Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Funds

Asbestos trust funds were established by bankrupt companies to compensate individuals who developed illnesses like mesothelioma after exposure to their asbestos-containing products. More than $30 billion is available, and victims can access compensation without going to court or filing a lawsuit. See if we can help you get the money you deserve.

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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

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  • $7 million for a Pennsylvania welder
Rae Theodore

Written by: Rae Theodore

Last updated:

Amy Garrett

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

What Are Asbestos Trust Funds?

Asbestos trust funds are financial accounts set up to compensate patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

An older couple reviews papers

When asbestos product manufacturers filed for bankruptcy to avoid lawsuits, courts required them to establish trust funds to pay current and future victims. Now, victims can still receive compensation even if the company no longer exists.

Key Facts About Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trust Funds

  • Over $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds today
  • 60+ companies have established trust funds for asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer
  • Average total payouts range between $300,000 and $400,000 per claimant
  • Compensation is often paid within 90 days or less

An asbestos attorney can determine which mesothelioma trust funds you qualify for and file claims with each one to maximize your total payout.

What is an Asbestos Trust Fund? Video Thumbnail

Asbestos trust funds are sums of money set aside by bankrupt companies for mesothelioma victims. Most claims are paid in 2 to 3 months.

Duration: 1 min 41 sec

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts

An individual asbestos trust fund claim is worth about $41,000 on average, according to the RAND Institute for Civil Justice. However, many patients were exposed to dozens of asbestos products, making them eligible to file multiple claims.

Mesothelioma victims typically receive $300,000 to $400,000 total from asbestos trust funds — and some access $1 million or more.

For instance, one of the law firms in our network helped a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma secure $2.4 million from multiple asbestos trust funds. He had worked as a pipeline inspector in the oil industry.

The law firm identified the asbestos-containing products he’d been exposed to and filed mesothelioma trust fund claims on his behalf, allowing him to receive life-changing compensation.

Get a free case review now to see if one of LawFirm.com’s experienced mesothelioma lawyers can access trust fund money on your behalf.

Who Qualifies for Asbestos Trust Fund Compensation?

You may meet the qualifications for asbestos trust funds and be able to file a claim for compensation if:

  • You were exposed to an asbestos-containing product made by a company that has a trust fund
  • You were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease

Family members may be able to file an asbestos claim after death if a loved one passed away from an asbestos-related illness.

Even if you’re not sure how you were exposed, LawFirm.com may still be able to help. Our asbestos lawyers can investigate your work history and identify the products and companies responsible for your illness.

Steps to File a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Trust Claim

The mesothelioma lawyers in our network understand the challenges of navigating a diagnosis, so they strive to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Here’s how an attorney can help you file mesothelioma trust fund claims:

  1. Determine your eligibility: Get a free case review to see if one of our legal partners may be able to pursue compensation from mesothelioma trust funds on your behalf.
  2. Investigate your exposure: Top mesothelioma law firms have databases of information to identify which asbestos products you came in contact with and the companies that made and sold them.
  3. Gather supporting evidence: Your legal team will collect medical records, work history, and proof of exposure to support your mesothelioma trust fund claims.
  4. File your claims: Your lawyer will submit claims to every asbestos trust fund you qualify for, maximizing the potential value of your case.
  5. Secure your payout: Once your claims are approved, you’ll begin receiving trust fund payments.

Your team will keep you informed as your claim moves forward and work to secure financial compensation as quickly as possible.

“I don’t think people quite understand how those trust funds are put together. The money is there. It has been put there to meet the needs of mesothelioma families and to pay them. Don’t feel guilty about it.”

– Sheryl, daughter of Burlene, who worked with our partner firm

Timeline for Asbestos Fund Payouts

Many mesothelioma victims begin receiving compensation from asbestos trust funds in 90 days or less. However, the payout timeline can vary depending on how the fund is reviewed by the trust administrators.

There are two main types of claim reviews:

  • Expedited review: This option provides a fixed payout amount based on the type of asbestos-related disease. Because every claimant with the same diagnosis receives the same compensation, funds are typically distributed faster.
  • Individual review: For more complex cases, an asbestos lawyer can request an in-depth review of your medical records and asbestos exposure history. This process takes longer but may result in a higher (or lower) payout depending on your circumstances.

An attorney experienced in asbestos litigation can help you choose the best review process for your case and provide a realistic estimate of your payout timeline. They’ll also work to speed up the process and pursue the highest possible compensation.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or chat with a case manager to get help filing asbestos trust fund claims.

Factors That Affect Payouts From Mesothelioma Funds

The amount of compensation awarded by mesothelioma funds can vary widely based on several key factors.

Asbestos trust fund payouts can be influenced by:

  • Your diagnosis: The type and severity of your asbestos-related illness play a major role in determining your payout. Mesothelioma patients typically receive higher compensation.
  • The products you were exposed to: The more asbestos products you were exposed to, the more asbestos trust fund claims you can potentially file.
  • Payment percentages: Each trust fund pays a percentage of a claim’s full value to ensure enough money is available for future claimants. These percentages vary by trust.
  • State law: Where you live or where the exposure occurred can impact your compensation. Some states have specific rules that influence asbestos claims and payouts.

Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is the best way to maximize your asbestos trust fund compensation. They can identify all eligible claims, prove your exposure, and ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Fund List

More than 100 companies have established asbestos trust funds to compensate those harmed by their products. Today, over 60 of these trust funds remain active and continue to pay eligible victims.

Below are some examples of companies that have created trust funds, along with the name of each fund and the year it was established:

CompanyAsbestos Trust FundCreated
A-Best ProductsA-Best Asbestos Settlement Trust2006
A. P. GreenAPG Asbestos Trust2014
ABB Lummus GlobalABB Lummus Global Inc. 425(g) Asbestos PI Trust2007
AC&SACandS Asbestos Settlement Trust2009
API, Inc.API, Inc. Asbestos Settlement Trust2006
Armstrong World IndustriesArmstrong World Industries Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
ARTRA Group, Inc.Artra 524(g) Asbestos Trust2007
ASARCO, LLCASARCO LLC Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2009
Babcock & Wilcox Co.Babcock & Wilcox Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
Bondex International/Special Products Holding Corp.Bondex Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2016
Brauer Supply Co.Brauer524(g) Asbestos Trust2012
Burns & Roe Construction GroupBurns & Roe Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc.Burns & Roe Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
C.E. ThurstonC.E. Thurston & Sons Asbestos Trust2006
Celotex Corp.Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust1997
Christy Refractories Co. LLCChristy Refractories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2012
Combustion EngineeringCombustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2006
Congoleum Corp.Congoleum Plan Trust2011
DuroDyne National Corp.Duro Dyne Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2021
Eagle Picher IndustriesEagle Picher Industries Inc. Personal Injury Settlement Trust1996
Fairbanks International Inc. Fairbanks Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2023
Federal Mogul (T&N, Flexitallic, Ferodo)Federal Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Turner & Newall Subfund2007
Flintkote Co./Flintkote MinesFlintkote Asbestos PI Trust2015
Fuller-AustinFuller-Austin Asbestos Settlement Trust1999
Garlock Sealing Technologies, LLC (Anchor Packing Company and Garrison)Garlock Settlement Trust2018
General Motors Corp.Motors Liquidation Company Asbestos PI Trust (General Motors)2012
George V. Hamilton, Inc.Geo. V Hamilton, Inc. Asbestos Trust2019
G-I Holdings, Inc.G-I Holdings Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2010
Global Industrial Technologies (Harbison-Walker)DII Industries, LLC Asbestos PI Trust2005
Hercules Chemical Co.Hercules Chemical Company, Inc. Asbestos Settlement Trust2010
H.K. Porter Co.H.K. Porter Asbestos Trust2008
Johns Manville CorporationManville Personal Injury Settlement Trust1987
J.T. Thorpe Co.J.T. Thorpe Company Successor Trust (TX)2004
J.T. Thorpe Inc.J.T. Thorpe Settlement Trust (CA)2006
Kaiser AluminumKaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2006
Keene Corp.Keene Creditors Trust 2006
Kentile FloorsMetex Asbestos PI Trust 2015
Leslie Controls, Inc.Leslie Controls, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Trust 2012
Maremont CorporationMaremont Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2019
Mid-Valley Inc. (Halliburton)DII Industries, LLC Asbestos PI Trust (HAL)2005
National GypsumNGC Bodily Injury Trust1993
North American Refractories Co. (NARCO)North American Refractories Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2013
Oakfabco Inc.Oakfabco Liquidating Trust2019
Owens Corning Corp.Owens Corning Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Owens Corning Subfund2006
Owens Corning FibreboardOwens Corning Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Fibreboard Subfund2006
Pittsburgh CorningPittsburgh Corning Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2017
Plant Insulation Co.Plant Asbestos Settlement Trust2014
Plibrico Co.Plibrico 524(g) Trust2006
Porter-Hayden Co.Porter Hayden Bodily Injury Trust2007
Quigley Co.Quigley Company, Inc. Asbestos PI Trust2014
Rapid American Corp.Rapid-American Asbestos Personal Injury Liquidating Trust2022
Raymark Corp./Raytech Corp.Raytech Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
SEPCOSepco Asbestos PI Trust2020
Shook & FletcherShook & Fletcher Asbestos Settlement Trust 2004
State Insulations Corp.State Insulation Corporation Asbestos PI Trust2016
Swan Transportation Co.Swan Asbestos and Silica Settlement Trust2003
T.H. Agriculture & NutritionT. H. Agriculture & Nutrition, LLC Asbestos Personal Injury Trust 2009
Thorpe Insulation Co.Thorpe Insulation Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust 2010
United Gilsonite LaboratoriesUnited Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust 2015
United States Mineral ProductsUnited States Mineral Products Company Asbestos PI Settlement Trust2008
USG Corp. United States Gypsum Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
Utex IndustriesUtex Industries, Inc. Successor Trust2005
W.R. GraceW.R. Grace & Co. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2014
Western MacArthur/Western AsbestosWestern Asbestos Settlement Trust2004
YarwayYarway Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2016

This is not a complete list. Other companies have also created trust funds for mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

If you or a loved one worked for one of these companies or used their asbestos products and later developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to access compensation from mesothelioma trust funds.

Mesothelioma Fund Claims vs Lawsuits

Both trust funds for mesothelioma and mesothelioma lawsuits can provide compensation to victims of asbestos exposure and hold negligent companies accountable. However, there are key differences between the two processes.

Mesothelioma Trust Fund Claims
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Paid by trust funds set up by bankrupt asbestos companiesPaid by asbestos companies still in business through settlements or trial verdicts
Average total payout $300,000 to $400,000

Average settlement $1 million to $1.4 million
Faster access to compensation

Compensation may take longer to receive
No need to go to court

You may need to appear in court, though most cases settle

In many cases, victims who have been harmed by asbestos-containing products can file both types of mesothelioma claims, increasing their total potential payout.

Deadlines for Filing Asbestos Funds Claims

Asbestos victims only have a limited amount of time to file claims with asbestos trust funds. Each trust fund sets its own filing deadlines, similar to statutes of limitations in asbestos lawsuits.

Most asbestos trust funds require claims to be filed within 2-3 years of a mesothelioma diagnosis or the death of a loved one.

If you miss the time limit, you may lose your right to file a claim and recover compensation from that trust.

That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced asbestos law firm as soon as possible. They can determine which deadlines apply in your case and ensure your claims are filed on time.

Even if the filing window has passed, a lawyer may be able to explore other compensation options, such as filing an asbestos lawsuit.

Get Help Filing a Claim With Asbestos Trust Fund Companies

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds — without ever having to file a lawsuit or go to court.

Over $30 billion is still available in mesothelioma trust funds, and many victims begin receiving payments in 90 days or less.

Our legal partners have recovered over $10.7 billion for families affected by asbestos exposure through trust fund claims and other sources.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or get a free case review to see if you may be entitled to a portion of this money.

Mesothelioma Trust Funds FAQs

How do asbestos trust funds work?

Asbestos trust funds were set up by bankrupt companies to pay victims harmed by their asbestos products. If you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you can file a claim. If approved, you’ll receive a payout without going to court.

Get a free case review to see if you qualify for trust fund compensation.

How many asbestos trust funds are there?

In the late 1980s, Johns Manville Corporation established the first asbestos trust fund, and since then, over 100 companies have followed suit. Today, about 60 asbestos trusts are still active and paying victims and their families.

Companies with mesothelioma trust funds include:

  • Armstrong World Industries
  • Babcock & Wilcox
  • Bondex
  • Celotex Corp.
  • Eagle-Picher
  • General Motors Co.
  • Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
  • National Gypsum Co.
  • Owens Corning
  • Quigley Co.

A mesothelioma attorney can help you figure out which asbestos trust funds you or a loved one may qualify for, explain your legal options, and fight to secure as much financial assistance as possible.

What is the average payout for asbestos trust funds?

The average payout from a single asbestos trust fund is about $41,000, but many victims qualify for multiple claims. Total compensation from all eligible trusts typically ranges from $300,000 to $400,000, and some people receive even more.

How much money is left in the asbestos trust fund?

Current estimates indicate that there’s over $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds.

Asbestos companies established asbestos trust funds to pay current and future victims harmed by their products. They have paid out billions of dollars to eligible families.

Call (866) 447-8466 right now or chat with a case manager to see if we can help you access your share of this money.

What's the payout for asbestos trust funds?

The average total payout from asbestos trust funds is between $300,000 and $400,000. However, the amount can vary based on your diagnosis, exposure history, and how many trust funds you qualify for.

Some asbestos exposure victims have received over $1 million by filing multiple claims.

Is there a limit to how many asbestos bankruptcy trusts I can apply to?

No, there is no limit to how many asbestos trust funds you can apply to. However, you’ll only receive compensation from those responsible for exposing you to asbestos and causing your illness.

In many cases, families are able to access compensation from more than one trust fund. That’s because most asbestos victims were exposed to asbestos from multiple products.

 

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. Dixon, L., & McGovern, G. “Links between asbestos bankruptcy trusts, tort cases examined.” RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1104.html.
  2. Dixon, L., McGovern, G., & Coombe, A. “Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts: An Overview of Trust Structure and Activity with Detailed Reports on the Largest Trusts.” RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2010/RAND_TR872.pdf.
  3. Sokolove Law. (2025, August 7). “Mesothelioma & Asbestos Trust Funds.” Retrieved from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/mesothelioma/legal/asbestos-trust-funds/.
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