Introduction
Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on 2017 mesothelioma settlements. As you may already know, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. It is a devastating diagnosis that can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family members. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, mesothelioma treatment can be very expensive, and patients are often left struggling to pay for medical bills and other expenses.
That’s where settlements can come in. Mesothelioma settlements are financial compensations that a patient or their family can receive in lieu of filing a lawsuit. These settlements are usually the result of negotiations between the patient’s legal team and the company or manufacturer responsible for the asbestos exposure.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the mesothelioma settlements awarded in 2017, as well as providing some general information on how these settlements work. We hope that this guide will be a valuable resource for anyone affected by mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.
2017 Mesothelioma Settlements: Overview
What are Mesothelioma Settlements?
Mesothelioma settlements are financial compensations awarded to patients or their families as a result of asbestos exposure. These settlements are often awarded in lieu of a lawsuit, though it is important to note that not all mesothelioma settlements are the same.
How Do Mesothelioma Settlements Work?
Mesothelioma settlements usually occur after a patient or their family member files a claim against a company or manufacturer responsible for the asbestos exposure. Negotiations then occur between the patient’s legal team and the defendant’s legal team, with a settlement amount usually agreed upon.
In some cases, settlements can be awarded as a lump sum, while in others, they may be paid out over a series of structured payments.
Types of Mesothelioma Settlements
There are two primary types of mesothelioma settlements: personal injury settlements and wrongful death settlements. Personal injury settlements are awarded to mesothelioma patients, while wrongful death settlements are awarded to the family members of patients who have died as a result of mesothelioma.
2017 Mesothelioma Settlements: Detailed Explanation
Now that we’ve covered some general information on mesothelioma settlements, let’s take a closer look at the settlements awarded in 2017.
Notable 2017 Mesothelioma Settlements
| Company/Defendant | Settlement Amount | Type of Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Manville | $120 million | Personal Injury |
| Union Carbide | $75 million | Personal Injury |
| Caterpillar | $10 million | Wrongful Death |
| Honeywell | $5 million | Personal Injury |
As you can see from the table above, there were several notable mesothelioma settlements in 2017. Johns Manville, for example, agreed to pay $120 million in a personal injury settlement. This settlement was in relation to lawsuits filed by thousands of plaintiffs who claimed to have been exposed to asbestos from Johns Manville products.
In addition to Johns Manville, Union Carbide also agreed to pay a significant personal injury settlement of $75 million. The settlement was for a long-standing class-action lawsuit that was filed on behalf of nearly 4,000 claimants.
Caterpillar, a heavy equipment manufacturer, also agreed to pay a mesothelioma settlement in 2017. The company agreed to pay $10 million in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a former employee who died from mesothelioma.
Finally, Honeywell agreed to pay $5 million in a personal injury settlement. The company had been accused of exposing employees to asbestos at a brake lining plant in Illinois.
Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts
There are several factors that can affect the amount of a mesothelioma settlement, including:
- The severity of the patient’s illness
- The extent of the patient’s exposure to asbestos
- The patient’s age and overall health
- The financial resources of the defendant
- The strength of the plaintiff’s legal case
It is important to note that every mesothelioma case is different, and settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the circumstances of each case.
How to File a Mesothelioma Settlement Claim
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you file a mesothelioma claim and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
When choosing an attorney, it is important to find someone with experience handling mesothelioma cases specifically. Look for an attorney who has a track record of success in securing mesothelioma settlements for their clients.
Mesothelioma Settlement FAQs
1. How long does it take to receive a mesothelioma settlement?
The timeline for mesothelioma settlements can vary widely depending on the circumstances of each case. In general, settlements can take anywhere from several months to several years to be reached.
2. Do I need to file a lawsuit to receive a mesothelioma settlement?
No, it is possible to receive a mesothelioma settlement without filing a lawsuit. Settlements are often reached through negotiations between a patient’s legal team and the defendant’s legal team.
3. Can family members of deceased mesothelioma patients receive settlements?
Yes, family members of deceased mesothelioma patients can receive wrongful death settlements on behalf of their loved one.
4. Can I file a mesothelioma claim if I am still undergoing treatment?
Yes, it is possible to file a mesothelioma claim even if you are still undergoing treatment. In fact, it is often advisable to do so as soon as possible in order to preserve your legal rights.
5. What if the company responsible for my asbestos exposure has gone out of business?
Even if the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has gone out of business, it is still possible to pursue mesothelioma settlements. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you identify other potential sources of compensation.
6. Will I need to go to court to receive a mesothelioma settlement?
Not necessarily. While some mesothelioma settlements may require a court approval, many settlements are reached through negotiations outside of court.
7. How much can I expect to receive in a mesothelioma settlement?
There is no set amount for mesothelioma settlements, as each case is unique. Settlement amounts can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the patient’s illness and the strength of their legal case.
8. What happens if I reject a mesothelioma settlement offer?
If you reject a mesothelioma settlement offer, the case may proceed to trial. It is important to carefully consider any settlement offers with the guidance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney.
9. Can I negotiate the terms of a mesothelioma settlement?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate the terms of a mesothelioma settlement. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you understand your options and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
10. Will I have to pay taxes on my mesothelioma settlement?
In most cases, mesothelioma settlements are not taxable. However, it is important to speak with a tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.
11. How much will my mesothelioma attorney cost?
Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not get paid unless a settlement or verdict is reached in your case. You should discuss any potential attorney fees with your attorney prior to hiring them.
12. How long do I have to file a mesothelioma claim?
The statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims varies from state to state. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible in order to preserve your legal rights.
13. What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex legal process.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has been a helpful resource for anyone seeking information on mesothelioma settlements. While settlements cannot undo the damage caused by asbestos exposure, they can provide much-needed financial assistance to patients and their families during a challenging time.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we encourage you to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. We encourage readers to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney for guidance on their specific legal situation.
