Mesothelioma Settlements - The Largest Mesothelioma Settlements in History

Compensation is needed for victims of mesothelioma in order to pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. Compensation can help families cope with the emotional and physical effects of the illness.

Companies that manufacture asbestos often lead to large verdicts for the victims and their families. Here are five of history's largest mesothelioma lawsuits.

1. Roby Whittington Case

A person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, can bring a lawsuit against an asbestos-related business or trust fund to seek compensation for medical expenses and medical bills. Mesothelioma settlements can vary depending on many factors but if the defendant will settle, victims can get 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 reduces the amount of a mesothelioma settlement.

The $250 million verdict in Roby Whittington's trial is the largest mesothelioma settlement ever awarded to one plaintiff. The verdict was delivered by an Madison County jury in Illinois on Friday. It includes $50 million in compensatory payments and $200 million in punitive payments. Whittington was first diagnosed with mesothelioma 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 instead of going to court. Trials cost more, have greater risk of negative publicity, and take longer. However, there is no assurance that a mesothelioma case will result in a jury verdict or even reach trial.

A lawyer can help those who suffer from mesothelioma to understand their options. Asbestos attorneys can help victims bring a lawsuit against responsible parties and pursue the best course of action for compensation. They can also assist victims apply for trust fund benefits and other financial resources to ensure they get the money they deserve. Veterans may receive VA disability payments or a mesothelioma settlement. The VA provides benefits for veterans suffering from mesothelioma who acquired the condition due to military service and exposure to asbestos-containing products.

2. Nancy Lopez's Case

Mesothelioma victims can be compensated through a settlement or verdict. Settlements are financial awards that can be paid immediately, whereas verdicts require a trial. Settlements are quicker and less costly for both parties. Settlements can also lead to more compensation than a court verdict.

The largest mesothelioma settlement 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 a Jackson County courthouse employee. She later died of mesothelioma.

Trust funds and asbestos lawsuits are just two of the numerous compensation sources available to victims and their families. Trust funds can begin paying out as early as 90 days after a lawsuit has been filed. The length of a lawsuit is contingent on the degree of complexity and cooperation of the defendants.

Asbestos companies are averse to public litigation, as they could be exposed to negative publicity and financial losses. It is common to settle mesothelioma cases rather than risk a large jury verdict and a long legal process. Mesothelioma attorneys are able to negotiate to achieve the most effective results for their client.

Lawyers with experience in mesothelioma possess the experience, knowledge and determination required to take on large asbestos corporations and secure significant settlements for their clients. Mesothelioma patients are given one to five years by state laws to bring an action against the business or the companies responsible for their exposure. They must respond prior to the time expires, however they are not required to offer a full and fair settlement.

3. Cases from the Libby Mine

Vermiculite mines were contaminated by asbestos in the mountain town Libby, Montana. As a result of exposure to dangerous fibers thousands of people were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. In 2011, a court ruled in one of the largest settlements for mesothelioma in history. That case granted $43 million to hundreds of former workers and residents affected by asbestos contamination.

Asbestos is present in a variety of places that include commercial, residential and mining sites. The Libby asbestos mines aren't an exception. The huge amount of asbestos exposure in the Libby mines has resulted in an increased incidence of asbestos-related illnesses than most other places. In Libby, the majority of asbestos-related illnesses are respiratory illnesses. Mesothelioma, on other hand is one of most difficult diseases to treat.

According to lawsuits against W.R. Grace filed by company officials, the toxic nature of tremolite used in their vermiculite mining was known. They also concealed asbestos-related information from regulators and workers. They did this despite the fact that their own internal studies found that the tremolite from the air caused lung mesothelioma, cancer, and scarring in laboratory animals.

Libby's company and senior management kept this information from the senior management of the company even after employees began suffering respiratory problems. In the end, a few of them suffered from mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses.

Because of the long latency period, some Libby residents and miners continue to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis today. However mesothelioma treatments are now more available than ever. Contact a mesothelioma professional today if you've been diagnosed as having an asbestos-related illness. They can help you determine the best treatment. These centers provide cutting-edge treatments and may even involve participation in clinical trials.

4. DaimlerChrysler Cases

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

Most mesothelioma cases are settled in settlements. They are usually carefully negotiated and prepared by asbestos attorneys. However, some lawsuits do go to trial, where juries decide on the final settlement amount.

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

Asbestos lawyers understand how companies such as DaimlerChrysler try to reduce their liability for exposure through lengthy lawsuits. They will work quickly to ensure the defendants respond before time expires. A mesothelioma lawyer who is skilled can negotiate an improved compensation package to ensure victims get the money they need.

The Court finds that DaimlerChrysler's initial argument in its motion to rescind punitive damages is based on a false assertion. DaimlerChrysler asserts that its good faith efforts on one aspect of Young’s case should result in a bar against punitive damages since it cannot have acted with malice and reckless disregard for her rights.

Asbestos lawsuits are a bit complicated, however the majority result in settlements which provide compensation for victims' pain and suffering. Settlements for mesothelioma cannot reverse the disease or bring a loved back however they can ensure that patients have access to financial security and best care. Furthermore mesothelioma lawsuits hold asbestos makers accountable and deter them from promoting harmful products.

5. U.S. Steel Cases

In jury verdicts and settlements mesothelioma sufferers have received billions of dollars. Settlements from these settlements could help victims pay for treatment-related expenses, replace their income loss and compensate them for the pain and suffering. A mesothelioma lawyer will help determine the best strategy to pursue compensation.

It is not unusual for asbestos companies to attempt to settle cases in order to avoid the expense of a trial. However, a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer is aware that the initial settlements might not be enough to cover the full amount of money that the victim is entitled to.

Many mesothelioma sufferers are eligible for payments through trust funds or workers compensation. These benefits are dependent on the individual's specific exposure background and how their disease has affected their quality of life.

Mesothelioma lawyers can also use their negotiation experience to help patients understand what they can expect in the event of a settlement. A typical mesothelioma settlement will include compensation for the past, future and present medical costs as well as compensation for lost income and of pain and suffering.

The most successful mesothelioma attorneys will fight for every cent of compensation a victim receives. This is the reason that patients with mesothelioma should seek out a law firm that has experience and a proven track of asbestos litigation.

The mesothelioma average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million and mesothelioma trials verdicts are around $2.4 million. Each case is different, and the most skilled mesothelioma lawyers can create a compelling claim based on evidence that will guarantee a greater payout. They will consider all aspects of the victim's diagnosis of mesothelioma to determine what compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In some cases, the judge will decide who is the winner of a mesothelioma claim without trial, using a summary judgment or motion.