Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. By taking legal action, patients can seek compensation for their treatment costs, everyday living expenses, and more. See if we can help you pursue compensation for mesothelioma cancer.

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Why Take Legal Action?

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

Results Secured

$40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
$15 million for a New York construction worker
$7 million for a Pennsylvania welder

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: Jun 26, 2025

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

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue covering your internal organs, which is known as the mesothelium.

Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining, is the most common type, but tumors can also grow in the lining of the abdomen, heart, or testicles.

Some facts and figures about malignant mesothelioma include:

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
About 3,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States.
Common symptoms include a cough and shortness of breath.
Veterans account for about 33% of all mesothelioma cancer cases.
Patients and their families may qualify for compensation averaging over $1 million.

During most of the 20th century, asbestos-containing products could be found at job sites, throughout military bases, and in residential homes. Many companies that made these products knew of the dangers but intentionally hid the risks to protect their profits.

Some mesothelioma patients have taken legal action to hold these companies accountable and seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Billions of dollars have already been paid to victims nationwide.

The mesothelioma law firms in our network have secured over $9.8 billion for patients and their families. Get a free case review now to see if an attorney may be able to fight for you.

Compensation for Mesothelioma Cancer

Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements, providing quicker access to compensation without the hassle of a trial.

Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements award $1 million to $1.4 million on average, while trial verdicts typically award between $5 million and $11.4 million, according to Mealey’s^® Litigation Report: Asbestos.

Mesothelioma settlements and verdicts secured by our legal partners include:

$60 million for a Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma in Washington
$30 million on behalf of a construction supervisor from California
$12 million to a laborer in Illinois diagnosed with mesothelioma
$6.8 million on behalf of a mechanic from Florida
$4.3 million to a U.S. Army veteran and boilermaker in Florida
Over $4 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran and welder
$3.9 million to an auto mechanic and insulation worker in Virginia
Over $3.6 million on behalf of a New York food worker
$3.45 million to a Pennsylvania teacher with mesothelioma
$3.2 million on behalf of a plumber and U.S. Navy veteran in Wisconsin
$2.8 million to the family of a heavy equipment operator from Illinois
Over $2.5 million for the family of a Michigan maintenance worker
$7 million to a California wire installer
$8 million for a plumber and pipefitter in Texas
$34 million to a California auto mechanic

Results may vary based on factors like the amount of your medical expenses and the extent of your asbestos exposure.

A mesothelioma lawyer will work to secure maximum compensation as quickly as possible, so you can get the treatments you need.

“We spent all of our savings and were deeply in debt to pay for my cancer treatment. With the settlement checks, we have enough money now to continue paying for my treatment without worrying.”

– Dr. Bonnie Snyder, a mesothelioma survivor who worked with our partner firm

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

Mesothelioma Compensation Sources

There are several sources of mesothelioma compensation, including lawsuits, trust fund claims, and veterans benefits. Patients may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources, increasing their total payout.

Mesothelioma financial support options include:

Asbestos trust funds: Over $30 billion is available in mesothelioma trusts for those impacted by this cancer. Patients and their families can access their share of this money from the comfort of their own homes.
Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits: These legal claims are filed by patients against the companies that put them in harm’s way and caused them to develop mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits: If a loved one passes away from mesothelioma, family members may be able to take legal action to seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
VA benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives mesothelioma cancer a 100% disability rating, allowing veterans to receive nearly $4,000 per month and free or low-cost health care.

An asbestos lawyer can file as many mesothelioma claims as possible on your behalf and work to speed up the payout timeline, so you can access compensation as quickly as possible.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The only known cause of mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne. If breathed in or swallowed, they can irritate healthy cells and cause mesothelioma tumors to form 10 to 50 years later.

Mesothelioma victims may have been exposed to asbestos:

On the job while working with or around asbestos-containing products
While serving in the military
Secondhand by coming into contact with asbestos on a loved one’s work clothes
At home from asbestos-based construction materials like insulation, drywall, and plaster
Using asbestos-talc products like baby powder or cosmetics

If you’re not sure how you were exposed, our legal partners may be able to help. They have key resources to determine the products that made you sick and the companies responsible for your illness.

Get a free case review now to take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Thousands of everyday products used to contain asbestos, causing millions of Americans to be exposed to this dangerous mineral.

Those most at risk are blue-collar workers and military veterans who handled asbestos products daily.

Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace

Before workplace safety regulations were enacted in the 1980s, many workers were exposed to asbestos on the job. Construction materials, automotive parts, and other products were often made using asbestos.

High-risk asbestos exposure jobs include:

Auto or aircraft mechanics
Boilermakers
Carpenters
Construction workers
Drywall installers
Electricians
Factory workers
Insulators
Miners
Painters
Plumbers and pipefitters
Shipbuilders

If you worked in any of these or other high-risk jobs, tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to asbestos. They can monitor your health and check for signs of mesothelioma cancer. Early detection may help you live longer.

“I was kind of blank. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to this.”

– John Stahl, a mesothelioma survivor who worked with our partner firm

Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos products were used to build and maintain U.S. military assets like bases, ships, aircraft, and vehicles. As a result, military members likely came in contact with the mineral while serving.

Due to the military’s widespread use of asbestos, about 33% of all mesothelioma patients are veterans.

Veterans with mesothelioma may have been exposed while serving in the:

U.S. Navy veterans face the highest risk of mesothelioma. Government mandates required Navy ships to use asbestos for fireproofing, and the small, cramped quarters of these vessels allowed asbestos fibers to stay airborne for hours.

“I asked them what the material was made out of you know, and they told me asbestos. Nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.”

– Walter Twidwell, a Navy veteran who worked with our partner firm

Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for VA benefits worth almost $4,000 a month, free or inexpensive health care, and much more.

Call (866) 447-8466 now to find out if a VA-accredited lawyer can help you file for benefits.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

There are four main types of mesothelioma based on where the cancer develops in the body. Mesothelioma cancer can form in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura). It’s the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for over 75% of all cases.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get stuck inside the body and lead to breathing issues. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, and chronic coughing.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). It accounts for roughly 10-15% of all cases of mesothelioma, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

This type of mesothelioma cancer is caused by swallowing asbestos fibers, which can get trapped in the digestive tract, eventually leading to the growth of tumors.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the heart (pericardium). Less than 1% of mesothelioma patients have this form of the disease.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma is not fully understood, but it’s believed that asbestos fibers may reach the heart’s lining through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Symptoms may include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of this disease, making up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases. It develops in the lining around the testicles (tunica vaginalis).

Symptoms of testicular mesothelioma can include swelling or lumps in the testicles and pain in the groin area.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary based on the type and stage of this cancer. Symptoms typically worsen over time as the cancer spreads throughout the body.

Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:

A dry cough
Abdominal pain or swelling
Chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss

The early signs of mesothelioma are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, according to the American Cancer Society. Common misdiagnoses include pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other types of asbestos-related cancers.

It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing mesothelioma symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure. They can order tests to make a diagnosis, allowing you to start treatment as soon as possible.

LawFirm.com has registered nurses on staff who can help you navigate a diagnosis and connect with a mesothelioma doctor near you. There’s never any cost to speak with our team. Get started by chatting with a case manager now.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging, so it’s best to see a specialist with experience treating this type of cancer. They can order tests to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatments that may help you live longer.

The general steps for a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis include:

Initial evaluation: Your doctor will review your medical history, talk to you about your symptoms, and ask if you may have been exposed to asbestos.
Physical examination: A physical exam may be performed to check for any abnormalities like lumps under the skin.
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, and CT scans can look inside the body for tumors and provide a detailed picture of the affected area.
Blood tests: These help doctors detect biomarkers that suggest the presence of mesothelioma cancer.
Biopsy: A tissue or fluid sample is taken and analyzed for cancer cells. This is the only way to verify a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Treatment options and how long you may be expected to live depend on the stage of your mesothelioma cancer, the cell type involved, and other factors.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be eligible for compensation to help pay for your treatments and more.

Mesothelioma Stages

There are four stages of pleural mesothelioma that correspond with how far the cancer has spread in the body. Generally, a lower stage is easier to treat and results in better outcomes for patients.

The stages of pleural mesothelioma are:

Stage 1 mesothelioma: The cancer is contained in the lining of the lung and chest wall.
Stage 2 mesothelioma: The cancer cells have traveled to the diaphragm, a lung, or nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3 mesothelioma: Tumors have reached deeper into the lung lining, chest wall, or lungs.
Stage 4 mesothelioma: Cancer has spread through the body.

Pleural mesothelioma is the only type with four distinct stages. Other forms of mesothelioma cancer are classified as “localized” or “advanced.”

John Stahl was exposed to asbestos on construction sites and diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma in 2019. He’s still alive today thanks to chemotherapy and other treatments.

Types of Mesothelioma Cells

Mesothelioma cancer tumors are made up of different types of cells. The type that you have can impact the effectiveness of your treatments and how long you may live.

The 3 main mesothelioma cell types are:

Epithelioid: This is the most common form and the easiest to treat.
Sarcomatoid: A rarer but more aggressive cell type, it tends to spread quickly throughout the body.
Biphasic: With a combination of both cell types, patients typically respond better to treatment if they have more epithelial cells than sarcomatoid ones.

Once your cell type is identified, your medical team can create a personalized treatment plan aimed at helping you live longer.

Mesothelioma Prognosis & Survival Rates

A mesothelioma prognosis is your expected health outlook. It includes your overall life expectancy and survival rate.

The average mesothelioma prognosis is 12-21 months with treatment, but many patients have lived beyond this and become long-term survivors.

Factors that can affect a patient’s mesothelioma prognosis include:

Age, sex, and overall health
The type of mesothelioma cancer they have
The mesothelioma cell type involved
The stage of the cancer
Treatment options

An oncologist will take these and other factors into consideration in developing a treatment plan aimed at helping you live as long as possible.

Mesothelioma Treatment

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve a patient’s life expectancy and quality of life.

Mesothelioma treatments include:

Surgery: This removes as much of the mesothelioma cancer as possible and is often used to treat the disease when it’s caught at an early stage. Different types of surgery are performed depending on the type of mesothelioma involved.
Chemotherapy: Potent drugs kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It’s often combined with other treatments.
Immunotherapy: This boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Radiation therapy: High-powered energy beams destroy or shrink tumors.
Palliative care: Different treatments, such as minor surgeries and medications, are used to relieve symptoms and manage pain.
Clinical trials: Patients may be able to receive experimental treatments, like gene therapy or new drug combinations, that are being studied by doctors.

With the right treatments, some patients have been able to achieve remission and become long-term survivors. It can cost over $400,000 to treat mesothelioma cancer, so pursuing compensation can help you get the treatments you need to battle this disease.

Get Help for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation to help pay for your treatments, daily living expenses, and more.

Negligent asbestos companies hid the risks linked to their products, allowing them to be held financially responsible for the harm they’ve caused.

LawFirm.com works with mesothelioma law firms that have secured over $9.8 billion for victims.

Our legal partners don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees, and they can help families in all 50 states.

You only have a limited amount of time to take legal action due to state laws called statutes of limitations. Once this deadline has passed, you’ll no longer be able to seek compensation and justice.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or get a free case review to see if one of our legal partners can fight hard for everything you deserve.

Mesothelioma FAQs

What is mesothelioma cancer?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the thin tissue lining the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. There are four types of mesothelioma based on where the cancer develops.

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, which can cause changes in a cell’s DNA and lead to tumor growth.

What is the survival rate for mesothelioma?

The survival rate for mesothelioma varies depending on factors like the type of cancer and its stage.

The 5-year survival rate for pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, is 12% for all stages, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. This means that after 5 years, 12% of patients will still be alive.

What does early mesothelioma feel like?

Patients with early-stage mesothelioma cancer may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Mesothelioma symptoms may include:

A persistent cough
Chest or stomach pain
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible and tell them if you have any history of asbestos exposure, the only known cause of this disease.

Has anyone ever recovered from mesothelioma?

While there’s no cure for mesothelioma, many patients have become long-term survivors after undergoing treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.

Julie Gundlach, for instance, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer in 2006, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and is approaching 20 years of survivorship.

What is the main cause of mesothelioma?

The primary cause of malignant mesothelioma is breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers. For most of the 20th century, thousands of products were made using asbestos, endangering millions of Americans.

By filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, patients can hold negligent manufacturers accountable and seek compensation for treatment costs, caregiver expenses, and more.

Call (866) 447-8466 now to see if you may be eligible for compensation.

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.