Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, many veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy, were exposed to asbestos during their military service, putting them at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. If you are a Navy veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma navy settlements.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of the legal process for obtaining mesothelioma navy settlements, as well as tips for maximizing your settlement and information on average settlement amounts. We will also discuss the role of the VA in mesothelioma navy settlements and the impact of your Navy service on your settlement claim.
The Legal Process for Obtaining Mesothelioma Navy Settlements
The first step in obtaining mesothelioma navy settlements is to file a claim. This can be done through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Filing a VA Claim: If you choose to file a claim through the VA, you will need to submit a claim form, along with medical evidence of your mesothelioma diagnosis and evidence of your military service. The VA will then review your claim and make a decision on your eligibility for compensation.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit: Alternatively, you may choose to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the companies that manufactured or supplied the asbestos products that caused your mesothelioma. These lawsuits are typically filed in state court and can be more complex than VA claims. It is important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney if you decide to pursue this option.
In either case, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible, as there are time limits for filing both VA claims and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Tips for Maximizing Your Mesothelioma Navy Settlement
- Gather Evidence: Gather all relevant medical and military records that support your claim. This can include medical records of your mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, as well as military service records that show where and when you were exposed to asbestos.
- Consult with an Experienced Attorney: An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your claim is presented in the strongest possible light.
- Be Honest and Accurate: Be honest and accurate when providing information about your medical condition and military service. Providing false information can harm your claim.
- Keep a Record of Your Expenses: Keep a record of all expenses related to your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment, such as medical bills, travel expenses, and lost wages.
Average Mesothelioma Navy Settlement Amounts
The average mesothelioma settlement amount can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the victim’s illness, the defendant’s ability to pay, and the specific circumstances of the case. However, most mesothelioma settlements fall in the range of $1 million to $1.4 million.
The Role of the VA in Mesothelioma Navy Settlements
The VA can play an important role in mesothelioma navy settlements by providing compensation to veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their military service. The VA provides a variety of benefits to eligible veterans, including disability compensation, health care, and survivor benefits.
In addition to these benefits, the VA also offers a special program for veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This program, known as the VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) program, provides additional compensation to veterans who have a specific service-connected disability, such as mesothelioma.
To be eligible for the VA SMC program, veterans must meet certain criteria, including:
- Having a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher
- Having a specific type of service-connected disability, such as mesothelioma
- Having a specific type of un-employability
It is important to note that the VA SMC program is separate from the VA’s disability compensation program and is only available to veterans who meet the above criteria.
The Impact of Navy Service on Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts
Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for higher settlement amounts than other veterans due to the nature of their military service. The Navy has a long history of using asbestos in ships, and many veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving on these ships.
Additionally, the Navy also used asbestos in other areas such as shipyards, bases, and submarines, increasing the risk of exposure. As a result, Navy veterans are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and may be eligible for higher settlement amounts.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, many veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy, were exposed to asbestos during their military service, putting them at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. If you are a Navy veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma navy settlements. It’s important to consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney and gather evidence, keep a record of expenses, and be honest and accurate when providing information about your medical condition and military service. The VA also plays a role in providing mesothelioma navy settlements, and navy veterans may be eligible for higher settlement amounts than other veterans.
