Mesothelioma Settlements
Each mesothelioma settlement will be different depending on a few factors:
- Whether or not the case goes to trial
- The cost of medical expenses of the specific case
- Any lost wages related to the development of mesothelioma
- The degree to which the defendant is perceived to be liable for the development of mesothelioma in the plaintiff
Mesothelioma Settlements
Settlements will also depend on the type of lawsuit filed. For example, 2011, two separate judges in Missouri and Montana awarded settlements to mesothelioma patients. In Missouri, Nancy Lopez received the $10 million settlement in full because she had filed individually. In Montana, the judge awarded a whopping $43 million, but the case was a class action lawsuit and had to be shared between more than 1,300 plaintiffs. Once divided, individuals saw as little as $500 or as much as $61,000—still much lower than Ms. Lopez’s $10 million.
Families of deceased mesothelioma patients can still receive settlements. A judge awarded one family of a deceased New Jersey construction worker with a $2.1 million settlement.
The average award for a mesothelioma case that sees trial is $2.4 million, and the average settlement is between $1-1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report.
Your lawyer should be prepared to go to trial, but most cases reach a settlement before trial. A defendant who has already gone to trial or settled other cases in the past might be more eager to reach a quick settlement.
Every case is unique, and the average settlement does not apply to everyone. Filing a lawsuit may seem like a drastic step, but mesothelioma is a serious disease. If you were exposed to asbestos needlessly, you deserve justice. Most cases reach fair settlements and don’t have to go through a trial. That’s why you need an experienced mesothelioma lawyer on your side: to do the hard work and negotiate a settlement for you so you get the justice you deserve.
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