Asbestos Lawsuit

An asbestos lawsuit is a product liability claim filed against companies responsible for a victim’s exposure. Asbestos lawsuits for illnesses like mesothelioma award over $1 million on average, and many victims start receiving payments within 90 days. If you or a loved one has been harmed, we may be able to help you take legal action. Find out now.

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Why Take Legal Action?

By filing an asbestos lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from the companies that caused you or a loved one harm.

Results Secured

  • $8 million for a plumber and pipefitter from Texas
  • $6.8 million for a Florida mechanic
  • $4.14 million for a welder and U.S. Air Force veteran
Rae Theodore

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated:

Amy Garrett

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Amy E. Garrett

What Is an Asbestos Lawsuit?

An asbestos lawsuit is a legal complaint filed by patients diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and their families against companies that made, sold, and distributed the products that made them sick.

Many asbestos companies were aware of the health risks for decades, but concealed this information from the public to add to their profits.

Quick Facts About Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawsuits

  • An asbestos lawsuit often names dozens of defendants, maximizing the amount of money a plaintiff may receive.
  • The majority of asbestos cases settle, allowing victims to secure compensation without going to court.
  • The average asbestos lawsuit settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million for diseases like mesothelioma.
  • Many victims start receiving their first payments in 90 days or less.

An asbestos lawyer can figure out how, where, and when you were exposed and use that information to build a strong lawsuit.

The attorneys that LawFirm.com works with have secured over $10.2 billion for families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Get a free case review now to see if one of our legal partners may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit on your behalf and fight for maximum compensation.

Asbestos Settlements and Verdicts

The average asbestos lawsuit settlement or verdict for an illness like mesothelioma is between $1 million and $11.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.

Most asbestos exposure lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements, providing families with quicker access to much-needed money with less stress.

LawFirm.com has partnered with asbestos law firms that have secured billions of dollars for families nationwide.

Asbestos lawsuit settlements and verdicts recovered by our legal partners include:

  • $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
  • $12 million on behalf of an Illinois laborer
  • $7 million to a wire installer from California
  • $5.6 million on behalf of a Missouri engineer
  • $4.3 million to a Florida U.S. Army veteran and boilermaker
  • $4.25 million for a welder and U.S. Air Force veteran from Indiana
  • $4 million on behalf of an electrician from Illinois
  • $3.9 million to the family of an auto mechanic and insulator’s helper in Virginia
  • Over $3.4 million for a school teacher from Pennsylvania
  • $2.9 million to a U.S. Air Force veteran in South Carolina
  • Over $2.7 million on behalf of a U.S. Navy veteran from Massachusetts
  • $2.7 million in mesothelioma settlements for the family of a plasterer
  • Over $1.3 million to a Virginia tanker driver and brick worker
  • $8 million for a pipefitter and plumber in Texas
  • $30.2 million to a construction worker in California

Regardless of the facts of your case, an asbestos lawyer will work to get you as much money as quickly as possible.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or chat with a case manager to see if you may be eligible for compensation from an asbestos lawsuit.

Asbestos Lawsuit Requirements

You may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit if you:

  • Were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease
  • Are the family member of a patient who passed away from an asbestos illness
  • Represent a deceased victim’s estate

Money from an asbestos lawsuit can help cover your treatment costs, everyday living expenses, and more.

Families can use compensation from an asbestos wrongful death lawsuit to help with remaining medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. Taking legal action is also a way to honor your loved one’s memory.

A mesothelioma attorney can tell you if you meet the asbestos lawsuit requirements and fight for compensation on your behalf if so.

Steps to File an Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can handle all aspects of an asbestos lawsuit, so you can focus on your health and spending time with the people you love.

With an experienced attorney by your side, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence. Find out about the steps involved in the asbestos lawsuit process below.

1. Get a Free Legal Consultation

Top asbestos law firms will review your case for free, so you can learn about your legal options without any financial commitments.

Get started right now with a free case review.

2. Collect Evidence of Asbestos Exposure

Your mesothelioma lawyer and their legal team will gather evidence showing how and when you were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos lawsuit evidence may include:

  • Medical records
  • Military documents
  • Testimony from experts
  • Work history

The mesothelioma law firms we work with have warehouses full of information they can use to pinpoint your exposure, even if you’re not sure how you were exposed, and build a strong asbestos lawsuit on your behalf.

3. File an Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

Using this evidence, your attorney will file your asbestos lawsuit in the court most likely to result in the best outcome. They will file your claim before state deadlines called statutes of limitations.

4. Receive Asbestos Compensation

Your legal team will work to secure the largest amount of compensation as quickly as possible by negotiating out-of-court settlements with the defendants.

The majority of asbestos lawsuits end in settlements, allowing families to access money without ever entering a courtroom.

In the rare event that your mesothelioma lawsuit doesn’t settle, your lawyer will present your case in court and fight for a favorable trial verdict.

Statute of Limitations for an Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit how long you have to file asbestos lawsuits.

In most states, people have 2 to 3 years to file a lawsuit for asbestos exposure. However, the statute of limitations is as short as 1 year in some states.

The clock usually starts ticking on the date of diagnosis in asbestos personal injury cases and on the date of death if a loved one has died of an asbestos-related disease.

To ensure that your mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit is filed in time, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Even if you think the statute of limitations has expired in your case, it’s still a good idea to consult with a mesothelioma attorney. They may be able to file your lawsuit in a state with a longer time limit or find other ways to access compensation.

Don’t delay: Call (866) 447-8466 right now or chat with a case manager to get started — while there’s still time.

Types of Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos lawsuits are product liability claims that allege asbestos-containing products made a person sick or caused their death.

The two most common types of asbestos lawsuits are:

  • Asbestos personal injury lawsuits, which are filed by a patient after they’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
  • Asbestos wrongful death lawsuits, which are filed by a family member after the death of a loved one from an asbestos illness.
A note about asbestos class action lawsuits

Asbestos class actions are almost never filed today, as they are unlikely to award victims the compensation they deserve. Instead, these lawsuits are filed individually.

Other Ways to Seek Asbestos Funds

Asbestos lawsuits are not the only way for victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Asbestos lawsuit alternatives include:

  • Asbestos trust funds: Over $30 billion is sitting in bankruptcy trusts for current and future victims. If any of the asbestos companies responsible for causing you harm have declared bankruptcy, you may be owed a portion of this money.
  • VA benefits: Veterans with diseases related to their military service are often eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), like disability payments worth nearly $4,000 per month and free or low-cost health care.

Asbestos exposure victims may be entitled to money from multiple sources, increasing their potential payout.

An asbestos attorney can determine all of the sources of compensation you qualify for and file claims with each one. See if a top lawyer can file asbestos claims on your behalf with a free case review.

Abestos Exposure Lawsuits: 2025 Update

In 2025, asbestos lawsuits remain a crucial way for families impacted by asbestos-related diseases to seek justice and compensation.

KCIC reported these asbestos litigation trends over the past year:

  • 3,931 asbestos lawsuits were filed.
  • 1,907 involved mesothelioma and 1,644 lung cancer.
  • The top 5 states for filings were Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Missouri.
  • The average number of defendants ranged from 50 to 97, depending on the case.
  • Over 19% of lawsuits included allegations of asbestos exposure from talcum powder.

Despite regulatory efforts to limit asbestos use, exposure continues to impact many each year, leading to thousands of asbestos lawsuits across the United States.

Mesothelioma victims can work with experienced attorneys who can navigate the legal landscape, identify responsible parties, and pursue the maximum compensation available.​

Benefits of Filing an Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

Asbestos lawsuits allow families to pursue compensation that can make life much easier after someone has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.

Many asbestos companies knowingly placed millions of innocent people in danger. A lawsuit is one way for affected families to pursue justice and compensation for their pain and suffering.

Benefits of asbestos cancer lawsuits include:

  • Accessing money for treatments: While health insurance may cover some treatment costs, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for co-pays and other expenses, like traveling to and from a cancer center. Treatments for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can cost over $400,000 a year.
  • Replacing lost wages: You might not be able to work while undergoing treatment for mesothelioma or another asbestos disease. Family members may also miss time from work as they provide care.
  • Holding asbestos companies accountable: Many companies knew asbestos was harmful as early as the 1930s but chose to keep quiet to continue making money.
  • Securing your family’s future: Mesothelioma patients often take comfort in knowing their family will be provided for after their passing. Mesothelioma lawsuits award over $1 million on average — a life-changing sum for many families.

For many victims, filing an asbestos lawsuit can also provide closure knowing that justice has been served.

“My husband would never have come to peace in the way that he was able to if it hadn’t been for the process we went through with the mesothelioma lawsuit.”

– Lori Morgan, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris

Get Help Filing a Lawsuit for Asbestos Exposure

Finding out that you have an asbestos-related disease can be devastating, especially when you realize that it could have been prevented if companies hadn’t acted out of greed.

By filing an asbestos lawsuit, you can seek compensation to help pay for your expenses during this uncertain time and hold corporations accountable.

Our legal partners have secured over $10.2 billion for families affected by asbestos. They never charge any upfront fees and can help victims in all 50 states.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or fill out our form to see if they may be able to help you file an asbestos lawsuit and seek justice.

Asbestos Litigation FAQs

Can you still sue for asbestos?

Yes, you may be able to sue for asbestos exposure if you have been diagnosed with a related illness like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Relatives or estate representatives of a patient who has passed away may also be able to file an asbestos lawsuit.

A mesothelioma attorney can tell you whether you may be eligible and explain the legal process to you. They can fight for financial compensation on your behalf if you qualify.

Can you get compensation for asbestos exposure?

Yes, you can get compensation for exposure to asbestos fibers if it led to a serious illness like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Many victims of asbestos exposure have successfully filed lawsuits to hold companies accountable for failing to protect them from the dangers of asbestos.

How much money can you get from asbestos?

The average asbestos lawsuit settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million. However, many claims have settled for much more.

Asbestos settlements secured by our legal partners include:

  • $13.1 million for a carpenter with mesothelioma
  • $4.14 million to a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder
  • $10 million for a boiler tender with mesothelioma

Get a free case review now to see if a top lawyer may be able to fight for an asbestos settlement on your behalf.

What are the lawsuits related to asbestos?

Asbestos-related lawsuits are filed against companies that made asbestos-containing products that put millions of Americans in harm’s way. Families impacted by diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis may be able to take legal action.

Mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits award compensation averaging over $1 million, which can be used to help pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (866) 447-8466 now to see if one of our trusted legal partners may be able to help you file an asbestos lawsuit and seek compensation.

How long does an asbestos lawsuit take?

In many cases, families start receiving money from an asbestos lawsuit within 90 days of contacting a mesothelioma law firm.

The payout timeline for each case may vary depending on where the asbestos lawsuit is filed, the complexity of the case, and whether it settles or goes to court.

Can I file an asbestos claim after the death of a loved one?

Yes, you may be able to file an asbestos claim after a loved one has died from mesothelioma or another asbestos disease.

An asbestos lawsuit for family members seeks compensation from the asbestos manufacturers that put your loved one at risk and caused them to fall ill.

Compensation from a mesothelioma case can help pay for the victim’s medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Amy Garrett

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Amy E. GarrettPartner

  • Lawyer
  • Editor

Amy Garrett is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy with more than 22 years of litigation experience. Amy has helped the firm secure billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Over the past two decades, she has gained a reputation as a litigator who advocates for her asbestos and complex litigation clients both inside and outside the courtroom.

Rae Theodore

Written by: Rae Theodore

Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.

  1. American Bar Association. “When You Need a Lawyer.” Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/lawyerfees_contingent/.
  2. Judicature. “Going, Going, But Not Quite Gone. Trials Continue to Decline in Federal and State Courts. Does it Matter?” Retrieved from https://judicature.duke.edu/articles/going-going-but-not-quite-gone-trials-continue-to-decline-in-federal-and-state-courts-does-it-matter/.
  3. KCIC. (2025). “Asbestos Litigation: 2024 Year in Review.” Retrieved from https://www.kcic.com/media/2462/kcic_report_asbestos-annual-report_2024-1.pdf.
  4. Mealey’s Asbestos. “Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements: January 2021 – December 2021.” Retrieved from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/80615/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2021-december-2021.
  5. Sokolove Law. (2025, April 8). “Mesothelioma Lawsuit.” Retrieved from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/mesothelioma/legal/mesothelioma-lawsuit/.
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$9 Billion

Over $9 billion recovered for asbestos victims

$1.4 Million

Average asbestos lawsuit settlement

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