Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma lawsuits are a type of product liability lawsuit filed against negligent asbestos companies to help patients pay for medical treatments and other expenses.
Since asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, anyone who has been affected by a diagnosis may be able to pursue legal action.
You may be able to file a lawsuit if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma or lung cancer.
- Your spouse, parent, or another loved one passed away from mesothelioma cancer.
- You represent the mesothelioma victim’s estate.
Key Facts on Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in 2025
- Deadline to file a lawsuit: 1-6 years after mesothelioma diagnosis or loved one’s death (deadline varies by state)
- Average mesothelioma settlement: $1 million to $1.4 million
- Average trial verdict: $5 million to $11.4 million
- Payout timeline: Many families start receiving compensation in 90 days or less
- Who’s eligible: Anyone diagnosed with a serious asbestos disease from direct or secondhand exposure, or a loved one
We’re proud to partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s leading mesothelioma law firms. They can help determine when and where you or a family member were exposed to asbestos and which companies may be to blame for your illness.
Get a Free Case Review today to see if you’re eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits
There are a few different types of asbestos lawsuits that can help patients and families secure financial compensation for mesothelioma.
A qualified mesothelioma law firm can explore each of these options with you during your initial case review.
Personal Injury Claim
This type of lawsuit is filed by the person who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma victim is the plaintiff (person filing the lawsuit), and the companies that manufactured the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to are the defendants (parties accused of causing their cancer).
Personal injury compensation for mesothelioma is usually determined based on the victim’s age, the extent of their medical expenses, the number of asbestos companies named in the lawsuit, and other factors.
A mesothelioma lawsuit allows you to get financial justice and compensation from the makers of asbestos-containing products. Attorney Daniel P. Blouin explains why mesothelioma lawsuits are filed and the benefits of filing. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to learn more. View Transcript.
Duration: 1 min 12 sec
A mesothelioma case is for a person who has suffered this terrible disease, and they will file suit typically against product manufacturers, property owners, sometimes employers, depending on the state law, for the breach of their duty. For them exposing our clients to asbestos through the sale of their product or through the delivery of their product. And when our client uses that product and is exposed, breathes the dust from that product. Asbestos is a dusty product that is ingested through the lungs in the breathing process and causes cell mutation and cancer. A mesothelioma lawsuit is seeking payment for the loss of enjoyment of life, the pain and suffering that a person is going through and will go through, and sometimes for their death. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, MesotheliomaHope.com and Simmons Hanly Conroy can help.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Surviving family members and estate representatives of loved ones who passed away from mesothelioma may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The court can designate anyone as an estate representative, but a spouse, adult child, or other family member is usually appointed.
If the mesothelioma victim dies before their personal injury claim is resolved, a family member or estate representative can continue it on their behalf.
You may have as little as 1 year after a diagnosis or loved one’s death to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Patients or their family members should speak with a law firm as soon as possible to see if they may be eligible for compensation. Contact us now to schedule your free case review.
Class Action Lawsuit
In a mesothelioma class action lawsuit, multiple victims with asbestos-related diseases can file a claim together. If their case is successful, they all receive the same amount of compensation.
A class action asbestos lawsuit allows a court to resolve several cases at once.
Most experts who specialize in mesothelioma litigation agree that class action lawsuits aren’t the best legal option for victims diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.
In the past, class action mesothelioma lawsuits have awarded patients much less compensation than personal injury and wrongful death claims. This is the main reason why this type of mesothelioma lawsuit is almost never filed today.
3 Reasons to File an Asbestos Lawsuit for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease with only one proven cause: asbestos exposure. The companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products hid the well-documented dangers from the public for decades so they could continue to make a profit.
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos, you deserve to seek justice through an asbestos lawsuit against these negligent companies.
Learn more about the benefits of filing an asbestos lawsuit below.
1. Get Help Paying for Treatment & Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma need specialized medical care that may include surgeries, hospital stays, monthly chemotherapy, and prescription medications. The total cost of treating this cancer can reach upward of $400,000 per year.
Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements provide families with an average of $1 million to $1.4 million in financial compensation, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.
Compensation from a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit can help pay for treatment and unplanned expenses that Medicare and private insurance don’t cover, such as travel and transportation, lodging, and more.
One mesothelioma survivor, Dr. Bonnie Snyder, struggled to keep up with the mounting medical bills. She and her husband took out multiple loans, drained their savings and retirement accounts, and worried they would lose their house if they continued fighting her cancer — a choice no one should ever have to face.
Though she is “not a litigious person,” Dr. Snyder saw the value in pursuing a lawsuit in order to get life-extending treatment and protect the house and life she had built.
“I didn’t believe it until I saw that first settlement check. And then there was a relief because I could pay off one of the medical loans. It was a great relief.”
2. Hold Asbestos Companies Accountable
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Many companies ignored the dangers of this deadly mineral for decades, placing more value on profits than on people’s health.
These asbestos companies put millions of U.S. military veterans, workers, and their loved ones in danger of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.
By filing a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit, you can help force manufacturers of asbestos-containing products to take accountability for their harmful negligence.
Dee and John Stahl reached out to Simmons Hanly Conroy, a mesothelioma law firm, to pursue justice after John’s stage 4 mesothelioma diagnosis. View Transcript.
Duration: 4 min 40 sec
Dee Stahl:
The day started out fine. We got up and John, which is unusual for him, just came out of the bedroom
and just sat down and he said, “I just don’t feel good,” and I knew something was wrong because John
doesn’t complain. I said, “Well, I think we should probably go to the ER.”
They found out that there was over two liters of fluid on his left lung and they were amazed that he was
even able to breathe, period. They did a CAT scan then that’s when he just said, “You have stage four
mesothelioma, John.”
John Stahl:
I was kind of blank. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to this.
Dee Stahl:
We’re the Stahls. I’m Dee, and this is my husband, John.
John Stahl:
My name is John Stahl. I was first exposed to asbestos poisoning through the construction business,
through Sheetrock, through gaskets and piping all through my career, and I worked 43 years in construction business. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. The first treatment was with chemotherapy and I went every two weeks. It didn’t take long, an hour or so, but it’d take me seven to 10 days to recover. That was hard for me because I’m a pretty active person.
Dee Stahl:
Asbestos is poison and it’s a prescription for death.
John Stahl:
Yeah.
Dee Stahl:
I don’t know …
John Stahl:
It’s not curable.
Dee Stahl:
Right.
John Stahl:
Well, at first it didn’t really sink in. The longer and longer I thought about it, it’s going to end my life
eventually, but I’m going to live it as well as I can.
Dee Stahl:
It made me mad and sad to think that these manufacturers could continue knowing that there was
asbestos that could hurt people, continued to make these products for how many years, years and years, and look what it’s done to the love of my life.
It’s heartbreaking. We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit because John deserves it. We found out about
Simmons Hanly Conroy when we received a letter introducing us to Todd, and within days, couple of
days, Todd called and we just clicked.
John Stahl:
Filing the lawsuit was easy because Todd made it easy. He explained what was going to happen. It was
pretty simple.
Dee Stahl:
It’s been fantastic. I can’t put into words because anytime Todd would call, it was, “How’s John doing?
How’s my buddy John doing and how are you doing?” He just made you comfortable. It was a great
experience.
John Stahl:
My kids are gonna be taken care of, Dee’s gonna be taken care of, so it’s a peace of mind knowing that I
don’t have to worry about them going down the road.
Dee Stahl:
I want people out there to realize that there is help and they can get assistance and get a settlement
from these manufacturers that continue to use this and know that it was dangerous for people.
John Stahl:
We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold companies accountable. It’s important people understand that
there’s help and there’s people there willing to help them go through this process of making these
companies liable for what they’ve caused.
3. Provide Financial Security for Your Family
Compensation from a lawsuit can ensure a stable future for your loved ones. If you or your family members have to take time off from work while you receive treatment, mesothelioma compensation can help supplement this lost income.
A successful mesothelioma claim can also provide peace of mind that your spouse, children, and other family members will be cared for should anything happen to you.
“All of a sudden, one check showed up, and then another check showed up, and then another check showed up. And they are still coming in now. It’s been very satisfying, and what I know is that my wife is taken care of for the rest of her life.”
Start pursuing financial security for your family by finding a lawyer to handle your mesothelioma lawsuit. Download our Free Attorney Checklist to find out what questions you should ask them.
Payout Amounts for Mesothelioma Lawsuits
In almost every asbestos case, plaintiffs who file a mesothelioma lawsuit receive settlements without going to court. Mesothelioma settlements award an average of $1 million to $1.4 million.
In the rare event that a lawsuit goes to trial, plaintiffs who win their cases receive between $5 million and $11.4 million on average.
The highest verdict in the history of asbestos litigation is $250 million, which our partner law firm secured for an Indiana steelworker who developed pleural mesothelioma after handling gaskets, pipe coverings, and insulation made with asbestos.
Other notable mesothelioma lawsuit payouts recovered by our legal partners include:
- $60 million for a Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma in Washington
- $34 million for a California auto mechanic for Ford Motor Company
- $15 million for the family of a New York construction worker
- $10 million for a longshoreman in Louisiana
- $8 million for a pipefitter and plumber from Texas
- $6 million for the family of a Missouri laborer
- $30 million for a construction supervisor from California
Mesothelioma settlements are a more efficient way to pursue asbestos compensation than trials. The average asbestos payout timeline allows many families to start receiving money in 90 days or less.
Settlements are also less risky than trials because the outcome isn’t left to a judge or jury.
In 2023, juries awarded more than $393 million in total damages, with an average award of over $20 million and a median award of $18 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.
Call us now at (866) 608-8933 to see if Simmons Hanly Conroy can help you access payouts from a mesothelioma lawsuit.
What Can Asbestos Lawsuit Money Be Used For?
Any compensation your family sees from a mesothelioma lawsuit is yours to keep and use however you like. Money can’t turn back the clock, but it can be useful for helping you maintain a better quality of life with your illness.
Many patients have used asbestos lawsuit money for:
- Medical debts
- New or alternative treatments
- Travel to cancer centers
- Palliative care and pain management
- Mental health support
- In-home caregivers
- Funds for family members
No one deserves to bear these costs alone. Many survivors have been able to pay for life-saving treatments by pursuing a lawsuit for mesothelioma.
These companies need to be held accountable, and we came to realize it’s not going to be a cheap fight.”
Top Locations for Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits
After reviewing the facts of your case, an asbestos lawyer can determine the best state to file your mesothelioma lawsuit in.
An asbestos exposure lawsuit is not always filed in the state where you live. For example, a mesothelioma lawsuit is sometimes filed in a state where an asbestos company conducted business or where your exposure occurred.
In August 2024, national consulting firm KCIC released its midyear industry report stating that 2,120 asbestos lawsuits were filed in the first half of the year. Of those, a total of 1,065 were mesothelioma lawsuits.
The chart below shows the top 5 jurisdictions with the most asbestos lawsuits filed in the first half of 2024 based on KCIC data.
| Jurisdiction | Number of Mesothelioma Lawsuits Filed Through July 31, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 1. Madison County, Illinois | 483 |
| 2. St. Clair County, Illinois | 389 |
| 3. New York, New York | 192 |
| 4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 115 |
| 5. Cook County, Illinois | 95 |
Steps to Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Although each case differs, most asbestos lawsuits follow the same legal process. Read more about the steps to file an asbestos cancer lawsuit below.
1. Request a Legal Evaluation
During your free evaluation, a representative from our partner firm’s legal team can determine when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos — and which companies may be responsible.
Your dedicated legal team will typically include experienced mesothelioma lawyers, investigators, paralegals, medical experts, and other support staff.
2. Your Attorney Submits Your Claim
Your lawyer will prepare all the documentation needed to submit your asbestos claim, whether you file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim.
They will also determine where to file since some courts and jurisdictions may be more favorable to asbestos lawsuits than others.
“Our clients are very surprised at how easy the process is. We do all of the work. We know what’s needed. We know what we’re looking for. We want our clients to focus on their upcoming care and treatment.”
3. Asbestos Companies Respond
The defendants (asbestos companies) will be notified once the court processes the lawsuit. Defendants generally have 30 days or less to respond to a mesothelioma lawsuit.
In their response, the defendants’ lawyers can either propose a settlement or fight the asbestos lawsuit by refusing to admit fault.
4. Enter the Discovery Phase
Once the defense responds to your mesothelioma lawsuit, the discovery phase begins. Lawyers from both sides will request and gather information and evidence related to your case.
Your legal team will collect documents, photos, and historical records to prove the defendants were negligent and at fault for your asbestos-related disease.
Evidence gathered during the discovery process may include:
- Documentation of the asbestos-containing products you used
- Medical records associated with your illness
- Military service records, if applicable
- Witness statements
- Work history and related documents
5. The Case Settles or Goes to Trial
Your lawyer will fight to reach a settlement with all of the asbestos companies responsible for your illness. This may involve multiple rounds of negotiations with each company’s legal team.
If a settlement can’t be negotiated, your case will go to trial, where your lawyer will present it to a judge or jury.
Mesothelioma lawyers will always attempt to reach a settlement first and only go to trial if needed. Trials add a significant amount of time to the lawsuit process, and the defendant can later try to appeal a successful verdict.
Get a Free Case Review now to start on your path to compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit.
When Should I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
In most cases, it’s best to file your mesothelioma suit as soon as possible. There are narrow statutes of limitations that set a deadline on how long you have to file your claim. This deadline varies for each state and can be as little as 1 year.
Filing your asbestos lawsuit now can help you get the money you need to start specialized treatment, which is the key to becoming a mesothelioma survivor.
“We were told to start the lawsuit process right away because there are so many bills. Financially, you just needed to do that.”
You should contact a lawyer even if you developed mesothelioma a long time ago. Asbestos lawyers can determine other ways you may be able to receive financial compensation.
Alternatives to Mesothelioma Lawsuits
There are other financial options besides mesothelioma lawsuits available for victims and families. Some of the most notable include asbestos trust fund payouts and benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Asbestos Trust Funds
Certain asbestos companies were court-ordered to establish bankruptcy trusts to compensate people harmed by their products. Asbestos trusts currently contain over $30 billion for current and future mesothelioma victims.
See if you can access trust funds. Our team can file multiple claims on your behalf if you qualify.
VA Benefits Claims
Veterans who developed mesothelioma from service in the military may be able to get veterans benefits totaling $4,044.91 per month as of 2025.
Veterans can seek additional compensation from a lawsuit without impacting their benefits. Neither the military nor the U.S. government will be sued as part of your legal action.
Get Help Filing a Lawsuit or Legal Claim
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, you deserve to take action.
Our team is here to help you:
- Evaluate your legal options
- Connect with top mesothelioma attorneys
- Pursue lawsuits and other forms of compensation
- Find treatments and doctors to help you heal
Billions of dollars have been awarded to victims and their families, and filing a mesothelioma claim can help you pursue compensation without going to court.
Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with us or request a free case review today to learn more about taking legal action for mesothelioma.
Asbestos Lawsuit FAQs
What is a mesothelioma lawsuit?
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of legal action taken by someone affected by this cancer. The purpose of this lawsuit is to seek compensation for medical costs and pain and suffering caused by the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits can also be filed by family members or estate representatives if a victim has passed away.
Who gets sued for mesothelioma?
The companies responsible for exposing victims to asbestos get sued for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawsuits target businesses that made, sold, or used asbestos products without proper warnings or safety measures.
These may include:
- Asbestos suppliers and mining companies
- Employers in high-risk industries like construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing
- Property owners and contractors who mishandled asbestos materials
- Successor companies that took over asbestos-related businesses
Is there compensation for mesothelioma?
Yes, you may be able to receive compensation by suing asbestos companies if you or a family member developed mesothelioma.
Millions of innocent people were exposed to asbestos-containing materials in homes, military bases, ships, vehicles, schools, and offices. The companies responsible for manufacturing these materials can and should be held legally responsible.
Mesothelioma Hope partners with one of the top asbestos firms in the country. Contact us right now to see if you have a case.
What is the average settlement for mesothelioma victims?
The average mesothelioma settlement amount is between $1 million and $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.
The total amount you and your family may receive could be more or less than this. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can review your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What are the requirements for the mesothelioma lawsuit?
Asbestos lawsuit requirements include proving the asbestos exposure to determine who was at fault. Your lawyer will look at your medical records and work history to determine how you were exposed to asbestos.
They will then file a complaint against the asbestos manufacturers that got you sick and gather evidence to build your case.
Who qualifies for a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or has lost a loved one to this cancer may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
People eligible to file include:
- Veterans exposed to asbestos on bases, shipyards, and other areas
- Blue-collar workers exposed in industrial settings such as construction sites, factories, and more
- Family members of workers who brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing (known as secondhand exposure)
Additionally, those who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing products like talcum powder or insulation material may also have grounds for filing a lawsuit for asbestos exposure.
How long does it take to settle a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Mesothelioma lawsuits take about 12-18 months to fully resolve. However, many victims start receiving settlement checks within 90 days.
A trial can take significantly longer to award mesothelioma compensation. For that reason, most mesothelioma cases end in a settlement.
Will I have to travel for my mesothelioma cancer lawsuit?
No. Mesothelioma Hope can schedule your free case review wherever it’s most convenient for you and your family. Once our legal partners determine you have a case, they can meet with you in person or remotely to gather evidence and testimony.
Most of the people we help never have to step foot in a courtroom since nearly all mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court.
Experienced lawyers understand that mesothelioma requires intensive and time-consuming treatments. They will never ask you to travel if you aren’t in good health.
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