Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit

Name: How Do I Know if I Was Exposed to Asbestos?
Uploaded: 2024-12-09T00:00:00-05:00
Description: The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. If you've been diagnosed, you may be eligible for compensation from the asbestos companies that put you in harm's way.

An asbestos lung cancer lawsuit seeks to hold companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products accountable for the harm they caused. The majority of cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements, which award compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Some patients have received payouts of more than $1 million.

Get a Free Case Review

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

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: Jul 25, 2025

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

Understanding Asbestos and Lung Cancer

A doctor reviews a lung X-ray — Doctors analyzing a chest X-ray

Thousands of people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and in many cases, asbestos exposure that occurred years ago is to blame. Victims may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation from those responsible.

Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits are filed against companies that made, sold, or distributed products containing the cancer-causing mineral. Many of these companies knew that asbestos was hazardous but concealed this information to protect their profits.

Key Facts About Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits

Commonly filed by blue-collar workers and veterans exposed to asbestos on the job
May award hundreds of thousands, or even over $1 million, in some cases
Even if you were a long-time smoker, you may still be eligible for compensation
Most cases are settled out of court, meaning you may never have to step inside a courtroom

LawFirm.com works with asbestos lung cancer attorneys who can determine how, when, and where you were exposed and work to hold the companies that put you in harm’s way accountable.

Together, our legal partners have secured over $10.2 billion for families impacted by asbestos lung cancer and other related illnesses.

Get a free case review now to see if a top asbestos lung cancer lawyer may be able to fight hard for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Settlements & Verdicts for Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos

LawFirm.com works with asbestos lung cancer lawyers who’ve recovered billions of dollars for asbestos victims and their families nationwide.

Asbestos lung cancer settlements and verdicts secured by our legal partners include:

$3 million on behalf of a woman in Missouri
$2 million for a California construction worker
$1.95 million for a man with asbestos lung cancer in Colorado
$1.6 million to a California plumber with lung cancer whose wife died from lung cancer caused by secondary asbestos exposure
$1.57 million for a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and boilermaker from Nevada
Over $1.3 million to a mechanic in California
$1 million for a New York master electrician with asbestos lung cancer
Over $900,000 to the family of a non-small cell lung cancer victim and construction worker
$2 million on behalf of a New York railroad worker
$2.18 million for an electrician from Illinois
$2.77 million on behalf of a Tennessee pipefitter

Did you know?

In 2025, a New York appeals court upheld a jury verdict awarding a construction demolition worker $38 million in an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against a boiler manufacturer. The man was a smoker, but his attorneys argued that the asbestos he was exposed to contributed to his diagnosis.

Asbestos lung cancer lawsuit compensation may vary, depending on factors like your medical expenses, duration of exposure, and more.

An asbestos lawyer will fight to secure as much compensation as quickly as possible. Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits have strict deadlines called statutes of limitations, so it’s best to reach out as soon as possible.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or chat with a case manager to see if an experienced asbestos attorney in our network may be able to pursue an asbestos lung cancer settlement for you.

Am I Eligible to File a Lawsuit for Lung Cancer From Asbestos?

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit for lung cancer and asbestos if you:

Were exposed to asbestos and later developed an asbestos-related disease like lung cancer or mesothelioma
Lost a loved one to an asbestos-related illness
Represent the estate of someone who passed away from an asbestos disease

Compensation from an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit can cover medical bills, lost income, and everyday living expenses, lessening any financial worries.

If a loved one has passed away, compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help with funeral costs and honor their memory. Filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit is also a way to fight back against the companies that caused them harm.

Even if you were a long-time smoker before your diagnosis, you may still qualify to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit.

“People who’ve been exposed to both tobacco smoke and asbestos dust have a greater likelihood of developing lung cancer than if they had been exposed to just tobacco smoke or just asbestos dust. This is what’s called a synergistic effect.”

– Ricky A. LeBlanc, Sokolove Law attorney and LawFirm.com legal expert

Get a free case review now to see if we may be able to help you file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit.

What Type of Lung Cancer Is Caused by Asbestos?

Anyone who has been diagnosed with lung cancer may be able to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit since all types of this cancer can be caused by asbestos.

Types of asbestos lung cancer include:

Adenocarcinoma
Adenosquamous carcinoma
Combined small cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC)
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Sarcomatoid carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
Squamous cell carcinoma

Did you know?

Asbestos exposure can also cause pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive type of cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura).

Regardless of the type of asbestos lung cancer you have, a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to fight hard for everything you deserve.

Proving Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

To build a strong case, it’s important to work with a trusted asbestos law firm that knows how to trace your exposure. These firms have the tools and experience to uncover when, where, and how you were exposed — and which companies may be legally responsible.

Key resources used to prove asbestos-related lung cancer include:

Databases of asbestos-containing products and high-risk job sites
Experienced and skilled asbestos lawyers
Relationships with leading medical experts who can link your illness to asbestos
Skilled legal researchers and investigators

LawFirm.com has a network of asbestos lung cancer law firms that have access to these resources and more. Even if you’re not sure how you were exposed, they can look at your job, hobbies, and life history to figure out which products may have made you sick.

Steps to File Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Claims

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers can handle everything for you, so you can focus on your health and family.

An asbestos lung cancer lawsuit lawyer can:

Provide a free case review, so you can see if you may be able to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit without any financial risk.
Collect evidence like your medical records and job history to link your illness to the asbestos products that you came in contact with
File your asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure before any deadlines
Negotiate asbestos lung cancer settlements, which typically provide compensation faster and with less hassle
Present your case in court if an asbestos settlement is unable to be reached, and seek compensation from a verdict

Top attorneys strive to secure enough asbestos lung cancer compensation to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. They guide you through the process with care and compassion, allowing you to prioritize what matters most.

“Our legal team did all the legwork for us. I didn’t have to do anything except provide my personal background.”

– Dr. Bonnie Snyder, an asbestos exposure victim

Other Types of Compensation for Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos

Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits are not the only way to get compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with this disease. Many patients and their families may qualify for additional financial support from other sources.

Other types of asbestos compensation claims include:

Asbestos trust funds: There’s an estimated $30 billion available in bankruptcy trusts for asbestos victims. If any of the asbestos companies that harmed you have declared bankruptcy, you may be owed some of this money.
VA benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during their service may be eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Those with mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer typically qualify for a 100% disability rating, allowing them to get almost $4,000 a month in tax-free compensation.

Your legal team can pursue asbestos lung cancer compensation from every source you may be eligible for, increasing your potential payout. Filing asbestos claims will not impact your right to collect VA benefits.

$30 Billion Available

See if you may be able to access asbestos trust fund money — for free.

Who’s at Risk of Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure?

Those who are most likely to develop asbestos lung cancer are U.S. military veterans and workers who handled asbestos-containing products daily.

When these products were installed, removed, or broken down, they could’ve released asbestos fibers, leading to lung cancer and other illnesses 10-50 years later.

How Do I Know if I Was Exposed to Asbestos? Video Thumbnail

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. If you've been diagnosed, you may be eligible for compensation from the asbestos companies that put you in harm's way.

Duration: 1 min 00 sec

At-risk asbestos exposure jobs include:

9/11 first responders
Aircraft technicians
Auto mechanics
Boiler tenders
Carpenters
Construction workers
Demolition specialists
Electricians
Firefighters
HVAC workers
Miners
Pipefitters
Plumbers
Railroad workers
Sailors who served on Navy ships
Shipyard workers
Steamfitters
Welders

Family members may also be at risk of asbestos-related lung cancer if they came in contact with asbestos that a loved one brought home on their work clothes. This is known as secondhand asbestos exposure.

Asbestos lung cancer lawyers can determine how you were exposed by reviewing your work history and military records and cross-referencing them with information they’ve collected in past cases.

Download our Free Guide to Choosing an Asbestos Attorney to find the best lawyer for your asbestos lung cancer lawsuit.

Why File Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims?

Filing an asbestos lung cancer claim allows you to pursue compensation and hold the companies that exposed you to asbestos accountable. It’s not just about money — it’s about justice, closure, and protecting others from the same harm.

By filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, you may be able to:

Demand accountability from negligent asbestos manufacturers
Gain peace of mind and a sense of closure after a diagnosis
Offset the high cost of lung cancer treatment and care
Raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure
Secure compensation for funeral and burial expenses if a loved one has passed

Many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products knowingly put millions of Americans in danger. The consequences of their actions are still felt today as workers and their families continue to get sick.

“The reason why we’re able to bring claims against the manufacturers who used asbestos in their products is because they knew it was dangerous.”

– Ricky A. LeBlanc, Sokolove Law attorney and LawFirm.com legal expert

Get Help From an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawyer

Greedy asbestos companies knew of the dangers of this cancer-causing mineral, but they kept quiet to keep making money.

LawFirm.com has partnered with experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers who can even the playing field for cancer patients and make those responsible for your illness pay the price.

Our legal partners:

Are leaders in asbestos litigation
Can help asbestos victims and their families in all 50 states
Never charge any upfront or hourly fees

Together, the asbestos lawyers in our network have secured over $10.2 billion for families impacted by lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or fill out our free case review form to see if they may be able to access compensation for your family, too.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit FAQs

Does asbestos cause lung cancer?

Yes. Asbestos is a proven cause of lung cancer, especially in individuals who were exposed on the job over long periods. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) classify asbestos as a human carcinogen.

The risk of asbestos cancer is even higher for people who smoked and were also exposed to asbestos, a combination known to significantly increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer after asbestos exposure, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case review to find out if you may qualify for an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit.

How does asbestos cause lung cancer?

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped deep in the lungs. Over time, these sharp, microscopic fibers cause scarring, inflammation, and cellular damage, which can eventually lead to the development of lung cancer.

It may take 10-50 years for asbestos lung cancer symptoms to appear after exposure. People who smoked face an even greater risk, as the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure dramatically increases cancer risk.

What is the average settlement for asbestos lung cancer?

The average settlement for lung cancer is around $100,000, but our legal partners have secured payouts of over $1 million for some clients.

The amount of financial compensation you may receive will depend on several factors, like the extent of your asbestos exposure, the state your asbestos lung cancer lawsuit is filed in, and the severity of your disease.

Call (866) 447-8466 now or chat with a case manager to see if we can help you pursue an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit settlement.

What is the payout for lung cancer?

Payouts for asbestos exposure and lung cancer typically fall in the $100,000 range, but some patients have received much more based on their exposure history, medical costs, and other case details. Most cases settle without going to trial.

The exact payout can vary, but an experienced lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation.

Get a free case review to see if an asbestos lawyer in our network can fight for a lung cancer payout for you.

What are the chances of getting lung cancer from asbestos?

The risk of lung cancer increases significantly with long-term or repeated asbestos exposure, especially for workers in high-risk jobs like construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing. However, even short-term exposure can be dangerous.

If you also smoked, your chances of developing lung cancer are much higher due to the combined impact of smoking and asbestos.

How long does it take to get lung cancer from asbestos?

Lung cancer caused by asbestos typically develops decades after exposure. This long latency period means many people don’t realize their illness is linked to asbestos until decades later.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and were exposed to asbestos at any point in your life, you may be able to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, even if the exposure happened years ago.

How long do you have to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit?

The amount of time you have to file an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit varies depending on the state in which the asbestos case is filed. In most states, you have 2-3 years after an asbestos lung cancer diagnosis or the death of a loved one to file a legal claim.

An asbestos lawyer can tell you about the deadline in your case and act quickly to ensure that your asbestos claim is filed in time.

How much do asbestos lung cancer attorneys charge?

There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with top asbestos lung cancer lawyers in our network.

These attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they get paid by taking a percentage of any compensation they secure for you. You pay nothing if they don’t recover money in your case.

Call (866) 447-8466 now to see if we can connect you.

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.