Mesothelioma Settlements - The Largest Mesothelioma Settlements in History

Compensation is necessary for those suffering of mesothelioma, to pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. Compensation helps families cope with the physical and emotional effects of the disease.

Lawsuits against asbestos companies often result in large settlements for victims and their families. Here are five of the largest mesothelioma settlements ever recorded.

1. Roby Whittington Case

A lawsuit filed by a patient diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease against an asbestos-related company or trust fund seeks compensation for medical expenses and other charges. Mesothelioma settlements vary based on a myriad of factors but if the defendant will settle, victims can get a fair amount of money quickly.

A jury award for mesothelioma is typically larger than a verdict awarded in other types of personal injury cases. However, mesothelioma settlements can be reduced after a trial, when parties typically reach a private deal.

The $250 million verdict for Roby Whittington is the most significant settlement ever reached by a single plaintiff in a mesothelioma case. The verdict was delivered by an Madison County jury in Illinois last Friday. It includes $50 million of compensatory payments and $200 million in punitive payments. Whittington was first diagnosed with mesothelioma back in 2001. He worked at the Gary Works of U.S. Steel in Indiana from 1950 to 1981.

In general, mesothelioma lawyers prefer to settle rather than go to court. Trials are more expensive, carry higher chance of negative publicity, and take longer. However there is no guarantee that a mesothelioma lawsuit will win a jury award or even be heard at trial.

A lawyer can assist those with mesothelioma understand their options. Asbestos lawyers can help victims file lawsuits against accountable parties and seek compensation in the most effective way. They can also help victims apply for trust fund benefits as well as other financial resources to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. For veterans, this may include a mesothelioma-related settlement or VA disability payouts. Veterans suffering from mesothelioma are eligible for VA benefits if they contracted the disease due to their military service or exposure to asbestos-containing substances.

2. Nancy Lopez's Case

Mesothelioma patients can be compensated through a settlement or verdict. Settlements are monetary awards that are immediate and verdicts have to be executed by a jury. Settlements are faster and less costly for both parties. Settlements can also lead to an increase in compensation over a court decision.

The largest mesothelioma settlement ever awarded to a mesothelioma victim was $250 million. The settlement was given to retired worker Roby Whittington as part of an action filed against US Steel. Nancy Lopez, also from New Mexico, was exposed to asbestos as an Jackson County courthouse employee. She later died of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma patients and their families can receive compensation from multiple sources which include trust funds and asbestos lawsuits. Trust funds may begin paying out as quickly as 90 days after the filing of the lawsuit. Lawsuits typically take longer, depending on the nature of the case and whether the defendants cooperate.

Asbestos firms are reluctant to engage in public litigation because they may be a victim of negative publicity or financial losses. They often settle mesothelioma claims instead of risking a huge jury verdict and a long legal process. Mesothelioma lawyers are able to negotiate with these companies to get the best results for their clients.

Lawyers with experience in mesothelioma have the skills, expertise and dedication to stand up to big asbestos corporations and win substantial settlements for their clients. State laws allow those diagnosed with mesothelioma one to five years to file a lawsuit against the company(s) responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These companies must respond before the time expires, however they are not required to offer a full and fair settlement.

3. Libby Mine Cases

Vermiculite mines were infected with asbestos in the mountain town of Libby, Montana. Many people were exposed to the dangerous fibers, and many suffered from mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses as a result. In 2011, a judge ruled that one of the largest mesothelioma settlements in history. In 2011, a judge approved one of the largest mesothelioma cases in the history of the world.

Asbestos exposure is commonplace in commercial, mining and residential sites throughout the state of Montana. The Libby asbestos mines are no exception. The high amount of asbestos exposure in the Libby mines has resulted in an increased incidence of asbestos-related illnesses than most other areas. In Libby the majority of asbestos-related illnesses are respiratory ailments. Mesothelioma, on other hand, is one of the most difficult diseases to treat.

According to lawsuits filed against W.R. Grace, company officials were aware of the harmful nature of tremolite asbestos in their vermiculite mines. They also concealed details about the asbestos from workers and regulators. They did this despite their own internal studies showing that airborne tremolite causes mesothelioma, lung scarring and cancer in laboratory animals.

The management of Libby's company as well as the senior members hid this information about asbestos even after employees began suffering from respiratory issues. Some of these workers died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Because of the long delay in diagnosis, a small percentage of Libby residents and miners continue to receive mesothelioma diagnoses today. There are more options for treating mesothelioma than there ever was. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease seek out a mesothelioma expert to help you find the best treatment. These centers provide a range of the most cutting-edge treatments available, and may include participation in clinical trials.

4. DaimlerChrysler Cases

Mesothelioma compensation can cover medical costs and other damages for those diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer. Taking legal action against businesses who expose asbestos-related diseases to their workers can help patients and their families receive a fair amount of compensation while keeping those accountable.

Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in settlements, which are often carefully negotiated by experienced asbestos attorneys. However, some lawsuits go to trial, and juries determine the final settlement amount.

Asbestos companies can also file motions to dismiss or to lower a jury's verdict. This is one of the reasons why it is critical for mesothelioma patients to employ an experienced attorney.

Asbestos lawyers are aware of the way companies like DaimlerChrysler try to minimize their liability for exposure by prolonging lawsuits. They will quickly act to ensure that defendants are responsive before the time runs out. A mesothelioma lawyer who is skilled can negotiate an improved compensation package to ensure victims get the money they deserve.

The Court notes that the first argument in DaimlerChrysler's motion to overturn the punitive damages award relies on a false assertion. DaimlerChrysler claims that its good faith efforts on a specific aspect of Young's case should translate to a denial of punitive damages, because it could not have acted with reckless disregard and malice for her rights.

Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated, however the majority result in settlements that pay victims for suffering and pain. Settlements from mesothelioma lawsuits can't be used to reverse illness or restore a loved one, but it can ensure that patients get the best possible treatment and financial security. Mesothelioma suits hold asbestos manufacturers accountable, and discourage them from promoting harmful products.

5. U.S. Steel Cases

In settlements and jury verdicts mesothelioma patients have been awarded billions of dollars. Compensation from these settlements can aid victims in paying for treatment-related expenses, replace the loss of income, and pay for the pain and suffering. An attorney for mesothelioma can help determine the best method for seeking compensation.

Asbestos companies often settle cases earlier to avoid the cost of an in-court trial. However, a skilled mesothelioma lawyer will know that settlements made in the early stages may not provide the full amount of money that the victim deserves.

Many mesothelioma sufferers are eligible to receive payouts from trust funds or workers' compensation. These benefits are based on an individual's unique history of exposure to the disease and how it has affected them.

Mesothelioma lawyers can also make use of their negotiation experience to help victims understand what is the average mesothelioma settlement they could receive in an agreement. A typical mesothelioma lawsuit will include the payment of past and future medical expenses, loss of income and compensation for suffering and pain.

The most successful mesothelioma lawyers will fight for every penny of compensation a victim receives. This is why mesothelioma victims should always consult an experienced law firm with an established track record of success in asbestos litigation.

The average mesothelioma settlement amount mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million, and mesothelioma trials verdicts are about $2.4 million. Each case is different and the best mesothelioma lawyers can build a strong case based on evidence that guarantees a higher payout. They will look at every aspect of a person's mesothelioma-related diagnosis to determine how much they are entitled to for medical expenses including lost wages, as well as other damages. In some instances, a judge can decide who wins a mesothelioma lawsuit without a trial through an appeal or summary judgment.