability benefits or mesothelioma settlement. Veterans with mesothelioma can receive VA benefits if they developed 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 financial payouts that can be made immediately, while verdicts require the trial. Settlements are quicker and less costly option for both parties. Settlements can also lead to an increase in compensation over a court verdict.

The largest mesothelioma settlement ever awarded to a mesothelioma victim was $250 million. The settlement was given to retired worker Roby Whittington in the course of a lawsuit filed against US Steel. Nancy Lopez, a New Mexico native, was exposed to asbestos when working at the Jackson County Courthouse. She later passed away from mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma patients and their families can be compensated from a variety of sources which include trust funds and asbestos lawsuits. Trust funds can start paying out as early as 90 days following filing of an action. Legal proceedings typically take longer, based on the nature of the case and whether the defendants are cooperative.

Asbestos companies aren't keen on public litigation because they could be exposed to negative publicity and financial losses. It is common to settle mesothelioma cases rather than be a victim of a huge jury verdict and a long legal process. Mesothelioma lawyers are skilled at negotiate with these companies to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.

Lawyers who have expertise in mesothelioma possess the knowledge, experience and determination to stand up to big asbestos corporations and win substantial settlements for their clients. State laws give individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma one to five years to file a suit against the company(s) responsible for their exposure to asbestos. They are required to respond before the time limit expires but they are not required to offer a fair and full settlement.

3. Cases from the Libby Mine

The vermiculite mines that were located in the town of Libby, Montana, were infected with asbestos attorney cancer lawyer mesothelioma settlement. Due to exposure to dangerous fibers thousands of people were diagnosed with mesothelioma and related asbestos-related diseases. In 2011, a judge ruled in one of the largest mesothelioma lawsuits in the history of the country. That case granted $43 million to hundreds of former workers and residents affected by asbestos contamination.

Asbestos exposure is commonplace in commercial, mining and residential sites across the state of Montana. The Libby asbestos mines aren't an exception. The high amount of asbestos exposure in the Libby mines has contributed to the higher prevalence of asbestos-related illnesses than most other areas. In Libby, the majority of asbestos-related illnesses are respiratory illnesses. Mesothelioma, on other hand is one of most difficult illnesses to treat.

According to lawsuits filed against W.R. Grace, company officials were aware of the hazardous nature of the asbestos tremolite found in their vermiculite mines. They also concealed asbestos-related information from regulators and workers. They did this despite their own internal studies concluding that airborne tremolite is the cause of mesothelioma, lung scarring, and cancer in laboratory animals.

In the end, the company and its top managers hid this information about asbestos at Libby, even after workers were suffering from respiratory ailments. This led to the fact that a number of them died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Because of the long time of latency, a few Libby residents and miners still have a mesothelioma diagnosis. However mesothelioma treatment options are now more available than ever before. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition seek out a mesothelioma expert to help you find the best treatment. These centers offer the latest treatments and may involve participation in clinical trials.

4. DaimlerChrysler Cases

Mesothelioma compensation may cover medical expenses and other damages for people diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer. Legal action against companies who expose their employees to asbestos can ensure that patients and their families receive fair compensation while making those responsible accountable.

Most mesothelioma cases end in settlements. They are usually carefully negotiated and drafted by asbestos attorneys. Some lawsuits go to trial, where juries determine the final amount of the settlement.

On the other hand, asbestos companies can file motions to dismiss or lower a jury's verdict. This is why it's important for patients suffering from mesothelioma to hire a skilled lawyer.

Asbestos lawyers understand how companies such as DaimlerChrysler attempt to limit their liability for exposure by dragging out lawsuits. They will quickly act to ensure defendants respond before the time runs out. A mesothelioma attorney can negotiate a better compensation package for victims to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

The Court observes that DaimlerChrysler's first argument in its motion to invalidate punitive damages is based on a false assertion. DaimlerChrysler asserts that its efforts in good faith in a particular aspect of Young's case should be reflected in an injunction against punitive damages because it could not have acted with reckless disregard and malice for her rights.

Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated, but the majority end in settlements which pay victims for suffering and pain. Settlements for mesothelioma cannot reverse the illness or bring a loved back but they can guarantee patients have access to financial security and best care. Furthermore mesothelioma lawsuits hold asbestos manufacturers accountable and deter them from continuing to promote harmful products.

5. U.S. Steel Cases

Mesothelioma victims have won billions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. Settlements resulting from these cases can assist victims with treatment-related expenses, cover lost income and reimburse them for the pain and suffering they endured. A mesothelioma attorney can determine the best strategy for seeking compensation.

Asbestos companies usually settle cases earlier to avoid the cost of the expense of a court trial. However, a seasoned mesothelioma lawyer knows that the initial settlements might not be enough to cover the amount that the victim deserves.

A lot of mesothelioma patients qualify for payments through trust funds or workers' compensation. These benefits are determined by an individual's personal exposure background and how their disease has affected their quality of life.

Mesothelioma lawyers can also draw on their negotiation skills to help victims understand what they can expect in a settlement. A typical mesothelioma settlement will include compensation for future and past medical costs, loss of income and compensation for suffering and pain.

The most successful mesothelioma case settlements attorneys will fight for every cent of a victim's compensation. This is why mesothelioma victims should always seek out a reputable law firm with an established track record of success in asbestos litigation.

The average mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million, and the mesothelioma verdict in a trial is about $2.4 million. However, each case is unique and the best mesothelioma lawyers can build a strong case based on evidence that guarantees an increased payout. They will take into consideration all aspects of the victim's diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the amount they are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In some cases, a judge will decide the winner of a mesothelioma lawsuit without trial, through an appeal or summary judgment.