Mesothelioma Settlements - The Largest Mesothelioma Settlements in History

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

Companies that manufacture asbestos 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 person diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, can bring a lawsuit against an asbestos-related company or trust fund to seek compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma Settlements vary according to a variety of factors. However, if the defendant is willing to pay, victims can receive money quickly.

A mesothelioma verdict from a jury cases is usually higher than other types of personal injury claims. However, mesothelioma settlement amounts may be reduced after an appeal, when parties often reach a private agreement.

The verdict of $250 million in Roby Whittington's case is largest mesothelioma settlement ever awarded to a single plaintiff. The verdict was delivered by a 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 in 2001. He worked in Indiana at the Gary Works of U.S. Steel from 1950 to 1981.

In general mesothelioma lawyers prefer to settle rather than go to trial. Trials are more costly, carry higher risk of negative publicity and take longer. There is no guarantee a mesothelioma case will be successful or even get to trial.

A lawyer can help those with mesothelioma understand their options. Asbestos lawyers can aid victims bring lawsuits against the those responsible and seek compensation in the most efficient way. They can also assist victims apply for trust fund benefits as well as other financial resources to ensure that they receive the money they need. For veterans, this may include a mesothelioma settlement as well as VA disability payments. Veterans with mesothelioma can receive VA benefits if they contracted the disease as a result of their military service or exposure to asbestos-containing materials.

2. Nancy Lopez's Case

Mesothelioma victims can receive compensation through a settlement or a verdict. Settlements are immediate monetary awards and verdicts are made by a jury. Settlements are faster and less costly for both parties. Settlements can also lead to a higher compensation than a court decision.

The largest mesothelioma settlement ever awarded to a mesothelioma victim was $250 million. It was awarded to former steel worker Roby Whittington in a lawsuit brought against US Steel. Nancy Lopez, also from New Mexico, was exposed to asbestos as an Jackson County courthouse employee. She later passed away from mesothelioma.

Trust funds and asbestos lawsuits are two of the many compensation sources available to families of victims. Trust funds may begin paying out as quickly as 90 days following filing of an action. The duration of a lawsuit will depend on the complexity and cooperation of the defendants.

Asbestos companies are reluctant to participate in public litigation because they may suffer negative publicity or financial losses. They usually settle mesothelioma lawsuits instead of risking a huge jury verdict and a long legal process. Mesothelioma attorneys are able to negotiate to obtain the best outcomes for their clients.

Lawyers who have expertise in mesothelioma have the experience, expertise and dedication to take on large asbestos corporations and win significant settlements for their clients. State laws give individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma a period of one to five years to file a suit against the company(s) responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These companies are required to respond before the time limit expires, but not to offer a fair and comprehensive settlement.

3. Cases from the Libby Mine

The vermiculite mines in the mountain town of Libby, Montana, were contaminated with asbestos. Many people were exposed to the harmful fibers, and a lot suffered from mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses as a result. In 2011, a court approved one of the largest mesothelioma settlements in the history of mesothelioma. That case awarded $43 million to a number of former residents and workers who were affected by the asbestos contamination.

Asbestos exposure is commonplace at 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 a higher incidence of asbestos-related diseases than other places. In Libby the majority of asbestos-related diagnoses are respiratory ailments. Mesothelioma on the other hand is one of most difficult diseases to treat.

According to lawsuits filed against W.R. Grace, company officials were aware of the harmful nature of the asbestos tremolite found in their vermiculite mines. They also concealed asbestos information from regulators and workers. They did this in spite of their own internal research which showed that airborne tremolite caused lung scarring, mesothelioma 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 respiratory problems. This led to the fact that a number of these individuals passed away from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

Because of the long delay in diagnosis, a small percentage of Libby residents and miners continue to have a mesothelioma diagnosis. There are more options for treating mesothelioma than there ever was. Contact a mesothelioma specialist today if you've been diagnosed as having an asbestos-related condition. They can assist you to find the most effective treatment. These centers offer a variety of cutting-edge treatment options and could include participation in clinical trials.

4. DaimlerChrysler Cases

Mesothelioma compensation may cover medical costs and other damages for patients diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer. Legal action against companies that expose asbestos-related cancer victims to asbestos can help patients and their relatives receive fair compensation as well as hold accountable parties.

Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in settlements, which are usually carefully negotiated by experienced asbestos lawyers. However, some lawsuits do go to trial, where juries decide on the final settlement amount.

On the other hand, asbestos firms can file motions to dismiss or lower the verdict of a jury. This is the reason it's crucial for mesothelioma patients to hire a skilled attorney.

Asbestos attorneys understand the way that companies like DaimlerChrysler attempt to minimize their exposure liability through lengthy lawsuits. They will act quickly to ensure that defendants are responsive before the time runs out. A mesothelioma attorney can negotiate a more favorable compensation package for victims to ensure that they get the compensation they deserve.

The Court notes that DaimlerChrysler’s first argument in its motion to invalidate punitive damages is based on a false statement. In particular, DaimlerChrysler alleges that its good faith efforts in one aspect of Young's lawsuit should be interpreted as a bar on punitive damages since it couldn't have acted with malice or reckless disregard to her rights.

Asbestos lawsuits can be complicated, however the majority result in settlements which pay victims for suffering and pain. Settlements for mesothelioma will not reverse the illness or bring back a loved one however they can ensure that patients have access to financial security and most effective treatment. Moreover, mesothelioma lawsuits hold asbestos makers accountable and stop 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 pay for treatment costs, pay for lost wages, and pay victims for discomfort and pain. A mesothelioma lawyer will help determine the best approach to pursue compensation.

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

A lot of mesothelioma patients qualify to receive payouts from trust funds or workers' compensation. These benefits are based on the individual's specific history of exposure and how the disease has affected them.

Mesothelioma lawyers can also draw on their experience in negotiating these claims to help victims learn how much they might receive as a result of an agreement. A typical mesothelioma settlement will include compensation for past, future and current medical costs, lost income and compensation of suffering and pain.

The most successful mesothelioma lawyers will fight for every penny of a victim's compensation. This is the reason that patients with mesothelioma should look for a law firm with experience and a proven track record in asbestos litigation.

The mesothelioma average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million, and the mesothelioma verdict in a trial is approximately $2.4 million. But, every case is unique, and the top mesothelioma lawyers can create a solid argument based claim that will guarantee an increased payout. They will look at the entirety of a victim's mesothelioma settlement payments diagnosis to determine how much compensation they deserve for their medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages. In certain cases, the judge will decide who is the winner of a mesothelioma claim without trial using a motion for summary judgment.