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Asbestos Claims After Death

If a loved one passes away from an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma, you may qualify for compensation through a claim. While a financial payout can never undo the wrong of losing your loved one, asbestos claims after death can help you cover funeral costs, leftover bills, and other expenses. Contact Mesothelioma Hope now to find out if you can file an asbestos claim after death.

Legally reviewed by: Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Last updated:

About Asbestos Claims After Death

Asbestos claims after death can be filed on behalf of a deceased person by their surviving family members, loved ones, or estate representatives.

An older woman reviews paperwork with her attorney

You may qualify to file asbestos claims after death if your loved one died from:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Asbestosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Other serious asbestos-related diseases

With these claims, your family can recover significant compensation — often $1 million or more — to start healing after losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease.

Key Facts on Claiming for Asbestos After Death

  • Average payout: With help from our legal partners, many families have received $1 million+ for mesothelioma wrongful death claims, with the first payouts being awarded in 90 days or less.
  • Deadlines to file: : State laws allow anywhere from 1-6 years to file asbestos claims after death. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file in time.
  • Who’s eligible: Anyone with legal authority over a person’s estate (loved ones, family members, or another representative) may qualify to file.

Get a free consultation now to find out if you can take legal action by filing an asbestos wrongful death claim.

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  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Who Can File Asbestos Claims After Death?

In general, anyone with legal authority over the deceased’s estate may qualify to file asbestos claims after death.

Those who may qualify to file asbestos claims after death include:

  • Children
  • Legal guardians or representatives
  • Spouses
  • Other close loved ones, such as stepfamily or adopted family

If your family member filed an asbestos lawsuit but died before the case concluded, you can continue it as a wrongful death case.

How to File an Asbestos Claim After the Loss of a Loved One

Learn about each step in the process of filing an asbestos wrongful death claim and securing compensation below.

1. Consult an Asbestos Attorney

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will give you the best chance at maximum compensation when filing asbestos legal claims after the death of a loved one.

Did You Know?

Mesothelioma lawyers make every step of the legal process easier for your family, as they do nearly all of the work for you.

Get a free legal consultation with our partner lawyers or call (866) 608-8933 to learn if you can file mesothelioma claims after death.

2. Collect Evidence for Your Asbestos Claim

Once you choose your asbestos wrongful death attorney, they can start building a claim for you. This process includes gathering evidence that shows your loved one died from an asbestos-related disease.

Pieces of evidence that lawyers may collect include:

  • Death certificate
  • Employment and work history records
  • Medical records confirming the diagnosis
  • Military service documents
  • Product receipts

This evidence will help your lawyers determine when, where, and how your loved one was exposed to asbestos-containing products and which companies made the products in question.

It’s OK if you don’t know how or when your loved one’s asbestos exposure occurred. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can conduct research on your behalf to determine this.

3. File the Asbestos Claim

Once your lawyer has gathered all the evidence needed to build an asbestos wrongful death claim, they can file it on your behalf with any and all manufacturers in question.

Time Limit for Asbestos Claims After Death

Each state allows anywhere from 1-6 years to file asbestos claims after death, and top mesothelioma lawyers can ensure your case is filed before time runs out.

Working with an attorney to file a mesothelioma wrongful death case makes the process hassle-free for you and your loved ones. It can be incredibly hard to file a successful mesothelioma lawsuit without help from experienced lawyers.

4. Negotiate a Settlement or Go to Trial

Once your asbestos claim after death has been filed, your attorneys can start negotiating with the lawyers of the asbestos companies to secure compensation for you.

Over 99% of mesothelioma lawsuits award compensation through out-of-court settlements. This is where the manufacturers of asbestos-based products agree to pay you to avoid an in-court trial.

The claim may go to trial if a settlement can’t be reached. In a trial, a judge or jury hears both arguments and determines how much (if any) compensation you’ll receive. Your attorneys will prepare your wrongful death claim in the event a trial is needed.

Get a free consultation now for help starting an asbestos claim after a loved one’s death. We’re here to help you and your family heal from losing a loved one.

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  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Settlements for Asbestos Claims After the Death of a Loved One

The average mesothelioma settlement is worth $1 million or more — significant compensation for those who’ve lost a family member to this cancer.

That said, each asbestos or mesothelioma settlement after death is unique and will depend on the specific factors in your case.

Recent settlements for asbestos cancer claims after death include:

  • $60 million to a California family who lost their loved one to mesothelioma
  • $15 million for the family of a New York construction worker
  • $5.2 million in asbestos wrongful death settlements for a family in Florida
  • $4 million to the family of a Los Angeles teacher
  • $3.75 million for the loved ones of a laborer from Pennsylvania
  • $2.69 million for the family of a California shipyard worker

While a mesothelioma settlement cannot make up for the preventable loss of your loved one, it can help alleviate any financial stress and worries after their death.

3 Types of Asbestos Wrongful Death Claims

There are three main types of asbestos claims that you may qualify to file after losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease. Learn about each type of claim below.

1. Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Through a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, you can hold the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products legally accountable for your loved one’s passing.

These lawsuits are filed against any manufacturers that made and sold the asbestos products your loved one was exposed to.

Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits award compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lingering medical bills
  • Lost wages from time off work
  • Pain and suffering

By working with our partner mesothelioma law firm to file wrongful death lawsuits, many other families secured millions of dollars, with the first payments often awarded in 90 days or less.

2. Asbestos Trust Funds

Many manufacturers of asbestos-containing products filed for bankruptcy to avoid lawsuits, but the U.S. court system forced them to set up trusts to stay in business.

There is more than $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds today. If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may qualify to file a trust fund claim for compensation.

Our team can help you pursue asbestos trust fund payouts — get in touch with us to see how much compensation you may be eligible for.

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Trust Funds
  • More than $30 billion available
  • $300K-$400K average compensation
  • Get money in 90 days or less

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3. Mesothelioma VA Benefits

Today, 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a U.S. veteran since the military extensively relied on asbestos-containing products between the 1930s and early 1980s.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits not only to veterans with mesothelioma but to next of kin in the event the veteran passes away.

VA benefits awarded through asbestos claims after death include:

  • Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  • Funeral reimbursement
  • Survivor benefits

We can help you pursue any mesothelioma VA benefits you qualify for, as well as lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Call (866) 608-8933 now to get started.

Statute of Limitations on Asbestos Claims After Death

A statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long you have to file general mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos claims after the death of a loved one. Each state sets its own statute.

The statutes of limitations range from 1-6 years, with most states setting the statute at 2-3 years. View mesothelioma statutes of limitations by state below.

Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations by State
  • 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, D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Alabama Flag Alabama *2 years

Recent Alabama Settlement Amounts
  • $5.1 million - HazMat technician & computer programmer
  • $4.2 million - Coal miner & lathe operator
  • $2.7 million - Bus driver and brake mechanic

Alaska Flag Alaska *2 years

Recent Alaska Settlement Amounts
  • $2 million - U.S. Army veteran
  • $1.16 million - Union carpenter & millwright
  • $1 million - Victim of secondhand asbestos exposure

Arizona Flag Arizona *2 years

Recent Arizona Settlement Amounts
  • $4.3 million - Truck driver
  • $4.1 million - U.S Army Veteran & welder
  • $3.86 million - U.S. Air Force veteran and union electrician

Arkansas Flag Arkansas *3 years

Recent Arkansas Settlement Amounts
  • $7.1 million - Union insulator & decking worker
  • $4.38 million - Contractor & laborer
  • $2.49 million - U.S. Air Force veteran & engineer

California Flag California *1 year

Recent California Settlement Amounts
  • $7.5 million - Brick tender and laborer
  • $5.1 million - Union HVAC worker
  • $3 million - U.S. Navy veteran & telephone technician

Colorado Flag Colorado *2 years

Recent Colorado Settlement Amounts
  • $5.27 million - Carpenter & laborer
  • $3.9 million - U.S. Air Force veteran
  • $2.98 million - Laborer & mechanic

Connecticut Flag Connecticut *3 years

Recent Connecticut Settlement Amounts
  • $3.72 million - Maintenance mechanic
  • $2.18 million - U.S. Navy deckhand & electrician’s mate
  • $1.92 million - Critical parts inspector

Dallas Flag Dallas

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Delaware Flag Delaware *2 years

Recent Delaware Settlement Amounts
  • $3.15 million - Boilerman
  • $2.86 million - Factory worker
  • $2.56 million - Boatswain’s mate & shipwright

Florida Flag Florida *2 years

Recent Florida Settlement Amounts
  • $8 million - Auto mechanic
  • $5.7 million - Contractor & engineman
  • $5.2 million - U.S. Air Force veteran & roofer

Georgia Flag Georgia *2 years

Recent Georgia Settlement Amounts
  • $4.2 million - Marine mechanic
  • $4 million - Plumber & HVAC technician
  • $3.7 million - Quality control worker

Hawaii Flag Hawaii *2 years

Recent Hawaii Settlement Amounts
  • $ -

Houston Flag Houston

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Idaho Flag Idaho *2 years

Recent Idaho Settlement Amounts
  • $3.37 million - Mechanic & parts manager
  • $3 million - Service station worker
  • $2.5 million - Sheet metal worker

Illinois Flag Illinois *2 years

Recent Illinois Settlement Amounts
  • $6.7 million - Union electrician
  • $5.3 million - U.S. Navy veteran & boiler tender
  • $4.9 million - Union auto worker

Indiana Flag Indiana *2 years

Recent Indiana Settlement Amounts
  • $6.13 million - Sheet metal worker
  • $5.1 million - Insulator
  • $4.41 million - Bricklayer and mechanic

Iowa Flag Iowa *2 years

Recent Iowa Settlement Amounts
  • $6.37 million - Asbestos mixer
  • $4.83 million - U.S. Navy Veteran & machinist mate
  • $3.99 million - Electrician

Jacksonville Flag Jacksonville

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Kansas Flag Kansas *2 years

Recent Kansas Settlement Amounts
  • $4.68 million - Electrician
  • $3.35 million - Maintenance worker
  • $2.95 million - Construction worker & groundskeeper

Kentucky Flag Kentucky *1 year

Recent Kentucky Settlement Amounts
  • $4.69 million - Steel worker
  • $4.23 million - Assembly line worker
  • $3.73 million - Boiler tender

Louisiana Flag Louisiana *1 year

Recent Louisiana Settlement Amounts
  • $6.5 million - Tack welder & derrickhand
  • $5.3 million - Boiler tender & insurance surveyor
  • $4.9 million - U.S. Navy veteran & carpenter

Maine Flag Maine *6 years

Recent Maine Settlement Amounts
  • $7.78 million - Marine engineer
  • $3.5 million - Paper company worker
  • $2.77 million - U.S. veteran & equipment operator

Maryland Flag Maryland *3 years

Recent Maryland Settlement Amounts
  • $5.3 mllion - U.S. Army veteran & mechanic
  • $3.2 million - Retail worker
  • $2.9. million - Victim of secondhand asbestos exposure

Massachusetts Flag Massachusetts *3 years

Recent Massachusetts Settlement Amounts
  • $5.72 million - Engineer
  • $4 million - U.S. Navy veteran
  • $3.67 million - Factory worker

Michigan Flag Michigan *3 years

Recent Michigan Settlement Amounts
  • $4.98 million - Welder
  • $3.7 million - Contractor
  • $2.8 million - U.S. Army veteran & communication worker

Minneapolis Flag Minneapolis

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Minnesota Flag Minnesota *2 years

Recent Minnesota Settlement Amounts
  • $6.92 million - Victim of secondhand asbestos exposure
  • $5.2 million - Auto mechanic & millwright
  • $4.48 million - U.S. Air Force veteran

Mississippi Flag Mississippi *3 years

Recent Mississippi Settlement Amounts
  • $5.26 million - Laborer
  • $3.7 million - Mechanic
  • $2.96 million - U.S. Navy veteran

Missouri Flag Missouri *5 years

Recent Missouri Settlement Amounts
  • $14.8 million - Roofer & laborer
  • $10 million - Insulator
  • $6.8 million - U.S. Navy veteran & machinist

Montana Flag Montana *3 years

Recent Montana Settlement Amounts
  • $5.33 million - Ranch helper
  • $3.27 million - Carpenter & mill worker
  • $2.5 million - U.S. Navy veteran

Nebraska Flag Nebraska *4 years

Recent Nebraska Settlement Amounts
  • $3.11 million - Factory worker
  • $2.19 million - Carpenter & fireman
  • $1.74 million - U.S. Marine Corps veteran

Nevada Flag Nevada *2 years

Recent Nevada Settlement Amounts
  • $3.37 million - Construction worker
  • $3.35 million - U.S. Air Force veteran & aircraft mechanic
  • $2.98 million - Power plant worker

New Hampshire Flag New Hampshire *3 years

Recent New Hampshire Settlement Amounts
  • $2.5 million - Laborer
  • $2 million - Electrician
  • $1.57 million - Auto body worker

New Jersey Flag New Jersey *2 years

Recent New Jersey Settlement Amounts
  • $2.9 million - Union electrician
  • $2.1 million - Carpenter
  • $1.75 million - U.S. Navy veteran & engineer

New Mexico Flag New Mexico *3 years

Recent New Mexico Settlement Amounts
  • $3.21 million - Mechanic
  • $2.49 million - Truck driver & U.S. Army veteran
  • $1.9 million - Secondhand exposure victim

New York Flag New York *3 years

Recent New York Settlement Amounts
  • $4.6 million - Welder
  • $3.5 million - U.S. Army veteran & janitor
  • $3.18 million - Home remodeler

North Carolina Flag North Carolina *3 years

Recent North Carolina Settlement Amounts
  • $4.59 million - Electric company worker
  • $3.2 million - Engineer
  • $2.29 million - U.S. Army veteran & repairman

North Dakota Flag North Dakota *6 years

Recent North Dakota Settlement Amounts
  • $2.46 million - Union plumber
  • $1.57 million - Drywaller
  • $2.22 million - U.S. Army veteran & carpenter

Ohio Flag Ohio *2 years

Recent Ohio Settlement Amounts
  • $2.9 million - Sheet metal worker
  • $3.16 million - U.S. Navy veteran & machine operator
  • $2.57 million - Plasterer

Oklahoma Flag Oklahoma *2 years

Recent Oklahoma Settlement Amounts
  • $3 million - Oil company worker
  • $2.4 million - Boilermaker
  • $3.11 million - Hair salon worker

Oregon Flag Oregon *2 years

Recent Oregon Settlement Amounts
  • $2.5 million - U.S. Navy veteran & insulator
  • $1.6 million - Boat captain & brakeman
  • $1.71 million - Concrete worker

Pennsylvania Flag Pennsylvania *2 years

Recent Pennsylvania Settlement Amounts
  • $3.3 million - Office worker
  • $2.19 million - U.S. Navy veteran & bricklayer
  • $2.3 million - Painter & Merchant Mariner

Rhode Island Flag Rhode Island *3 years

Recent Rhode Island Settlement Amounts
  • $1.54 million - Boiler tender & U.S. Navy veteran
  • $1.37 million - Concrete worker
  • $1.12 million - Union insulator

San Diego Flag San Diego

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

South Carolina Flag South Carolina *3 years

Recent South Carolina Settlement Amounts
  • $2.76 million - Ironworker
  • $1.87 million - Chemical plant worker
  • $1.98 million - Naval officer

South Dakota Flag South Dakota *3 years

Recent South Dakota Settlement Amounts
  • $2.26 million - Infantry officer in the U.S. Army
  • $1.35 million - Railroad worker
  • $1.84 million - Telephone lineman and splicer

Tennessee Flag Tennessee *1 year

Recent Tennessee Settlement Amounts
  • $2.8 million - Boiler tester and lab worker
  • $3 million - U.S. Navy veteran & auto mechanic
  • $3.37 million - Nursing home assistant

Texas Flag Texas *2 years

Recent Texas Settlement Amounts
  • $4.2 million - Steelworker & construction worker
  • $3.62 million - Pipefitter
  • $1.76 million - U.S. Army veteran & longshoreman

Utah Flag Utah *4 years

Recent Utah Settlement Amounts
  • $1.55 million - U.S. Navy veteran & electrical repairman
  • $2.27 million - Water treatment plant worker
  • $1.68 million - Mining worker

Vermont Flag Vermont *3 years

Recent Vermont Settlement Amounts
  • $1.31 million - Engineer
  • $1 million - Inventory specialist & U.S. Air Force veteran
  • $1 million - Home remodeler

Virginia Flag Virginia *2 years

Recent Virginia Settlement Amounts
  • $2.68 million - Metal worker
  • $2.81 million - Railroad worker
  • $2.52 million - U.S. Army veteran & exterminator

Washington Flag Washington *3 years

Recent Washington Settlement Amounts
  • $2.2 million - U.S. Navy veteran & farmer
  • $2.9 million - Chemical engineer
  • $2.4 million - X-ray technician & civil field engineer

Washington, D.C. Flag Washington, D.C. *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

West Virginia Flag West Virginia *2 years

Recent West Virginia Settlement Amounts
  • $2.53 million - Coal mine and construction worker
  • $2 million - U.S. Navy veteran & union roofer
  • $1.65 million - Secondary exposure victim

Wisconsin Flag Wisconsin *3 years

Recent Wisconsin Settlement Amounts
  • $2.65 million - Union asbestos worker
  • $3.2 million - Mail carrier
  • $2.98 million - Millwright

Wyoming Flag Wyoming *4 years

Recent Wyoming Settlement Amounts
  • $1.14 million - Electric worker
  • $1.83 million - Gas station owner
  • $1.74 million - Petroleum geologist
Recommended Mesothelioma Lawyer Simmons Hanly Conroy

Get Connected

You need to make sure that your asbestos wrongful death claim is filed within the statutes for your case. If you wait too long, you could miss out on filing a claim and receiving the compensation you deserve.

Get a free case consultation to connect with top mesothelioma lawyers who can help you file asbestos claims after death before time runs out.

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  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Seek Justice with Asbestos Claims After the Death of a Loved One

Losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma is never easy, but at Mesothelioma Hope, we will walk with you through your loss.

With our help, you can file asbestos claims after death to:

  • Cover funeral and burial costs
  • Pay off any medical debt
  • Secure the money you are owed from manufacturers of asbestos-containing products

Our team can assist with every step of the process. We’ve helped file many successful claims for other families who lost loved ones to mesothelioma, and we’re prepared to help you too.

Call our team at (866) 608-8933 or get a free consultation from our legal partners now to start the claims process, if eligible.

Asbestos Claims After Death FAQs

What is the asbestos lawsuit after death?

An asbestos wrongful death lawsuit allows you and your family to pursue compensation after losing a loved one to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

These lawsuits are filed against manufacturers of asbestos-based products, which knew that asbestos could cause life-threatening illnesses but hid the truth for decades.

How much does a family member get for mesothelioma compensation?

Families often get $1 million or more in mesothelioma compensation if they file successful asbestos wrongful death lawsuits.

You may get more or less asbestos compensation after death depending on the unique circumstances of your case.

The value of asbestos claims after death is based on several factors, like the extent of medical costs, funeral expenses, lost wages, and the emotional distress experienced by surviving family members.

Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with our experienced mesothelioma lawyers, who can help assess the value of your asbestos claim.

Can asbestos claims after death pay for the funeral?

Yes, asbestos claims after death can award compensation to cover funeral and burial expenses.

The money from these claims may also be used for anything you see fit, including leftover medical expenses, mortgage or rent payments, and more.

Why file asbestos cases after death?

It’s often in your best interest to see if you qualify to file asbestos claims after death. Mesothelioma wrongful death claims often award $1 million or more, so you can focus on healing from your loved one’s passing without worrying about financial stressors like funeral costs.

Asbestos claims after death can also help you hold manufacturers of asbestos-based products accountable. These manufacturers hid the health risks of asbestos for decades and should be forced to pay if this negligence caused your loved one to develop a deadly illness.

Attorney Melissa Crowe SchopferReviewed by:Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Legal Editor

Melissa Crowe Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. Over the past 10 years, Melissa has worked on over 500 cases and recovered more than $100 million in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of her clients. She has represented families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in almost every state.

  • Asbestos Trial Team Leader
  • Practicing Attorney for 15+ Years
  • Has Recovered Over $100 Million
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 15 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. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry. (2016, November 3). Asbestos and Your Health. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/
  2. Cornell Law School. (January 2022) Wrongful Death. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/wrongful_death
  3. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, March 6). Learn About Asbestos. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos#effects
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