Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts: What You Need to Know

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1970s. Due to its long latency period, mesothelioma can take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos. As a result, many people who were exposed to asbestos in the past are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In most cases, the compensation is obtained through a mesothelioma lawsuit settlement.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

The amount of a mesothelioma lawsuit settlement varies based on a number of factors, including the severity of the illness, the amount of exposure to asbestos, and the number of defendants in the case. The average mesothelioma lawsuit settlement is around $1 million, but some settlements have been as high as $10 million or more.

One of the largest mesothelioma lawsuit settlements in history was the case of Roby Whittington, who was awarded $250 million in damages in 2002. Whittington was exposed to asbestos while working as an electrician for an oil refinery, and he developed mesothelioma as a result.

Legal Citations

Mesothelioma lawsuits fall under the category of personal injury lawsuits, and they are typically filed as product liability lawsuits. These lawsuits are based on the premise that manufacturers of asbestos-containing products had a duty to warn consumers about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and that they failed to fulfill that duty. As a result, those who were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma have the right to seek compensation from those manufacturers.

One important legal citation for mesothelioma lawsuits is the case of Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corp., which was decided by the Supreme Court in 1973. In that case, the court held that manufacturers of asbestos-containing products can be held liable for injuries caused by those products, even if the manufacturers did not know about the dangers of asbestos at the time the products were sold.

Relevant External Link

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. The Mesothelioma Center is a great resource for information about mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements. They offer a free mesothelioma guide, which provides information about legal options and the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. You can find the guide and other resources at https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/lawsuit-settlements/.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma lawsuit settlement amounts can vary greatly, and are dependent on a number of factors. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. By taking legal action, you may be able to obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other damages, and to hold manufacturers accountable for their negligence.