Mesothelioma Compensation

Mesothelioma is a compensable disease in Canada. If patients have documentation that can prove their exposure happened in the workplace, then the provincial government will make payment to the affected worker. Unfortunately, less than half of workers that are affected apply for compensation.

Compensation for mesothelioma victims will vary and can include:

• Bankruptcy trust funds
• Settlements
• Trial verdicts
• A. for Veterans

The amount of benefits a victim will receive depends on expenses such as funeral costs, emotional distress, and lost wages. Compensation can range from small amounts of money to sums that go well into the millions of dollars. An attorney who specializes in asbestos related claims may be able to determine not only eligibility but also gauge the value of the case. An attorney can also help you decide if it is better to file a lawsuit or pursue a claim.

Most victims who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can trace their exposure to a specific company. When this occurs, the company who knowingly risked the health and safety of the individual in order to profit has to compensate for the injury. Asbestos manufacturers have gone out of business in order to prevent more lawsuits against them in the future. However, they have set an estimated $37 billion aside in trust funds to compensate for victims of asbestos exposure.

If a victim is unable to file a claim through the above methods, there are also general types of assistance that the victim can take advantage of. The programs are specifically designed to assist anyone with a serious illness. These programs include:

• Medicare and Medicaid
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Social Security Disability Payments
• Community Assistance

Many local communities may be able to offer assistance. Organizations will provide families with transportation, food, lodging and any other out of pocket expenses that may arise during their treatment. Additionally, there may be community volunteers who assist with things such as caregiving duties and transportation. Information about these organizations can be found through the American Cancer Society or a local cancer support group.

It is important to keep track of all expenses related to mesothelioma. In most cases it will be a few months before any payment is received. The patient will still have to pay for the doctor, hospital and prescription bills. There will be unexpected expenses as well that are related to the disease but may not be covered by insurance. Patients should track everything related to the cancer, including how it has changed their day to day life and their budget. This information will assist the attorney ask for fair compensation when he/she pursues your claim. Expenses of asbestos-related illnesses can include:

• Lost wages
• Caregiver costs
• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Travel expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Other expenses not covered by insurance

Canada has yet to outright ban asbestos. Until recently it was even used in children’s toys. The country is moving forward is some positive ways as they are currently removing asbestos from schools, plants, and factories at the expense of billions of dollars.

Some regulations have now been imposed in Canada. For example, the sale of pure asbestos is strictly regulated and the emissions of asbestos into the environment now falls under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.