Asbestos Settlements
Asbestos settlements for illnesses like mesothelioma award between $1 million and $1.4 million on average, and many families start receiving compensation within 90 days. Asbestos compensation can help pay for medical care and other expenses stemming from an asbestos-related disease. See if a top attorney may be able to seek an asbestos settlement on your behalf.
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
What Are Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements?
Asbestos lawsuit settlements are payments by companies to resolve or settle legal claims filed by asbestos exposure victims.
The plaintiffs in these lawsuits typically allege that several asbestos-containing products caused them to develop an illness like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
Many companies knew about the dangers of asbestos for decades but hid this information from the public in order to keep making money.
Quick Facts About Asbestos Settlements
- Asbestos settlements are worth over $1 million on average for illnesses like mesothelioma.
- About 95% of victims are able to access asbestos compensation without going to court.
- Many plaintiffs are entitled to multiple asbestos settlements.
- Clients may be able to access settlement money in as few as 90 days after contacting an asbestos attorney.
The asbestos lawyers that LawFirm.com works with have secured over $9 billion for victims and families nationwide.
Get a free case review right now to see if they may be able to seek asbestos settlements for you.
Asbestos Settlement Amounts
The average asbestos settlement can be around $1 million to $1.4 million depending on your illness, but our legal partners have secured much larger settlements for many victims.
Notable asbestos and mesothelioma settlements secured by our legal partners include:
- $12 million to a laborer in Illinois with mesothelioma cancer
- $8 million for a plumber and pipefitter from Texas
- $7 million to a wire installer in California
- $6.8 million for a Florida mechanic with a mesothelioma diagnosis
- $4.3 million to a U.S. Army veteran and boilermaker in Florida
- $4.14 million for a welder and U.S. Air Force veteran
- $3.9 million on behalf of an auto mechanic and insulation worker from Virginia
- Over $3.6 million to a food worker in New York
- $3.45 million in mesothelioma compensation to a Pennsylvania teacher
- $3.2 million on behalf of a U.S. Navy veteran and plumber from Wisconsin
- $2.8 million for the family of a heavy equipment operator in Illinois
- Over $2.5 million for a wrongful death claim brought by the family of a Michigan maintenance worker
In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $700 million to settle a talcum powder lawsuit by dozens of states alleging the company failed to reveal the presence of asbestos in its products.
Asbestos settlement amounts vary based on the number of companies named in a lawsuit, the type of disease involved, and other factors.
Regardless of the facts of your case, an asbestos lawyer will fight for maximum asbestos compensation.
Call (866) 447-8466 right now to see if we can connect you with a top attorney who may be able to seek asbestos settlements on your behalf.
John and Dee Stahl explain how life changed after John was diagnosed with a cancer called mesothelioma, and how attorneys helped them get justice and peace of mind.
Duration: 4 min 10 sec
Am I Eligible for Asbestos Compensation?
You may qualify to pursue asbestos cancer compensation if you:
- Have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma or lung cancer
- Are the family member of someone who has passed away from an asbestos disease
- Represent a mesothelioma victim’s estate
Money from a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit can help pay for a victim’s medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced asbestos lawyer can collect information to show how and where you were exposed to asbestos and file your lawsuit before any legal deadlines.
How to Pursue Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit Settlements
While every case is unique, most asbestos lawsuits go through the same legal process to reach a settlement.
Here are the general steps involved in the asbestos settlement process:
- Get a free case review: Asbestos lawyers use this process to verify that they can help you with a lawsuit. A case manager will ask questions about your work history and disease.
- Collect evidence: Your lawyer and their support staff will build your case by gathering evidence of your asbestos exposure. This may include your medical records and work history. Even if you’re unsure about how you were exposed, asbestos law firms have resources to identify the products that made you sick.
- File the lawsuit: Using this information, your attorney will file your asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your illness before legal deadlines called statutes of limitations.
- Negotiate asbestos lawsuit settlements: Your legal team will work to secure asbestos settlements that provide you with maximum compensation.
“One check showed up, and then another check showed up, and then another, and they’re still coming in now. It’s been very satisfying.”
– Jimmy, pleural mesothelioma survivor
While most asbestos lawsuits are settled, your team will be ready to argue your case in court and fight for an asbestos verdict if necessary.
Timeline for Asbestos Lawsuit Payouts
The asbestos lawsuit payout timeline varies from case to case, but many families start receiving compensation from asbestos settlements in as few as 90 days.
One of the main reasons that asbestos attorneys and their clients usually prefer asbestos settlements over taking a case to court is that families often get paid much faster.
Experienced asbestos lawyers know that many families depend on settlement compensation to pay for medical treatments and make up for lost wages. As a result, they strive to get their clients the most amount of money as quickly as possible.
Families who hope to obtain quick asbestos settlement payouts should consider working with a law firm experienced in handling asbestos cases.
Get a free case review right now to see if LawFirm.com can connect you with a top asbestos lawyer who will fight to get you asbestos compensation as quickly as possible.
Asbestos Claim Payouts: Settlements vs Verdicts
Asbestos attorneys and their clients typically prefer asbestos settlements over verdicts since they’re less risky and provide faster access to much-needed compensation.
Learn more about the differences between these two forms of asbestos compensation in the table below.
Asbestos lawsuit settlements | Asbestos trial verdicts |
---|---|
Award between $1 million and $1.4 million on average | Award between $5 million and $11.4 million on average |
Provide asbestos victims with quicker access to compensation | More time-consuming since it can take a year or more for a case to be heard in court |
Less risk, as the parties agree ahead of time to a certain amount of compensation | Riskier, as a plaintiff may lose a case and get nothing |
Less stress, as victims don’t have to go to court to get compensation | More stress, as victims and their family members may need to appear in court to testify |
Not subject to appeal, meaning any compensation awarded can’t be taken back | Subject to appeal, placing a favorable jury verdict in jeopardy and drawing out the length of the case |
How Are Asbestos Cancer Settlements Calculated?
Many different factors affect the amount of compensation awarded in asbestos settlements.
6 factors that may impact asbestos cancer settlements include:
- Age of the victim: Younger patients generally tend to receive larger asbestos settlements.
- Extent of exposure: Victims exposed to heavy concentrations of asbestos for a long amount of time may qualify for more substantial asbestos compensation.
- Medical expenses and lost wages: Asbestos lawsuit settlements usually take into consideration the victim’s medical expenses and lost wages.
- Number of companies sued: Most mesothelioma claims name multiple defendants, and each may contribute to the total settlement amount.
- Strength of case: Strong evidence linking asbestos exposure to a manufacturer’s product is more likely to result in a larger settlement.
- Where the suit is filed: Every state has its own laws that impact asbestos lawsuits. An experienced asbestos attorney will ensure that your case is filed in the court system most likely to get you the best results.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, other factors may play a role, like the person’s health at the time of death, the extent of their suffering, and whether they financially supported a spouse or children.
An asbestos law firm can evaluate all aspects of your case and devise a strategy to maximize any asbestos settlements you may receive.
Get a free case review now to see if a top law firm may be able to pursue asbestos settlements for you.
Reasons to Pursue an Asbestos Settlement
Asbestos settlements allow those affected by asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer to seek compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and more. Asbestos compensation also holds negligent companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Asbestos cancer compensation can help pay for:
- Cutting-edge medical treatments
- Everyday living expenses, like food and utilities
- Insurance co-pays
- Lost wages
- Mortgage or rent
- Prescription medications
- Travel to and from a cancer center
- Other costs
Mesothelioma treatment can cost over $500,000, not including travel-related expenses.
If a loved one has passed away from an asbestos disease, filing a lawsuit and seeking asbestos settlements on their behalf is a way to honor their memory.
“I filed the lawsuit because I was not sure what my mother was going to need, and we wanted to make sure that my father had the financial backing to do whatever was going to make my mom’s end of life the most comfortable.”
– Debbie, daughter of a mesothelioma patient
Other Ways to Get Asbestos Cancer Compensation
An experienced asbestos lawyer may be able to help victims pursue compensation from other sources in addition to asbestos settlements.
These asbestos compensation sources include:
- Asbestos trust funds: There’s an estimated $30 billion available in bankruptcy trusts created to pay those impacted by asbestos-related diseases. Claimants qualify for $300,000 to $400,000 total on average, and these trusts award compensation without going to court.
- VA benefits: Veterans with asbestos-related diseases connected to military service may be entitled to benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans with mesothelioma typically qualify for almost $4,000 per month in disability compensation.
Due to the military’s widespread use of asbestos products, about 33% of all mesothelioma patients are military veterans.
Some asbestos victims may be able to pursue compensation from asbestos lawsuit settlements, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits at the same time, maximizing their total payout.
Get Help Seeking Asbestos Settlements
Asbestos settlements allow patients to seek compensation for medical treatments and other expenses without the hassle of going to court.
Experienced asbestos attorneys can handle all aspects of a settlement, so victims can focus on their health and spend time with loved ones.
The asbestos lawyers LawFirm.com works with have secured over $9 billion in asbestos compensation for victims and their families.
Our legal partners can pursue asbestos cancer settlements on behalf of victims in all 50 states and never charge any upfront or hourly fees.
Call (866) 447-8466 right now or fill out our form to see if they can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Asbestos Settlement FAQs
How much money do you get from asbestos?
The amount of compensation you could potentially secure from an asbestos lawsuit may vary depending on the specifics of your case.
Asbestos settlements and trial verdicts range from $1 million to $11.4 million on average for illnesses like mesothelioma.
Find out if you may be eligible to seek asbestos compensation by getting a free, no-obligation case review.
Can I claim compensation for asbestos exposure?
Yes, you may be able to file a claim for compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
Asbestos victims may be entitled to asbestos claims payouts from:
- Asbestos lawsuit settlements or verdicts
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can explain your legal options and pursue all sources of compensation you qualify for.
What is the average settlement for asbestos?
The average asbestos settlement amount is between $1 million and $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.
Asbestos settlements are affected by many factors, including:
- Age of the victim
- Details of the asbestos exposure
- Disease diagnosis
- Medical bills
An asbestos attorney can give you an idea about the potential settlement value of your case.
What’s the largest asbestos settlement?
Asbestos lawsuit settlements are almost always confidential, making it difficult to collect data on them.
However, our legal partners have reported these mesothelioma lawsuit settlements:
- $13.1 million to a carpenter with pleural mesothelioma
- $12 million to a laborer in Illinois
- $10 million to a boiler tender with pleural mesothelioma
- $8 million to a Texas pipefitter and plumber with pleural mesothelioma
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review all settlement offers and fight to get you as much money as possible.
Call (866) 447-8466 now to see if we can connect you.
How much does a lawyer charge for asbestos settlements?
Top asbestos lawyers never charge any upfront or hourly fees to pursue asbestos settlements for their clients. Instead, they get paid by taking a percentage of any asbestos compensation they secure for you.
This fee arrangement allows everyday people to take legal action without any financial risk.
How do I get asbestos settlements?
The best way to secure asbestos settlements is to work with an experienced mesothelioma law firm. These firms have resources that allow them to build strong cases and maximize financial compensation for their clients.
These resources include:
- Attorneys with decades of asbestos litigation experience
- Relationships with respected medical experts
- Support staff, including registered nurses and asbestos investigators
- Warehouses full of information on asbestos companies and products
Get a free case review right now to get legal help and take the first step toward accessing asbestos settlement funds.
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.
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.
- American Bar Association. (2021, November 28). “How Courts Work.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_related_education_network/how_courts_work/discovery/#
- Courthouse News Service. “Johnson & Johnson settles baby powder asbestos claims for $700 million.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.courthousenews.com/johnson-johnson-settles-baby-powder-asbestos-claims-for-700-million/
- Mealey’s. (2021, July 30). “Mealey’s litigation report: asbestos.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/65302/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2020-december-2020
- Sokolove Law. (2024, June 26). “Mesothelioma & Asbestos Trust Funds.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/mesothelioma/legal/asbestos-trust-funds/#
- Sokolove Law. (2024, June 26). “Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts.” Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/mesothelioma/legal/mesothelioma-settlement/