General Mesothelioma FAQs
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer. It develops in the linings of major organs, including the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles, decades after asbestos exposure.
About 3,000 cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Mesothelioma spreads quickly and is often not diagnosed until it’s advanced. Fortunately, medical care is available to potentially help patients live longer. Additionally, many mesothelioma patients qualify for financial compensation to cover medical expenses and other bills.
The Mesothelioma Hope team is here to help your family after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide shipped overnight to find essential information about this cancer.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The only confirmed cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a very durable, fiber-like mineral once used in as many as 5,000 products, such as insulation, brake pads, and roofing material.
Here’s how asbestos causes mesothelioma:
- Exposure: When someone works with asbestos-containing products, tiny fibers can be released into the air. Breathing in or swallowing the fibers can cause them to become trapped in the body.
- Irritation: Asbestos fibers can get stuck in healthy tissue, causing chronic irritation to healthy cells. The body may not be able to break down or remove the fibers since they’re so durable.
- Cancer: After 10 to 50 years, asbestos fibers trigger mutations that turn healthy cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products learned of the risks back in the 1930s but hid them. By the time the dangers were publicly known in the early 1980s, roughly 27 million people had already been exposed to asbestos at jobs, with many more exposed in other ways.
What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Right now, there’s no other known cause of mesothelioma besides asbestos. No definitive evidence shows that anything else leads to this cancer.
One possible cause that’s been debunked is BAP1 gene mutations. It’s true that inherited BAP1 gene mutations can make you more likely to develop mesothelioma, but only if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. The mutation doesn’t cause mesothelioma by itself.
“If there’s no asbestos, there’s no mesothelioma; it’s that simple. If you have mesothelioma and you say, ‘Well, I’ve never been exposed to asbestos,’ you were exposed to it. You just don’t know where and you don’t know when.”
What Are the Risk Factors for Mesothelioma?
The single most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. If you or a family member worked with or around asbestos, you’re at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Additional mesothelioma risk factors include:
- Age: Mesothelioma typically develops in those over the age of 65.
- Race: White people were more likely to work with or around asbestos than people of other races.
- Sex: Most industries that relied on asbestos were male-dominated, so men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women.
The risk of mesothelioma is higher with longer or repeated exposure to asbestos (such as working with asbestos-containing materials at a job).
However, anyone exposed can get sick. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that there’s no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
Can You Get Mesothelioma From Smoking?
No, you cannot get mesothelioma from smoking, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Only asbestos causes mesothelioma, not cigarette smoke.
However, smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer if you were exposed to asbestos. Smoking worsens the damage that asbestos causes, according to the European Respiratory Review.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer and you smoke, your doctors will likely recommend trying to quit to improve your overall health.
“People do have better outcomes after they quit smoking. Surgery or chemotherapy treatments are tolerated better in people who don’t smoke, and there are fewer complications.”
What Are the Types of Mesothelioma?
Doctors determine which type of mesothelioma you have by where the cancer has started. Mesothelioma typically forms in one of four main areas of the body.
The types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up around 80% of all cases. It develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura).
- Peritoneal mesothelioma:The second-most common type, this cancer accounts for roughly 10% of cases and forms in the abdominal lining (peritoneum).
- Pericardial mesothelioma: This is a rare form of mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the heart (pericardium). It’s very difficult to diagnose and treat.
- Testicular mesothelioma:Forms in the lining of the testicles (tunica vaginalis). It is the rarest type.
Medical care is available for all types of mesothelioma. Treatment outcomes vary by mesothelioma type, as well as by the patient’s health, stage, and other factors.
Patients with peritoneal or testicular mesothelioma tend to live longer on average due to more effective treatments being available. With that said, there are long-term survivors for all types.
What Are the 4 Stages of Mesothelioma?
There are 4 stages of pleural mesothelioma, with higher stages indicating that the cancer has spread further.
The stages of mesothelioma are:
- Stage 1: This is the least advanced stage and the easiest to treat. Tumors are only found in the lung lining on one side of the chest. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
- Stage 2: The mesothelioma tumors may have spread into the mediastinum (space between the lungs) or to nearby lymph nodes. Doctors can still often effectively treat patients in stage 2 with surgery or systemic options like chemotherapy.
- Stage 3: By this stage, mesothelioma cancer tumors may have reached into the diaphragm, heart lining, the lining of the opposite lung, and more lymph nodes. Surgery may or may not be recommended for this stage.
- Stage 4: This is the most advanced stage, with distant metastasis. Mesothelioma tumors may reach the bones, brain, liver, abdominal cavity, and more. Doctors usually can’t treat patients with surgery, but other therapies could help.
The other types of mesothelioma don’t have formal stages, but doctors can determine how far the cancer has spread and recommend the best treatments.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer develops. For example, patients with pleural mesothelioma typically experience chest pain and shortness of breath first. Peritoneal mesothelioma often causes weight loss and reduced appetite.
There are many possible symptoms of mesothelioma:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in coughed-up mucus (sputum)
- Blood in fecal matter
- Chest pain
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Pain in the upper back
- Persistent dry cough
- Rib pain
- Shortness of breath
- Shoulder pain
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
Mesothelioma symptoms often don’t appear until 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure due to the cancer’s long latency period (the time it takes to develop). Additionally, symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions at first since the cancer is so rare.
If you have any of the above symptoms and think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, see a doctor immediately.
You can also call our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933 to get help if you might have mesothelioma. We can connect you with top doctors and medical care if you qualify.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis FAQs
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed through several tests. If your doctor thinks you might have cancer based on your symptoms and asbestos exposure history, they’ll likely refer you to cancer specialists who can help diagnose you.
These specialists will use imaging scans like X-rays or CT scans, blood tests, and other exams to determine if you might have cancer.
From there, they may recommend a biopsy (extraction of a fluid or tissue sample). Pathologists study a biopsy sample under a microscope to check for mesothelioma cells. A biopsy is the only way to confirm your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Use our Free Doctor Match now to find specialists near you who can accurately diagnose you and recommend treatments.
Do I Need a Second Opinion After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Yes. Mesothelioma is a complex disease, and you should always get a second opinion if you’re diagnosed with it. A second opinion allows another doctor to look at the results of your diagnosis and make sure it’s correct.
Mesothelioma often doesn’t cause many symptoms in its early stages and is very rare, which makes it easy to overlook or misdiagnose. A second opinion can reduce the chances of a misdiagnosis.
Also, a second opinion from another mesothelioma doctor could give you access to treatments you hadn’t considered or reveal that your prognosis (health outlook) is better than originally thought.
“If you do get an opinion and it doesn’t sit well, or you think that they didn’t give you much hope, or they said that there’s nothing else that you could do, seek out a second opinion.”
Can Mesothelioma Be Misdiagnosed?
Yes. Because mesothelioma is rare and its symptoms often resemble more common conditions, it can be misdiagnosed.
Common mesothelioma misdiagnoses include:
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pneumonia
A biopsy reviewed by an experienced pathologist is typically needed to confirm the diagnosis. If you aren’t sure about your diagnosis, seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. This can help ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Are Mesothelioma Cell Types?
Your cancer tumor is made up of different types of mesothelioma cells. Your cell type can significantly affect your treatment plan and prognosis. Doctors can determine which of three mesothelioma cell types you have while reviewing your biopsy samples.
The three mesothelioma cell types are:
- Epithelioid mesothelioma: Found in about 70% of mesothelioma cases, these cube-shaped cells don’t spread as quickly as the other cell types, making them easier to treat.
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: The rarest type, sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are spindle-shaped and spread very quickly, so patients often have a poor health outlook. These make up about 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Biphasic mesothelioma: This type occurs when a tumor is made up of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. How easy it is to treat depends on whether there are more epithelioid mesothelioma cells present.
Sometimes, mesothelioma cells can be mistaken for those of other cancers. It’s important to make sure your biopsy samples are reviewed by cancer specialists. If you’re unsure or concerned, always ask for a second opinion.
Treating Mesothelioma FAQs
Is There Any Treatment for Mesothelioma?
Yes. There are many treatment options available for all types of mesothelioma.
Common mesothelioma treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Clinical trials
Different mesothelioma treatments may be used depending on where the cancer formed, which stage it’s in, your overall health, and other factors.
Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist to get the answers you need about mesothelioma treatment options.
What Is a Multimodal Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment?
Mesothelioma multimodal therapy is when doctors use more than one treatment to destroy as much of the cancer as possible. Different combinations of treatments can be used depending on the specific diagnosis.
For example, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to shrink tumors before surgery in cases of pleural mesothelioma. With peritoneal mesothelioma, patients may undergo surgery followed by heated chemotherapy to kill microscopic cancer cells.
“The real challenge for someone who treats this condition, like myself, is that you want to put together all the pieces of information that help guide you in terms of what’s going to be the best course of management for a patient.”
Does Surgery Increase Life Expectancy in Pleural Mesothelioma?
Yes, surgery has the potential to increase pleural mesothelioma life expectancy by removing cancer tumors from the lung lining.
There are two main pleural mesothelioma surgeries:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This removes the lung closest to the cancer, along with the lung lining and all visible tumors. The average life expectancy for patients treated with an EPP, chemotherapy, and radiation was 26.8 months, per Translational Lung Cancer Research.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): This surgery allows doctors to spare both lungs while taking out the cancer and lung lining. Patients live for 34 months on average, according to the Journal of Thoracic Disease.
Your cancer care team can determine which mesothelioma surgery, if any, will be most appropriate for you after a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis.
What Is the Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer?
The main treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is a combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy, commonly known as cytoreduction with HIPEC.
This procedure is performed in two steps:
- Cytoreductive surgery to extract all visible cancer tumors from the abdominal cavity
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), bathing the surgery site in a hot chemotherapy wash to destroy microscopic cells
“They did the hot chemo bath. It’s been just over four years, and I’m still here. There’s no new sign of any cancer coming back. So I’m extremely grateful for that.”
– Jody Meade, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor
The average 5-year survival rate for peritoneal mesothelioma patients was 80% when treated using cytoreduction with HIPEC and additional chemotherapy, according to the Washington Cancer Institute.
How Many Chemo Treatments Are Needed for Mesothelioma?
Patients often receive 2 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy for mesothelioma, according to NYU Langone Health. Each cycle lasts around 3 weeks, followed by a rest period in between. This allows the patient to recover from potential side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue and nausea.
If your mesothelioma comes back after receiving chemotherapy, doctors may recommend different drugs or treatments to help improve your health outlook.
Should I Participate in a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials give patients the opportunity to test new treatments that could be more effective than standard ones. Newer treatments, such as immunotherapy, were approved for widespread use after showing they helped patients in mesothelioma clinical trials.
Not everyone will qualify to join a clinical trial as the eligibility requirements for each study are unique. For example, some trials will only be available to those with a specific type of mesothelioma.
If you’re considering a clinical trial, talk to your doctor about your eligibility and the pros and cons to see if it’s the right decision.
“Clinical trials are not meant to be only considered when there are no other treatment options. I think sometimes patients, and even providers, have that impression. Clinical trials can be very appropriate in frontline therapy.”
How Effective Is Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma?
Immunotherapy has shown promise in improving patient survival times after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma immunotherapy drugs work by helping the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Several immunotherapy drugs, including nivolumab (Opdivo®), ipilimumab (Yervoy®), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mesothelioma after showing encouraging results in clinical trials.
In a 2026 follow-up for the CheckMate 743 immunotherapy trial, the 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma patients who received Opdivo and Yervoy was 14%. Patients who just received chemotherapy had a 5-year survival rate of only 6%.
Can Radiation Therapy Help With Mesothelioma?
Yes, mesothelioma radiation therapy can help shrink tumors and improve patient survival. Doctors typically recommend using radiation alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery for best results.
Radiation can sometimes harm healthy tissues and cells, leading to uncomfortable side effects. Your mesothelioma doctor can administer different types of radiation to target your cancer while limiting collateral damage.
How Do I Choose a Mesothelioma Doctor?
Finding a doctor with experience treating mesothelioma is an important part of receiving the best possible care.
Mesothelioma specialists understand the latest treatment options and often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and other cancer experts.
You can use Mesothelioma Hope’s Free Doctor Match to connect with experienced specialists right now.
Are Alternative Treatments Safe for Mesothelioma?
Some mesothelioma patients explore complementary or alternative therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, alternative or holistic options cannot cure cancer and shouldn’t replace proven mesothelioma treatments such as surgery or immunotherapy.
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma include:
- Acupuncture
- Dietary supplements
- Herbal medicine
- Massage therapy
- Medical marijuana
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Yoga
Always talk with your health care team before trying alternative treatments or supplements, as some may interfere with cancer treatment.
How Is Pain Managed for Mesothelioma?
Pain is a common symptom of mesothelioma, but it can often be managed with different palliative (pain-relieving) options. Palliative treatments are available for patients at any stage of their cancer journey to help them feel better.
Palliative care for mesothelioma includes:
- Changes to diet and nutrition
- Medications
- Mental health counseling
- Minor surgeries to relieve fluid buildup
- Physical therapy
“Palliative care often gets looped in with hospice, as palliative care was created from the hospice movement. But palliative care doesn’t mean that a person is near death.“
Mesothelioma patients can ask their doctor about pain-relieving options that can support them throughout the treatment process.
How Do I Find a Mesothelioma Treatment Center?
Many patients choose to receive care at a mesothelioma hospital or comprehensive cancer center with experience treating this rare disease.
Top mesothelioma cancer centers offer:
- Advanced surgical procedures
- Clinical trials
- Multidisciplinary care
- Supportive services
Patients at these cancer centers typically are treated by a team of doctors specializing in different treatments, as well as nurses, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and more. This ensures that patients get expert care for all aspects of their diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Nutrition FAQs
How Does a Good Diet and Nutrition Help With Mesothelioma?
Good nutrition can help support your body by improving strength, supporting recovery, and helping manage mesothelioma treatment side effects such as weight loss, nausea, or fatigue.
Your doctor or a registered dietitian can recommend a personalized mesothelioma nutrition plan based on your diagnosis, treatment regimen, and general health.
Which Foods Should I Eat After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Which foods to incorporate if you’re facing mesothelioma will vary depending on the factors in your case.
Generally speaking, several foods have been shown to provide nutrients that can support your body when facing cancers like mesothelioma and undergoing treatment.
Foods that may help with mesothelioma include:
- Fish and other sources of omega-3s
- Fruits and vegetables
- Good sources of protein, such as chicken, eggs, and yogurt
- High-calorie fats like nuts and olive oil
- Teas that contain antioxidants
- Whole grains
It may be recommended that you avoid alcohol, red meat, ultra-processed foods, and unwashed produce, as these could affect your treatments and general well-being.
Download our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide now for tips from a registered nurse on which foods to eat and what to avoid with mesothelioma.
Can Changing My Diet Help Me Survive Mesothelioma?
Dietary changes shouldn’t be used as a substitute for treatments recommended by mesothelioma specialists. With that said, some long-term mesothelioma survivors have credited changes to their diet and lifestyle as helping them live longer.
One example is Art Putt, who developed mesothelioma in 2018. Soon after, he started chemotherapy and immunotherapy. His wife and daughter, both registered nurses, also recommended a blend of oils, cottage cheese, and powder given through a tube after he developed issues swallowing.
“Originally, the doctor said he would have possibly six months to a year — and that was eight years ago,” Art’s wife Jan said.
“And he didn’t really think I’d make the year,” Art added.
Mesothelioma Prognosis FAQs
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma life expectancies vary depending on the mesothelioma type, stage, and treatment strategy. The general life expectancy for mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months.
Here are life expectancy figures by mesothelioma type:
- Pleural mesothelioma patients can live for over 35 months with surgeries and other treatments.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma patients can live for 53 months on average if they receive cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.
- Pericardial mesothelioma patients have the shortest life expectancy at just 2 to 6 months on average. However, some patients can live longer with treatment.
- Testicular mesothelioma patients can live for almost as long as peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The average life expectancy is over 46 months.
Mesothelioma Hope can help you find doctors and treatments that can potentially improve your prognosis. Call our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933 to get started.
What Is the Survival Rate for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma survival rates estimate the percentage of people who are alive a certain number of years after diagnosis. The general 5-year mesothelioma survival rate is 12%, as noted by National Cancer Institute (NCI) data.
Like life expectancy figures, survival rates vary based on the type and stage of mesothelioma, cell type, overall health, and a patient’s treatment plan.
Your mesothelioma specialist can explain how your diagnosis and treatment plan may affect your survival time.
Can Mesothelioma Go Into Remission?
Yes. Some mesothelioma patients experience partial or complete remission after treatment, meaning the cancer shrinks significantly or cannot be detected on imaging tests. In some cases, long-term survivorship is possible for patients in remission.
However, remission doesn’t necessarily mean the cancer has been cured, and ongoing follow-up care is important because mesothelioma can return.
The likelihood of remission depends on several factors, including the type and stage of mesothelioma, the treatments received, and how the cancer responds to therapy.
Has Anyone Been Cured of Mesothelioma?
There is no cure for mesothelioma at this time, but cancer treatments are helping some patients live much longer. For this reason, mesothelioma isn’t always fatal or considered a death sentence, even though it’s not curable.
Doctors and researchers also continue to study ways to improve mesothelioma treatments, with the hope of one day potentially finding a cure.
Has Anyone Ever Survived Mesothelioma?
Yes, there are many patients who have survived mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma survivors have lived for more than 20 years after their diagnosis thanks to treatments.
One notable long-term mesothelioma survivor is Julie Gundlach. She was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in her mid-30s. Bravely undergoing numerous treatments, including multiple surgeries, Julie’s cancer is now stable. She celebrated 20 years of survivorship in August 2026.
“Never give up hope — and remember that your life is yours, not the disease’s.”
Get your Free Survivors Guide and hear from real patients about how they navigated a diagnosis, treatment, and living a full life with mesothelioma.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma FAQs
If Asbestos Is So Dangerous, Why Was It Used?
Before the early 1980s, the dangers of asbestos were largely unknown to the public. The makers of asbestos-containing products knew the risks but concealed them to continue making money.
Instead, asbestos was seen as a reliable material because it was lightweight, fireproof, waterproof, and inexpensive. All of these qualities meant it was widely used in homes, offices, ships, and more.
Will the Asbestos in My House Give Me Mesothelioma?
Many older homes were built with asbestos-containing products like popcorn ceilings, insulation, pipes, and more. If these products are in good shape, they don’t necessarily pose a health risk. You are only in danger when asbestos fibers become airborne.
Breathing in dust or fibers released from damaged asbestos materials used in homes without proper breathing protection could put you at a higher risk of mesothelioma later in life.
If you’re concerned that you might have mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, contact our team of Patient Advocates right now.
Which Products Commonly Contained Asbestos?
For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in up to 5,000 products because it was durable and resistant to heat and fire.
Common asbestos-containing products include:
- Boilers and furnaces
- Brake pads and clutches
- Cement
- Drywall joint compound
- Fireproof clothing and protective gear
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Gaskets and seals
- Industrial equipment
- Insulation
- Pipes
- Roofing shingles and roofing felt
- Shipbuilding materials
People working with or around these products may have been exposed to asbestos fibers without realizing it.
Although many of these products are no longer manufactured, older materials may still contain asbestos and pose a risk if they are damaged or disturbed.
Is Asbestos Banned in the United States?
Not completely. In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a ban on chrysotile asbestos, the last still used in new materials (mainly by the chlor-alkali industry).
However, the asbestos ban includes a provision that allows the gradual phase-out of asbestos products. It also fails to address “legacy asbestos,” or leftover materials found in older buildings. As a result, it may still pose a threat today.
Can Asbestos Cause Diseases Other Than Mesothelioma?
Yes. Besides mesothelioma, asbestos has also been linked to several other life-threatening diseases, including different types of cancer.
Notable asbestos-related diseases include:
- Asbestosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Laryngeal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Even someone exposed just once could go on to get sick later in life, as there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Questions About At-Risk Asbestos Occupations
Which Jobs Have the Highest Mesothelioma Risk?
Many jobs put workers at risk of mesothelioma later in life. Those with the greatest odds of developing mesothelioma worked with asbestos every day at their jobs for months, years, or even decades.
Occupations at risk of asbestos exposure included:
- Aircraft mechanics
- Boilermakers
- Chemical and power plants workers
- Construction workers
- Engineers
- Factory workers
- Farmers
- Firefighters
- HVAC workers
- Insulators
- Miners
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Railroad workers
- Shipyard workers
If you worked in one of these at-risk occupations before the 1980s, or you’re a U.S. military veteran, there’s a high chance you were exposed to asbestos in your day-to-day work.
Our team can help determine if you were exposed to asbestos on the job. Connect with one of our Patient Advocates to learn more.
Can Family Members Be Exposed to Asbestos if I Worked Around It?
Yes. Family members could have suffered secondary asbestos exposure, which can contribute to a mesothelioma diagnosis decades later.
Workers who handled asbestos may have unknowingly carried fibers home on their clothing, shoes, hair, or equipment. Family members could then breathe in or swallow these fibers while doing laundry, hugging loved ones, or spending time together at home.
“Being somebody that was raised with a dad that was in trades, you can be an innocent bystander, like a child that’s just on a job site with your dad. You may not even be aware that asbestos is being disturbed and that it can affect you.”
– Brandon Cleeton, husband of mesothelioma survivor
Where Was Asbestos Commonly Found?
Asbestos was used in many workplaces, homes, and commercial buildings throughout the United States before its health risks became widely known.
Common asbestos job sites included:
- Chemical plants
- Construction sites
- Manufacturing facilities
- Military bases
- Navy ships
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Schools
- Shipyards
- Steel mills
Because asbestos fibers are released when materials are removed, replaced, or worn down, renovation and demolition projects can still create exposure risks today.
Legal Help for Mesothelioma FAQs
What Legal Options Do Mesothelioma Victims Have?
Many legal options may be available for mesothelioma victims. Patients often receive $1 million or more through mesothelioma legal claims.
Key legal options for those affected by mesothelioma include:
- Personal injury lawsuits filed against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products
- Asbestos trust fund claims, which can award payouts without a lawsuit
- Wrongful death lawsuits filed by the family of someone who died from mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with two well-established asbestos law firms, Sokolove Law and Simmons Hanly Conroy, to support patients like you. These firms have helped thousands of other families access asbestos compensation for medical expenses, travel costs, and more.
“Once I began the lawsuit process, I never looked back. I never regretted it. It was always made as easy for me as possible. It has allowed me to seek the medical treatment I need without the fear of losing my home.”
Get a Free Case Review to find out which legal options work best for you after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Do I Need to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Hiring a mesothelioma lawyer isn’t required, but many patients and families choose to work with one because asbestos claims can be very complex.
The asbestos attorneys in our network handle every step of the legal process for you, making it much less stressful to get the compensation you may deserve.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can:
- Determine how you may have been exposed to asbestos
- Gather supporting evidence for a mesothelioma lawsuit
- File your case within set legal deadlines
- Negotiate meaningful settlements on your behalf
- Take your case to trial, if needed
“We handle almost everything for our clients, often without them ever needing to go to court. Your legal team requires very little of you once you sign on.”
Your mesothelioma lawyer will keep you updated throughout the case while you focus on what matters most: your health and your family members.
What Should I Look for in a Mesothelioma Law Firm?
Not every law firm has experience in successfully litigating asbestos-related cases. Choosing a firm that focuses on mesothelioma claims can help ensure your case is as strong as possible.
Make sure any mesothelioma law firm you’re considering has:
- A history of successful verdicts and settlements
- Access to asbestos exposure databases and investigators
- Compassionate client support and clear communication
- Experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos cases
- Nationwide representation if needed
- No upfront attorney fees
Sokolove Law and Simmons Hanly Conroy have been handling mesothelioma lawsuits for decades. Together, these firms have recovered over $11 billion in asbestos compensation for families all over the country.
Both firms also give clients the personalized attention and respect they deserve, making a process that can otherwise be overwhelming much easier.
“Simmons Hanly Conroy makes you feel like you’re somebody and you matter. They’ve become good friends — even family.”
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Mesothelioma?
Depending on your circumstances, mesothelioma patients and their families may qualify for several types of financial compensation.
Potential mesothelioma compensation options include:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Veterans benefits (VA benefits)
- Workers’ compensation
- Wrongful death claims for eligible surviving family members
- Settlements or jury verdicts
The type of compensation available depends on factors such as your asbestos exposure history, military service, employment history, and state laws.
Call (866) 608-8933 now to connect with our partner mesothelioma attorneys and learn which types of compensation may be available to you.
What’s the Difference Between an Asbestos Trust Fund and a Lawsuit?
An asbestos trust fund claim and a mesothelioma lawsuit are two different ways patients can seek compensation.
Here’s what to know:
- An asbestos trust fund claim is filed against a trust established by a bankrupt company. There’s over $30 billion available across dozens of active trusts. You may qualify for compensation from several trusts, depending on which products you were exposed to.
- A mesothelioma lawsuit is filed against companies that did not declare bankruptcy and are still doing business.
Many patients may qualify for both trust fund claims and lawsuits, depending on the companies involved in their exposure history.
Sokolove Law and Simmons Hanly Conroy can determine which companies made the products you were exposed to and file trust fund claims or lawsuits to help you pursue maximum compensation.
“We have an extensive database of documents that we’ve collected over 25 years. By utilizing this database, we can get our clients the compensation they deserve.”
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid From a Mesothelioma Settlement?
While every case is unique, many families who’ve worked with Sokolove Law and Simmons Hanly Conroy received their first mesothelioma settlement payouts within 90 days.
The mesothelioma claim payout timeline depends on factors such as:
- The availability of medical and employment records
- The number of companies involved
- Whether asbestos trust fund claims are also filed
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can give you a more accurate estimate based on the details of your case.
What Is the Average Settlement for an Asbestos Claim?
On average, mesothelioma settlements are worth $1 million to $1.4 million. Cases that go to trial typically pay out $5 million to $11.4 million.
With that said, mesothelioma case values can vary based on each person’s diagnosis, asbestos exposure history, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Both Simmons Hanly Conroy and Sokolove Law have a strong track record of securing millions of dollars for many past clients impacted by mesothelioma.
Simmons Hanly Conroy has notably logged the highest mesothelioma verdict ever for a single plaintiff, recovering $250 million for a former U.S. Steel employee with mesothelioma.
“I’d recommend anyone choose Sokolove Law because they sent people out within a day, and the firm got us a settlement that will take care of us for the rest of our lives.”
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit. While it varies by state, a patient typically has only 2 to 3 years after diagnosis to take legal action.
Sokolove Law and Simmons Hanly Conroy can help review the facts of your case and ensure your lawsuit is filed in time.
Call (866) 608-8933 now to learn more. Even if you think the deadline has passed in your case, there may still be options.
Still Have Questions About Mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma diagnosis can leave you with many questions about your health, treatment options, finances, and what comes next.
Whether you’re looking for experienced mesothelioma specialists, exploring treatment options, or learning about financial and legal resources, you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you:
- Connect with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers near you
- Learn about surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments
- Understand your financial and legal options
- Access free educational guides and resources
Call our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Mesothelioma Guide shipped overnight to get the answers you need.
