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Mesothelioma Lawyer

A mesothelioma lawyer specializes in lawsuits involving asbestos exposure. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to get compensation to pay for cancer treatments, secure your family’s financial future, and hold manufacturers of asbestos products accountable for your illness. Our team can help you find a top mesothelioma attorney and walk you through every step of the process.

Legally reviewed by: Melissa Crowe Schopfer

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How a Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help You

Mesothelioma lawyers help asbestos victims and their family members take legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.

Hundreds of large corporations hid the dangers of asbestos while millions of Americans were exposed and developed serious asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve compensation from these negligent companies to help pay for treatment and other costs. A skilled attorney will make the process straightforward so you can focus on what matters most.

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you by:

  • Explaining your available compensation options
  • Building a case against the manufacturers that caused your illness
  • Handling every step of the legal process on your behalf
  • Getting justice for you or someone you love who’s been harmed by asbestos exposure

Our team can help you connect with a top mesothelioma attorney today and answer any questions you have about the process. Start by requesting a Free Case Review now.

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  • 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

Types of Legal Claims Mesothelioma Lawyers Handle

Mesothelioma lawyers handle several different types of asbestos claims and can help you decide which to file to maximize your compensation.

Below are four different types of claims you may be eligible for:

  • Personal injury lawsuits are filed by mesothelioma victims to seek compensation from the companies responsible for their illnesses.
  • Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by spouses, family members, or estate representatives to pursue compensation on behalf of a loved one who passed away from mesothelioma.
  • VA benefits allow veterans with mesothelioma to get monthly payments and medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Those who already receive VA benefits can still file a mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claims to pursue additional compensation.
  • Asbestos trust fund claims allow victims to access compensation set aside by product manufacturers that went out of business.

More than $30 billion is available in asbestos trust funds as of 2024. Mesothelioma Hope can help you access some of this money without going to court. See if you qualify for trust fund compensation right now.

Payouts Secured by Mesothelioma Attorneys

Mesothelioma patients who work with an experienced lawyer to file an asbestos lawsuit may receive financial compensation through either a settlement or trial verdict. Nearly all mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, meaning you never have to step inside a courthouse.

On average, mesothelioma settlements award clients between $1 million and $1.4 million.

In the rare event a settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to court, where a judge or jury will decide whether to award you compensation through a trial verdict. The average mesothelioma trial verdict ranges from $5 million to $11.4 million.

  • $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to pay mesothelioma victims
  • $1 million to $1.4 million average settlement amount
  • $9.6+ billion recovered for families by Simmons Hanly Conroy
  • $5 million to $11.4 million average verdict amount

Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office

Our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, has a long history in asbestos litigation and the firm’s lawyers have secured some of the largest results for mesothelioma clients in history.

Notable compensation secured by the lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy include:

  • $250 million verdict for an Indiana steelworker with pleural mesothelioma (highest on record)
  • $107 million verdict for the family of a California janitor who died from pleural mesothelioma
  • $60 million verdict to the family of a late New York laborer with pleural mesothelioma
  • $12 million settlement for an Illinois laborer who developed pleural mesothelioma
  • $8 million settlement to a pipefitter from Texas with pleural mesothelioma
  • $3.64 million for a delivery worker in Arizona with peritoneal mesothelioma
  • $3.26 million for an Illinois insulator who developed peritoneal mesothelioma

Many clients start receiving compensation within 90 days when working with our partner lawyers.

“What I tell people is that the financial freedom that came from filing a lawsuit was the one good thing that came out of something bad. It’s made the time I have left even better.”

Art Putt, mesothelioma survivor

What Legal Compensation Can Pay For

When an attorney helps you and your family get compensation from a mesothelioma claim, you are free to do anything you wish with it.

Some estimates suggest the total cost of treating mesothelioma is around $400,000 in 2024. This includes the medical bills, prescription medications, travel to and from appointments, and other out-of-pocket-expenses.

The unexpected expenses of a mesothelioma diagnosis are not something you should have to bear alone. Mesothelioma compensation secured by asbestos lawyers can help relieve financial stress so you can focus on what matters most — spending time with your loved ones and getting the treatments you need.

Many clients have used compensation for:

  • Costs of ongoing care
  • Daily living expenses
  • Donations to charities
  • Medical bills
  • Lost income while caring for a loved one
  • Vacations with family to rest and recharge

Finding a knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can make all the difference in the amount of compensation you get from a legal claim. Download our Free Attorney Checklist to help guide your search for a lawyer.

Mesothelioma Attorney Questions Checklist
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5 Things to Look for in a Mesothelioma Lawyer

Top asbestos lawyers have specific qualities that allow them to build the strongest possible claim for your illness. Read about the five things you should look for in a lawyer below.

1. Free Case Review

An experienced lawyer should offer a free case review where you can share how mesothelioma has impacted your family.

Afterward, the lawyer should be able to explain your legal rights clearly and easily. You won’t be obligated to work with them, and anything you share will be kept confidential.

This free case review is also your opportunity to get to know the lawyer and the law firm. Think of it as a friendly conversation where you can share your concerns, ask questions, and learn whether they’re the right person to take your case.

“Filing the lawsuit was easy because my attorney made it easy. We didn’t have to do anything. We just had to be here when he was and talk to him so he could explain to us exactly how the process worked.”

John Stahl, mesothelioma survivor

2. No Upfront or Out-of-Pocket Costs

Top mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they only get paid if they secure compensation for you or your family. This means there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.

If any mesothelioma lawyer you meet with charges an upfront fee, you may want to walk away and look for another option.

How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help You Video Thumbnail

Mesothelioma lawyers can secure compensation for you or your loved ones quickly and easily following a diagnosis. Trial lawyer Daniel P. Blouin breaks down the qualities that the best lawyers have. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to get help finding top lawyers near you. View Transcript.

Duration: 1 min 35 sec

Finding the right attorney for your mesothelioma case is vital. Trying a mesothelioma case is like trying to catch a great white shark. You cannot have a lawyer going out fishing with shoestring and a safety pin. You need to have all the preparedness in a law firm. You need to have lawyers with a vast amount of experience. You need to have lawyers with relationships with the other side so you can come to an agreeable settlement before all the trials, before all the work. You need to have a huge army of attorneys that can do the research, that know the products, that know the history, that can access the corporate histories of the companies that we’d be litigating against. And so in finding the right attorney, you need to take all that into account. You need to have a firm that is powerful enough to take on some of the largest corporations in this country. You need to have lawyers that you trust. You need to have a firm that doesn’t process you, the client, just as a cog in a machine or a widget that they’re trying to profit off of. You need people that care about you. That’s what I’d want, and that’s what we try to deliver to our clients. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Hope and Simmons Hanly Conroy can help.

3. Extensive Experience Filing Lawsuits & Asbestos Claims

Your mesothelioma attorney should have a well-established history with many years of experience representing mesothelioma clients in lawsuits and filing asbestos trust fund claims on their behalf.

The best mesothelioma lawyers also understand the statute of limitations (filing deadlines) in each state and jurisdiction. This expertise means they’ll know when and where to file your legal claim to get the most amount of money in your case.

4. Employed by a National Mesothelioma Law Firm

When you’re represented by an attorney from a national mesothelioma law firm, you’ll have an entire team of highly trained professionals in your corner.

You can expect to have access to:

  • Asbestos attorneys
  • Investigators
  • Medical experts
  • Paralegals
  • Registered nurses
  • Support staff

These dedicated experts will help ensure you receive the very best legal representation and support throughout the entire process.

5. Access to Specialized Resources

The best mesothelioma lawyers can quickly and easily access extensive asbestos company records, comprehensive medical data, and other vital information that can strengthen your claim.

With their wealth of information, these lawyers can give you the best chance to receive the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Working With a Mesothelioma Lawyer

Your lawyer and their team will dedicate themselves to your legal claim so you can focus on getting treatment and being with your loved ones. Although no two asbestos cases are the same, most mesothelioma claims follow a similar process.

1. Establish a Relationship With a Lawyer in Your State

The first step for filing an asbestos claim is hiring a lawyer you trust. There are many options available, but it’s important to find the right fit for you.

We can help you find experienced mesothelioma lawyers near you.

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2. Identify the Companies at Fault

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can track down when and where you were exposed to asbestos — even if you don’t remember. Most mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure that happened 10-50 years ago.

“We typically file against product manufacturers and property owners for the breach of their duty: for exposing our clients to asbestos through the sale of their products or through the delivery of their products.”

Daniel P. Blouin, top mesothelioma lawyer and legal partner of Mesothelioma Hope

Top mesothelioma attorneys have access to databases full of asbestos companies, products, and job sites. A mesothelioma attorney can use this information to identify which manufacturers should be held liable in your case.

3. File Your Mesothelioma Claim

A mesothelioma lawyer will discuss all of your legal options and determine the best type(s) of claim to file.

You may be eligible for compensation from more than one asbestos company, increasing the value of your claim.

The best mesothelioma lawyers will know when to file your claim based on any statutes of limitations that could affect your case.

4. Get Compensation for Your Family

Most lawyers for mesothelioma pursue compensation through mesothelioma settlements and/or asbestos trust fund claims.

Mesothelioma compensation can be used for anything, including daily living costs, medical expenses, and other needs or wants.

More than 99% of mesothelioma claims result in an out-of-court settlement with an average payout between $1 million and $1.4 million.

Mesothelioma settlements also give clients and their families access to compensation sooner, often in as few as 90 days.

Get Help Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer

With so many choices available for a mesothelioma lawyer, it can be overwhelming to know where to start your search. But we’re here to help you find the right fit and get compensation for your family.

Our legal partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy, is one of the most experienced asbestos law firms in the country. They also have a dedicated commitment to this community — firm founder and chairman John Simmons lost a family member to mesothelioma and has spent his career helping people with asbestos-related illnesses find financial security and empowerment.

We can help you:

  • Evaluate all of your financial options
  • Find a mesothelioma asbestos lawyer you feel comfortable with
  • Know what questions to ask when meeting with an attorney
  • Secure financial security for your family

Call us at (866) 608-8933 or get a free case review today to get started.

Lawyers for Mesothelioma FAQs

What is a mesothelioma lawyer?

A lawyer for mesothelioma is a legal professional who specializes in asbestos lawsuits and represents people harmed by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma lawyers fight for asbestos victims’ legal rights and help them seek justice and compensation for their life-changing illnesses.

By partnering with a mesothelioma lawyer, you can gain not only legal expertise but also a compassionate ally who understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll this disease takes on you and your loved ones.

When should I contact a mesothelioma attorney?

You should reach out to a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been given a mesothelioma diagnosis.

It’s important not to wait very long — deadlines called statutes of limitations set narrow time frames for filing a mesothelioma claim and pursuing justice.

Contacting a mesothelioma attorney now will help keep you from missing any important deadlines to pursue compensation.

What if I can’t afford a mesothelioma attorney?

It doesn’t cost anything upfront to hire a mesothelioma attorney.

The best mesothelioma lawyers take clients on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid an agreed-upon percentage of any compensation you receive from a settlement or verdict.

Don’t let financial worries prevent you from seeking the legal representation you need and deserve. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to learn more about your options and take the first step toward seeking compensation.

How do I choose a lawyer for mesothelioma?

Choosing a lawyer with extensive experience handling mesothelioma claims will give you the best chance of receiving financial compensation.

These lawyers have specialized resources to pinpoint the details of your asbestos exposure and identify which companies to file claims with.

Be sure to ask about your lawyer’s past successes with mesothelioma cases similar to yours.

How can I find a mesothelioma attorney near me?

Mesothelioma Hope can help you find lawyers in your area who have a successful track record of helping victims and their surviving loved ones access compensation.

Request a free case review to share your story, get your questions answered, and learn what you can do next.

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 16 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. Carroll, S., et al. (2005). Asbestos Litigation [PDF file]. Santa Monica, CA: Rand Institute for Civil Justice. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2005/RAND_MG162.sum.pdf
  2. Dixon, L., & McGovern, G. (2011, August 18). Bankruptcy trusts, asbestos compensation, and the courts. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9603.html
  3. Mealey’s. (2021, July 30). Mealey’s litigation report: asbestos. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/65302/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2020-december-2020
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Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

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