The mesothelioma lawyers at Hotze & Runkle are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims who have been affected by asbestos-related illnesses as a result of another negligent party. Our experienced lawyers will develop the perfect strategy for your mesothelioma case to ensure that you get properly compensated for the pain and suffering caused by your exposure to asbestos.
One of the first steps we will take is to inform you of the type of compensation you are eligible to receive, which should be decided before officially filing your claim.
The 4 Main Types of Compensation You Can Receive for Your Mesothelioma Case
There are multiple way by which you may receive compensation for your mesothelioma case:
- Bankruptcy Trust Fund – Sometimes the company that is responsible for your asbestos exposure is no longer the same company because of a merger or because they have simply gone out of business.
- Settlements – Instead of spending money on legal fees, some companies may decide that it’s simply cheaper to settle out of court. Still, a defendant may let the case go to trial, but if it seems that the case is going to end in your favor, they may decide to settle outside of court.
- Trial Verdicts – This type of compensation is awarded if you win the trial and the defendant does not settle. It is important to know that every case is unique and the compensation provided will vary depending on what the jury decides.
- VA Claims – Veterans that have served in the United States military, especially those that were part of the Navy, Coast Guard, or Marines, were more than likely exposed to asbestos at one point in time. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has named mesothelioma as one of the diseases which qualifies veterans to receive disability benefits. There are certain criteria that a veteran must meet in order to claim disability. Your mesothelioma lawyer will be well versed in the specifics, and will gladly help you with any questions you may have.
Even if the company in your lawsuit is categorized as such, you still have an opportunity to secure compensation for your pain. Some companies that have declared bankruptcy have done so as a result of multiple lawsuits filed against them. Oftentimes, these companies – who are responsible for exposing you to asbestos – have established trust funds specifically to compensate victims.
This is designed to ensure companies that have created health issues for individuals are held responsible for their negligent actions.
Keep in mind, however, that not ALL mesothelioma victims may receive this compensation. There are certain criteria that must be met to get compensation from a bankruptcy trust fund.
It is important to understand that a defendant’s decision to settle is not always a quick resolution.
The compensation you will receive will depend on how the mesothelioma affected your life, the amount of wages lost due to the illness, the cost of medical expenses, as well as the pain and suffering you have experienced.