Editing Mesothelioma Claim Process (section)

=== Phase 5: Legal Proceedings (6-18 Months) ===

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| style="padding:15px; font-size:1.1em;" | ⚖️ Most mesothelioma cases settle before reaching trial verdict
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'''Trust Fund Processing:'''
Trust claims proceed through administrative review without court involvement:
* Standard review: 3-6 months processing time
* Expedited review: 90 days for qualifying patients
* Each trust evaluates claims independently based on its criteria

'''Lawsuit Discovery and Negotiation:'''
For civil lawsuits, both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions:
* Defendants must respond to discovery requests within 30 days
* Written interrogatories document corporate knowledge of asbestos hazards
* Depositions preserve plaintiff testimony and examine company witnesses
* Expert reports establish causation between exposure and disease

"The threat of trial motivates settlement discussions," explains [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/about-us/paul-danziger/ Paul Danziger]. "As trial dates approach, defendants become increasingly willing to negotiate rather than risk jury verdicts averaging $2.4-20.7 million."