Key Takeaways
- If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have the right to seek compensation. There are three primary legal pathways: filing a lawsuit, filing asbestos trust fund claims, and filing a VA claim.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed against former employers and manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. The majority of cases settle before going to trial.
- Over 60 companies have established asbestos trust funds, with a combined $30 billion available to compensate mesothelioma victims. Claims can be filed against multiple trusts — no court appearance is required.
- VA disability claims are available to veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. The VA rates mesothelioma as a 100% disability, with monthly compensation of approximately $3,737.85 (single) or $3,946.25 (married) as of 2024.
- Choosing a mesothelioma attorney who specializes in asbestos cases and is local to your area is important — these cases are nuanced and require knowledge of specific job sites and companies in your region.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma you have a right to seek justice and receive compensation for your diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer in which there is currently no cure. It is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers which get lodged in organ lining leading to inflammation and a buildup of scar tissue. There are multiple ways to seek compensation for your mesothelioma diagnosis. We can provide you with legal help for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, which can help pay for things like lost wages and medical expenses.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
One avenue that you can take is filing a lawsuit against the company or companies that negligently exposed you to asbestos. A lawsuit can be filed against former employers as well as manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Viable defendants would be sued, and this would involve a deposition. It is important to note that the majority of cases are settled before going to trial.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
If the companies or manufacturers that exposed you to asbestos are bankrupt or no longer in business, it is possible that they have put money aside into an asbestos trust fund. There are currently over 60 companies that have money set aside for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases and there is $30 billion available. We can help you file claims with one or multiple trusts to receive compensation for your diagnosis. This process does not involve going to court. The amount of money in the funds is always changing so it is important to act quickly if possible.
VA Claims
It is also possible to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA classifies mesothelioma as a 100% disability rating and can give out monthly payments to victims of mesothelioma. As of 2024, for veterans that are single, the monthly compensation amount is $3,737.85, and for veterans that are married it is $3,946.25. In order to file a VA claim you must provide records of service to prove that you served in the US military, medical documentation supporting the fact that the asbestos-related disease was probably caused by exposure to asbestos, and updated medical records along with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Legal help for mesothelioma victims is something that is regularly provided by our team. We have decades worth of experience fighting for mesothelioma victims and their families to help get them their rightful compensation. When choosing representation for your mesothelioma diagnosis it is important to seek out a lawyer that specializes in asbestos-related disease cases as these types of cases can be very nuanced. It is also useful to choose a law firm that is local to the area that you worked in. We provide legal help for mesothelioma victims in Pennsylvania because we know the area well and are familiar with the job sites and companies in PA. For more information or for a free case evaluation call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal options do mesothelioma victims have?
There are three primary pathways to pursue compensation:
- Lawsuits — filed against former employers or manufacturers who negligently exposed you to asbestos
- Asbestos trust fund claims — filed against funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies
- VA disability claims — available to military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during service
Many mesothelioma victims pursue more than one of these pathways simultaneously.
How does a mesothelioma lawsuit work?
A mesothelioma lawsuit is filed against the company or companies that negligently exposed you to asbestos — including former employers and manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. The process involves identifying viable defendants, gathering evidence of exposure, and taking depositions. The majority of mesothelioma cases settle before going to trial, meaning most victims receive compensation without enduring a lengthy court process.
What are asbestos trust funds?
Asbestos trust funds were established by companies that went bankrupt due to asbestos-related lawsuits. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, these companies were required to set aside money to compensate current and future victims. There are currently over 60 active trust funds with approximately $30 billion available. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify which trusts your case qualifies for and file claims on your behalf — no court appearance is needed. The amount available in these funds changes over time, so acting quickly is important.
How much VA disability compensation do mesothelioma veterans receive?
The VA classifies mesothelioma as a 100% disability rating — the highest possible rating — which qualifies veterans for the maximum monthly compensation. As of 2024:
- Single veterans — $3,737.85 per month
- Married veterans — $3,946.25 per month
To file a VA claim, you need records of military service, medical documentation linking your disease to asbestos exposure during service, and current medical records with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Why should I choose a local mesothelioma attorney?
Mesothelioma cases are highly nuanced — they require knowledge of specific job sites, employers, products, and exposure histories in your area. A local attorney familiar with Pennsylvania’s industrial history — including steel mills in Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the Ambler asbestos manufacturing legacy, and power plants and factories across the state — is better positioned to build a strong case than a national firm with no local knowledge.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, taking legal action as soon as possible is important — statutes of limitations apply. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your diagnosis. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
