14 Common Misconceptions About Mesothelioma Compensation
Mesothelioma Compensation
Compensation for mesothelioma patients helps them and their families pay for the costs of treatment. Compensation can come from a variety of sources such as trust funds or settlements, lawsuits, and settlements.
A mesothelioma lawsuit can assist patients in obtaining compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost wages and other expenses. A skilled attorney can manage legal proceedings while the patient focuses on recovering.
Veterans' Disability Benefits
Mesothelioma lawyers are usually accredited by the VA and can assist veterans in pursuing their compensation claims for service-related disabilities. The VA provides a variety of benefits to veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. These programs can help pay for the cost of treatment.
From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was employed by all branches of the military before its dangers were fully appreciated. It was often placed in ships, equipment and bases to provide heat resistance and durability. This exposure put veterans at risk for developing mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease later on in life.
Veterans comprise the largest percentage of mesothelioma sufferers in the United States, accounting for about three-quarters of all diagnosed. Fortunately, the VA offers a wide range of compensation programs to help these patients receive life-saving treatment.
Disability compensation is a monthly amount that is tax-free. It can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for living expenses. The VA also provides health insurance to cover routine checkups, specialist appointments and other treatments. VA hospitals house many of the country's leading mesothelioma specialists. The VA can refer mesothelioma sufferers to doctors in the civilian sector, who are paid by the VA.
In addition to these compensation programs, veterans could be eligible for burial and funeral costs through the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program. This can assist in the event of the death of a spouse of a veteran.
When a mesothelioma patient needs to travel for their treatment, the VA can help with housing and airfare. The VA has a Veterans Choice program that allows veterans to receive medical treatment outside the VA system, if it is more convenient.
To be eligible for the VA's disability compensation, a mesothelioma sufferer must be able to prove asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnoses. It is important to keep in mind that a VA claim should not be filed in lieu of a personal injury lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for the exposure. It is best to pursue both claims at the same time. Both types of claims are handled by a skilled mesothelioma settlement lawyer.
Treatment Grants
The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be staggering, and it's not uncommon for patients to receive a number of hundred thousand of dollars worth of treatment. Patients without insurance for health care may be unable to pay for medical expenses. There are ways to offset mesothelioma costs. There are many charitable organizations that have established programs that provide financial aid for patients with mesothelioma. These grants can help pay for costs such as medications as well as transportation to and from treatment, and lodging in hospital.
Attorneys can also offer financial aid to asbestos sufferers. An attorney with mesothelioma experience can help victims receive compensation from asbestos trust funds and other legal compensation sources. Attorneys will examine the medical history of the patient, alleged exposure details and other elements to determine compensation amounts.
Researchers are working hard to secure funding for mesothelioma cancer research. However, the disease is not well-known and the government doesn't provide as much money to mesothelioma research compared to other types of cancer. Mesothelioma patients and advocates fight for more federal funding. For example in 2009, four mesothelioma research grant awards were awarded to top doctors like thoracic surgeon Dr. Harvey Pass and thoracic oncologist Dr. Courtney Broaddus. The mesothelioma research funding increased after activists got the Department of Defense to join the movement.
A lot of mesothelioma patients are eligible for free or low-cost treatment if they take part in a clinical trial. These trials are studies on new treatments that aren't yet accessible to the general public. Patients may be eligible for travel grants to cover the cost of transportation to visit an expert on mesothelioma.
Furthermore, certain states have health programs that can assist patients with medical bills. The Bureau of Primary Health Care of the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) gives money to medical centers that offer healthcare to low-income patients. In addition, patients with mesothelioma who are on Medicare or Medicaid could be eligible for compensation under these programs.
The mesothelioma patients may seek compensation from their personal injury attorneys. These lawyers can gather evidence on their behalf such as the alleged exposure details including medical records, as well as the names of asbestos-related companies responsible for a victim's injuries. An experienced attorney will ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Health Insurance
Many mesothelioma patients own private health insurance plans that pay for some of their medical expenses. Others have access to government-funded programs such as Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance. These programs can assist families in receiving the financial assistance needed for treatment.
Mesothelioma victims and their families may also be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds, wrongful-death lawsuits, or workers' comp claims. A good mesothelioma attorney will know all the methods to help clients obtain compensation and suggest the best option for each particular case.
A top mesothelioma claims law firm will conduct a free consultation and review of the case for potential clients. They will gather mesothelioma victims medical and personal records, exposure sites information, and other evidence. The information gathered can be used to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the victim or their family members.
Most states' statutes of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits range from three to four years. However, these deadlines begin when the patient is diagnosed or the date of death, whichever occurs first. This means that patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Asbestos-related victims must also determine whether they are eligible for compensation through the workers' compensation or disability scheme. These schemes cover medical tests, treatments and living expenses.
Mesothelioma sufferers and their families should also think about pursuing a legal claim through the mesothelioma fund of the company that is responsible for their exposure to asbestos. Trust funds are an easy, quick and inexpensive way to get compensation without having to go to court.
Asbestos victims should not have to shoulder any financial burdens because of companies that make profits over people's lives. They should be entitled compensation to pay for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and other losses.
Trust Funds
Mesothelioma patients may be eligible for compensation from a variety of funds. They could be eligible for a claim from an asbestos trust fund or lawsuit, or even settlement. Trust funds require victims to meet a certain set of standards however, lawsuits and settlements generally have more flexibility in terms of the amount of damages they will be granted. Asbestos lawyers can assist in determining the best way to receive compensation.
Asbestos trust funds are money pools created by companies to pay compensation to asbestos victims. Asbestos victims need to provide evidence of their mesothelioma-related exposure to qualify for an amount from a trust fund. This includes medical records and work histories, as well as other forms of documentation. Lawyers can help clients gather this information and then prepare it to file it with the trust.
Asbestos lawsuits and trust fund claims can be separate however they can be combined to maximize the financial compensation of a victim. Victims typically receive multiple payouts when they bring lawsuits against more than one defendant. Mesothelioma lawsuits may also award a greater amount of economic damages, which are compensatory payments that allow victims to account for the specific costs that are associated with their mesothelioma diagnosis. Trust fund awards on the other hand generally only cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Compensation can help victims and their families pay for the staggering cost of mesothelioma treatments. This can include the cost of living expenses such as household bills, loss of earnings and caring for. These funds can also provide a stable future for the family members of the patient if they die.
Asbestos victims shouldn't be afraid to make use of all resources available to obtain the justice they deserve. While the mesothelioma legal process can be complex it is essential to have a mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced on your side. The nation's top mesothelioma attorneys are knowledgeable about the nuances of trust funds and lawsuit claims, and how to maximize their value. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to discuss your options. You can also set up an appointment for a free consultation. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you determine which route is best for you during this meeting. Asbestos patients need to act quickly to receive the most amount of compensation.