Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts
ELSM Has Secured Nearly $5 Billion in Mesothelioma Settlements.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a life-changing event, impacting individuals both emotionally and financially. The financial burdens associated with mesothelioma, such as expensive medical bills and loss of income due to illness, can further increase the challenges faced by patients and their families. For the last four decades, ELSM has helped thousands of families secure mesothelioma lawsuit settlements to provide much needed financial relief. If you have questions about your legal rights as a mesothelioma victim, please contact our team for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements vs Trial Verdicts
Mesothelioma compensation can be secured through claims, settlements, or lawsuit verdicts.
A mesothelioma lawsuit settlement is an agreement reached between the plaintiff (the person filing the lawsuit) and the defendant (usually the asbestos company). This agreement typically involves the defendant agreeing to pay a certain amount of money to the plaintiff to resolve the lawsuit.
A trial verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a trial if the case goes to court. While trial verdicts can result in larger compensation amounts, they are less common and can take longer to achieve than settlements.
Recent Verdicts
The jury awards and mesothelioma settlements we have received for our clients are among the highest in the country. While ELSM focuses primarily on obtaining collectable settlements for our clients, the firm, working in collaboration with co-counsel partners, has achieved some significant verdicts in mesothelioma cases. The following are examples of just some of the verdicts:
| Verdict | Case Summary |
|---|---|
| $82 Million | A 67-year-old Washington state man’s wife was awarded $82 million dollars on behalf of her deceased husband who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was a frequent user of brakes and gaskets and other auto products from a popular auto parts maker. Co-counsel: Dean Omar Branham Shirley |
| $52 Million | A California jury awarded a combined verdict of $52.1 million to a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of using cosmetics containing asbestos-contaminated talc. The woman was also found to have endured secondhand asbestos exposure from laundering her husband’s work clothes. Co-counsel: Dean Omar Branham Shirley |
| $27 Million | Punitive damages in the amount of $27 million dollars were awarded to a 74-year-old South Carolina man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of working with asbestos containing gaskets and packing in valves. Co-counsel: Simon Greenstone Panatier Bartlett |
| $20 Million | A Bridgeport, Connecticut jury returned a verdict for $20 million in compensatory damages to the wife of a man diagnosed with mesothelioma. Her late husband was exposed to asbestos in the 1960s while working with asbestos-containing DAP “33” window glazing. Co-counsel: Waters Kraus & Paul |
| $15 Million | A Connecticut jury awarded a verdict of $15 million to the estate of a man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc while working as a process engineer at a GE Plastics facility in Massachusetts. Co-counsel: Dean Omar Branham Shirley |
| $6 Million | A $6 million-dollar verdict was obtained for an Oklahoma man diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. He was exposed to asbestos while working as a laborer and contractor at homebuilding sites and while doing brake and clutch repair as an auto mechanic. Co-counsel: Dean Omar Branham Shirley |
Recent Settlements
Our lawyers will fight hard to get you the financial compensation to which you are entitled. ELSM has secured mesothelioma lawsuit settlements ranging from around $4 million to over $100 million, demonstrating the firm's commitment to securing the best possible outcome for each client. Here are some examples of recent mesothelioma settlements:
| State | Disease | Occupation / Exposure | Age | ~ Monies to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Mesothelioma | Plumber / Mechanic | 55 | ~$13,500,000 |
| OH | Mesothelioma | Pipefitter / Household | 60 | ~$12,200,000 |
| MD | Mesothelioma | Hairdresser / Household | 67 | ~$11,500,000 |
| FL | Mesothelioma | Household / Air Force | 53 | ~$9,400,000 |
| VA | Mesothelioma | Navy | 58 | ~$9,200,000 |
| CA | Mesothelioma | Maintenance / Construction | 56 | ~$8,900,000 |
| WY | Mesothelioma | Coast Guard / Engineer | 63 | ~$8,800,000 |
| WI | Mesothelioma | Pipefitter | 80 | ~$7,600,000 |
| LA | Mesothelioma | Office Worker | 68 | ~$7,400,000 |
| MI | Mesothelioma | Plantworker | 63 | ~$7,000,000 |
| PA | Mesothelioma | Shipyard / Laborer | 69 | ~$6,200,000 |
| TX | Mesothelioma | Power Plant | 60 | ~$5,500,000 |
Please note that individual cases vary based upon a number of factors, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Who Can Pursue a Mesothelioma Settlement?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure is eligible to pursue a mesothelioma settlement. This includes individuals who were exposed to asbestos at work, as well as those who were exposed in other ways, such as through contaminated household products or secondhand exposure from a family member who worked with asbestos.
It's important to note that each case is unique, and the success of a claim depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the evidence, the degree of the asbestos company's negligence, and the laws in the state where the claim is filed.
Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts
Several factors can significantly impact the amount of a mesothelioma settlement. Some key considerations include:
Evidence of Negligence by Asbestos Companies
Evidence of negligence may include documentation demonstrating that the company was aware of the dangers of asbestos but failed to provide adequate warnings or take necessary precautions. Additionally, evidence of the victim's exposure to asbestos, such as employment records or witness testimonies, can influence mesothelioma lawsuit settlements.
Medical Expenses and Lost Wages
The extent of the victim's medical expenses and lost wages directly affects mesothelioma settlement amounts. This includes current medical costs and wages lost due to illness, as well as projected future expenses and lost earnings.
Location of Lawsuit Filing
The jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed can also influence the potential settlement amount. Laws regarding asbestos litigation vary by state, including statutes of limitations for filing a claim.
Why Pursue a Mesothelioma Settlement?
Pursuing a mesothelioma settlement offers more than just financial relief for victims and their families. While the financial aspect is crucial for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, there are other reasons to consider taking legal action:
- Accountability: Filing a mesothelioma claim holds asbestos companies accountable for their negligence, ensuring that they are held responsible for the harm caused to victims.
- Justice: Seeking a settlement can provide a sense of justice for individuals and their families, acknowledging the pain and suffering endured due to asbestos exposure.
- Future Protection: By pursuing legal action, individuals contribute to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos and promoting preventive measures to protect future generations from similar harm.
- Closure: Securing a mesothelioma settlement can help victims and their families find closure, lessen financial burdens, and focus on their emotional healing.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, maximize the potential settlement amount, and ensure the best possible outcome for the individual and their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my asbestos case go to trial or settle out of court?
Whether a mesothelioma case goes to trial or settles out of court largely depends on the specifics of the case. However, many mesothelioma cases are settled out of court. This is often a faster process than going to trial.
What is the average settlement for a mesothelioma case?
Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements can often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Settlement amounts for a mesothelioma case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the strength of the evidence, the degree of the asbestos company's negligence, and the victim's medical expenses and lost wages.
Does everyone with mesothelioma get a settlement?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure has the right to pursue a claim. However, this does not guarantee a mesothelioma settlement. The success of a claim depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the evidence linking the mesothelioma diagnosis to company negligence and the laws in the state where the claim is filed.
Who is eligible for a mesothelioma settlement?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure is eligible to pursue a mesothelioma settlement. This includes individuals who were exposed to asbestos at work, as well as those who were exposed in other ways, such as through contaminated products or secondhand exposure from a family member who worked with asbestos.
Are mesothelioma settlements taxable?
In general, the portion of a mesothelioma settlement that compensates for physical injuries or sickness is not taxable. However, other portions of the settlement, such as punitive damages or interest, may be taxable. It's important to consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications of a mesothelioma settlement.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
Request a free case evaluation now if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The evaluation will cost you nothing. Our lawyers will travel to visit you at your convenience or conference call with you over the phone. We understand how difficult a time this is for you and will assist in any way that we can. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-336-0086 at any time.
