Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos, and there are currently 7 legal options available for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In this blog post, we will discuss each of these legal options in detail. We will also provide information on how to get started with each option and what you can expect. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible in order to determine which option is best for you.
1) File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos. There are many experienced mesothelioma lawyers who can help you with this process. Looking for Mesothelioma legal help will allow you to find the best lawyer for your case and get the compensation you deserve. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
2) Join a Class Action Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may also be able to join a class action lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos. Class action lawsuits are typically filed by a group of people who have all been harmed in the same way by the same company. This type of lawsuit can be very beneficial because it allows the plaintiffs to pool their resources and increase their chances of success. It is important to note that not all mesothelioma cases will qualify for a class action lawsuit, so it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer to determine if this option is right for you.
3) Seek Compensation through the Veterans Administration
If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through the Veterans Administration (VA). The VA provides benefits to veterans who have been exposed to asbestos while serving in the military. These benefits can help cover the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, and more. To learn more about the VA benefits you may be eligible for, we recommend that you contact the VA directly. They will be able to provide you with more information about the compensation you may be entitled to. Some major companies have also set up special mesothelioma assistance programs for veterans. For example, 3M has a program that provides financial assistance to veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Or, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has a program that provides $150,000 to veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
4) File for Social Security Disability Benefits
You can potentially be qualified for Social Security disability benefits if mesothelioma has been detected. Your medical expenses and lost pay may be covered by these benefits. We advise you to get in touch with the Social Security Administration immediately to find out more about the disability payments under Social Security for which you might qualify. Disability payments from Social Security are not considered taxable income. The options are not just for those with low incomes but for people of all levels of earnings if they’re unable to continue working. Also, your family members may qualify for Social Security benefits based on your work record in the event of your death. It can happen that the review process of your application takes a few months, although in some cases, it may be expedited if you have a terminal illness. This means your disability benefits can begin within a few months from when you first became disabled.
5) Seek Compensation through Workers’ Compensation
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a state-sponsored insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job.
In most cases, you will need to file a claim with your employer within a certain period of time after your diagnosis. Once your claim is approved, you may be eligible for benefits, including medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
You can also file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if you believe that they were aware of the risks of asbestos exposure and failed to protect you from them.
6) Participate in a Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments for mesothelioma. Participation in a clinical trial can give you access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Clinical trials are an important option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. The treatments are typically provided at no cost to the patient. For example, if you are enrolled in a clinical trial testing a new chemotherapy drug, the drug company will usually cover the cost of your treatment. Or, if you are enrolled in a clinical trial testing a new surgery, the hospital will typically cover the cost of your surgery.
7) File for Bankruptcy
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may want to consider filing for bankruptcy. This option can help you protect your assets and get the money you need to pay for your medical treatment. When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is placed on all collections activities against you. This means that your creditors cannot try to collect money from you while your bankruptcy case is pending. Also, certain types of debts, such as medical bills, can be discharged in bankruptcy. This means that you will no longer be responsible for paying them. Furthermore, filing for bankruptcy can give you access to money that you might not otherwise have, such as money in your retirement account. This way, you can use this money to pay for your medical treatment.
There are many legal options available to mesothelioma patients. The best option for you will depend on your individual situation. You should discuss all of your options with your doctor and a qualified attorney before making any decisions.
