Workers’ Compensation for Mesothelioma Patients

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation programs provide compensation to employees for injuries sustained on the job. Every state has a workers’ compensation program. These programs provide various benefits to injured employees.

Laws vary by state, and workers’ compensation programs are administered by state boards. Payments typically include a fixed amount of compensation. The amount of compensation is usually set by state law and based on the type of injury.

Replacement income provides only partial compensation for lost income and is usually subject to certain limits.

Qualifying for Asbestos Workers’ Compensation

Exposure to asbestos is considered a work-related injury. Workers who develop asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis, mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. Workers’ compensation eligibility requirements vary by state. In general, states apply four basic eligibility requirements to claimants:

An injured employee is usually required to report any work-related injuries in writing to the employer. The employer then must provide the worker with a claim form. Families of deceased workers may also be eligible to apply for benefits. The employer is responsible for submitting the form to the local board office and to its insurer.

Navy veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may file claims with the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program. The same four basic eligibility requirements that apply to general workers’ compensation claims also apply in the Longshore program.

How an Attorney Can Help with Workers’ Compensation

A qualified attorney can help keep your workers’ compensation claim moving forward and improve your chances of receiving compensation. They will gather evidence to support your claim, plan strategies in case your claim is disputed and represent you at hearings.

If your claim is disputed, an experienced attorney can represent you in front of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. A mesothelioma attorney has the expertise to handle your workers’ compensation claims and other legal claims for mesothelioma compensation that you may qualify for.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Filing a claim with a state or federal workers’ compensation system is one legal option for some people who were exposed to asbestos at work. These systems can be difficult to navigate. Many workers’ comp claims result in only modest amounts of financial help, but they have served as a source of compensation for asbestos victims.

More common legal options for asbestos exposure compensation include a mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim. A KCIC industry report shows 3,685 lawsuits were filed over occupational asbestos exposure in 2020.

You should consult with a qualified mesothelioma attorney if you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim for asbestos exposure or an asbestos lawsuit. Filing a workers’ compensation claim with an employer and filing a lawsuit against an asbestos manufacturer involve different processes, durations and varying likely financial compensation outcomes. It’s important to understand the nuances of each legal option before deciding which legal option to choose.

Workers’ Comp Claims Have Stricter Time Constraints

Like lawsuits, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within an established time frame after an injury occurs. Each state has its own set of guidelines that dictate eligibility.

Although most cases of mesothelioma are caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, not all people with mesothelioma are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Because of its long latency period, mesothelioma is not typically diagnosed within the time frame allotted for a workers’ compensation claim.

In addition, most former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma are no longer employed at the job where their exposure occurred. Asbestosis patients may be more likely to qualify for this option because the disease’s shorter latency period is around 10 years compared to 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma.

Lawsuits May Provide a Broader Range of Compensation

The amount of compensation available through a workers’ compensation claim is often modest compared with the larger compensation generally available through a potential lawsuit or trust fund claim. State laws usually fix the maximum amount of workers’ compensation available for a particular injury.

The workers’ compensation process is nonadversarial, meaning claims are not designed to assign blame, and punitive damages and certain other forms of compensation are unavailable. On the other hand, jury verdict awards may include punitive damages and compensation for pain and suffering. Accordingly, a successful lawsuit can substantially increase the total amount of compensation you may receive, even if your lawsuit is settled out of court.

Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Often Disputed

Individual circumstances influence the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim. Merely filing a claim does not guarantee financial benefits.

If a dispute arises with your claim or you are unhappy with the outcome of your workers’ compensation hearing, you may file an appeal with the state workers’ compensation commissioner or in a court of appeals.

Other asbestos compensation and financial assistance is available through asbestos trust funds, government disability programs and the Veterans Administration. Consult a qualified mesothelioma law firm for legal advice.

Issues with Workers’ Compensation

Although workers’ compensation laws were created to provide benefits to eligible employees, they also were designed to protect employers from lawsuits by placing limits on compensation.

The federal government and a handful of states rely on government sources to fund workers’ compensation claims. Most states fund their compensation budgets exclusively through the private sector or through private insurance carriers, which compete with state-run funds.

Because of substantial underwriting losses, private insurance carriers have reduced the scope of workers’ compensation programs in the past two decades. Some states have increased private competition to reduce program costs for employers.

Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation for Mesothelioma

What compensation options are available for occupational asbestos exposure?

Mesothelioma compensation options for workers with a history of occupational exposure include asbestos trust funds, mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements.

Should I consult an attorney before filing a workers’ comp claim?

Employees who have experienced occupational asbestos exposure should consult an attorney before filing for workers’ compensation. Asbestos lawyers can represent you in court with the best resources available and are familiar with the complex processes of asbestos-related claims.

Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit instead of a workers’ comp claim?

A person diagnosed with mesothelioma is eligible to file a personal injury mesothelioma lawsuit. Compensation from this type of lawsuit can reduce the financial burden of a mesothelioma diagnosis for you and your family.