Mesothelioma settlement

Mesothelioma Settlements

Some mesothelioma settlements and verdicts have reached into the millions, but it's not easy to estimate how much a person will receive prior to filing a claim. Compensation varies on claimant’s diagnosis, medical history, companies sued, where the claim is filed, proof of negligence and other factors.
History has shown that an overwhelming majority of cases end in a settlement before reaching the courtroom. But some cases do go to trial, where a judge or jury can make a verdict that awards significant compensatory and punitive damages.

Settlement and verdict amounts often are tied to the cost of medical expenses, physical and mental distress, lost wages and bills that accumulate as patients move forward with an asbestos-related illness. Of course, compensation also is linked to the strength of the case, which brings into play the plaintiff’s specific diagnosis and health condition, as well as the degree of perceived liability on the part of one or more defendants.

Exact settlement figures are usually considered private, and claimants often are bound by confidentiality agreements. However, settlement amounts tend to reach the public eye from time to time.

What Are Settlements?

A mesothelioma settlement is an agreement made between the patient or patient’s family and the at-fault asbestos company. Settlements are made to avoid going to trial. Every mesothelioma lawsuit progresses as if it is going to trial, and there are quite a few steps involved in this process. These steps include discovery of evidence, depositions and pretrial motions.
During this part of the lawsuit process, mesothelioma attorneys try to force the hand of the asbestos companies into offering an acceptable settlement. This involves a lot of formalities and negotiations, but both parties usually intend to settle unless it’s under precarious circumstances. An overwhelming majority of all lawsuits, including mesothelioma lawsuits, are settled out of court.