Life after a devastating diagnosis is full of challenges. And amid all the doctor visits, health complications and the stress of coping with an illness, there are also often financial challenges. These can be intensified when a person is on a fixed income or cannot work.
Thus, victims of asbestos exposure should know there are multiple avenues for pursuing financial support in the wake of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Workers’ compensation benefits: People who suffer an illness or injury in the scope or course of their employment can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Qualified parties can receive partial wage replacement and coverage for their medical expenses if they cannot work because of their condition.
- Personal injury damages: Parties injured by negligence or recklessness can take legal action against the person liable for damages. With a legal claim, parties can pursue financial compensation for their economic and non-economic losses related to their condition. Further, some courts also award punitive damages in these cases specifically to punish the wrongdoer.
- Government benefits: Social security disability benefits can be available to mesothelioma patients. People with disabling conditions can qualify for these benefits, and those with severe conditions on the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) can collect them more quickly. Pleural, peritoneal and, most recently, pericardial mesothelioma are all on this list.
It is not unusual for parties to get overwhelmed by navigating insurance, government and legal systems. And they should be able to focus on their health.
Rather than let these intimidating processes jeopardize the benefits you and your family may deserve, you can work with an attorney skilled at pursuing the financial relief parties need.
Financial benefits make a difference in the lives of those affected by asbestos exposure. They can cover medical costs, funeral expenses and compensation for pain and suffering. While this cannot undo the harmful acts or environment that caused an illness, money can help victims and their loved ones cope with the aftermath.