Mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. On average, mesothelioma treatment costs on a patient is half a million dollars annually. There are different ways of acquiring compensation to cover the costs incurred. Law firms such as Sokolove Law have enabled many mesothelioma-affected families to get compensation for decades. The legal options that exist for mesothelioma patients include;
- Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
- VA benefits
- Medicaid and Medicare
Experienced lawyers and law firms assist mesothelioma patients to get compensation as soon as the prognosis is complete. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed as its symptoms could be mistaken for other illnesses. The financial compensations received can cover funeral costs and bereavement allowance to the affected family. It can also cover medical expenses which include, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Lost wages for the mesothelioma patients are also covered through the compensation funds. Lastly, travel costs if the patient is making frequent trips to get better health care.
Manufacturers of asbestos materials should not get away with the harm that they have caused. A lawsuit sends a message to these companies. The manufacturing companies were aware of the dangers they were imposing on the workers, yet they hid the truth. To them, profit was more important than the overall well-being of the workers. The United States government passed a law that the manufacturing companies had to have a trust fund before declaring bankruptcy.
There are different types of lawsuits for mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses. They include:
Personal Injury Lawsuits
These lawsuits are filed directly with the manufacturing companies of asbestos-containing materials. Victims who file for lawsuits either were exposed while on the job training or while using products made by the said company. Experienced lawyers should ensure the victims are awarded the proper compensation to cover the costs by proving the victims’ case’s eligibility.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In the death of a loved one from mesothelioma or any asbestos-related illness, the family can file for wrongful death. The compensation acquired can help in covering any unpaid medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional torture. Like personal injury lawsuits, the patients’ representative should provide evidence of how the patient was exposed to asbestos products.
Class-Action Lawsuits
In the 20th century, this was a joint lawsuit. These lawsuits were filed collectively by victims against one company. Also, the amount of money compensated to the victims was similar. However, this lawsuit was ruled out by the supreme court. For a class-action lawsuit to fit the criteria, all patients must be suffering from the same issue. It is not the case, as asbestos exposure causes different illnesses and affects different body parts.
Patients today may file different forms of personal injury lawsuits with legal help to get financial compensation. Many mesothelioma case verdicts have been settled out of court. Settlements are less expensive than trials. A trial can take many years for a final verdict. The sooner a lawsuit is filed and compensation agreed on, the better. Mesothelioma patients can live their last days knowing their families and friends will be okay.
