How Much Compensation For Mesothelioma?

Legally reviewed by: LLB (Hons) & LPC Stacy Pimlott Updated: January 21, 2022

When you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is understandable that you and your loved ones will have a lot of questions. The right legal support can mean that you or your family members can receive compensation that can help you through the difficult steps that you may have ahead of you. Our specialist solicitors have helped many to receive compensation for mesothelioma and can help you throughout your mesothelioma claim.

What exactly is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer that begins to grow in the lining of certain organs. It most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, which is called the pleural membranes or the pleura. These are two thin layers of cells, with each later as thin as the skin of a balloon. The inner layer covers your lungs and the outer layer lines the inside of your rib cage.

In some especially serious cases, it can also affect the lining of the abdomen or the lining of the heart. There are three different types of mesotheliomas that can affect the chest. These are:

• Biphasic mesothelioma

This is an uncommon form. Biphasic tumours have some parts that are epithelioid, and some parts that are sarcomatoid.

• Sarcomatoid mesothelioma

This is also quite uncommon. It tends to progress quickly and has a poorer outcome from treatment.

• Epithelioid mesothelioma

This is the most common type, and it accounts for around 75% of cases. This type of mesothelioma grows more slowly than the others.

The main cause of many mesothelioma cases is breathing in asbestos dust. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was widely used in construction and other industries until the late 1990s. It was used to insulate and fireproof buildings and was commonly used in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and spray coatings that were used on ceilings and walls. The fibres are extremely small and get lodged in the lungs when they are inhaled. The fibres cause persistent irritation to the lungs, which can then lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis in some people. It’s not known what can make some people more susceptible to develop mesothelioma. In 1999, the then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott signed the Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999. It became law three months later, five years ahead of the European deadline. By 1999, chrysotile was the only kind of asbestos that was allowed in the UK, after the 1985 banning of amosite and crocidolite.

How much compensation do you get for mesothelioma?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma that was caused by exposure to asbestos, then you can make a compensation claim. This can provide you and your family with the financial security that is needed after a diagnosis.

The way in which your mesothelioma compensation is calculated is based on a number of different factors and there are different types of mesothelioma compensation. These are:

1. Pain and suffering compensation (general damages)

This is compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity for the mesothelioma victim. It is compensation for the condition itself, and how it has affected the sufferer in the past and how it will affect the sufferer in the future.

2. Care costs

Any additional costs that may be involved in your care also have to be factored in

3. Hospice costs

In some cases, mesothelioma sufferers have to go into a hospice for care. In a mesothelioma claim, it is possible to recover this money for the hospice and it is then paid to them to allow to continue with their work. Your solicitor can contact the hospice and ask for details of the costs they incurred caring for you or your loved ones.

4. Equipment in your home

As with any illness, there may be equipment that you will need for ongoing care. An asbestos claim would allow you get the funding to support this.

5. Travel costs

Any costs that you or a family member has incurred in the time that you may have had to travel to medical appointments can be covered.

6. Medical Costs

There are several standard treatments that should be covered by the NHS, but in some cases, patients wish to travel outside of England and Wales for treatment. Compensation will be able to cover this.

7. Loss of earnings

If you were working at the time of your diagnosis and can no longer work because of mesothelioma, then you will be able to claim this back. It may even be the case that you were exposed to asbestos at work.

8. Future income and pension

If a mesothelioma claim is brought after a person has died, then their dependant can pursue a claim for the financial dependency that they had on the mesothelioma sufferer.

9. Bereavement Damages

Bereavement damages are paid to the husband or wife of someone who has died from mesothelioma in a claim for compensation. They are a fixed amount, currently £12,980.

10. Loss of support provided by husband/wife

In a case that has been brought by a widow or widower, it is possible to claim for the support lost from a husband or wife. The awards in a mesothelioma claim are often around £2,500.

11. Funeral Expenses

If you are bringing a claim on behalf of someone who has died, it is possible to recover the cost of the funeral.

Read more on our mesothelioma compensation claim solicitors page.

Let Us Help

All of these factors can be confusing when you are trying to understand how much compensation for mesothelioma you or a loved one could receive. Let our experienced solicitors put your mind at ease, and get in touch today for support and advice.