It can take several months to years for you to get mesothelioma compensation. This is because the process involves first getting officially diagnosed with mesothelioma by a licensed doctor, informing your lawyer to pursue the suitable course of legal action, compiling all the necessary evidence to support your claim, then finally getting compensation.
The timeframe within which you can expect to receive compensation depends on the course of action you decide to take. You and your loved one can choose from three options: trust fund, trial verdict or VA benefits (Veteran Affairs). If you are a surviving spouse or dependent, you may also get Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
How long does it take to get compensated by a mesothelioma trust fund?
Filing an individual mesothelioma trust fund claim then having it fulfilled generally takes a few months.
Once you file your claim, it is reviewed by the trust to determine validity, then assigned a monetary value. You can choose to reject the value or accept it. Your claim is then paid out if you accept the value.
Rejecting the value forces your claim to enter alternative dispute resolution, at which point a lawsuit may be filed against the trust. This tacks on a few more months before you are able to receive compensation.
You can choose to have your claim expedited, in which case a predetermined, set-value amount is automatically given to you. This is paid out faster. However, you should know that this amount may be lower than if you were to file it the other way.
How long does it take to get compensated by a mesothelioma trial verdict?
The payment timeline you can expect when pursuing a trial verdict and suing can take months to years. This all depends on how fast evidence to support your case is compiled as well as if the payment source is easily identifiable. In the best case scenario, you may get compensation within five to six months of filing your lawsuit.
Fortunately, mesothelioma claims are considered of high priority in many jurisdications, especially if the victim is still alive. This is because the courts are aware of the poor life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers.
You can find out the status of your lawsuit by contacting your lawyer
How long does it take to get VA benefts or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?
It can take a few months before you receive compensation if you were a military veteran. The primary factor that affects the speed at which you receive compensation is whether you have the necessary evidence to support your claim. The more insurmountable evidence you have, the faster the process will take. Other factors that affect the VA Benefits process include the type of claim filed, the number of disabilities you claim, as well as the complexity of your disabilities. Mesothelioma is considered a severe disability and is given high priority.
You can find out the status of your claim by visiting the eBenefits website here. Simply register for an account.
