Mesothelioma Compensation
Compensation for mesothelioma patients helps them and their families pay for treatment costs. Compensation may come from many sources, including trust funds, lawsuits and settlements.
A
mesothelioma case lawsuit could assist victims to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. A competent attorney can handle legal proceedings while the patient focuses on recovering.
Veterans' Disability Benefits
Mesothelioma lawyers can be accredited by the VA and can assist veterans in pursuing compensation claims for service-connected disabilities. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits. These programs can assist in paying treatment costs.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was utilized by all branches of the military before its dangers were well-known. It was commonly used in equipment, ships and bases to provide fireproofing, durability and resistance to heat. This exposure put many veterans at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases later in life.
Veterans account for around a third of mesothelioma-related diagnoses in the United States. Fortunately the VA provides a variety of compensation programs to help these men and women receive life-saving treatment.
Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit that can help with living expenses for mesothelioma patients and their families. The VA offers health insurance that covers regular checkups and specialist appointments and other treatments. VA hospitals house many of the country's leading mesothelioma specialists. The VA can refer mesothelioma patients to doctors in the civilian sector, who will be paid for by the VA.
Veterans may also be eligible for burial and funeral costs through the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program (DIC). This can assist in the event of the loss of a spouse who served in the military.
The VA can assist mesothelioma patients that need to travel to receive treatment. They can provide accommodation and flights. The VA has a Veterans Choice program that allows patients to receive medical attention outside of the VA system, if that is more practical.
A mesothelioma sufferer must have documented asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnoses in order to be eligible for VA disability compensation. It is also important to remember that a VA claim should not be filed in lieu of a personal injury lawsuit filed against asbestos companies responsible for the exposure. It is recommended to pursue both claims simultaneously. An experienced
mesothelioma law firm can assist with both kinds of claims.
Treatment Grants
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be overwhelming, and it's uncommon for patients to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of treatment. For those who don't have health insurance, they may struggle to pay the medical bills. There are options to reduce mesothelioma costs. Many charities offer financial aid to mesothelioma sufferers. These grants can cover costs like medication transport to and from treatment and lodging while in hospital.
Asbestos victims can also get financial assistance from their attorney. An experienced
mesothelioma case lawyer can help victims obtain compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as other sources of legal compensation. Attorneys will examine the patient's medical history as well as the alleged exposure information and other aspects to determine compensation amounts.
Researchers work hard to obtain funding for
mesothelioma claims research. The cancer isn't widely discussed and the government provides mesothelioma a smaller amount of money than to other cancers. Mesothelioma advocates and patients are fighting for more federal funding. For example in 2009, four new mesothelioma research grants went to top doctors such as the thoracic surgeon Dr. Harvey Pass and thoracic oncologist Dr. Courtney Broaddus. The mesothelioma research funding increased after activists convinced the Department of Defense of the need to join in the fight.
Many mesothelioma patients can receive free or low-cost treatment if they take part in clinical trials. These trials are research studies on experimental treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Patients can also receive travel grants from mesothelioma groups to help cover their transportation costs when traveling to mesothelioma specialists.
Furthermore, certain states have specific health care programs that assist victims with medical expenses. For instance the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)'s Bureau of Primary Health Care gives money to medical centers that offer healthcare for low-income patients. Patients with mesothelioma who have Medicare or Medicaid could be eligible for compensation.
Mesothelioma patients can also get compensation from their personal injury lawyers. These lawyers can gather evidence on their behalf, such as alleged exposure details, medical records and the names of asbestos-related companies that are that are responsible for injuries suffered by victims. An experienced lawyer can ensure that all compensation options are considered and that victims receive the amount they are entitled to.
Health Insurance
Many mesothelioma patients own private health insurance plans that cover a portion of their medical expenses. Others can avail government-funded programs like Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance. These programs can help families receive the financial support they require during treatment.
Mesothelioma victims and their families may also qualify for compensation through asbestos trust funds, wrongful death lawsuits, or workers' comp claims. The right mesothelioma lawyer will be aware of all options to assist clients with obtaining compensation and suggest the best option for each individual case.
A top mesothelioma lawyer will offer a free consultation and review of your case for potential clients. They will collect personal and medical documents of mesothelioma patients as well as information on exposure sites, and other evidence. The information could be used to file a suit on behalf of the victim, or their family.
The majority of states' statutes of limitations for
mesothelioma lawsuits is 3 to 5 years. However, these deadlines start when the patient is diagnosed or the date of death, whichever comes first. This means that patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma must seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Asbestos victims should determine if they qualify to claim compensation through their employer's workers' compensation or disability scheme. These schemes will pay for medical examinations and treatments as well as assist with daily living costs.
Patients and their families that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma should also consider pursuing a legal action through the mesothelioma trust funds of the company responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Trust funds are quick, simple and affordable way to obtain compensation without going to court.
Asbestos victims shouldn't have to bear costs incurred by companies who put profits before people's lives. They should be entitled to compensation to pay for their funeral expenses, medical bills as well as lost income and other losses.
Trust Funds
Patients suffering from mesothelioma can apply for compensation from various funds. Patients may be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund or settlement. While trust funds have a set of conditions but lawsuits and settlements are more flexible with regards to the amount of damages granted. Asbestos lawyers can assist in determining how to get compensation.
Asbestos Trust Funds (ATF) are funds created by companies to pay compensation to asbestos victims.