Mesothelioma class action lawsuit settlements
In order to hold negligent companies accountable, class-action lawsuits were a practical solution for those suffering from mesothelioma in large numbers. They were widespread from the 1960s to the late 1990s.
Mesothelioma lawyers and judges concluded that class actions were not necessarily the best type of litigation for complex asbestos cases that involve exposure to multiple asbestos materials, so they evolved. It became clear that one plaintiff’s case was usually not representative of other cases included in the proposed class.
Advantages of Filing a Class-Action Suit for Mesothelioma:
- They proved to be a useful way of helping asbestos victims get the compensation they deserved.
- Group action claims are effective when a group of employees who have been exposed to the same substances at their workplace get mesothelioma.
What are the Disadvantages of Mesothelioma Class-Action Lawsuits?
- A single plaintiff’s case does not typically represent other plaintiffs’ cases.
- Typically, plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits receive less compensation than those who file successful individual lawsuits.
Class-action lawsuits and mass torts are both viable legal options for large groups of plaintiffs, leading to potential confusion between the two. Mass torts address each plaintiff’s case on its own rather than as part of a group. Mass torts are usually addressed through a specialized legal process known as multidistrict litigation, or MDL for short.
Other Options to Consider Besides Mesothelioma Class-Action Lawsuits
There are alternative options to mesothelioma class-action lawsuits. Most mesothelioma legal cases are handled as personal injury or wrongful death claims.
- Unlike individual attorneys, class action attorneys represent an entire group.
- Class action members have limited control over their case.
- Everyone who makes a claim receives a portion of the class-action compensation.
You may be able to receive financial compensation from asbestos trust funds, workers’ compensation or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
In a personal injury case, an individual plaintiff with mesothelioma files a lawsuit alleging that particular asbestos products were responsible for the onset of their cancer. The claim names the manufacturers of the products as the defendants.
In 2022, Weitz & Luxenburg won $43 million for a mesothelioma patient after a jury determined Algoma Hardwoods, Inc. was liable. holds liability for asbestos exposure.
Legal Action for Unlawful Death
In a wrongful death lawsuit, family members of those lost to mesothelioma are the ones that file the claim. The surviving family is suing, claiming that the death of their loved one was caused by exposure to asbestos products.
Should you be invited to participate in an asbestos class action, keep in mind that you can choose to join the class or “opt out” and file your own lawsuit.
Lawsuit Settlements
Usually, mesothelioma lawsuits, whether as class action cases or individual claims, are settled without going to court. Crafting a settlement agreement in class-action lawsuits is more complex than usual due to the large group of people within the plaintiff class. Make sure you choose a qualified and experienced asbestos law firm when considering your mesothelioma compensation legal options.
