If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries until the 1980s, and many people were exposed to the toxic substance without even knowing it. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to know your legal rights and options.
What Is a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payout?
A mesothelioma lawsuit payout is a sum of money awarded to a plaintiff who has filed a lawsuit against a company that exposed them to asbestos. The amount of the payout can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the illness, the extent of the exposure, the age and earning capacity of the plaintiff, and the degree of negligence on the part of the defendant. Some mesothelioma lawsuit payouts have been as high as millions of dollars.
Factors That Affect Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts
There are several factors that can affect the amount of a mesothelioma lawsuit payout, including:
Factor | Description |
---|---|
Severity of illness | The more advanced the cancer, the higher the potential payout. |
Extent of exposure | The longer and more intense the exposure to asbestos, the higher the potential payout. |
Age and earning capacity of plaintiff | Younger plaintiffs and those with higher earning potential may receive higher payouts. |
Degree of negligence on part of defendant | If the defendant knew about the dangers of asbestos and failed to take proper precautions, the potential payout may be higher. |
How Much Can You Get in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payout per Person?
The actual amount of a mesothelioma lawsuit payout can vary widely, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, it is not uncommon for payouts to be in the millions of dollars. In general, mesothelioma lawsuit payouts per person can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 or more.
Examples of Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts per Person
Here are some examples of mesothelioma lawsuit payouts per person:
- In 2019, a jury awarded $4.4 million to the family of a man who died of mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while working as a shipfitter.
- In 2018, a California jury awarded $25.75 million to a man who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in talcum powder.
- In 2016, a Texas jury awarded $18.6 million to a man who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in brake linings.
FAQs: Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts per Person
Q: How much does a mesothelioma lawyer charge?
A: Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, the lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement or payout as their fee, which can range from 25% to 40%.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit even if I don’t know where I was exposed to asbestos?
A: Yes, you can still file a mesothelioma lawsuit even if you don’t know where you were exposed to asbestos. Your lawyer can help you investigate your work history and other potential sources of exposure.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if my loved one has already passed away?
A: Yes, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one if they passed away from mesothelioma.
Q: How long does it take to get a mesothelioma lawsuit payout?
A: The length of time it takes to get a mesothelioma lawsuit payout can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Some cases can be settled quickly, while others may take months or even years to resolve.
Q: Do I have to go to court to get a mesothelioma lawsuit payout?
A: Not necessarily. Many mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court through negotiations between the plaintiff and defendant. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.
Q: What expenses can I claim in a mesothelioma lawsuit?
A: You can typically claim any expenses related to your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment, as well as lost wages and other damages. Your lawyer can help you determine which expenses you can claim in your specific case.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I am a smoker?
A: Yes, you can still file a mesothelioma lawsuit even if you are a smoker. However, the defendant may argue that your smoking contributed to your illness and try to reduce the amount of your payout.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit against multiple companies?
A: Yes, if you were exposed to asbestos from multiple companies, you can file a lawsuit against all of them.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit?
A: The statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit varies by state. In general, you have between one and five years from the date of diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I was exposed to asbestos outside of the workplace?
A: Yes, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you were exposed to asbestos outside of the workplace. For example, if you were exposed to asbestos in your home or neighborhood, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the company responsible for the contamination.
Q: Do I need to have a biopsy to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?
A: Yes, you will typically need to have a biopsy to confirm your mesothelioma diagnosis before you can file a lawsuit.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago?
A: Yes, there is typically no time limit on when you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit, as long as you file within the statute of limitations in your state.
Q: How do I find a mesothelioma lawyer?
A: You can find a mesothelioma lawyer by doing an online search, contacting a mesothelioma advocacy group, or asking for a referral from your doctor or other healthcare provider.
Q: Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I live in a different state from where I was exposed to asbestos?
A: Yes, you can file a lawsuit in any state where the defendant has a presence or where the exposure occurred.
Q: Can I still file a mesothelioma lawsuit if the company responsible for my exposure has gone out of business?
A: Yes, you may still be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit even if the company responsible for your exposure has gone out of business. Your lawyer can help you determine if there are any other parties that may be liable.
Conclusion: Pursuing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payout
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, pursuing a lawsuit payout can help you and your family cover the expenses associated with the illness and obtain justice for the harm that has been done to you. However, pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to seek the help of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. With the right legal representation, you can maximize your chances of getting a fair and just mesothelioma lawsuit payout per person.
A mesothelioma lawsuit payout can never fully compensate for the pain and suffering that mesothelioma causes, but it can help ease the financial burden and provide some measure of closure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t hesitate to explore your legal options and fight for your rights. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to learn more.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The contents of this article are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for seeking the advice of an attorney. The laws and regulations governing mesothelioma lawsuits vary by state and can be complex, and you should consult with an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases to determine your legal rights and options.