What Are My Mesothelioma Legal Rights?
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have important legal rights. Many companies knew asbestos was dangerous long before safety regulations were put in place, but they chose not to warn workers or families. Because of this negligence, people who develop mesothelioma have the right to take legal action and seek financial compensation.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease caused by asbestos exposure. Legal action can help you and your family recover money for medical bills, lost income, and the daily costs that come with a cancer diagnosis. This compensation can provide a sense of stability and help ease financial strain during a difficult time.
“My advice to anyone who’s been recently diagnosed is find yourself some legal help and representation, and do whatever it takes to save your life.”
A skilled mesothelioma lawyer can determine where your asbestos exposure occurred, collect evidence, and handle the paperwork and deadlines that come with filing a claim. Knowing your rights helps you protect your family’s future and hold negligent asbestos companies accountable.
If you’re looking for mesothelioma legal help, start by downloading our Free Attorney Checklist. It includes key questions to ask when choosing the right lawyer for your case.
Mesothelioma Legal Options for Patients and Families
Understanding legal options for mesothelioma victims is the first step to achieving peace of mind after a diagnosis. Many patients and families receive an average compensation of over $1 million through legal claims. The two main ways to pursue this compensation are lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma lawsuits allow patients and families to hold asbestos companies legally responsible for their actions.
There are two main types of mesothelioma lawsuits:
- Personal injury lawsuits are filed by patients diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to their illness. If a patient is too sick to file, a family member may be able to start a claim on their behalf.
- Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by surviving family members after a loved one’s passing to recover damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Mesothelioma Hope’s legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy can determine your eligibility to file and handle your lawsuit from start to finish. Because every state has strict filing deadlines called statutes of limitations, it’s important to begin the process as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy years ago, but were still required to compensate people harmed by their products. As a result, courts forced the companies to create asbestos trust funds to pay victims and their families.
Today, there’s over $30 billion available in these trust funds. Most people qualify for multiple trusts depending on where and when their asbestos exposure occurred.
Here’s how the trust fund process typically works:
- Your lawyer identifies which trust funds apply to your case.
- They collect medical records and employment history as evidence.
- The claims are filed with each eligible trust.
- The trust’s board reviews your claim and issues payments.
There are more than 60 active asbestos trusts today, and many families begin receiving payments in as little as 90 days.
Are you owed money from asbestos trust funds? See if you qualify now and start filing claims with help from our legal partners.
Mesothelioma Legal Case Values & Payout Amounts
Each lawsuit has a case value, which is how much money the victim or their family can expect to receive. The average mesothelioma case value depends on the number of companies involved and whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial.
According to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports: Asbestos, average mesothelioma settlements range from $1 million to $1.4 million, while trial verdicts award $5 million to $11.4 million on average. You may be eligible for more compensation if you pursue asbestos trust fund claims.
Simmons Hanly Conroy, our partner law firm, has over 25 years of experience securing the highest payouts possible for its clients.
A few of the firm’s many mesothelioma settlements include:
- $13.1 million for a carpenter with pleural mesothelioma
- $12 million to a former laborer with pleural mesothelioma
- $10.5 million to a former pipefitter and maintenance worker
- $8 million for a plumber and pipefitter with pleural mesothelioma
- $6.5 million to a man who worked as a boilermaker and in other high-risk asbestos jobs
- $4.1 million to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former carpenter
- $3.64 million for a delivery worker with peritoneal mesothelioma
The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits handled by Simmons Hanly Conroy are resolved through settlements, with only about 1% ever going to trial. If a case does go to trial, a judge or jury will determine whether you receive compensation and how much.
Mesothelioma verdicts secured by our partner law firm include:
- $250 million to a former steelworker from Indiana
- $40 million to a veteran exposed to asbestos on Navy ships
- $30 million to a former construction supervisor from California
- $10 million for the family of an insulator in Missouri
- $7.1 million to the loved ones of a nurse with secondhand asbestos exposure
- $24 million for an Illinois janitor who was exposed to asbestos-containing talc
- $34 million to a retired auto mechanic and his family
Results like these show how experienced legal help can make a real difference for families affected by asbestos exposure.
Find out if you qualify for compensation with a Free Case Review from Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Top 3 Benefits of Mesothelioma Legal Assistance
Mesothelioma legal assistance helps patients and families access the compensation they’re entitled to after asbestos exposure. Having experienced legal support can make the process more efficient, ease stress, and help families secure funds for treatment and future financial needs.
Getting mesothelioma legal help can allow you to:
- Pay for Treatment
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can reach $400,000 or more. Legal compensation can help pay for hospital stays, medication, and ongoing medical needs, allowing you to focus on your health instead of financial stress. - Provide Financial Security for Loved Ones
Lawsuit settlements and trust fund payouts can replace lost income and help cover daily living expenses, mortgage payments, and future needs. Patients often find comfort in knowing that financial security is in place for their loved ones. - Hold Negligent Asbestos Companies Accountable
Asbestos manufacturers and suppliers ignored the dangers of their products for decades. By filing a legal claim, you’re helping to hold these companies responsible for the harm they caused.
Mesothelioma Hope’s legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy handle every step of the legal process with experience and care, making it much easier for families facing this cancer.
“It’s my job to carry the worry and the anxiety and the fear that you have in this process. That’s our responsibility at Simmons Hanly Conroy, not the client’s. We want to be a part of their support, and a part of their care team, but on the legal side.”
How Long Do Mesothelioma Lawsuits Take?
The payout timeline for mesothelioma cases is often much shorter than people expect. Many patients begin receiving settlement payments within 90 days of filing, and some cases are fully resolved in less than a year.
Some states allow expedited or priority scheduling so patients can access compensation while still receiving medical care. Your lawyer will work to move your case forward as quickly as possible so you can get help paying for doctor visits, travel costs, and other expenses that add up during treatment.
Mesothelioma lawsuits that go to trial may take 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on the number of asbestos companies and the amount of evidence involved. However, most companies choose to settle rather than go to trial, helping families receive compensation much faster.
If a patient passes away, their loved ones can continue the case through a wrongful death claim. In most cases, it will follow a similar timeline, especially if settlement talks have already begun.
Download our Free Attorney Checklist to help you prepare your questions before meeting with a mesothelioma lawyer.
Mesothelioma Legal Help for Veterans
Veterans make up nearly 1 in 3 mesothelioma cases because asbestos was widely used in the military for decades. Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft all contained asbestos materials, as did military bases and vehicles across every branch of service.
If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, you may qualify for VA disability benefits worth over $4,044.91 a month as well as legal compensation through lawsuits or trust fund claims. Filing a legal claim doesn’t impact your eligibility for VA benefits.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help veterans:
- File VA and legal claims at the same time
- Identify where asbestos exposure occurred during their service
- Pursue every available option to maximize their compensation
Working with an attorney who understands military exposure can make the process faster and less stressful. Our legal partners at veteran-founded law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy know what military families face and help you get the justice and financial support you’ve earned.
Get Free Mesothelioma Legal Advice
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the financial impacts of mesothelioma, you aren’t alone. Mesothelioma Hope is standing by with free resources and support to help you manage this journey with less stress on you and your family.
Our team can provide mesothelioma legal aid by:
- Answering your questions about lawsuits
- Connecting you with local asbestos attorneys
- Determining which trust funds you may be eligible for
- Helping you file mesothelioma claims
Call (866) 608-8933 now to get started or request a free case review. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
Mesothelioma Legal Information FAQs
Who do you sue for mesothelioma?
You sue the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure in a mesothelioma lawsuit. This may include manufacturers that made asbestos products, suppliers that distributed them, or companies that failed to provide adequate safety protections.
Your lawyer will identify every company that contributed to your exposure to help you seek the maximum compensation available.
These lawsuits are not against the government or the military. Instead, they target private companies that profited from asbestos use. By holding them accountable, you help ensure others are protected from similar negligence in the future.
What are the success rates of mesothelioma lawsuits?
Mesothelioma lawsuits have a very high success rate. The majority end with settlements in favor of the patient or family, allowing them to receive compensation without going to trial.
The key to success is working with an experienced asbestos law firm. Skilled attorneys understand how to build powerful cases, locate decades-old evidence, and negotiate aggressively for fair results. The right representation can give you the highest chance of securing compensation.
Get a free case review with our partner asbestos law firm to see whether filing a lawsuit may be right for your family.
Who qualifies for a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Both mesothelioma patients and their families may qualify for legal compensation if asbestos exposure can be proven.
This includes:
- Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
- Family members who developed illness from secondhand exposure (like from a loved one’s work clothes or tools)
- Surviving family members pursuing wrongful death claims on behalf of someone who passed away from mesothelioma
Your attorney will review medical records, employment history, and other evidence to prove how the asbestos exposure occurred. Even if you were exposed decades ago, you or your loved ones may still be eligible to file a claim.
What percentage do mesothelioma lawyers get?
Mesothelioma lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything up front. Their fee is a fixed percentage of the compensation you receive, and it’s agreed upon before your case begins. If you don’t win, you won’t owe any legal fees.
This approach means your legal team is motivated to achieve the best possible result for your case, since their payment depends on your success.
How long does it take to settle a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Many mesothelioma patients start receiving their first settlement payments within 90 days of filing a claim. Most cases are fully resolved within several months to a year.
The timeline depends on how many asbestos companies are involved, how quickly evidence can be gathered, and whether the parties can agree to settle. Many courts will expedite mesothelioma cases to ensure patients receive compensation as soon as possible.
Contact our team to get a better sense of what the lawsuit process may look like for you.
What is the success fee for mesothelioma counsel?
The success fee, also known as the contingency fee, is the percentage your lawyer receives after successfully securing compensation. It’s designed so you never pay upfront or out of pocket. Your attorney is only compensated if they win your case through a settlement or verdict.
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