Settlement Amounts for Mesothelioma Lawsuits

The Average Payout of an Asbestos Lawsuit 

Mesothelioma lawsuits give victims and their family members the right to seek compensation from the manufacturers of products containing asbestos, a substance known to cause an aggressive and highly fatal type of cancer known as “mesothelioma.” While most victims secure a substantial payout, the amount they receive is largely determined by several factors, including the type and extent of their exposure and the severity of their illness.

At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our team is dedicated to mesothelioma litigation. Having seen just how debilitating this disease is, our Houston mesothelioma lawyers will do everything within our power to get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (888) 367-7160.

Mesothelioma Statistics

• Approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
• The average age at the time of diagnosis is 72.
• The average survival after diagnosis is 12 months.
• The 5-year survival rate is 10%.
• Approximately 75% of mesothelioma cases are men.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Beginning in the 1940s, asbestos was widely used in a variety of products and construction materials as a fire retardant and acoustic and thermal insulator. It wasn’t until the 1970s that several studies began to show a link between asbestos and mesothelioma. While the health risks of asbestos were widely known by the late 1970s, many manufacturers continued to use the hazardous substance until it was banned by the EPA in 1989. 

Asbestos lawsuits took off in the early 1980s, setting out to hold companies that did not properly warn the public about the dangers of asbestos liable for damages. With courts processing thousands of cases each year, many manufacturers filed bankruptcy as a result of asbestos-related litigation and, in doing so, created asbestos trust funds.

These funds were put in place to compensate victims of asbestos exposure and/or their surviving family members. Due to the large number of trusts, it is hard to estimate the total dollar amount set aside for victims, but it is believed they hold a total of about $30 billion.

Factors that Determine Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts

Mesothelioma lawsuit payouts largely depend on the circumstances of the case. Factors that typically determine the amount a victim or family member receives include the following:

• Type and severity of diagnosis
• Life expectancy
• Age
• Marital status
• Medical history/Overall health at the time of diagnosis
• Number of dependents supported by the victim
• Lost earnings
• Medical expenses
• Amount of physical and emotional pain suffered by the victim
• Type of product that led to the exposure
• Length and degree of asbestos exposure
• Strength and amount of evidence against the manufacturer
• Whether the manufacturer knew the dangers of asbestos
• State where the claim is filed

Average Mesothelioma Payouts 

While payouts vary widely, most victims can expect to receive a settlement of around $1 million to $2 million. Those whose cases go to trial can expect a verdict ranging from $5 million to $11 million. The amount received is highly dependent upon many factors. So, to better understand your case's value, it is best to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawsuit attorney.

Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Those eligible for compensation include the following:

• Individuals diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or another lung cancer
• Spouses, children, or immediate relatives of the victim
• The estate representative of the mesothelioma victim

Our Recent Mesothelioma Case Settlements 

Bailey Cohen Heckaman, PLLC has recovered millions on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families. Here are some of our most recent mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts:

$3,085,137

73-year-old deceased victim. A Texas resident who was exposed to asbestos while doing repairs and maintenance on ground equipment at a major airport.

$2,982,563

81-year-old deceased victim. A Louisiana resident who was exposed while working as an erector in various plants, refineries, and paper mills in several states.

$2,972,230

72-year-old deceased victim. A Louisiana resident who was exposed while working at a chemical plant as an apprentice, laborer, mechanic, planner, and supervisor.

Speak with a Houston Mesothelioma Attorney to Learn More

By filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, victims and their families can fight to get the justice they deserve. While most cases are successful, you still want to ensure you get the largest payout possible. That is why who you choose to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuit is crucial.

The Houston mesothelioma attorneys at Bailey Cohen Heckaman, PLLC, are here to get you the compensation you deserve. We will thoroughly investigate the source of the exposure and work tirelessly to ensure the manufacturer of the product is held responsible for your losses. For more information or to begin the process, contact us online or call (888) 367-7160 to arrange a free, no-obligation case review.