People who’ve been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma know they may be eligible for compensation from the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Danziger & De Llano will work with you to determine how, when, and where you were exposed so we can maximize the amount you receive from those companies, but other funding sources may also be available. Our clients have different exposures, different needs, and different goals. It’s our job and mission to help you find the best answer for you.

• Asbestos Trust Funds – For years, the public was unaware of the dangers of asbestos. Employees were exposed to the material on the job. Members of America’s military were exposed in their barracks, their ships, and their aircraft. Wives and mothers were exposed when they shook out and laundered work clothes covered with carcinogenic fibers.

  Though those victims had no idea of the dangers they faced every day, the companies that had supplied the asbestos and incorporated it into their products were very well aware, but decided to keep the information to themselves so they could continue using the inexpensive material.

  The negligence of that decision led to lawsuits that have already won billions of dollars in damages for victims, and many of the defending companies were forced into bankruptcy. Rather than leaving victims without recourse, America’s courts forced the companies to set up special trusts that victims could apply to for compensation. Those trusts still hold over $30 billion in funding that can be accessed by simply filing a claim.

  Danziger & De Llano has extensive experience in helping mesothelioma victims access asbestos bankruptcy trust funds. We start by identifying the asbestos-contaminated products you were exposed to and comparing that list to the list of companies that have established bankruptcy trust funds. Then we collect the appropriate documentation and prepare your claim in a way that will maximize the benefit for which you qualify.

• Mesothelioma Lawsuit – If you were exposed to asbestos by a company that has not filed for bankruptcy, you have the option of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm that you’ve suffered. These legal actions seek payment for medical costs incurred, the emotional cost of your diagnosis, the physical pain that you’ve suffered, lost wages, and other damages.

  Though we approach each of these cases as though it is going to court, in most cases they are resolved through out-of-court settlements. Though settlements generally result in lower amounts of compensation than the amounts that juries award victims, there are good reasons for accepting a settlement offer. Winning jury verdicts can be appealed, leading to years-long litigation processes that add significant stress and time, and there is always the risk of decisions being overturned. By contrast, a settlement is largely conducted as a negotiation between attorneys with little need for the mesothelioma victim to be directly involved. Though we never agree to any terms without your approval, the process is generally faster and easier for you and your family.

  If a mesothelioma lawsuit is initially filed by the victim and they pass before the legal issues are resolved, the claim can be continued by a family member on behalf of the estate. Similarly, survivors of those who have died of malignant mesothelioma may be eligible to file wrongful death lawsuits on their own behalf.

  Most clients want to know how much money they can expect from filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. Every case is different and has different circumstances: factors including your age at diagnosis, the court where your case is filed, the extent of negligence on the defendant’s part, and your financial losses are all determining factors, but the cases below represent settlements and verdicts we’ve obtained for previous clients.

• VA Claims – If you are a veteran of America’s military and your asbestos exposure occurred during your time in the service, you may be eligible for VA benefits. These benefits represent significant amounts of up to $3,600 in disability compensation, and more if you have a spouse or other dependents. You are also entitled to receive healthcare through the VA health system. Filing for these claims requires submitting a claim that establishes that your mesothelioma is related to your service. The Danziger & De Llano firm has extensive experience in helping clients prepare and submit these claims, usually in tandem with submitting additional claims against asbestos bankruptcy trusts or filing mesothelioma claims to maximize the compensation you receive.