$30 Billion Available for Mesothelioma Victims
Get experienced legal help accessing trust funds for mesothelioma victims by filing your claim with our paralegal staff.
Compensation for Mesothelioma Patients
Patients and families impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis can pursue financial compensation to help cover their costs of treatment and to hold accountable the companies responsible for their cancer.
If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, call the Mesothelioma Claims Center. Our team of Patient Advocates will answer your questions and help you understand your next steps.
Types of Compensation
Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury lawsuits are filed directly with the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products that exposed a mesothelioma victim to asbestos, either through on-the-job exposure or by making the products that the victim used.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuits
When a person dies due to their mesothelioma diagnosis, any unpaid medical expenses will fall to their family. If this happens, the family or the victim’s estate may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Mesothelioma Class-Action Lawsuits
In the 1990s, one of the most popular mesothelioma legal help options was a class-action lawsuit. These lawsuits allowed groups of victims to file one collective lawsuit against a company. In return, each victim received the same amount of money.
Recognition & Affiliation
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It can develop in the linings of various major organs.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. It develops in the linings of the lungs (pleura) after inhaling asbestos fibers. Pleural mesothelioma is a serious and aggressive cancer, but catching it early on can improve your chances of long-term survival.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of mesothelioma. It affects the tissue lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Breakthrough treatments, including a combination of surgery and direct chemotherapy, can help extend your life.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest and most fatal forms of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the heart (pericardium). Pericardial mesothelioma is hard to treat — but knowing the symptoms may help you get diagnosed and treated sooner.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on where in the body the cancer first develops. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath, while common peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include bloating and stomach pain.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Standard treatment options for mesothelioma combine chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating this cancer, specialized mesothelioma doctors can develop a treatment strategy that works best for you.
Mesothelioma Doctors
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can get treatment from experienced doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating this cancer. These doctors help patients across the country increase their life expectancy and improve their quality of life.
Mesothelioma Cancer Centers
Mesothelioma cancer centers are state-of-the-art facilities that provide patients with access to standard treatment options and emerging therapies in clinical trials. Some of the top mesothelioma hospitals partner with the VA to help veterans receive treatment.
Living With Mesothelioma
It is possible to live with mesothelioma. Prompt treatment can greatly improve your survival time and quality of life. Working with a team of mesothelioma specialists can help manage symptoms and keep your cancer in remission.
Free Case Review
There’s no financial risk to hiring a mesothelioma lawyer or filing a lawsuit — so why wait?
Veterans and Mesothelioma
Former service members of the United States military account for more than 30% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. For over 45 years, asbestos was used to build and repair military assets, putting active duty members at risk of exposure on a daily basis.
Navy
No military branch used asbestos more than the U.S. Navy and its warship building program. U.S. Navy shipbuilding and sailing veterans ran the highest risk of asbestos exposure and account for the majority of veterans with mesothelioma.
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps works cooperatively across all U.S. military branches. Marine Corps veterans were at risk of asbestos exposure on land, sea and air when the material was used in vehicles, ships and aircraft throughout the 20th century.
Army
Army veterans faced countless threats protecting our rights during combat. They may also have been exposed to asbestos through the Army’s vehicle and building assets. Active duty members continue to be at risk overseas today.
Air Force
The skilled men and women of the U.S. Air Force fought for our liberty from the skies. Many of them were not aware of the deadly threats present in their aircrafts, which were heavily constructed with inflammable asbestos products.
Coast Guard
Like the Navy, Coast Guard veterans were also exposed to asbestos from products used to build ships. They were also exposed while working on aircraft. Coast Guard veterans continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma today.
Veteran Benefits
Veterans who have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during active duty may be eligible for free health care and monthly financial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a mesothelioma claim?
A person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma – as well as their spouse, child, or family member – may be able to file a claim to recover compensation from manufacturers of asbestos products. If the mesothelioma patient passes away, a family member or estate representative may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How much money is in the asbestos trust fund?
An estimated $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to compensate mesothelioma patients. Many companies that made asbestos products later filed for bankruptcy, so they created these trust funds to pay out future mesothelioma claims. If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure no longer exists, you may be entitled to money from their trust fund.
How do I file a mesothelioma claim?
To file a mesothelioma claim, contact an attorney who is experienced with these types of lawsuits. They will know where and when to file your claim, how to build the strongest case possible, and the best way to maximize compensation on your behalf.
What is the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims?
The statute of limitations (deadline to file) for mesothelioma claims will vary depending on the state in which you file. In many states, it’s 2-3 years from the date of the mesothelioma diagnosis – though it may be longer if the mesothelioma patient has passed away. A mesothelioma lawyer can make sure your claim is filed within the required time frame.
How long do mesothelioma claims take?
Every mesothelioma claim is different, with circumstances and factors that are unique to that mesothelioma patient’s story. Though there’s no way to predict exactly how long a claim will take, an experienced mesothelioma attorney will ensure the process is handled as efficiently as possible.
Many claimants start to receive compensation in as few as 90 days after settling their mesothelioma claims.
What is the average payout for mesothelioma?
There is no guarantee of compensation when you file a mesothelioma claim, and countless factors affect how much money you might be able to recover (assuming your case settles). That said, 95% of these lawsuits are settled out of court, and the average settlement amount is $1-1.4 million.
How much is my mesothelioma claim worth?
Your mesothelioma case value depends on the specifics of your situation, such as the duration of your asbestos exposure, and the total cost of your mesothelioma treatment (as well as travel expenses and other related losses). The best way to figure out how much your claim is worth is to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer.
What type of mesothelioma claim do I have?
Most mesothelioma claims fall under one of four categories:
- Personal injury: You were exposed to asbestos (often through your job, or your loved one’s), so you file a lawsuit against the company that made the asbestos products.
- Asbestos trust fund: Similar to a personal injury claim, only the company in question went bankrupt, so you can’t sue them – but you may be able to access a trust fund they set aside for mesothelioma victims.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: U.S. military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service may qualify for related health care benefits through the VA.
- Wrongful death: When a mesothelioma patient passes away, their family member or estate representative may be able to file a lawsuit on their behalf, seeking money to pay for past medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, etc.
A mesothelioma attorney can determine which type of claim makes the most sense for you and your family. (Some clients qualify for more than one.)
