Most mesothelioma and asbestos claims start to pay out within 90 days after they’re filed. However, several factors can affect asbestos claim settlement timelines and how fast you will receive compensation. These factors include regulations, state laws, and the number of asbestos companies involved. Our team can help you get payouts from asbestos claims quickly.
What Is the Average Mesothelioma Settlement Time Frame?
Each mesothelioma claim has a different timeline, but many begin awarding compensation for medical expenses and other damages in under 90 days.
Most asbestos claims are typically paid out through legal settlements. These are agreements between the person with mesothelioma and the makers of asbestos-based products. A settlement stops the legal claim and in exchange, the mesothelioma victim gets paid.
Settling an asbestos or mesothelioma claim is a fast way to get financial compensation, but each person’s case is different. How long it will take to get money from your claim — and how you receive it — can vary.
Thankfully, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center works with attorneys who have decades of experience filing asbestos claims and getting clients compensated quickly. We can help you connect with a mesothelioma attorney now.
Factors That Affect Asbestos Claims Payouts
Settlements vs. Trial Verdicts
Arguably, the biggest factor that affects asbestos claim payout timelines is if the case settles or not. Mesothelioma settlements allow people to get money faster than if they went to trial (where a judge/jury must hear the case in court).
The average mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million.
Almost all asbestos legal claims for mesothelioma — 99% — will reach legal settlements.
Length of Time Before Defendants Agree to Settle
Once the defendant (the asbestos company being sued) and their lawyers decide to settle, settlement negotiations can begin. These take time — and the longer it takes, the more time a mesothelioma patient has to wait to get paid.
Our legal partners will do all they can to secure the highest mesothelioma settlement payouts for you in the shortest amount of time during these negotiations. This is why many of our past clients have started to get money in just a few months’ time.
Statutes of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations on when you can file an asbestos claim. If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to file or get compensation.
- The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim for mesothelioma begins on the date of diagnosis.
- The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim begins on the date of death.
The statute of limitations generally ranges from 1-6 years, with most states allowing 2-3 years to file a claim. A top mesothelioma lawyer can make sure your case is filed before time runs out.
Time Needed to Investigate
Because asbestos-related illnesses can take 10-50 years to develop, your legal team may have to go back decades to research your case and present evidence of asbestos exposure.
Thankfully, an experienced asbestos lawyer has access to databases and research material that can speed up the process, allowing them to file promptly and with the best possible evidence.
Learn how a lawyer can help you quickly secure asbestos claims payouts in our Free Veterans Packet.
Number of Asbestos Manufacturers in Your Case
You may have been exposed to asbestos many times by many different companies and manufacturers.
Cases with a larger number of defendants responsible usually take longer to resolve. While this may seem like a bad thing, in practice, it can often mean that some defendants agree to settlements sooner — meaning you begin receiving money quickly — while others may take more time and begin paying later.
Whether the Asbestos Company Is Still in Business
The asbestos claims payout time frame may also be impacted if any of the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure went bankrupt. Declaring bankruptcy protects companies from lawsuits, but asbestos companies weren’t allowed to simply avoid responsibility. They were forced to create asbestos trust funds, which allow victims to still get compensation.
So, while a company declaring bankruptcy could normally make your case take longer, asbestos trust funds might make your case quicker and easier to resolve.
Your lawyer can help you access these funds by filing claims against them.
There are currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds. And, like settlements, these funds usually pay in less than 90 days. Contact our team to file your asbestos trust fund claim now.
Timeline for Asbestos Claim Payouts
Although each asbestos claim is different, many follow a similar timeline. The amount of time each phase will take depends on the details of your case.
1. Connecting With an Asbestos Law Firm for an Initial Consultation
First, you should get a free consultation from a law firm specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits to determine your eligibility.
If you are eligible and believe the firm is a good fit for you, its attorneys can determine how long you have to file an asbestos claim.
Most mesothelioma law firms work on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless you are awarded compensation. The law firm takes a small percentage of the asbestos compensation it secures for you.
2. Gathering Evidence for Your Mesothelioma Case
Once you hire a mesothelioma law firm, your legal team (composed of lawyers, paralegals, medical experts, and more) will start gathering evidence to support your claim.
Evidence that your legal team will gather includes your:
- Asbestos exposure history
- Medical records
- Military service record
- Work history
They will use this information to determine which asbestos companies are liable for your mesothelioma diagnosis and to build your case.
3. Filing Your Mesothelioma Claim
Once all the evidence has been gathered, your lawyer will then help you file your mesothelioma legal claim. They will manage all of the paperwork and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
The statute of limitations sets the time you have to file a lawsuit. Your attorney can make sure that any time limits that apply to your case are met without you having to worry about it.
Even though the statute of limitations can be as short as one year, our team can gather all the information needed for your mesothelioma lawsuit and file within any deadlines. Contact us today to see if you qualify to file a lawsuit and get started.
4. Settling Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit or Going to Trial
After your case is filed, the other side has a chance to respond, and the court will assign a judge to oversee the case. From here, the mesothelioma lawsuit could go all the way to trial, but 99% of cases are settled rather than reaching a verdict.
Settlements can happen at any stage of a lawsuit, from before it’s even filed until the verdict is final. Some cases can even reach a settlement after the verdict if there are issues that may lead to an appeal.
It’s very likely that the defendants will offer settlements rather than risk a trial, and your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get you the most compensation as quickly as they can.
5. Receiving Your Asbestos Settlement Payout
Your lawyer can negotiate mesothelioma settlements on your behalf, but only you can agree to accept them.
Once a settlement has been reached, your legal team will notify you to sign off on it. You’ll then receive the mesothelioma payout shortly after this is done.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has partnered with Simmons Hanly Conroy, an experienced mesothelioma law firm, to help patients file asbestos claim payouts. Get a free consultation and find top mesothelioma lawyers now.
Get Help to Access Asbestos Claims Payouts
With a skilled legal team, you can access asbestos claims payouts easily and quickly.
Thankfully, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center and our legal partners can help you file asbestos claims and secure payouts faster. Many of our past clients have started to get money within 90 days, and our team will walk you through every step of the process.
We can also help you pursue asbestos trust funds, VA benefits, and top mesothelioma treatment options. Our staff includes fellow veterans, VA-accredited attorneys, and caring nursing support personnel to assist you no matter what you need.
Don’t delay: Call us today at (877) 450-8973 to book a free case evaluation and get started.
FAQs About the Asbestos Claims Payout Time Frame
How long does it take to get a mesothelioma settlement?
You’ll likely start to get the mesothelioma settlements within 90 days of filing a claim.
It may take up to 1-2 years to get all the money you deserve — but you’ll be getting payouts throughout this period.
How much is the average mesothelioma settlement worth?
According to Mealey’s® Litigation Report, average mesothelioma settlement amounts range between $1 million to $1.4 million.
Though the average verdict in mesothelioma cases is higher, it’s worth remembering that verdicts often take longer. A verdict can be overturned on appeal, too, meaning that the money can be tied up in litigation for even more time.
Most importantly, however, a verdict can be more than a settlement, but it can also be nothing if you lose the case.
Does everyone with mesothelioma get a settlement?
No, as not everyone files an asbestos claim. That said, many diagnosed with mesothelioma are likely eligible for asbestos claim payouts.
People with other asbestos diseases, such as asbestosis, may also receive settlements depending on their condition.
Talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about your options: Call (877) 450-8973 now.
