A legal settlement takes place when there is an agreement that is reached between two disputing parties in a legal case. Settlement can take place either before or after a court process begins. A mesothelioma settlement, in context then, enables a mesothelioma lawsuit to be resolved without either party having to go to trial. This can often be to the benefit of both the plaintiff and the defendant, considering the time, resources and costs that a lengthy trial can consume.

Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts

Mesothelioma settlement amounts vary widely and can range from thousands of dollars to even several million in awards to the plaintiff. Each case is invariably unique and compensation for mesothelioma victims depend upon a wide variety of factors. In addition to differences from state to state and the political climates within each region, some of the key determinants to the amount of settlements include the degree and extent of damages suffered by the plaintiff, the degree and extent of negligence and culpability by the defendant, as well as the historical results and trial decisions of prior mesothelioma cases. In general, personal injury mesothelioma settlements are generally smaller than for settlements involving wrongful death. The latter types of cases usually incorporate additional compensation on account of the loss of life and the surviving family members’ suffering and emotional distress caused by the death.

Largest Mesothelioma Settlements

• $250 million awarded to a retired US Steel worker that was diagnosed with mesothelioma
• $34 million awarded to a former Shell Oil Company refinery worker that suffered from pleural mesothelioma
• $34 million awarded to a Navy electrician that developed mesothelioma
• $12 million awarded to an insulator who died of mesothelioma
• $3 million awarded to a pipe worker who was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma

Conclusion

A mesothelioma settlement will not bring back a life taken away by mesothelioma cancer, nor will it erase the pain and suffering by victims of asbestos disease. However, it helps provide the financial means to pay for medical bills and compensates for lost wages due to a sufferer’s death or his or her inability to work. Lastly, it ensures that in the future, companies and employers will take the utmost care in manufacturing safe products and offering safe working environments for employees.