After a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients and their family may face a variety of new challenges in their everyday life. Finding a new routine between doctor visits, treatments and coping with a serious illness can be stressful. Many families also find they face financial hardships during this time. 

Medical treatments are costly and oftentimes patients are unable to work due to the severity of their cancer. This can be hard on families who once relied on two incomes and now are experiencing lost wages. 

Fortunately, there are multiple ways for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones to find the financial support they need.

1. Worker’s Compensation 

People who get hurt or suffer from an illness during the course of their employment can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you qualify, you can receive partial wages and even coverage for treatment expenses if you are unable to work due to your cancer. 

2. Government Benefits 

Mesothelioma patients may also be qualified to receive social security disability benefits. Patients with disabling conditions, such as cancer, can be eligible for these benefits and people with severe conditions on the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) can receive benefits more quickly. 

Recently, pericardial mesothelioma was added to the CAL. That means that now three out of the four main types of mesothelioma are now listed on the Compassionate Allowances List. 

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides financial assistance to veterans and their families through VA Disability or VA Pension. 

3. Personal Injury Damages 

Victims of asbestos exposure can take legal action against the companies liable for their cancer. When filing a legal claim, you and your lawyer can go after financial compensation for economic or non-economic losses related to your mesothelioma. In many mesothelioma cases, you can also pursue punitive damages to punish companies for their negligence. 

During this difficult time, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Let our lawyers at BCBH Law do all the hard work so you can focus on getting better. Fill out our free case evaluation form to see how we can help you and your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve.