How Do We Know How Much My Mesothelioma Case Is Worth?
Your life, health, and happiness are worth much more than money. But money is the only compensation you can get through our legal system. We can’t send you back in time, so you can avoid the asbestos that’s killing you or win you a cure for your disease. Money is the best Satterley & Kelley, PLLC attorneys can do to try to make things right.
We consider your case worth what you should collect as compensation for your illness and all its adverse impacts on your life.
How you obtain that compensation depends on the status of the companies responsible for the asbestos causing your disease. If they’re bankrupt, they may have a trust fund that pays claims made by those injured by their products. If the business is still operating, insurance may pay the claim, or the company may pay it. Either way, nearly all claims settle through negotiations. A trial is possible but highly unlikely.
What Will I Be Compensated For?
Many factors impact the value of your case. Age is a critical factor. We’ve had clients in their 40s, 80s, and 90s. The more the person earns, the more income they’ll lose. Age and pay rates have huge impacts on a case’s value. Generally, the younger you are, the more you make, the more your case is worth.
Under Kentucky law, there are many damages (the harm you suffer measured in dollars). They include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income (the younger the person, the more income the person loses)
- Lost pension or social security payments
- How long you’ve had the disease
- Past, present, and future physical and mental pain and suffering due to the disease, its treatment, and side effects (the longer this lasts, the higher the value)
- Punitive damages punish companies that acted maliciously and recklessly. The possible award of these damages increases a case’s value
The amount for these damages varies on the facts of the case and the applicable law.
What Might Affect How Much My Case is Worth?
The defendant’s identity is a factor. A Fortune 500 company that failed to keep people safe while knowing about asbestos’ dangers will likely pay more. The location of the case also affects the outcome. Some juries are conservative in their awards, while others are more open to requiring companies to fully pay for their actions.
How Can I Maximize My Mesothelioma Case’s Value?
You can do some things, while other issues are beyond your control. Issues to think about include:
- Remembering details and documenting your asbestos exposure. This may have been decades ago, but writing down what you can remember as best you can may be a big help. It’s very helpful to remember locations, dates, co-workers’ names, types, and brands of asbestos products used at the location
- Take your medical treatment seriously and cooperate with your treatment team. You need not do everything they tell you to do, but you must act reasonably. Doing nothing or things that harm your health will hurt your case
Many of those with mesothelioma are rightfully upset, angry, or depressed. Whatever your frame of mind, you must make wise decisions to make the most of your case.
What Will My Mesothelioma Case Cost Me?
Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, works for a share of your recovery. You need not pay us in advance or on an ongoing basis. We will also incur costs, which vary depending on the case. Your recovery will also cover those costs. If your case is successful and you obtain compensation, our attorneys and expenses will be paid. If you aren’t compensated, you won’t owe us anything.
Get the Legal Help You Need from Mesothelioma Attorneys You Can Trust
Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, lawyers and staff will treat you like family and help you get the justice you deserve. If you’ve contracted mesothelioma, you deserve compensation. Don’t wait — contact us for help today.