The majority of mesothelioma cases
never make it to a trial. Instead, it is often beneficial for both sides to
agree to a settlement. A defendant may wish to settle to avoid the possibility
of having to pay a large award if the case goes to trial. An injured person may
find settlement advantageous because it allows faster recovery of compensation
and avoids the potential of an unsuccessful lawsuit. The Throneberry Law Group
has successfully negotiated for millions of dollars in settlements for the
victims of mesothelioma.
How are Settlements Obtained?
The first step towards obtaining a
settlement is contacting an attorney with experience in mesothelioma claims.
Your attorney will begin collecting materials to prepare for the filing of a
lawsuit against the parties responsible for exposing you to asbestos. At this
point, and any time after this, a settlement may be agreed to.
However, it is likely not in the best
interests of the plaintiff to agree to a settlement very early in the process.
A defendant may offer a low amount early in the hope that the plaintiff will
jump at the opportunity to secure compensation. A defendant may offer a greater
amount to settle as more information is discovered about the claim. However, in
some circumstances, a plaintiff may need immediate compensation due to their
particular financial situation. In these situations, accepting an early
settlement offer may be the best option.
What Affects the Settlement Amount?
There are several factors that impact
how much a defendant is willing to offer to settle a case, including the
following:
●
the age of the
plaintiff;
●
the length of time
the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos;
●
the diagnosis;
●
the plaintiff’s past
medical issues;
●
the lost wages (both
past and future) of the plaintiff as a result of the mesothelioma; and
●
the plaintiff’s
medical bills.
Another factor is the number of
defendants named in the lawsuit. It is common that a person diagnosed with
mesothelioma handled many asbestos-filled products that were made by different
manufacturers. In situations like this, each manufacturer may be named as a
defendant, which could result in a larger total settlement amount than if only
one defendant was involved.
Speak with an Attorney
The Throneberry Law Group can help you
obtain the resources and compensation you need to fight this horrible disease.
In addition, we understand and have compassion for what you are experiencing.
Our principal attorney, Michael Throneberry, lost his father to mesothelioma.
As a result of this tragic loss, we fight with passion for mesothelioma victims
and their families.
For a no-cost case evaluation, please
call us at 888-506-1131 or contact us online.
