What Is the Average Mesothelioma Settlement?

Primarily because of the severity of the injury and the long-term asbestos coverup, the average mesothelioma settlement is over $1 million. However, individual settlement amounts vary significantly, largely based on the evidence and legal issues in the case. Similarly, the average price of a new house is $480,000. However, individual prices vary significantly based on several factors, such as location, market conditions, seller’s motivation, age of the house, condition of the house, and so on.

A mesothelioma lawyer is another factor to consider. The average attorney-negotiated settlement is over three times higher than the average non-attorney-negotiated settlement. When attorneys diligently build solid cases, when settlement negotiations begin, they are in a position of strength. When nonlawyers negotiate their own settlements, they usually take whatever the defendant offers, whether or not that offer is fair.

This rare and aggressive form of lung cancer is almost exclusively caused by direct or indirect asbestos exposure. Therefore, many people are eligible for mesothelioma settlements.

For many years, industrial asbestos exposure caused most mesothelioma cases. Insulation companies and other asbestos-using companies knew this substance was extremely hazardous to human health as early as 1899. However, for the next eighty years, they kept using this substance and kept insisting that it was safe. Liability lawsuits began around 1960 and continue almost unabated to this day.

Going forward, talc-asbestos cross-contamination may be the most common direct asbestos exposure situation. Talc, a common softening ingredient in talcum powder, most cosmetics, and many other consumer products, is chemically similar to asbestos. Therefore, asbestos fibers often contaminate the talc used in these products. Once again, for many years, Johnson & Johnson and many other companies either ignored the risk or didn’t care about it.

Once again, for many years, most indirect poisoning cases involved the friends and family members of asbestos miners and workers who handled asbestos. Microscopic and spike-laden asbestos fibers easily cling unnoticed to clothes, shoes, hair, and other soft surfaces. So, when these workers went home, they didn’t know they carried asbestos fibers home with them.

Going forward, disaster-related indirect poisoning cases may eclipse the number of other indirect poisoning cases. 9/11 is a good example. When the Twin Towers fell, that disaster created a toxic cloud that spread over a wide area and contained millions of asbestos fibers.

Usually, depending on the evidence in the case, the victim’s situation, and a few other factors, a nationwide asbestos exposure lawyer usually has several legal options.

If evidence connects mesothelioma to a certain source, civil action against that source is usually the best option. In addition to compensation for their economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, these victims are usually entitled to additional punitive damages.

If this avenue is unavailable for whatever reason, legal options still exist, but compensation may be lower. VA disability, a common claim among Naval veterans exposed to asbestos on ships, is a good example. Usually, VA disability is the exclusive remedy in these situations, meaning these victims are ineligible for civil mesothelioma settlements. VA disability benefits usually include monthly cash and free medical care at any VA medical facility. Survivors of deceased veterans and disabled veteran caregivers may be eligible for benefits as well.

Mesothelioma victims need and deserve significant compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. We routinely handle these matters on a nationwide basis.