Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can be very expensive to manage, with some estimates putting the cost of treatment at more than $400,000.
The high cost of mesothelioma treatment and unplanned out-of-pocket expenses can make it harder for patients to access the medical care they need. However, many survivors say they were able to afford life-extending treatment by filing a mesothelioma claim. Payouts from these claims can also help improve quality of life, provide peace of mind, and alleviate financial burdens and stressors.
The legal process may seem overwhelming when you’re already managing a chronic illness. But an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will make the process simple and stress-free so you can focus on your health and recovery.
“Our legal team did all the legwork for us. I didn’t have to do anything except provide my personal background.”
Learn more about the top 5 things a mesothelioma claim can help cover below.
1. Travel and Transportation
One of the most commonly overlooked expenses related to mesothelioma treatment is the cost of travel and transportation.
Because this cancer is so rare, with only about 3,000 cases per year, it’s important to work with a specialist who understands the nuances of mesothelioma. If you live in a remote area, you may need to travel long distances (or even out of state) to get treatment from a mesothelioma doctor who has expertise treating your specific type and stage of the disease.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patient Mary Jane Williams made more than 40 trips between her home in Ohio and the cancer center in New York for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The money she received from her mesothelioma claim was what helped her afford these frequent treatment sessions.
“Your insurance doesn’t pay for everything. You need the compensation. You need it for your treatments. You need it for your transportation.”
Get a Free Case Review with our team today to see if you can file a claim for mesothelioma compensation.
2. Loss of Income
While some mesothelioma patients are healthy enough to continue working after their diagnosis, many others may need to retire or take time off to focus on their treatment and recovery.
Before being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2021, Jimmy Johnson lived an active lifestyle on the road producing tours for music legends like Elvis and the Eagles. He had no plans to stop working, but his diagnosis forced him into an early retirement.
Mesothelioma patients can experience a significant loss of income if they need to quit working to focus on getting treatment. A successful legal claim can help compensate for these lost wages and secure your family’s financial future.
“It’s been very satisfying, and what I know is that my wife is taken care of for the rest of her life after I’m gone.”
3. Experimental Procedures and Medications
While health insurance may cover a portion of the costs associated with treatment, it may not necessarily cover the total amount. Some insurance plans have denied coverage for emerging treatments.
Dr. Bonnie Snyder and her husband faced mounting medical bills after she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2022. The three-time cancer survivor had to take out loans and deplete her savings so she could afford to start alternative treatment in another state.
“We spent all of our savings, so we were busy looking for more ways to find money to pay for my treatment. If we hadn’t gotten a mesothelioma settlement, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Get our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to learn more about patients who used compensation from legal claims to get life-changing treatment.
4. Living Expenses
Some mesothelioma patients have trouble paying for basic needs like food and housing because they’re spending more on travel expenses and medical bills.
They may even dip into retirement funds or refinance their home mortgage to cover these costs. While convenient, these sources of compensation can dwindle over the course of treatment.
Retired auto mechanic Art Putt and his wife, Jan, had their financial worries eased when they received a large payout from a successful mesothelioma claim against Ford Motor Company.
“We gave that money to our kids, paid off their debts, and paid our house off.”
Financial support from a mesothelioma claim allowed the Putts to concentrate on Art’s recovery without added stress.
5. Caregiving Costs
Caregiving costs such as transportation to medical appointments, in-home health care, and meal preparation can also add up quickly, putting significant strain on you and your loved ones.
Depending on your diagnosis, your medical team may recommend a special mesothelioma diet to help you prepare for or recover from treatment. This can increase your monthly grocery bills and make it more difficult to stay afloat financially, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
Compensation from a mesothelioma claim can help families provide around-the-clock care for their loved one. Many caregivers have used that money for respite care, home health visits, and palliative treatments to keep their loved ones comfortable.
“If she wants to stay at home, by golly, let’s keep her at home and bring people in if we need to do that. And this lawsuit will give us the financial flexibility to do the things that we need to do to provide for Mom.”
– Debbie Jones, daughter of mesothelioma warrior Burlene
Mesothelioma caregivers can also be overwhelmed by expenses like unpaid medical bills and funeral expenses if their loved one passes away. Compensation from a wrongful death claim can provide much-needed peace of mind and help surviving family members focus on the grieving process.
Types of Mesothelioma Claims
People with mesothelioma can file different types of claims based on the companies that made the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to.
There are two main types of mesothelioma claims:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: These claims are filed against companies that are still in business today. Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements award between $1 million and $1.4 million on average. Many clients start to receive their first legal payouts within 90 days of filing a claim.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: When some asbestos companies declared bankruptcy, they were required to create trust funds to compensate victims. There’s over $30 billion available in these trust funds today.
Our team can help you access compensation from lawsuits and asbestos trust funds — find out if you qualify now.
Get Help Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
The team at Mesothelioma Hope has witnessed firsthand the financial stress a mesothelioma diagnosis can have on not only patients but also their families and friends.
We can connect you with top mesothelioma lawyers who can fight for compensation to help you pay for treatment and the out-of-pocket expenses that accompany this cancer.
“Once I began the process, I never looked back. I never regretted it. It was always made as easy for me as possible. It has allowed me to seek the medical treatment I need without the fear of losing my home.”
Many patients start receiving compensation within 90 days of filing a mesothelioma claim. While payout timelines vary, your lawyer can keep you updated on when you may expect compensation in your case.
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to learn about all the ways we can help you navigate your mesothelioma journey.
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