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Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts

Settlements and verdicts are two possible outcomes of mesothelioma lawsuits. Most end in agreements between victims and companies, known as settlements. On average, victims receive more than $1 million in settlements. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may move on to trial. Victims who win at trial average $2.4 million in compensation.

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Key Points

  • 1

    Settlements help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for medical expenses.

  • 2

    Money from mesothelioma settlements and verdicts is generally not taxable.

  • 3

    Settlement amounts depend on various factors: exposure, diagnosis, expenses, etc.

  • 4

    Mesothelioma lawyers generally do not receive payment unless they win your case.

A mesothelioma diagnosis often comes with a lot of costs – medical bills, travel expenses, lost wages and more. Money from lawsuits can help cover costs. Companies have paid billions in compensation to mesothelioma patients they exposed to asbestos.

Is There a Difference Between Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts?

Mesothelioma settlements and verdicts are both ways to receive compensation after filing a lawsuit. But they are not the same thing. The main difference is that a settlement is an agreement between a company and a victim. A verdict is a decision by a jury, made if parties do not settle and the case goes to trial. At trial, the jury decides in favor of either the company or victim.

Mesothelioma Settlements vs. Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlement
  • An agreement between a victim and a company. A victim agrees to end the lawsuit in exchange for a certain amount of money.
  • Lawsuits against multiple asbestos companies may end in multiple settlements.
  • Most settlement amounts remain private.
Mesothelioma Verdict
  • A decision by a jury, deciding whether a company owes a victim money and how much the company owes.
  • As part of a verdict, juries may decide whether multiple companies are liable if more than one did not settle.
  • Verdicts are usually a matter of public record, with some patients receiving tens of millions in compensation.

Average Mesothelioma Settlements

According to recent reports, the average mesothelioma settlement amounts fall between $1 million and $1.4 million, with trial verdicts falling around $2.4 million. Although this is an average, actual compensation amounts of mesothelioma cases can vary greatly.

Understanding compensation options is often a determining factor for mesothelioma patients and their families as they consider a mesothelioma lawsuit. Ultimately, each case is going to be different, so average numerations aren’t applicable to everyone. However, they can provide an idea of what patients in the past have received for their pain and suffering.

Noteworthy Mesothelioma Verdicts
Verdict Amount: $1.5 billion

2025: A Maryland jury handed down a record $1.5 billion to a woman with peritoneal mesothelioma. The jury found Johnson & Johnson (J&J) liable for the asbestos exposure that led to her diagnosis. J&J has faced numerous lawsuits over selling asbestos-contaminated talc products.

Verdict Amount: $51 million

2022: A woman received $51 million after suing Avon. A jury found the company liable for causing her mesothelioma through its cosmetics. At trial, lawyers presented evidence that Avon’s talc products were contaminated with asbestos.

Verdict Amount: $6.5 Million

2016: A former naval shipyard worker developed mesothelioma after being exposed to gasket materials that contained asbestos. Occupational exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma.

Verdict Amount: $250 Million

2003: Largest mesothelioma jury verdict ever recorded, for a retired steelworker in a lawsuit against U.S. Steel. Though the actual amount is undisclosed, claims state that the case settled for less than $50 million after the verdict was released.

For those trying to determine what their compensation might look like, there are factors to keep in mind that can greatly influence settlement amounts, including:

  • Diagnosis and treatment costs
  • Legal venue
  • Lost income/expected income
  • Mesothelioma diagnosis
  • Place and duration of asbestos exposure
  • Other related expenses

Mesothelioma Settlement Process

Asbestos lawsuits are complicated legal cases. The best idea is to seek out an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to better understand all of your options and discuss any questions you might have about the process.

Mesothelioma Settlement Process
  • Research: A lawyer can research and help gather documentation needed to build a strong case against the companies you are suing.
  • Filing: Once you have the information to backup your claim, your lawyer will prepare and file your claim in a court of law.
  • Pretrial Motions and Discovery: Before a trial begins, both sides will submit a number of motions and engage in sharing of information relevant to the case (known as “discovery”). A settlement is often offered before ever going to trial.
  • Trial: If the case goes to trial, each side will present evidence before the court. At any time leading up to the verdict, the parties may agree to a settlement.

Lawyers at mesothelioma law firms have experience working with patients and families. They can represent your best interests in court and negotiate settlements for your approval. The top firms also have records of getting compensation for their clients.

Reaching out to a lawyer soon after a diagnosis or loss of a family member can be hard. But receiving compensation can help pay expenses and allow you to focus on treatment and family.

Other Types of Mesothelioma Compensation

Aside from seeking a settlement or verdict, there may be other ways to seek compensation that asbestos disease victims and their loved ones can seek out.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Trust funds containing billions of dollars have been established by bankrupt companies to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, including employees, customers, and others who may have been exposed.

More
Veterans Benefits

Former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were exposed to asbestos while on duty have access to funds and services for mesothelioma treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

More

It’s important to keep in mind that eligibility requirements vary based on the type of compensation. Patients should look into all options before deciding which mode of compensation to pursue, while also seeking help from a lawyer.

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