What is the value that can be placed on a human life? How much in terms of dollars and cents is pain and suffering worth? Could it be worth millions?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a disease almost exclusively contracted from exposure to asbestos, there may be legal grounds for pursuing a lawsuit. If they win a favorable verdict or receive a settlement it could be a substantial amount of money.
There is no accurate gauge for measuring the damage mesothelioma can cause to a person and their family. It can be difficult to pre determine exactly how much a settlement can be. All cases will have different circumstances and can vary greatly. Also there will be many differences in how these cases are viewed from one state to another.
Having said all that there have been a number of very high settlements with mesothelioma cases in the United States. Here is a sampling of some very high settlements:
After being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001, a retired US Steel worker, Roby Whittington, was awarded $250 million
In 2000 a jury awarded a 64 year old former Shell Oil Company employee $34.1 million. It was in 1998 that he was diagnosed with plueral mesothelioma. It was determined he was exposed to the asbestos fibers when he worked for Shell Oil from 1956-1966.
A Navy electrician and his wife were awarded $33.7 million from a jury in California The electrician came down with mesothelioma as a result of occupational exposure to asbestos.
In 2005, $10 million was awarded to a retired 82-year old machinist with mesothelioma
One of the earliest mesothelioma cases resulted in a posthumous award in the amount of $80,000 in 1973.
There are numerous reports of other cases where settlements ranged in the millions of dollars to others that were just in the thousands. Most settlements are not as high as those mentioned. Most cover medical expenses, lost wages, expenses incurred during the time of the disease and occasionally something for pain and suffering. But a multimillion dollar settlement is still a possibility. It is best that you consult with an attorney that is a specialist in this type of case.
A well selected mesothelioma attorney will be able to help you get an sense of what a possible settlement might look like. Costs covering medical, loss of income and other expenses that can be documented are easy to add up. But putting a price on the value of pain and suffering (non economic damages) can be very subjective and a good mesothelioma lawyer can your best help in soring things out.
Look for an attorney that offers a free consultation Be sure to seek out one that will take on the case with out any upfront cost to you. They will be paid only if they win a settlement. You should also agree upon how much their fee will be out of any settlement before you agree to go forward. Here is a list of good questions you can ask that will help you select a good mesothelioma lawyer texas.
