A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring serious health concerns and overwhelming financial questions. For many families, one of the most immediate and pressing issues becomes: How will we pay for treatment? That’s where experienced legal support can make a real difference.
Joseph P. Trunk is an asbestos attorney at Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mesothelioma Hope’s partner law firm. He also serves on the Legal Advisory Council of Triage Cancer, a nonprofit that offers free resources to help patients and their families understand their financial options.
Throughout his career, Joseph has helped secure millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation for individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 list, he’s known for his hands-on, personal approach.
We sat down with Joseph to better understand the mesothelioma financial help asbestos attorneys may be able to provide affected families. Read our exclusive interview below.
How do asbestos attorneys support mesothelioma patients and their families?
As an asbestos attorney, I represent victims who were exposed to asbestos and later became ill without ever being warned of the risks. Many of our clients were just doing their jobs, serving in the military, or doing their partner’s laundry and weren’t aware they were being exposed to a carcinogen at all.
Because patients were never told asbestos could make them sick, they have the right to seek compensation from the asbestos companies that made or sold these products.
Cancer treatments can be incredibly expensive, and patients shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden if a company’s negligence may be to blame for their illness. I work closely with patients and families to help them understand their legal options after a diagnosis.
How does mesothelioma affect families financially?
The costs of treating mesothelioma add up fast, and many of the people I work with are retired or living on a fixed income. Because of this, I’ve seen families make incredibly tough decisions just to try to keep up — draining retirement savings, taking on high-interest debt, and even selling their homes.
Heartbreakingly, I’ve also seen patients delay or skip treatment altogether because they couldn’t afford travel or were afraid of the medical bills. In some cases, spouses or adult children have had to leave work completely to become full-time caregivers.
And it’s not just about the money. There’s a lot of stress, guilt, and exhaustion that comes with trying to care for a loved one while also figuring out how to pay for everything.
This is exactly why legal compensation matters. As I often tell families, the last thing they should worry about is how to pay for care or get to treatment.
Doesn’t insurance cover treatment costs?
It’s a common misconception that health insurance will cover all or most of the costs associated with mesothelioma treatment. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
When I talk with clients about the financial side of cancer care, certain expenses come up again and again. Co-pays, deductibles, the price of things like oxygen tanks and walkers, and hiring help at home — insurance may not help with these.
By working with an attorney, families can get help pursuing compensation for medical care, lost income, and other costs that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis. It’s about making sure they have one less thing to worry about during a really difficult time.
How does the legal process work?
Once you decide to work with us, we get moving right away. We can meet you wherever you are: at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re comfortable. Our team takes the lead from there.
We’ll work to put together a strong case by identifying all the possible ways the patient may have been exposed to asbestos. They don’t need to worry if they don’t remember every detail right away.
Part of our job is to help piece together the history by asking the right questions and using the resources already available to us. Over the years, we’ve built a proprietary database of asbestos products, manufacturers, and job sites that helps us quickly identify where you may have been exposed.
We approach every case in a way that works around your life and your care, not the other way around. You never have to choose between starting treatment and seeking justice. You can absolutely do both, and that’s what we’re here for.
When should patients reach out to you for legal help?
As soon as someone receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, the patient or their family members should consult an asbestos lawyer for help. Medical bills can add up quickly, and getting a head start on the legal process can help you access potential compensation more quickly.
The court might be able to schedule the case sooner if the person with mesothelioma is still living. While every case is different, this could help move things forward more quickly and potentially lead to faster asbestos payouts.
It’s important to know that every state has deadlines for filing a claim called statutes of limitations. These vary depending on where you live and where your lawsuit is filed. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to take legal action.
Can a lawyer help if the patient has passed away?
Even if the patient is in the final stages of the cancer or has already passed away, their loved ones still have the right to work with a mesothelioma law firm.
In situations like this, the legal process usually involves filing what’s called a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is a way for the patient’s family — like a spouse, children, or whoever is handling the estate — to seek support for things like medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of income.
Families can also use the compensation to help cover daily living expenses or caregiving support they might need going forward. It doesn’t make the loss any easier emotionally, but it can help with the real-world challenges that come up afterward.
Could you tell us about the work you do with Triage Cancer?
I’m on the Legal Advisory Council for Triage Cancer, which is an incredible organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that impact people coping with cancer.
My work with Triage Cancer allows me to contribute to a broader mission: empowering individuals with clear, reliable information so they can make informed decisions about their health, finances, and future.
People facing mesothelioma should be able to focus on getting the right care, not how to pay for it.
What can clients expect when working with you?
I don’t see people as case numbers. Working with me is a personal experience. I like to take the time to really get to know my clients and understand what they’re going through.
For many people, this is the first time they have ever filed a lawsuit. That can feel overwhelming. My goal is to make the process feel manageable and to be someone they can rely on. I explain each step clearly, take time to answer questions, and make sure my clients never feel like they are navigating it alone.
Many of the most meaningful conversations I have with clients happen at their kitchen tables. It’s a comfortable space where people can talk honestly about what they are facing and what matters most to them.
Pursue the Compensation You Need for Treatment
Mesothelioma can turn your world and finances upside down, but you don’t have to go through this alone.
Working with a trusted mesothelioma law firm can give you a path forward. Legal compensation can help cover not only the cost of mesothelioma treatment, but also in-home care, travel to specialty centers, lost wages, and even end-of-life planning.
Our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy have secured over $9.9 billion for mesothelioma patients and families across the country, helping thousands get the justice and support they deserve.
Call Mesothelioma Hope at (866) 608-8933 or request a free case review with the firm today.
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