Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Filing an asbestos lawsuit allows mesothelioma patients and their families to fight back against the companies responsible for their exposure — and secure compensation for their future.

As a leading asbestos law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has secured over $9.6 billion in mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts for thousands of clients nationwide.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to find out if your family may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Speaking with us costs nothing.

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Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: John Simmons, Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy

Why Choose Simmons Hanly Conroy for Your Asbestos Lawsuit?

As one of the country’s leading mesothelioma law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy is uniquely equipped to help patients and their families get the justice and results they deserve from asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits.

We’ll handle every step of the legal process — including determining how you were exposed to asbestos, what products you were exposed to, and who’s to blame.

Find out what sets Simmons Hanly Conroy apart: 

  • Over 25 years of experience
  • More than 100 attorneys nationwide
  • $9.6 billion from mesothelioma cases
  • Over 6,000 families helped
  • No hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs
  • More than $21 million donated to mesothelioma cancer research

When you work with us, you’ll have a small team of experienced asbestos attorneys focused solely on your case.

Each team has access to top resources, including our warehouse of evidence on asbestos products and national network of medical experts.

We’ve secured record-breaking results from asbestos lawsuits — including the largest mesothelioma verdict against a single defendant ($250 million). We’re dedicated to ensuring your family gets results.

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  • We fight to maximize your results
  • Many get results in as few as 90 days
  • No out-of-pocket costs for your family

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Why File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Asbestos companies knew the risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s — but covered them up for decades while continuing to use the toxic mineral.

“Companies that used asbestos knew that their products were dangerous,” explained John Simmons, firm founder and U.S. Army veteran. “It was basically a calculation on if they could pay the claims in the future and make more money today.”

By filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, you may be able to:

  • Hold asbestos companies accountable
  • Pay for growing medical costs
  • Recover lost wages
  • Provide for your family members

Sadly, mesothelioma is an expensive disease to treat. The costs of diagnostic tests, medication, surgeries and traveling to specialists can add up quickly, amounting to over $400,000 a year.

Mesothelioma lawsuits can allow families to seek justice while securing much-needed financial compensation during an exceedingly difficult time. It’s made a big difference to the thousands of families we’ve helped.

Our Past Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

As of November 2024, we’ve secured more than $9.6 billion in mesothelioma compensation for families across the country.

Our team is proud of the success we’ve had securing both mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and trial verdicts:

  • $250 million for a steel worker with pleural mesothelioma
  • $40 million to a U.S. Navy veteran
  • $8 million for a Louisiana mechanic
  • $20 million for a Missouri auto mechanic
  • $5.6 million to an airline worker
  • $3.8 million to a peritoneal mesothelioma patient
  • $4.7 million for a laborer who was exposed to asbestos
  • $60 million to a laborer in California with mesothelioma
  • $4.14 million to a U.S. Air Force veteran
  • $13 million for an HVAC worker
  • $12 million for a U.S. Navy veteran
  • $8.3 million to an oil worker
  • $3.69 million for a U.S. Navy veteran
  • $4 million to a laborer
  • $6.8 million for a Florida mechanic

We’ve successfully handled thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits. Results vary from case to case, and there’s never a guarantee of compensation.

Find out if you may qualify for compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit during a free legal consultation.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Criteria: Who Can File?

Mesothelioma lawsuit criteria generally revolve around your attorney’s ability to prove your diagnosis, asbestos exposure history, and the negligence of companies responsible for your exposure.

Our mesothelioma lawyers may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of the:

  • Patient diagnosed with mesothelioma
  • Victim’s spouse or children
  • Representative of the victim’s estate

If your loved one has already passed away, you may be eligible to file a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit and secure compensation for the pain your family has experienced.

Call (800) 326-8900 now for free help determining your mesothelioma lawsuit eligibility.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

The mesothelioma lawsuit statute of limitations is a law that determines how long you have to take legal action. Each state has a different time period for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The mesothelioma lawsuit deadline can range from 1 to 3 years after the date of a person’s diagnosis or death from mesothelioma.

The most common reason why our attorneys can’t help someone file an asbestos lawsuit is because the deadline to file has already passed. Don’t let this happen to you.

Connect with our team now to make sure your mesothelioma lawsuit is filed in time.

How Does Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Work?

Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. To build a case, your attorneys must prove you were exposed to specific asbestos products, link them to your illness, and identify the manufacturers or sellers.

If you have a case, our team will:

  • Collect evidence about how and when you were exposed to asbestos
  • Investigate the asbestos products that may have caused your illness
  • File any asbestos exposure claims on your behalf within state deadlines

By handling every step of the legal process, we strive to make filing a mesothelioma lawsuit more accessible to families battling this cancer. What happened wasn’t fair — but we can fight for the justice you deserve.

Find out more about how filing a mesothelioma lawsuit works below.

Step 1 Contact Asbestos Lawsuit Attorneys

At Simmons Hanly Conroy we offer free legal consultations to determine if you may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. We’ll ask you a few questions about your diagnosis, work history, and any known exposures to asbestos.

Our asbestos lawsuit attorneys have helped thousands of families across the country secure compensation from mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits. Contact our team now to see if you have a case.

Step 2 We’ll Find the Proof of Exposure

Our goal is to identify who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and hold them accountable for causing you to get sick. We’ll investigate and collect all of the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.

For your asbestos lawsuit, our team will work to prove: 

  • What products you were exposed to
  • Which companies made, sold, or used them
  • These companies knew their products were dangerous but failed to warn others of the risks

We have a warehouse of information on job sites across the country where asbestos was present, as well as documents showing corporation negligence. Let us put our resources to work for you.

Step 3 We’ll File Your Asbestos Lawsuits

Once we’ve determined which companies may be responsible for your exposure, we’ll file asbestos lawsuits against all of them.

The average number of defendants named in a mesothelioma lawsuit is around 70. Our attorneys can work to negotiate a settlement with each one.

We’ll also file your lawsuit for mesothelioma before any legal deadlines and in the state likely to award you the most compensation possible.

Photo of John Stahl, wearing a black baseball hat and gray sweatshirt

“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 how the process worked.”
– John, Mesothelioma Survivor

Step 4 Get Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements

The vast majority of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits settle without going to court, allowing many of our clients to receive compensation faster.

Regardless, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, allowing us to effectively take on powerful asbestos companies in court if necessary.

We have a long history of winning significant mesothelioma verdicts at trial, including:

  • $34 million for a California mechanic who was routinely exposed to asbestos while servicing brakes made by Ford Motor Company
  • $10 million to a longshoreman in Louisiana, which was ranked in the National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts
  • $30 million for a construction supervisor who worked around transite pipes that released asbestos into the air when cut

Our combination of compassion, resources, and experience has helped us secure some of the largest asbestos verdicts and settlements in the country for mesothelioma patients and their families.

Understanding the Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timeline

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we know time is of the essence when it comes to mesothelioma lawsuits due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and the high cost of treatment.

Our firm is one of the fastest in the country when it comes to securing results for our clients. We’ll do everything we can to get compensation for your family as quickly as possible.

Professional headshot of Daniel Blouin

Money comes in relatively quickly, within months of filing, sometimes even 1 month at times. We try to fully resolve the case within a year to 2 years, typically a year to 18 months depending on the state.”
– Dan Blouin, Firm Partner

Within days of contacting us, our attorneys can meet with you at a location of your choosing to learn more about your diagnosis and start building your case.

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  • We fight to maximize your results
  • Many get results in as few as 90 days
  • No out-of-pocket costs for your family

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Why Can Asbestos Companies Be Sued for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Throughout the 20th century, this toxic mineral was used by asbestos companies to make durable and fire-resistant products and building materials.

Many of these companies knew the health risks of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s — but they failed to warn the public about these dangers.

As a result, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones may be able to file lawsuits against the companies responsible for their asbestos-related illness.

Mesothelioma lawsuits may be filed against the:

  • Product manufacturers
  • Manufacturers of component parts
  • Wholesalers or distributors of the products
  • Companies that employed workers who used asbestos-containing products

Filing a mesothelioma claim can help individuals hold negligent companies accountable for exposing them to cancer-causing asbestos.

Video Summary: Meso Survivors and Meso Warriors discuss what factors led them to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. View Transcript.

Latanyta Manuel (00:01):
Mesothelioma took my husband, the father of my children, and he was only 44 years old.

Bob Guinn (00:14):
My name is Bob. I'm 53 years old, and I have mesothelioma.

Dennis Ray (00:18):
And they said, "The results from the biopsy are you have mesothelioma. You've been around asbestos."

Julie Gundlach (00:27):
I was told that I had a very deadly cancer, that I should go home, put my affairs in order.

Walter Twidwell (00:33):
They said, “Do you have all your paperwork in order?” And I said, "Yes I do." And he said, "Well, keep it there."

Bob Guinn (00:38):
I used to be this big strong guy and tough guy, and nothing bothered me, and now I'm less than that.

Forrest Wulf (00:46):
It was devastating when they told me I had it — for me and my family.

Latanyta Manuel (00:53):
Companies knew it was deadly, but they used it anyway.

Julie Gundlach (00:58):
I think initially my reaction was disbelief at the way companies continued to use asbestos after they knew that it was deadly.

Walter Twidwell (01:08):
When I got told they knew many years prior what it would do to a human being, I got mad. I said, "Well, to heck with this noise, they're going to hear from me."

Bob Guinn (01:22):
They knew they were making people sick with the products they were producing and they didn't give a...

Walter Twidwell (01:29):
I didn't want to sue my government, and I damn sure didn't want to sue the Navy, because they’re still feeding me.

Forrest Wulf (01:38):
When I found out, people told me to go see a lawyer and file a lawsuit.

Julie Gundlach (01:44):
I first contacted an attorney on the advice of my physician, and it seemed initially like something I didn't want to do. It just goes against my nature.

Bob Guinn (01:57):
I've never filed a lawsuit before in my life.

Dennis Ray (02:01):
Number one, I didn't think I'd ever get mesothelioma. I knew there was asbestos in it, but I didn't know it was harmful. I didn't know it would cause cancer.

Forrest Wulf (02:10):
I hope it sends a message to them, because they're killing us is what they're doing.

Bob Guinn (02:18):
It was all about the mighty dollar. They didn't care what happened to people and their families.

Julie Gundlach (02:23):
My biggest fear was my daughter would grow up and not remember her mother.

Types of Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuits

The types of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits filed today primarily include personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits, and asbestos trust fund claims.

There’s an estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds, and, depending on your exposure history, you may be eligible for compensation from multiple trusts.

Unlike many other firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy can file both mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims for those who are eligible. This allows us to maximize the total compensation you may receive.

During a free legal consultation, we can let you know more about all of your potential legal options.

Mesothelioma Product Liability Lawsuit

Mesothelioma product liability lawsuits are filed by patients who have been diagnosed with this cancer. These lawsuits aim to hold asbestos companies accountable for causing someone to get sick through no fault of their own.

“We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to have our day in court,” said Lori, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris. “It truly made such a difference for my husband to know that good guys can actually win.”

The purpose of an asbestos lawsuit is to get compensation for mesothelioma and let the wrongdoers know that there is a cost for putting people’s lives at risk.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit After the Death of a Loved One

If your loved one passed away from mesothelioma, you may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit after their death, also known as a wrongful death lawsuit.

In legal terms, “wrongful” means a death caused by the negligent acts of another party. Companies knew the health dangers of asbestos exposure for years — but continued to use it.

Some of our past results from asbestos lawsuits for family members include: 

  • $15 million for the family of a New York construction worker
  • $4 million for a Los Angeles teacher
  • $3.75 million to the family of a Pennsylvania laborer
  • $2.86 million for a factory worker’s family
  • $1.57 million to a Texas mechanic
  • $3.3 million for a U.S. Marine Corps veteran
  • $1.2 million to the loved ones of a New York truck driver
  • $2.69 million for a California shipyard worker
  • $3.43 million to a Colorado carpenter
  • $4.4 million for the family of a secondhand exposure victim
  • $3.98 million for a Massachusetts U.S. Navy veteran
  • $5.2 million to the family of a Florida roofer

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit after death can provide your family with much-needed compensation, honor your loved one’s legacy, and hold the companies responsible for their suffering accountable.

Mesothelioma Class Action Lawsuit

Since asbestos exposure can affect people in different ways, mesothelioma class action lawsuits are no longer considered an effective way of holding asbestos companies accountable.

Mesothelioma class action lawsuit settlements may not award families as much compensation since the outcome is based on a single client representing a large group with varying degrees of illness and expenses.

Your case will be filed and prosecuted individually, not as a mesothelioma class action lawsuit, so you get the attention and compensation you deserve.

Professional headshot of Firm Founder John Simmons

You’re not just a number. We’ll know your name. Someone will take your call and someone will call you back. We even place calls to our clients long after their case is resolved to make sure they’re doing OK.”
– John Simmons, Firm Founder & Chairman

Determining Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts

When it comes to determining mesothelioma lawsuit payouts, our attorneys will investigate the specific details of your case in order to secure the most compensation possible for your family.

Asbestos lawsuit payout amounts are determined by:

  • Medical bills and other expenses related to treatment, like travel costs to see a specialist
  • Lost wages from being unable to work due to your illness
  • The number of companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos
  • The strength of evidence presented by your attorneys
  • Whether the case settles or goes to court

We’ve already recovered more than $9.6 billion for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Let us use our extensive experience and resources to fight for you.

Our ability to successfully handle mesothelioma lawsuits is unmatched, often leading asbestos companies to settle rather than risk a battle with us in court.

Our Asbestos Lawsuit Lawyers Can Help in All 50 States

As a leading national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped families in all 50 states secure compensation from the companies that exposed them to asbestos.

Over the last 25 years, our asbestos lawsuit lawyers have recovered more than $9.6 billion total for mesothelioma victims across the country.

Select your state to find out how our firm has helped families in your area.

There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with us. With centuries of cumulative experience, we’re committed to holding companies accountable and securing compensation for patients and their loved ones.

Call (800) 326-8900 now or fill out our contact form to see if we can file a mesothelioma lawsuit on your behalf.

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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Litigation FAQs

What is a mesothelioma lawsuit?

A mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of product liability claim filed against the companies that made or used asbestos-containing products.

Mesothelioma victims and their loved ones can hold asbestos companies liable for the injuries they suffered as a result of exposure to the company’s products.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can also secure compensation that can help patients pay for medical bills, treatment and more.

Who is liable for mesothelioma?

Companies that exposed individuals to asbestos without proper warning or protection are typically liable for mesothelioma. This can include manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of asbestos-based products.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, we may be able to help you file an asbestos exposure lawsuit and pursue compensation from those responsible.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit after the death of my loved one?

Yes, possibly. If your loved one passed away, you may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit after death to seek justice on their behalf.

Compensation from a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit can help families pay for funeral expenses, outstanding medical bills, lost income, and more.

Why can you sue for mesothelioma?

You may be able to sue for mesothelioma because companies knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s. Despite this, they continued to use asbestos in their products for decades.

Millions of innocent workers were put at risk of asbestos-related diseases. By filing a lawsuit for mesothelioma, you can hold these companies accountable and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

In many states, you only have as few as 1 to 3 years to file a mesothelioma lawsuit after your diagnosis or the death of your loved one.

It’s important to contact an asbestos law firm as soon as possible. Once the mesothelioma lawsuit statute of limitations in your case passes, you won’t be able to take legal action for your illness again.

What is the average settlement for mesothelioma victims?

It’s difficult to calculate average mesothelioma lawsuit settlements because compensation amounts depend on a variety of factors, like your exposure history and whether your case settles or goes to trial.

A few of our past mesothelioma lawsuit settlements amount include:

  • $12 million to a laborer in Illinois
  • $6.8 million for a Florida mechanic
  • $4.25 million to a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder
  • $10 million for a boiler tender with mesothelioma
  • $8 million to a pipefitter and plumber in Texas
  • $3.75 million for the family of a Pennsylvania laborer
  • $7 million to a wire installer in California

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we work hard to secure the most compensation possible for our clients. Get a free consultation now to see if we can pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit settlement for your family.

Who pays mesothelioma cancer lawsuits?

Mesothelioma cancer lawsuit settlements are paid by companies that made, sold, or used asbestos products. Many companies knew their products were dangerous but hid this information to continue making money.

As a result, you may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against them and seek compensation for the harm they caused.

How much does it cost to file an asbestos exposure lawsuit?

There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to file an asbestos exposure lawsuit. Our attorneys will only get paid if your case results in compensation, so there’s no financial risk on your part.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if our team can help you file a mesothelioma lawsuit. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.

How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?

Every mesothelioma lawsuit has a different timeline depending on specific factors in each case. As a national mesothelioma law firm, we understand that time is of the essence in asbestos cancer cases.

Our skilled mesothelioma attorneys will work to secure the highest amount of compensation for you in the shortest amount of time possible.

What state will my asbestos lawsuit be filed in?

Our attorneys can assess the details of your case and determine the best state to file your asbestos lawsuit in, which may be the state where:

  • You currently live
  • You were previously exposed to asbestos
  • The company responsible for your exposure is located

Depending on the specific facts of your case, it’s possible that your asbestos lawsuit may not be filed in your home state. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to travel or leave the state.

When you work with Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ll come to you and work to make filing a lawsuit as stress-free as possible for your family.

Will I need to travel to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma?

We’ll travel to you, wherever and whenever it’s convenient, for free. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit for mesothelioma from the comfort of your own home or another location of your choosing.

Though we can’t guarantee you won’t ever have to travel during your case, it’s very unlikely you will need to leave the area you live in for your case.

What was the first asbestos lawsuit?

The first successful asbestos lawsuit, Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation, involved Clarence Borel, a union insulator diagnosed with asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Clarence’s attorney argued the asbestos products he was exposed to at work were unreasonably dangerous and lacked adequate warnings. Though Borel passed away from his illnesses in 1970, a jury ruled in his favor in 1971 and awarded compensation to his wife.

This landmark decision set a precedent for future asbestos lawsuits, establishing the manufacturers’ responsibility to inform users of the dangers associated with their products.

Will my case be part of a mesothelioma class action lawsuit?

No. While asbestos class action lawsuits may have been an option historically, your case will not be handled as a class action mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma class action lawsuit settlements were unable to take into account the various factors that can influence compensation amounts in individual claims, like the:

  • Duration of exposure
  • Number of asbestos products and work sites involved
  • Severity of the illness

All asbestos cases will be filed and prosecuted individually, instead of as a mesothelioma class action, so your case receives the individual attention and compensation it deserves.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more about your legal options.

Reviewed by: John Simmons Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Legal Reviewer

John Simmons is a founder and Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went on to earn his Doctor of Law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law. He has helped recover some of the biggest verdicts and settlements in asbestos litigation history and is rated as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

Simmons Support Team: Last modified:
View Sources
  1. KCIC. “Asbestos Litigation: 2023 Year in Review.” Retrieved from: https://www.kcic.com/media/2345/kcic_report_asbestos-annual-report_2023.pdf. Accessed on November 13, 2024.
  2. Texas State Historical Association. “Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation.” Retrieved from: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/borel-v-fibreboard-paper-products-corporation. Accessed on November 13, 2024.

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  • Many clients get results in as few as 90 days
  • Over $10.1 billion secured for families
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