Some families are overwhelmed by the idea of filing a legal claim, and that’s perfectly normal. However, when you pursue legal compensation for mesothelioma, your attorney will handle the heavy lifting so you can stay focused on your treatment and recovery.

The companies who used asbestos to make their products knew it could make people sick but chose to remain silent. You have the right to hold them accountable and seek compensation for you and your family.

From asbestos trust fund payouts to lawsuit settlements, there are several ways families can access mesothelioma compensation.

Learn the 5 top reasons to start your claim sooner rather than later.

1. Financial Peace of Mind

Medical bills can add up quickly, even with health insurance. When they do, patients could be forced to make difficult decisions to continue funding their cancer treatments. Some families have had to sell their homes, take out personal loans, or drain their retirement savings to stay afloat.

According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), nearly half of all cancer patients are in medical debt due to the high costs of treatment — and almost all of them were insured when their bills started to pile up.

Some unexpected expenses include:

  • Alternative treatments
  • Hospital stays
  • Lodging
  • Loss of income
  • Medication co-pays
  • Travel and transportation

These costs can put a significant financial burden on your family, but filing a mesothelioma lawsuit could help ease some of the added stress.

“We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts, and paid our house off. It made our life easier because we had no financial worries. We still don’t have any financial worries because of it.”

Art Putt, mesothelioma survivor

The average mesothelioma settlement awards $1 million to $1.4 million. Many patients use this money to provide peace of mind for the family members who depend on them.

Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis? Get a Free Case Review today to determine if you qualify for compensation.

2. Chemo Brain

Chemo brain is the term used by cancer patients to describe the sluggish feeling and memory problems associated with chemotherapy.

Part of filing a claim involves communicating essential facts to your mesothelioma lawyer. You’ll have to answer some questions and recall details about your past so they can work on your case.

Due to the feelings of confusion and memory loss associated with chemo brain, it could impair your ability to remember specifics about your work history or military service.

That’s yet another reason to act fast when filing an asbestos claim. You never know when chemo brain might affect you or how severe the condition might be.

3. Worsening or Unexpected Symptoms

As mesothelioma progresses, new or worsening symptoms can impact mood and energy levels.

For example, worsening conditions may lead to a surge in pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or other symptoms.

“Because of your health, you might reach a point where you won’t be able to do anything with an attorney, so you need to contact them as soon as possible.”

Ernie Conry, mesothelioma patient

When these symptoms worsen, you may not have the energy to speak to an attorney about a mesothelioma claim. That’s why it’s better to start your claim early rather than waiting until you’re done with treatment.

Asbestos trust funds have been set aside for victims of asbestos exposure who develop mesothelioma and other diseases. As of 2025, these funds contain over $30 billion. Call us at (866) 608-8933 to find out if you can access some of this money.

4. State Deadlines

Each state has a statute of limitations that specifies how long you have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

While these laws vary from state to state, most states allow 2-3 years from the date of diagnosis to file a legal claim.

Cancer patients have to juggle treatment, family, and many other concerns simultaneously. The last thing you need is to worry about losing your legal rights to file for compensation.

Working with a national mesothelioma law firm like Simmons Hanly Conroy can help ensure you have everything needed to file your claim before time runs out.

“Simmons did all the legwork for us. We had to do nothing except provide my own personal background and biography.”

Dr. Bonnie Snyder, mesothelioma survivor

5. Tracing Your Asbestos Exposure

An experienced asbestos lawyer can handle all the paperwork for your claim, but investigating the sources of your exposure may take some time.

This is especially true if you’re unsure exactly where you encountered asbestos. In this case, your lawyer will collect any evidence you can provide, including military records, employment records, and family history.

They’ll use this information to determine where you were exposed to asbestos, even if it was secondhand through a parent or spouse.

Get Help Filing Your Mesothelioma Claim

There are many benefits to filing a legal claim as soon as you’re able to. By doing it early, you’ll ensure that you have the energy to get your claim started while you work on fighting your disease. Remember, help and support are available.

Mesothelioma Hope can help you:

  • Connect with an experienced asbestos attorney
  • Find a mesothelioma doctor who matches your needs
  • Locate support groups for patients and caregivers

Call us today at (866) 608-8933 or get a Free Case Review to learn more.

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. American Cancer Society. (May 9, 2024). Survey Finds Majority of Cancer Patients and Survivors Have or Expect to Incur Medical Debt. Retrieved on February 3, 2025, from https://www.fightcancer.org/releases/survey-finds-majority-cancer-patients-and-survivors-have-or-expect-incur-medical-debt

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