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8:48 PM

BMW i8 review


BMW i8 review


The BMW i8 hybrid supercar lands from the future to reassure petrolheads that excitement and eco can co-exist


Car makers so far aren’t in agreement on how to dress the future. Tesla, for example, based its electric technology around a conventionally good-looking car with the Model S. For the i8 supercar, BMW is basically saying, ‘dammit, this electric stuff is new. Let’s style it new, too’.


The i8’s swoops, cutaways and indents are taken straight from the 2009 concept car while the electric motor married to a highly tuned 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is equally bold.


We’ve seen million-pound hybrid hyper cars from McLaren, Ferrari and Porsche, but at just under £100,000 the i8 is flirting with affordable and no less exotic given it’s also built around a carbon fibre tub. It’s got breathtaking looks, right-on engine tech and heaps of government tax-breaks, but can it really deliver the on-road performance of the likes of rivals such as the Aston Martin Vantage V8 or Audi R8?


 


Future sound






 




 


BMW i8 review







Great sound is vital for a supercar, but how can an electric motor and a three-cylinder engine match the soul-pounding thunder of a V8 or V10? We don’t know how, but they can. The i8 sounds fabulous. We suspect synthesizer trickery but it matters little.


Sport mode turns the digital dials from a meditative blue to hellfire red, the petrol engine is ignited and suddenly it’s no more Mr Green Guy. Shifting through the automatic’s six speeds using the wheel mounted paddles brings about a fearsome bassy crack on each change, and the engine howls as if it’s got at least three more cylinders as speed multiplies. At times you hear the distinctive (and no less appealing) three-pot thrum, while the controlled scream from the electric motor is one of the best we’ve heard.






 






Extreme yoghurt weaving






 


BMW i8 review







Because the core of the car is made of plastic woven with carbon fibres, the whole thing is still relatively light at 1,490kg – even with those two engines.


It’s also very stiff – you feel it when you corner hard and realise you could take that same corner much, much faster.


With the petrol engine at the back driving the rear wheels and the electric motor at the opposite end powering the front wheels, the all-paw traction is excellent and the weight balance spot on. With the steering weighted up in Sport, the car feels fabulous. And it rides beautifully. Firm but with each clattering pothole wrapped in velvet and disposed without fuss.






Read more : 2016 10Best Cars





 



BMW i8 review
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3:27 AM

Insured By Us leverages its success with Woolworths Travel Insurance and Real Travel Insurance to introduce an online consumer travel insurance brand targeting women.

Called Travel with Jane, it marks the insurance platform provider’s entry into the Australian consumer market with a direct offering of its own. 

Sydney based Insured By Us has been in operation for three years powering Woolworths Travel Insurance and Real Travel Insurance. The platform is now being put to the test to deliver a travel insurance experience for Australian women and their families. 

“Two thirds of our travel policies are purchased by women, but insurance, as with most financial products, is overwhelmingly geared towards male consumers. Engaging Australia’s female travellers is a key business growth opportunity for us,” says Insured By Us Director, Ben Webster.

“Insurance in Australia needs an urgent shake up. Customers know that the business comes first and they come second and they are tired of solving business problems for insurance companies. It’s time for insurance to step into the light and be transparent by putting customers first.” Mr Webster added. 

Insured By Us will build on the success of their white label direct insurance offering to create an experience that engages women. Underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company, and with support from global medical assistance specialists, Mapfre, Travel with Jane offers a basic, comprehensive and annual multi-trip policy portfolio. 

“Our first priority is to empower women to have confidence in the products they’re buying, to explain our products clearly and without omission, so that women can make their policies work for them. We’re talking about sharing the so-called secrets to getting the best out of travel insurance and about avoiding common claim pitfalls.

This boils down to educating the customer and ensuring a successful and painless claims process. We hope this process will win back trust through transparency and an unwavering customer-centric approach.” Mr Webster concluded.

Travel with Jane (www.travelwithjane.com @travelwjane) is powered by Insured By Us (insuredbyus.com @insuredbyus). We are based in Sydney at Level 5, 63 York Street in Sydney Australia. For media inquiries, get in touch with Michelle at michelle@travelwithjane.com. Or you can reach out to Ben Webster at bw@insuredbyus.com or on 0421 699 494 for the full story.


InsureTech startup launches travel insurance for women
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3:08 AM

South African digital travel insurance distributor Hepstar has received $2 million in funding from UK-based technology investor Amadeus Capital Partners.

The new funding will help the Cape Town-based company expand its global reach, accelerating its technology development and grow its brand.

Hepstar was founded in 2013 to address the need for e-commerce companies in general, airlines and travel companies in particular, to maximize revenue from ancillaries.

The company has expanded over the last year to include Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Clients include CarTrawler, South African Airways, ClickBus, Flightsite and Travelstart.

This has been helped by strategic partnerships with some GDSs, as well as insurance companies including Mapfre, Regent, Al Sagr and Orient Sigorta.

Chief financial officer, Brett Dyason, said: “The global airline ancillary opportunity is around $60 billion. We can help our partners make up to 30% of their net revenues from insurance ancillaries.

“We’re extremely pleased about our partnership with Amadeus Capital Partners. They understand our business and vision.

“Hepstar has grown organically to date and we are now anticipating growth of 150% in 2016. This investment will allow us to focus on innovation, sales and local talent acquisition.”

Amadeus Capital Partners investment partner, Andrea Traversone, said: “Amadeus Capital is excited to be involved in Hepstar.“They are solving a real problem regarding insurance distribution during a time when ancillary revenue is becoming increasingly important for e-commerce companies.

“Given the prowess they have demonstrated in this niche we expect they will be a leading supplier in this market in the near future.”

– See more at: http://www.travolution.co.uk/articles/2016/02/24/16001/amadeus-capital-partners-backs-digital-travel-insurance-firm.html#sthash.KB6vpq0Q.dpuf



madeus Capital Partners backs digital travel insurance firm
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2:52 AM
terrorism insurance

 



As terrorist groups like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and Boko Haram make headlines, travelers are understandably concerned about the possibility of terrorism affecting their plans. The U.S. Department of State advised “worldwide caution” in 2015, urging American citizens to stay vigilant.

It’s good to remember, however, that statistically the chances of being injured or killed by a terrorist attack are extremely low. One good way to protect yourself is to purchase international travel insurance that includes terrorism coverage. We’ll take a look at how you can stay safe and how travel insurance covers terrorism.

Avoiding terrorism when you travel


“The first and best protection is to avoid travel to areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings,” the U.S. Department of State advises. If you’re not sure about the safety of your destination, check the State Department’s website to see if any travel warnings or travel alerts have been issued.

Terrorist acts, by their very nature, are unpredictable. But there are ways to reduce the risk of being directly targeted by terrorists, the State Department says. For the most part, these are common-sense precautions: dress inconspicuously, observe your surroundings so you can be aware of anyone following you, don’t get into unlicensed cabs and report suspicious activity.


Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation because of a terrorist incident?


Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance considers international and domestic terrorism to be a covered reason for trip cancellation if a terrorist event happens at your U.S. or foreign destination within 30 days of the day you’re scheduled to arrive. However, you’re not covered if there has been a terrorist event at your international destination generally within the 30 days before your plan’s effective date. So how does terrorism insurance work?
Let’s consider some examples:


  • You buy travel insurance for a week sightseeing in London with your daughter. Then the news reports that a bomb has gone off on the Underground in an apparent terrorist attack. If you decide to cancel your trip, your travel insurance would reimburse you for nonrefundable travel costs, because you purchased insurance before any incident occurred.

  • A bus explodes in Tel Aviv two weeks before your planned tour of Israel. “Yikes,” you think. “Guess insurance is a good idea.” You immediately purchase a travel insurance plan to protect your trip. Shortly before you leave, another bus bombing occurs and you decide you’re going to cancel the trip. Your travel insurance would not cover your trip cancellation, because you purchased the plan within 30 days of a terrorist incident occurring at your destination.

Does travel insurance cover terrorist attacks on airplanes?


If a terrorist attack causes your airline or other carrier to stop services for 24 hours, that’s considered a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption by Allianz Global Assistance. If you or a travel companion is hijacked, that’s also a covered reason for trip cancellation. In situations like these, contact Allianz Global Assistance’s global travel assistance hotline for help, if possible. Allianz Global Assistance’s travel experts can help you contact local authorities or the United States embassy and make alternate travel arrangements to get home safely.

If a terrorist attack occurs on another airplane before your scheduled trip, that’s not a covered reason for trip cancellation.


What if I’m afraid a terrorist incident will occur?


Shortly before your scheduled trip to visit family in the Philippines, a separatist group begins making terrorist threats. The State Department issues a travel alert urging caution. You’re considering calling off the trip and rescheduling it for later in the year. Will travel insurance cover your trip cancellation?

No, because no incident has occurred. The fear or threat of a terrorist incident at your destination is not a covered reason for trip cancellation. However, you should use common sense and caution when making your travel arrangements.


Does travel insurance cover riots or other violence?


You’ve just arrived in Cairo and are preparing to depart for a grand Egypt tour. Then a riot breaks out in Tahrir Square as protesters and police clash. Terrified, you retreat to your hotel room and begin making plans to fly home. Will travel insurance cover your trip cancellation?

No, because civil unrest is not the same thing as terrorism. Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance defines terrorism specifically as “when an organized terrorist group, as defined by the U.S. State Department, injures or kills people or damages property to achieve a political, ethnic or religious goal or result.” Terrorist events don’t include general civil protest, unrest, rioting or acts of war. If a strike or unrest results in your carrier or tour operator ceasing services for 24 hours, then that could be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation.


Will travel insurance cover me if I’m kidnapped?


While hijacking is considered a covered reason for trip cancellation, travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance does not include any coverage for kidnapping or extortion. If you are traveling to a destination where kidnappings are common, or if you have reason to fear you may be targeted, consider buying specialized travel insurance that includes coverage for kidnapping, unlawful detention and ransom demands.

As always, Allianz Global Assistance urges you to use caution when traveling. Read your insurance policy documents carefully, and call Allianz Global Assistance if you have questions about terrorism coverage or anything else.




Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?
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7:41 PM
Although asbestos laws and regulations in the U.S. began over 35 years ago, many people are still filing mesothelioma claims today, including those who are newly- diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Almost all of these victims, and new victims that will surely surface as they are diagnosed, have worked somewhere that exposed them daily to asbestos.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with  mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to use our Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma lawyer in your area. With over $30 billion currently in asbestos trust funds, now is the time to take the first step in determining what you may qualify for.

Claims

Asbestos Exposure


For close to a century, thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time. Construction workers, oil refineries workers, steel and metal workers, military personnel, and even teachers have been exposed. In the 1970s, after in-depth investigations and studies, it was determined that asbestos is an extremely harmful mineral. There was strict regulations placed on the use of asbestos shortly after.

Yet, for millions of workers, the damage had already been done. Some employers even ignored the laws and continued to use asbestos. Since symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to surface, the majority of these workers went for years without knowing the damage that had already been to their health.

New cases continue to emerge years later because of the simple fact that it can take over 30 years for the first symptoms of asbestos-related diseases to surface. This is exactly how so many companies were able to keep it hidden that asbestos was still being used and employees were still being exposed.

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, the cost of medical care, includingmesothelioma treatment options, can be overpowering. Even with insurance coverage and other forms of assistance, most victims find that they cannot cover all the needed medications, treatments, and other expenses.

Since asbestos-related diseases are caused by the neglect of others and could have been prevented, victims have the right to file a mesothelioma lawsuit and be compensated. As more and more evidence unfolds regarding asbestos exposure at the workplace, many of the companies who provided asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are now setting up trust funds for future cases.

In addition, because of the sheer amount of cases, many attorneys now specialize in mesothelioma claims and represent those that have been diagnosed with diseases caused by asbestos. Known as asbestos lawyers, these attorneys focus solely on helping victims that have been diagnosed with a harmful disease as a result of asbestos exposure. These attorneys differ from general attorneys as they have specialized training and experience in knowing everything about the diseases and the laws and regulations.

Your Asbestos Cancer Legal Rights



  • You have the legal right to file a claim against the company, manufacturer, person, or business that exposed you to asbestos.



  • You have the right to retain the services of an asbestos attorney. Some states may not allow to file unless you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related while other states allow you to file at anytime. However, it’s your legal right to hire an asbestos attorney whenever you are ready.



  • You have the right to seek compensation for damages incurred because of your exposure to asbestos.


Asbestos lawyers have helped numerous victims obtain financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional stress, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. If you’re a victim yourself, it’s imperative to seek legal representation. A dedicated asbestos attorney will fight for the justice you’re entitled to and will give you a much better chance in winning your lawsuit.

Options for Filing a Claim


There are several different methods you can use for your claim process. Keep in mind that before starting you should seek the advice of an experiencedmesothelioma law firm.


  • Bankruptcy Trusts: With the overwhelming amount of victims coming forward, several companies filed bankruptcy. However, this doesn’t mean that these companies and businesses are completely out of funds. In many instances, courts mandate that these companies set up a fund specifically for mesothelioma lawsuits, especially if prior lawsuits against the companies have been filed. It’s advisable to speak with your asbestos attorney to determine if the company you worked for falls under this category.



  • Litigation Claims: Litigation claims are the most popular type of mesothelioma claims. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, you probably already know how expensive treatment can be. However, along with treatments expenses, you may also be entitled to recover damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. If the victim has passed away from an asbestos-related disease, loved ones and dependants have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on the victim’s behalf. Your attorney will be able to give you a more detailed list of what you may be eligible to be compensated for.



  • Veterans Claims: If were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, you may be able to file a veterans claim. For more information on the qualifications, contact your local Veteran’s Administration. Your attorney will also be able to assist you with this.



  • Workman’s Compensation: Typically, workman’s compensation is not enough to cover all of your expenses if you’ve been exposed to an asbestos-related disease. However, you may be eligible for workman’s compensation along with other types of claims if you were exposed while working as an employee of a company. Speak with an asbestos attorney concerning this type of claim as it can get quite intricate.


Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations


Keep in mind that every state has a statute of limitations that everyone must follow. Failure to file your claim within your state’s statute of limitations will result in you losing the opportunity to legally file at all. It’s also important to note that you may need to follow the statute of limitations for the state in which you were employed when the asbestos exposure occurred (if different from your current state of residence) and/or the state where the responsible companies are located. The following list is the most current statute of limitations for all 50 states:

  • Alabama: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Alaska: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Arizona: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Arkansas: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • California: 1 year from diagnosis or 1 year from death for wrongful death statute

  • Colorado: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Connecticut: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Delaware: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • District Of Columbia:  3 years from diagnosis or 1 year from death for wrongful death statute

  • Florida: 4 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Georgia: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Hawaii: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Idaho: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Illinois: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Indiana: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Iowa: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Kansas: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Kentucky: 1 year from diagnosis or 1 year from death for wrongful death statute

  • Louisiana: 1 year from diagnosis or 1 year from death for wrongful death statute

  • Maine: 6 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Maryland: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Massachusetts: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Michigan: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Minnesota: 4 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Mississippi: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Missouri: 5 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Montana: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Nebraska: 4 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Nevada: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • New Hampshire: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • New Jersey: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • New Mexico: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • New York: 3 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • North Carolina: 3 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • North Dakota: 6 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Ohio: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Oklahoma: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Oregon: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Pennsylvania: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Rhode Island: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • South Carolina: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • South Dakota: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Tennessee: 1 year from diagnosis or 1 year from death for wrongful death statute

  • Texas: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Utah: 3 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Vermont: 3 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Virginia: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Washington: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • West Virginia: 2 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Wisconsin: 3 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

  • Wyoming: 4 years from diagnosis or 3 years from death for wrongful death statute

Frequently Asked Questions about Claims


1) Why do I need a mesothelioma lawyer to file a claim?

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers are almost always caused by the negligence of someone else, whether it be a business owner or a manufacturing company. Mesothelioma attorneys have the experience and knowledge in handling these types of cases, make it much more likely for you to be successful when filing a claim.

2) Can families members file claims on behalf of mesothelioma patients?

Yes, family members can file claims on behalf of the mesothelioma victim and often times, may be eligible for damages themselves, including compensation for wrongful death.

3) What is a wrongful death claim when pertaining to mesothelioma?

A wrongful death claim is a claim that family members and/or survivors of a loved one file to seek compensation for the “wrongful death” of the mesothelioma victim. Typical damages include mental suffering and anguish, expected loss of companionship and income, and medical expenses accumulated.

4) Who actually pays the compensation if I win?

Damages typically are paid by the manufacturer, business, or business owner that exposed you to asbestos.

5) How can a lawyer prove asbestos exposure when it happened so long ago?

Asbestos lawyers have the required training as experienced investigators and understand the process of finding information on asbestos exposure regardless of how much time has elapsed.

6) How much money can I expect to win?

Billions have already been paid out so far in mesothelioma settlements. That being said, however, there is not a set a formula on how much compensation you can expect. There are a lot of variables considered, such as your health, how long you’ve had an asbestos-related disease, and more. Generally, the longer you’ve been undergoing treatment since diagnosis, the more you can expect. Moreover, you may be entitled to more compensation if company willfully exposed you to asbestos after being told of the severe health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

7) I was exposed to asbestos, but I’ve not been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. What options do I have?

Laws on filing an asbestos-related lawsuit will vary according to the state you live. While some states allow people to file at anytime, other states require that victims be diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease first. The best option is to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who’ll be able to help you understand the legal process in your state.

8) How long does an asbestos lawsuit take?

There isn’t a set answer to this question as each lawsuit is different and the amount of time will depend on factors unique to each case. However, some lawsuits have been settled within a few months while others have taken a few years.


Mesothelioma Claims
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7:37 PM
According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, a periodical that provides information regarding litigation, the average mesothelioma verdict amounts (including all asbestos-related cases) are around $6 million per case. This is a substantial increase from prior years when plaintiffs were awarded around $900,00 on average for the same types of cases. The individual mesothelioma verdict amount greatly depends on the diagnosis of the plaintiff, how long the plaintiff has been living the with disease, and other factors. No two mesothelioma lawsuits are exactly alike, and therefore the verdicts are almost always different, according to each case. While some cases will garner much higher than the average verdict amount, others may be much lower.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area. With over $30 billion currently in asbestos trust funds, now is the right time to take the first step in determining what you may qualify for.

Judge Reading Verdict

The following are some of the highest asbestos-related verdicts in history, yet with verdict amounts increasing seemingly each year, these numbers may grow higher in future cases:

  • In 1999, Deward Ballard, a former employee of Owens Corning, filed a lawsuit against the company after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Ballard stated that during the 1960s and throughout the 1970s while working for Owens Corning, he was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis even though the manufacturers and company knew about the dangers associated withasbestos exposure. Owens Corning filed to dismiss, but the motion was denied. A few years later, a verdict was rendered and Ballard received $31 million in punitive and compensatory damages.


  • A $26.6 million verdict was awarded to Michael and Suszi Sutherland after a California jury determined that the county of San Diego was responsible for Michael’s exposure to asbestos which ultimately led to the development ofmalignant mesothelioma. Michael worked as a drywaller for the city of San Diego during the 1970s, a time when an array of materials were filled with asbestos, such as caulk, compounds, joints, drywall, and more. According to Michael, he was always in a rush to complete one job and move on to the next. As a result, it was almost always dusty at his job sites, with asbestos fibers flying airborne as he completed his work.



  • In May 2011, a Mississippi jury awarded plaintiff Thomas Brown $322 million in his compensation suit against Union Carbide. At the time, this was the largest asbestos verdict in U.S. history and included $300 million in punitive damages against the multinational company. However, this award was reversed by another court in Mississippi when Judge Eddie Bowen, who had presided over the trial, admitted to Union Carbide lawyers that his father had sued the company’s Dow Chemical division in an asbestos-related case. The elder Bowen had been tested for asbestosis, but Judge Bowen had not revealed this fact or named his father before presiding over Brown’s case As a result, the judge ordered by the state Supreme Court to remove himself from the trial.



  • Eugene Mccarthy, a three-pack a day smoker, won a verdict of $8.5 million in 2011 after a New York judge determined that it wasn’t smoking that led to lung cancer, which eventually killed him. Mccarthy worked on gaskets provided by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Canada, which contained excessive amounts of asbestos. In addition, another plaintiff who worked with products manufactured by Goodyear, Walter Koczur, was awarded a $13 million verdict after the same judge determined that his lung cancer was also caused by asbestos exposure. The cases marked the first time ever that Goodyear fought against the charges.



  • In February of 2012, a Newport News, Virginia jury handed down a $9.8 million verdict to a former shipyard who died the previous year from an asbestos-related disease. John K. Bristow was 68-year-old when he passed away. He worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for over 30 years. When he retired, he was a design engineer. Bristow’s mesothelioma attorneys filed the lawsuit against John Crane Inc., the company responsible for supplying asbestos-containing products used at the shipyard during the time period Bristow was employed there. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Bristow’s survivors, including a wife and two children.



  • Another large verdict came in 2012 when Bobbi Izell, a former construction worker, was awarded $48 million against 10 different companies. Izell was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 85, after working around asbestos throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The main party responsible, at 65%, was Union Carbide, the manufacturers of the asbestos used in products that Izell was exposed to. Although other companies were responsible as well, jurors decided that Union Carbide acted with malice when they kept the health risks of asbestos confidential and allowed their workers to be continuously exposed for decades.



  • In 2002, on of the largest asbestos lawsuit verdicts in California was handed down when Alfred Todak was awarded $33.7 million. Todak, a former Navy electrician from San Francisco, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001. The defendant, Foster Wheeler Corporation, was responsible for manufacturing, supplying, and designing several components that contained asbestos, including insulation, gaskets, and boilers that were used by the United States Navy. Todak was exposed to asbestos at several different job sites while working for the Navy, including the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Seattle, and the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, also in Seattle.



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7:34 PM
Mesothelioma, as well as other forms of asbestos-related diseases, occur at an alarming rate, not only in the United States, but across the world. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States alone each year. In most instances, victims of these types of diseases were negligently exposed to asbestos, usually while working at a job site that once used asbestos heavily in a myriad of parts, machinery, and equipment. Consequently, people who’ve developed an asbestos-related illness have the right to sue the negligent party that exposed them to the life-threatening mineral, but many may have questions regarding who is responsible, how the lawsuit process works, and more.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who are victims to asbestos-related diseases. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool today to find a leading mesothelioma attorney in your area.

Legal Advice

Can I file a lawsuit and sue my employer if I have mesothelioma?


If you have mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, you have the right to sue the party who negligently exposed you to asbestos. However, this isn’t necessarily your employer, even if you were exposed to asbestos while at work. This could be the manufacturing company that supplied your employer with asbestos-containing materials, the company headquarters, or any other entity responsible for your asbestos exposure.

What if I was exposed to asbestos in the military?


If you were exposed to asbestos in the military, you can still file a lawsuit against the manufacturers who provided asbestos to the military, yet you cannot sue the military itself. In many instances, you may also qualify for benefits and assistance via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Do I need to retain a lawyer before I file a mesothelioma lawsuit?


It’s also a good idea to retain the services of an experienced mesothelioma law firmif you plan to file a lawsuit. Mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits are extremely intricate and the average person generally doesn’t have the experience to uncover all the details of such difficult cases.

Keep in mind that mesothelioma attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of state and federal asbestos laws, and can offer you a wealth of legal advice and help. Most are often sharp investigators as well, and will work to uncover the names of the manufacturers and businesses who are responsible for your asbestos exposure.

What will I receive compensation for if I win my lawsuit?


In general, mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits provide compensation for the following:

  • Lost wages

  • Medical expenses, including prescription medications, surgery, X-rays, hospital and doctors visits, therapy, rehabilitation, and more

  • Mental pain and suffering

  • Physical pain and suffering

  • In some instances, punitive damages

How much compensation can I receive?


It’s difficult to estimate the actual amount you’ll receive from your lawsuit since each case is unique. However, there are several different factors that go into determining compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit, such as how long you’ve had the disease, the progression of the disease, medical expenses, how it’s affected your life, and more.

In addition, the amount of time your case takes will generally determine if your compensation amount is higher. For example, in most instances, a quick settlement often provides less compensation as opposed to a trial that takes years. However, if you are ill and need compensation as quick as possible, you have the right to take the settlement if offered, even though it may be a lower amount.

Will I have to go to court?


In most instances, mesothelioma cases are settled out of court. However, it’s important to note that once in a while, if companies aren’t able to come to an agreement on a settlement amount, asbestos-related cases can end up going to trial. If your case goes to trial, there is a possibility that you will have to go to court. Yet, sometimes cases are settled during the trial period as well.

What if I pass away before my case is settled? How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit last?


Unfortunately, there isn’t any set way of determining how long an asbestos-related case will last as each case is unique from the rest. In some instances, lawsuits may settle within several months while other cases may last a few years. The average case generally lasts around 18 months.

A number of courts, however, understand and recognize that asbestos-related illnesses are terminal and that victims may have a short life expectancy, and therefore try to make cases move as fast as possible.

If you pass away while your case is still in progress, your estate normally acts on your behalf and divides your compensation among your surviving dependents and spouse (if applicable). In addition, your family also has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What if I cannot afford a mesothelioma lawyer?


Most mesothelioma attorneys understand that victims of asbestos-related illnesses are not in the position to pay up-front legal fees. Therefore, the majority of experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will offer contingency fee payments.

A contingency-based payment basically means that you pay no money at all up-front, and the lawyer fees are collected from a percentage of your compensation once you win your case.

The contingency amount will vary according to each attorney, but an average range is typically around 25% to 40% of your compensation. Keep in mind, however, that this is just a general range and your own attorney may charge something entirely different. It’s important to understand how much the fees are beforehand so that there will be no surprises once you win your case.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?


The statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit will depend upon the state you’re filing your case in. In general, however, most states require that cases be filed within anywhere from one to five years from the time of the diagnosis of the disease.

For more information, be certain to read over our state-specific mesothelioma articles, which provide the statute of limitations for each state.


Mesothelioma Legal Advice
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