If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) after being exposed to asbestos fibers/dust, you may be entitled to recover substantial compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit case or settlement claim.
A team of asbestos injury lawyers and class action attorneys is investigating potential mesothelioma lawsuit and settlement claims of individuals who were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue or membrane (made of epithelial cells) that surrounds various organs in the body such as the abdominal cavity (peritoneum and mesentery), chest (pleura and pericardium) and pelvis (the tunica vaginalis that surrounds the testes). Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. It has been estimated that in the last 70 years or so almost 100,000 Americans may have suffered from mesothelioma, many of whom died from the disease. Unfortunately, the vast majority of mesothelioma cases are malignant (meaning that a tumor is cancerous and may invade its surrounding tissue or spread around the body).
Mesothelioma survivors (and family members of victims who passed away from mesothelioma) are now coming forward and filing mesothelioma lawsuit injury claims seeking compensation and justice for the harm and suffering they may have endured.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits & Settlements: Overview
- What Are The Mesothelioma Lawsuits About?
- What Is Mesothelioma?
- How Many Americans May Have Suffered From Mesothelioma?
- Who May Qualify For a Mesothelioma Lawsuit or Settlement?
- Who Can Be Sued For Mesothelioma Injuries?
- What Are The Different Types of Mesothelioma?
- What Are Possible Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
- How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?
- What Are The Four Stages Of Mesothelioma?
- Are There Medical Treatments For Mesothelioma?
- How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
- Can I Recover Compensation From a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit?
- Can Families Get Money in Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Cases?
- Is There A Deadline To File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
- Does It Cost Me Anything To Hire A Mesothelioma Injury Attorney?
- Request A Free Case Review From A Mesothelioma Injury Lawyer
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Cases & Settlement Claims
Mesothelioma lawsuit and settlement cases potentially being investigated include claims of individuals who, after being exposed to asbestos, were diagnosed with mesothelioma, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Cancer of the mesothelium
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Testicular mesothelioma
- Epithelial mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma
- Biphasic mesothelioma (mixed mesothelioma)
- Malignant mesothelioma
If you or someone you love were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation from a mesothelioma cancer injury lawsuit or settlement case.
Mesothelioma Injury Lawsuit Complaints
Over the years, hundreds of thousands of mesothelioma survivors (and families or representatives of victims who died from mesothelioma) are believed to have filed mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits, mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits (in the case of deceased victims) and/or mesothelioma injury compensation claims from asbestos trust funds from asbestos companies that went bankrupt (there are more than 60 asbestos trust funds, holding over $30 billion combined, for victims to make claims against).
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a legal claim for money that a person with mesothelioma (or in a wrongful death case, their family or representative) files against the defendant companies who made, sold, or used asbestos-containing products and may be responsible for exposing them to asbestos. Mesothelioma lawsuit complaints (the formal legal documents filed in court to start a case) commonly allege that for decades, asbestos was used in construction, shipyards, power plants, military equipment, and hundreds of industrial products and that the defendant companies knew (or should have known) that asbestos exposure could cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma but failed to warn workers, consumers, or the public.
Mesothelioma cases also often allege that defendant companies were negligent (i.e., they did not act with reasonable care to prevent harm) by, for example, continuing to use asbestos after learning it was dangerous, by failing to provide safety equipment or ventilation, by not training workers on how to handle asbestos safely or ignoring or suppressing scientific evidence about the risks of asbestos exposure. These complaints assert that people may have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos, causing them to suffer from mesothelioma decades later.
Because more than one company is often involved, mesothelioma claimants often file claims against multiple companies and may receive multiple awards or settlements from different defendants. Those who served in the Armed Forces, may also be able to file a mesothelioma disability claim with the Veterans’ Administration (VA).
Defendants Sued For Mesothelioma Injury
Mesothelioma lawsuits are typically filed against companies/entities that:
- Manufactured asbestos-containing products
- Distributed or sold asbestos-containing products
- Owned or operated properties where asbestos exposure occurred
- Other mesothelioma defendants
Types of Mesothelioma Cancer Cases
There are four types of mesothelioma, based upon on the location of the mesothelium affected or where the tumors initially develop after exposure to asbestos. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the tissue around the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma (which develops in the tissue surrounding the abodomen), pericardial mesothelioma (which develops in the tissue surrounding the heart) and testicular mesothelioma (which develops in the tissue surrounding the testicles).
Mesothelioma can also be classified by the type of cells where the cancer originates, including epithelial mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma (or mixed mesothelioma).
Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma (making up about 70% or more of all asbestos related mesothelioma cancers), but it is also typically less aggressive and responds better to mesothelioma treatment than the others. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common (making up about 10 or 20% of mesothelioma cancer cases), but it is more likely to spread than the others and the mesothelioma prognosis is typically worse. Biphasic mesothelioma is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
How Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos causes mesothelioma through a slow, step-by-step biological process triggered by its microscopic, needle-like fibers when they are inhaled or swallowed by an individual:
- Inhalation/Ingestion of Asbestos Fibers: When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed — during demolition, repairs, or even routine work in certain environments — they release microscopic fibers into the air. Once inhaled or ingested, these sharp, needle-like fibers can become lodged in the body’s tissues, most often in the pleura (the thin membrane surrounding the lungs), the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), or other protective linings.
- Chronic Irritation & Inflammation: These asbestos fibers are incredibly durable, heat-resistant, and virtually indestructible once inside the body. Because the body cannot break down or expel asbestos fibers, they remain embedded in the pleura and other tissue for decades. Their sharp, jagged structure irritates surrounding tissues, causing chronic inflammation and scar tissue (fibrosis).
- Cellular Damage & DNA Mutations: Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to oxidative stress and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage nearby cells’ DNA. Asbestos fibers can also physically pierce cell membranes and disrupt normal cell division.
- Uncontrolled Cell Growth: The accumulated damage and mutations eventually cause mesothelial cells making up the single-layer membrane called the mesothelium that lines the chest cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the sac around the heart (pericardium) to lose their growth-control mechanisms. These cells begin to divide uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors.
- Development of Mesothelioma: After 20–50 years, these cancerous cells proliferate into mesothelioma, an aggressive and often fatal cancer that can develop in several areas of the body. The most common form, pleural mesothelioma, spreads along the lung’s pleural lining and may invade the chest wall, diaphragm, and nearby organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal lining, potentially affecting the intestines and other digestive organs. Rarer types, such as pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma, arise in the linings of the heart and testes, respectively, and can spread to adjacent tissues and structures.
Mesothelioma Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, depending on the type of mesothelioma (i.e., pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma or testicular mesothelioma). Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can include, among others:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Respiratory complications
- Chronic cough
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Blood clotting disorders
- Difficulty taking a deep breath
- Lumps of tissue under skin on chest
- Night sweats
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Ascites (buildup of fluid in abdomen)
- Other mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Tests and procedures used by physicians, pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, surgeons and other doctors to diagnose mesothelioma can include physical examination, medical history, imaging tests (such as CT scan, PET scan, ultrasound, chest X-ray, MRI, etc.), blood tests (to check for high levels of Fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides or SMRPs often found in those with mesothelioma), and/or biopsy (fluid testing, needle biopsy, endoscopic biopsy, surgical biopsy, etc.)
Mesothelioma Stages
Mesothelioma is a disease that can progress through four stages. In the first stage of mesothelioma, cancer cells are in the mesothelial lining. In the second stage, the mesothelioma cancer cells enter the lymph nodes (small bean-shaped structures that are part of the body’s immune system). In the third stage of mesothelioma, the mesothelioma cancer cells spread to adjacent organs and distant lymph nodes. In the fourth stage (also called end stage mesothelioma) cancer cells spread throughout the body.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatments for mesothelioma used by oncologists, surgeons and/or pulmonologists can include surgery (to remove cancer and/or relieve pain caused by mesothelioma tumors), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, among other mesothelioma treatments.
Compensation For Mesothelioma Injury Claims
Plaintiffs who bring mesothelioma lawsuits may be able to recover compensation for injuries suffered, including money damages for:
- Pain and suffering: In mesothelioma cases, pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate victims for the intense physical hardship caused by the disease. Mesothelioma often leads to severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms that can significantly limit a person’s independence and daily activities. Because mesothelioma is aggressive and progressive, pain and suffering damages often represent a substantial portion of total compensation, reflecting the profound human cost of asbestos exposure. Courts and juries consider the severity, duration, and overall impact of this suffering when determining fair compensation, recognizing that these harms go far beyond financial losses.
- Lost wages/income/earnings: In mesothelioma cases, lost wages/income, and diminished earning capacity are a key category of damages designed to compensate victims for the financial hardship caused by their illness. Because mesothelioma often forces individuals to leave the workforce prematurely (whether due to debilitating symptoms, lengthy treatment schedules, or medical restrictions) victims may lose years of income they otherwise would have earned. This category of compensation covers not only past lost wages from missed work but also future earning potential that is no longer attainable due to the disease’s progression. It may also include lost benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and bonuses. In cases where the victim was a primary wage earner, these damages are essential to helping families maintain financial stability and replace the income that would have supported them over the course of a full career.
- Medical care expenses (past and future): In mesothelioma lawsuits, compensation may be recovered for medical care expenses (both past and future) to cover the extensive costs associated with diagnosing, treating, and managing the disease, including surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, prescription medications, oxygen therapy, hospital stays, and ongoing specialist care. Because mesothelioma is a progressive cancer that often requires long-term and evolving treatment plans, future medical expenses are carefully calculated to account for anticipated care throughout the patient’s life expectancy. This can also include palliative care, home healthcare (such as in-home nursing), clinical trials, rehabilitation, and supportive services. By recovering these costs, victims and their families are not left burdened by the overwhelming financial impact of mesothelioma treatment, allowing them to focus on quality of life and access to the best possible medical options.
- Other out of pocket expenses: In mesothelioma cases, other out-of-pocket expenses refer to the wide range of additional costs victims and their families often face as a direct result of the disease. These can include travel expenses for medical treatment, such as transportation, lodging, and meals when care is far from home, as well as parking fees, medical equipment, home modifications (such as ramps, handrails, or accessible bathrooms), mobility aids and adaptive equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, stair lifts, oxygen tanks, and hospital beds) and over-the-counter medications not covered by insurance. Many patients also incur costs for in-home caregiving, cleaning services, or childcare while undergoing treatment. These expenses can add up significantly over the course of treatment. Compensation for these out-of-pocket costs helps ensure that families are not financially burdened by the practical realities of living with mesothelioma, allowing them to focus their resources and energy on care and recovery.
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life: In mesothelioma claims, loss of quality or enjoyment of life refers to the profound ways the disease limits a victim’s ability to live fully and participate in activities they once loved. This type of damage recognizes that mesothelioma doesn’t just cause physical illness: it often robs individuals of their independence, mobility, hobbies, social relationships, and ability to share meaningful experiences with family and friends. Daily routines may become dominated by medical treatments and physical limitations, while travel, recreation, and personal goals are often cut short. Courts and juries consider these life-altering impacts when awarding compensation, understanding that no amount of money can truly replace lost time, opportunities, or cherished experiences.
- Mental anguish/emotional distress: In mesothelioma lawsuits, mental anguish and emotional distress damages address the deep psychological impact that comes with a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Beyond the physical pain, many victims experience profound feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and grief as they cope with the uncertainty of their prognosis, the burden of treatment, and the knowledge that their illness was preventable. This emotional toll often extends to concerns about family, financial security, and end-of-life planning; all of which can severely diminish mental well-being. Courts recognize that these invisible wounds are just as significant as physical injuries, so compensation for emotional distress aims to acknowledge the ongoing psychological suffering a victim endures and provide resources for counseling, therapy, or other support services that may help improve their quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages: Certain family and loved ones of individuals who died as a result of mesothelioma may be able to recover financial compensation from a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit or settlement claim. Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit damages might include, among other things, pecuniary losses suffered by a surviving spouse or next of kin of the deceased family member, such as past and future loss of money or income, benefits, goods, services, and loss of society (i.e., the mutual benefits that each family member receives from the other’s continued existence, including love, affection, care, attention, companionship, comfort, guidance, and protection).
The amount of a settlement or award in mesothelioma cases can vary widely based on numerous factors including, among others (1) the location and duration of asbestos exposure; (2) the stage, severity and progression of mesothelioma, including the patient’s prognosis, (3) the amount of pain and suffering, and impact on quality of life; (4) the degree of emotional and psychological suffering; (5) the amount of expenses incurred/expected (medical bills, future care costs, etc.); (6) the amount of income/earnings lost/expected to be lost; (7) the age of the victim (younger victims are often awarded higher compensation because they typically face a longer period of lost earnings, pain and suffering, and medical care needs, etc.); (8) the number of defendants and who the defendants are (their level of negligence or misconduct, their financial resources, etc.); (79) the strength of the evidence/proof tying asbestos exposure to defendants and (10) the jurisdiction where the case is filed.
According to some estimates, the average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million and the average mesothelioma lawsuit trial verdict is about $2.5 million.
Time Is Limited To File A Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Deadlines called statutes of limitation and statutes of repose may limit the time that individuals have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to try to recover compensation for mesothelioma and cancer related complications suffered after being exposed to asbestos.
This means that if a mesothelioma lawsuit claim is not filed before the applicable deadline or limitations period, the injured party may be barred from ever pursuing litigation or taking legal action regarding their mesothelioma injury claim. That is why it is important to connect with a mesothelioma injury lawyer or attorney as soon as possible.
Connect With A Mesothelioma Injury Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming for victims and their families, especially when the disease is linked to asbestos exposure that may have been preventable. A mesothelioma attorney can help you understand your legal options, identify the companies responsible, and protect your rights while you focus on your health, treatment, and spending time with the people who matter most.
Mesothelioma injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered by their lawyers (in which case, the attorneys get paid a percentage of the amount of any settlement or award recovered). This approach ensures that every mesothelioma victim (or their family), regardless of their financial situation, has to access legal representation and can pursue justice without added financial stress.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to recover compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit or settlement. Contact a mesothelioma injury lawyer to request a free case review.
*If you or a loved one are experiencing health issues, side effects or complications from a product (i.e., mesothelioma), we urge you to promptly consult with your doctor or physician for an evaluation.
**The listing of a company or product is not meant to state or imply that the company acted illegally or improperly or that the product is unsafe or defective; rather only that an investigation may be, is or was being conducted to determine whether legal rights have been violated.
***The use of any trademarks, tradenames or service marks is solely for product identification and/or informational purposes.
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