Financial Support for Veterans With Mesothelioma

Asbestos was widely used in military vessels, aircraft, vehicles, and installations as a convenient form of fireproofing and heat resistance. This widespread use has created a high risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in veterans. In fact, veterans account for roughly one-third of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually. 

Asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma have a profound financial impact on veterans and their families, who often struggle with treatment costs and reduced earning potential. Seeking legal compensation can help ease this burden, without ever requiring you to sue the government or military, or putting your VA Benefits at risk. 

We can help you determine your eligibility and learn more about your compensation options. Our patient advocates can also help you connect with the services of our partner law firm, where mesothelioma litigation experts can guide and support you through the process of seeking compensation through lawsuits, trust funds, VA Benefits, and more.

What Compensation Options Are Available?

Veterans with mesothelioma and their loved ones may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation. These compensation options are not mutually exclusive. For many people, their final compensation package includes funds from several sources.

At our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, experienced mesothelioma lawyers are waiting to help clients identify and pursue all available types of compensation. Expert legal support helps veterans and their families maximize their potential award amount while reducing stress. 

Take a look at the table below for basic information on the primary types of compensation available to mesothelioma veterans.

Legal Claims Against Asbestos Companies

Mesothelioma lawsuits are a type of civil lawsuit. When successful, they result in financial compensation for victims rather than in jail time for defendants. According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, the average settlement for a mesothelioma lawsuit is $1 to $2 million, while the average trial verdict is $20.7 million. 

There are two primary types of mesothelioma lawsuits:

• Personal Injury Lawsuit: Allow living asbestos victims to seek compensation for their losses and injuries. May include compensation for medical care, travel expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. 
• Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Allow surviving dependents to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. May include compensation for end-of-life care, funeral/burial expenses, loss of inheritance, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and more. 

Victims must file mesothelioma lawsuits within the statute of limitations, which varies from one to six years depending on the state. The burden of proof in these cases is always on the victim, who must be able to provide proof of their illness and asbestos exposure history. Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and ensure your claim meets all mandated deadlines.

When veterans or their family members file a mesothelioma lawsuit, they are suing negligent companies that used asbestos in their products. They are not filing a lawsuit against the U.S. government or military. Filing a lawsuit will not interfere with or reduce VA Benefits.

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq.

Accessing Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Funds

Asbestos trust funds are independent financial entities established by insolvent companies during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. These trust funds exist to provide quick, equitable access to compensation for all current and future victims. Trust funds have paid out over $20 billion in compensation to claimants, with some receiving payment within 90 days.

There are over 60 active trust funds in the U.S. with over $30 billion in remaining funds. Most trusts allow victims an average of two to three years following diagnosis or death to apply for compensation. The typical payout for a mesothelioma claim ranges from $10,000 to $150,000 from a single trust, but many claimants are eligible to file with multiple trusts.

Like other applicants, veterans and their families must demonstrate their eligibility. Claimants must be able to prove their diagnosis with medical documentation and provide evidence of their exposure to dangerous products or worksites that the trust acknowledges. 

Common forms of evidence include, but are not limited to:

• Affidavits
• Diagnosis of a covered illness by a doctor or pathologist
• Medical evidence of diagnosis (tests, imaging, pathology reports, etc.)
• Military service records
• Paystubs
• Sales records
• Witness statements 

Filing multiple trust claims, each with different requirements and deadlines, can be difficult without assistance. Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s expert attorneys walk with you through every step of the claims process, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and sensitively.  

Combining Legal Compensation With VA Benefits

Mesothelioma has a 100% disability rating with VA, allowing eligible veterans and their families to take home over $4,000 a month, depending on the number of dependents and other qualifying factors. In addition to monthly payments, the VA also provides other forms of support.

VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Veterans and their Families:

• Burial Benefits 
• Caregiver Benefits
• Disability Compensation
• Fiduciary Program
• Funeral Reimbursement
• Geriatric & Extended Care Services
• Healthcare (free and low-cost)
• Pension
• Special Monthly Compensation
• Survivors Pension

VA Benefits can be a critical source of support for mesothelioma veterans and their families, but they may not be enough on their own. Mesothelioma is expensive, costing victims on average $400,000 annually to treat. By combining your VA benefits with legal compensation, you can get the funds you need to support yourself and provide stability for your family.

Seeking legal compensation through lawsuits or trust funds does not impact your existing VA benefits or your ability to apply for them. In fact, the VA allows you to use an advocate when applying for benefits, including a mesothelioma lawyer. The team at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help you apply for all the forms of compensation you are eligible for. 

How To Start Your Legal Compensation Claim

Starting your legal compensation claim is easy. We can help you determine your eligibility for legal compensation in minutes. Your tailored case evaluation is completely free, allowing you to understand what your claim could be worth and which compensation options may be best for you.

We can also put you in contact with the mesothelioma legal specialists at Meirowitz & Wasserberg. Their team has decades of combined experience helping veterans and their loved ones access the compensation and justice they deserve, serving as tireless advocates who ensure your case is handled correctly from the beginning.

How We Can Help

While VA benefits provide critical support for veterans and their loved ones, they may not be enough to cover the full costs of mesothelioma diagnosis. Legal compensation from asbestos trust funds and mesothelioma lawsuits can make a significant difference in the lives of mesothelioma veterans and their families. 

We can help you determine your eligibility for legal compensation for free. During your complimentary case evaluation, you will speak directly with a partner at Meirowitz & Wasserberg about the details of your case and receive a tailored assessment of your potential claim value.

The Meirowitz & Wasserberg team has handled thousands of asbestos cases, securing millions in compensation for their clients. Contact us to find out if you qualify and take the first steps toward justice and financial recovery.