Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by extended periods of exposure to asbestos that often leads to wrongful death claims after victims pass away. Many families affected by mesothelioma in southern Illinois seek compensation for their lost loved ones through wrongful death lawsuits. And one of the big questions families have is, “What is the average wrongful death settlement for mesothelioma?”
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. In the context of mesothelioma, wrongful death claims often arise when a company fails to warn workers or consumers about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
The deceased’s family members, such as spouses, children, or other dependents, can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party through the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
What Compensation Can You Receive in a Wrongful Death Settlement?
Families of mesothelioma victims typically seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses through their wrongful death settlements, including:
- Medical Expenses – The costs incurred for the deceased’s medical treatments, hospital stays, and prescription medications for their condition before their passing are often a large portion of the total settlement amount.
- Funeral and Burial Costs – The deceased’s estate can seek compensation to cover the cost of their funeral and burial.
- Lost Income – Families can seek compensation for the income the deceased would have earned had they survived. In addition to lost income, families can seek compensation for lost healthcare and retirement account contributions.
- Loss of Consortium – Spouses of mesothelioma victims can seek compensation for loss of consortium, which is the loss of their relationship with the deceased.
The Average Wrongful Death Settlement Amount for Mesothelioma
The average wrongful death settlement for mesothelioma varies widely depending on several factors, including the extent of the defendant’s negligence, the age of the victim, and the medical costs incurred before the victim’s death.
Settlements for wrongful death caused by mesothelioma can range between $1 million and $2 million. However, the settlement in your case could be significantly higher or lower based on the specific circumstances. It’s impossible to determine a specific “average” because each settlement is fact-specific.
How a Mesothelioma Attorney Can Benefit Your Settlement
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can assist you in seeking the maximum compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death by:
- Investigating the circumstances of their asbestos exposure and the extent of the defendant’s wrongdoing
- Identifying all liable parties and filing claims against each of them
- Gathering vital evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, necessary for connecting your loved one’s mesothelioma to their asbestos exposure
- Calculating the extent of your losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of your family and your loved one’s estate
Southern Illinois Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma in southern Illinois or eastern Missouri, call Menges Law Firm today at (618) 424-4450 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys. Our team of lawyers has over 50 years of combined legal experience, including seeking the compensation families of mesothelioma victims deserve.