A mesothelioma diagnosis often brings physical, emotional, and financial challenges. From hospital stays and medical treatments to time away from work, the costs add up quickly. Fortunately, compensation may be available if you were exposed to asbestos. With the help of an experienced mesothelioma attorney, victims and their families can pursue multiple forms of financial recovery.
This article explores the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and how having the right attorney can significantly improve your outcome.
1. Medical Expenses
Mesothelioma treatment is costly and ongoing. From surgeries to chemotherapy and follow-up care, the financial toll can be immense.
A skilled mesothelioma attorney can help you recover money to pay for:
- Hospital and surgical fees
- Diagnostic testing (CT scans, MRIs, biopsies)
- Prescription medications
- In-home care or hospice services
- Experimental or clinical trial treatments
Even if your insurance covers a portion of your treatment, a legal claim can help recover out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays that pile up.
2. Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Many mesothelioma patients are forced to stop working due to declining health or treatment schedules. For younger victims or those still in their working years, this loss of income can be devastating.
Compensation can help recover:
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity due to health limitations
- Missed promotions, pensions, or bonuses
- Income loss due to early retirement
Attorneys often work with economists to project the full financial impact of lost income over a lifetime, ensuring that clients receive fair compensation.
3. Pain and Suffering
Mesothelioma causes more than financial strain—it also brings pain, fatigue, fear, and emotional distress. Courts recognize this and allow victims to seek damages for what’s known as “non-economic” losses.
This includes:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Diminished quality of life
An experienced attorney will know how to present your story in a compelling way to maximize these types of awards.
4. Wrongful Death Compensation
When a loved one passes away from mesothelioma, their family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action helps families recover for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
A mesothelioma attorney can guide you through the process of filing on behalf of a deceased family member, making sure every legal option is explored.
5. VA Benefits (for Veterans)
Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy or shipyards, were commonly exposed to asbestos during service. If your mesothelioma is linked to military exposure, you may qualify for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits such as:
- Monthly disability compensation
- Health care through the VA system
- Special compensation for housebound or terminal patients
Attorneys familiar with VA claims can assist in gathering the required service records and medical documentation, ensuring a smoother application process.
6. Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many asbestos companies have gone bankrupt but were ordered by the courts to set up trust funds to compensate victims. These trust funds are worth billions and continue to pay out claims today.
Your attorney can identify which trust(s) you qualify for and submit the necessary evidence to support your claim. This can often be done without going to court and may result in faster payments.
7. Settlements and Trial Verdicts
There are two primary ways to receive compensation: through out-of-court settlements or trial verdicts.
Settlements
Most mesothelioma cases end in settlements. This is a private agreement between the victim (or their family) and the responsible company or insurer. Settlements offer faster compensation and avoid the stress of a trial.
Trial Verdicts
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend going to trial. While verdicts can take longer, they often result in higher awards—especially when juries are sympathetic to the victim’s suffering.
Experienced attorneys know how to prepare both types of cases and will help you choose the best strategy for your circumstances.
Why an Attorney Makes the Difference
The legal system is complex, and asbestos litigation involves detailed documentation, expert testimony, and negotiations with large corporations or insurance companies. Trying to handle it alone can result in lost compensation—or none at all.
Here’s how a qualified mesothelioma attorney improves your case:
- Tracks down evidence of asbestos exposure (even from decades ago)
- Identifies all potential defendants and trust funds
- Builds a strong case with medical and occupational records
- Negotiates aggressively for top compensation
- Files claims before legal deadlines expire
Best of all, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you may be able to receive compensation that covers medical bills, lost income, emotional suffering, and more.
Time is critical in these cases due to statutes of limitations, so it’s wise to speak with a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. A single consultation could open the door to life-changing support for you and your family.