Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
When an individual or company is to blame for the asbestos exposure that resulted in someone developing mesothelioma, the negligent individual or company can be held liable and made to pay damages. When mesothelioma victims are considering filing a compensation claim, one of the questions they ask is, “How much will I recover?” For those considering filing a mesothelioma claim in 2024, the question is likely, “How much is a mesothelioma claim worth in 2024?”
So, how much is a mesothelioma claim worth in 2024? Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. There isn’t an average compensation amount that claimants can expect to recover after filing a mesothelioma claim in 2024. The value of a mesothelioma case can vary widely based on several factors. Mesothelioma victims should be wary of attorneys who guarantee them a certain amount of compensation. Even an attorney cannot predict the exact value of a case.
Factors That Can Impact the Value of a Mesothelioma Claim
A host of factors can affect the value of a mesothelioma claim. The following are some of the factors that can affect how much a mesothelioma claim is worth in 2024;
The Extent of the Illness
The extent of a patient’s illness is one of the major factors that can impact the value of a mesothelioma claim. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma at a later stage may recover more compensation than those diagnosed at an early stage. Often, late-stage mesothelioma requires more extensive and aggressive medical treatments, resulting in higher medical expenses. Advanced stages of mesothelioma may lead to an increase in the impairment of an individual’s ability to work. Additionally, people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma when the disease has progressed may experience significant pain and suffering.
The Total Economic Expenses
A claimant’s economic damages will impact the value of their claim. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost income, and the cost of hiring someone to help with chores. The extent of a claimant’s economic losses plays a huge role in determining how much they recover.
The Total Non-Economic Losses
In a mesothelioma case, the claimant can not only recover economic damages but also non-economic damages. These are damages that are not easy to capture with a dollar figure. Non-economic damages are a large component of damages in mesothelioma cases. How much a person is owed for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and other non-economic damages can impact the value of their claim.
Strength of Evidence
The strength of the available evidence is another crucial factor that can affect the value of a mesothelioma claim. Generally, the stronger and more convincing the evidence, the higher the chances the plaintiff will receive a higher compensation. Strong evidence can make identifying the specific asbestos-containing product(s) and establishing causation easier.
Whether Punitive Damages Are Awarded
Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct is considered reckless or egregious. These damages are awarded on top of compensatory damages (economic and non-economic damages). If a person is eligible for punitive damages, it can significantly increase the value of their mesothelioma case.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.