Mesothelioma: Past Settlements

Mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, is a very serious disease that can have a devastating effect on one’s physical condition. As a result, the victims of this disease are often too weak to work or perform any serious physical activity. Following a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, most patients are left with no choice but to contact an attorney in order to enforce their right to just compensation.

Once a mesothelioma lawsuit is filed, settlement negotiations may begin. More often than not, if the defendant has unsuccessfully fought these cases in court before, that company may want to attempt a quick settlement in order to avoid another costly, and potentially embarrassing, litigation. However, an early settlement may not be in your best interest because the first offer is usually well below the amount you are entitled to. It is often a good idea to wait for future settlement offers which will become more and more reasonable as the trial date approaches.

Other reasons for a defendant wanting to settle can include the discovery of information that ensures a clear victory for the plaintiff, a deposition that heavily favors the plaintiff’s case or the unexpected unavailability of a crucial witness or expert needed to win at trial.

How much will I receive from my settlement?

Over the years, there have been a number of mesothelioma settlements ranging from moderate amounts of money all the way up to hundreds of millions of dollars. Each settlement figure is unique and is wholly dependent on the facts of each particular case. As a reference for what you may receive, here are a few examples of cases settled over the years by various law firms around the country:

• $1 Million - Awarded to an auto mechanic who developed asbestosis following his exposure to asbestos-laden clutch facings.
• $1.5 Million – Awarded to a man who was exposed to asbestos by a product he purchased at a department store in the 1950’s.
• $2 Million – Awarded to a 69 year independent contractor who developed asbestosis following on-the-job exposure to asbestos.
• $4.2 Million – Awarded to a man who was exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Navy.
• $6.3 Million – Awarded to a custodian who was exposed to asbestos during the construction and remodeling of three different school buildings.
• $6.5 Million – Awarded to a woman who was exposed to asbestos fibers as a child from her parents’ clothing. Her parents were employed in a shipyard during the 1940’s, when the exposure occurred.
• $9.35 Million – Awarded to a longshoreman and an employee of the defendant company who both suffered on-the-job exposure to asbestos-laden fireproofing products. One died from mesothelioma at 63 years of age while the other, at 69, suffered from asbestosis at the time of trial.
• $18 Million – Awarded to a man who suffered on-the-job exposure to asbestos as a copper smelter. The $15 million punitive damage award was later reversed on appeal. The remaining $3 million in compensatory damages was upheld.
• $20.5 Million – Awarded to a man who developed mesothelioma.
• $33.7 Million – Awarded to a California resident and his wife for exposure to asbestos resulting in death.
• $34.1 Million – Awarded to an Illinois man who contracted pleural mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos.
• $250 Million – Awarded to a 70 year old man after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma resulting from on-the-job exposure at U.S. Steel.

These figures are intended only as a reference point. Most likely, your settlement will match the combined cost of your medical expenses, lost wages and any other expenses associated with treating an asbestos-linked disease. However, a multi-million dollar settlement is not out of the realm of possibility.

More Information
If you would like more information or simply some advice on how to move forward; please provide the details of your situation. We will have a consultant contact you free of charge.