Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Here's What Happens Next and How to Access the $30 Billion in Trust Funds
A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating. But there is something most patients and families don't know in the immediate aftermath: over $30 billion has been set aside specifically for asbestos victims — and accessing it doesn't require going to court.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos — a mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and military equipment for decades.
One of the most devastating aspects of mesothelioma is its latency period. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure. This means many patients were exposed decades ago — often without knowing the danger — and are only now receiving their diagnosis.
The $30 Billion in Trust Funds
Companies that manufactured or used asbestos products knew about the health risks for decades and concealed them from workers and the public. As a result of widespread litigation, many of these companies were required to establish asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate victims.
Today, over $30 billion remains in these trust funds — available to mesothelioma patients and their families. Accessing these funds does not require a trial. Many claims are resolved without going to court.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Mesothelioma affects workers who were exposed to asbestos in their professional environments, including:
Construction workers
Military veterans (Navy, Army, Air Force)
Shipyard workers
Factory and manufacturing workers
Auto mechanics
Firefighters and first responders
Power plant workers
Family members of workers who brought asbestos home on clothing
What to Do After a Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, the most important first step is to explore your options as quickly as possible. Statutes of limitations — legal deadlines for filing — vary by state and typically run from one to three years from the date of diagnosis.
A free confidential case review can tell you exactly what options may be available to you and your family.
Attorney Advertising. My Case Claim is not a law firm. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary by case.
