When asbestos enters the body, it lingers for years, causing cellular irritation and DNA changes that can lead to serious conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Although asbestos product manufacturers knew about these dangers, they continued using asbestos, valuing profit over the safety of consumers and employees.

Victims whose lung cancer stems from these manufacturers’ negligence have a variety of options for seeking compensation — including lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — many of which can be pursued simultaneously. 

An experienced asbestos lung cancer attorney can help eligible victims navigate the legal process, maximize potential compensation, and minimize stress during this difficult time.

See if you qualify for compensation.

How Lung Cancer Lawyers Help Patients Impacted by Asbestos Exposure

An asbestos lung cancer lawyer helps their clients in various ways, offering comprehensive support from the beginning to the end of the claims process.

Some of the ways these lawyers help their clients include:

Filing

 Asbestos lawyers help handle all claim-related issues from start to finish. They conduct interviews, gather supporting documentation, file claims, and handle negotiations, allowing clients to focus on their health and families.

Maximizing Compensation

Asbestos lung cancer lawyers have access to extensive databases and resources to identify all parties responsible for their client’s exposure. They understand the various avenues for compensation and help clients make the most of all available options.

Creating Accountability

Filing legal claims against negligent asbestos companies holds them accountable for past wrongs and deters similar actions in the future. These companies knew the dangers of asbestos but prioritized profits over public health.

Paying for Treatment

Lung cancer treatment often costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, with insurance typically covering only a portion. An asbestos lung cancer attorney helps clients secure essential funds to support medical and living expenses throughout treatment.

Types of Compensation Lung Cancer Lawyers Can Help With

There may be many forms of compensation available to victims of asbestos exposure. When asbestos lung cancer patients pursue multiple types of compensation, the total award amount can range from $100,000 to over $1 million.  

A good lung cancer lawyer can help you determine which types you may qualify for and pursue them simultaneously. 

The family members and loved ones of asbestos industry workers may also be eligible for compensation, either on their own behalf — in cases of secondary exposure — or on behalf of a deceased family member through a wrongful death claim.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Many asbestos companies eventually become unable to manage their legal liabilities and seek refuge in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, allowing them to reorganize and discharge their debts. The resulting trust funds are legal entities established during bankruptcy proceedings.

Asbestos trust funds aim to compensate all current and future claimants harmed by the company’s products or activities.

More than 60 active asbestos trust funds exist today with over $30 billion in assets. Claimants often seek compensation from multiple trusts along with other forms of compensation.

Lawsuits

Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits are legal claims made against active companies.

These companies exposed employees, consumers, and bystanders to asbestos through their business activities, actively ignoring and concealing the known dangers posed by asbestos. This willful negligence has left them open to legal action from their victims.

Two primary types of lawsuits are brought against asbestos companies:

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Personal injury lawsuits are filed by living victims against entities that have caused physical, emotional, or reputational harm. Asbestos personal injury lawsuits are usually brought on grounds of negligence against an asbestos company.

Successful plaintiffs are awarded damages for losses suffered, including:

• Household assistance
• Lost wages 
• Mental and emotional distress
• Medical expenses
• Travel expenses

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Asbestos wrongful death lawsuits are filed on behalf of a deceased asbestos exposure victim by their dependents. Wrongful death claims compensate family members and loved ones for lost financial support and emotional suffering.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the claimants can prove the death was caused by intentional or reckless action. If a personal injury claimant passes away before their claim is resolved, it may transition into a wrongful death claim.

VA Benefits & Claims

Veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may qualify for VA benefits if they were honorably discharged and if they have proof their asbestos exposure occurred during military service.

VA benefits and claims can yield several types of compensation, including:

• Tax-free monthly payments
• Free or low-cost medical care
• Burial and funeral expenses

Things to Look For When Hiring a Lung Cancer Lawyer

To help ensure you get the best possible representation, the lawyer you choose to handle your asbestos lung cancer case should demonstrate the following qualities:

Expertise in Asbestos & Lung Cancer 

Your lawyer and their firm should have a strong background in asbestos litigation. Most law firms and attorneys specialize in specific types of cases, and a firm focused on asbestos litigation will have the expertise and resources needed to pursue maximum compensation. 

National Presence 

Large firms with a national presence give you the flexibility to choose where your case will be tried, which can affect the statute of limitations, compensation amount, and other important factors due to regulations at the state and local levels. 

Lawyers from larger firms typically have greater resources, allowing them to offer more support and apply stronger leverage on your behalf.

Experience & Proven Track Record

Finding a lawyer with experience litigating cases like yours is vital. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their experience during your consultation.

Good questions to ask a potential asbestos lung cancer lawyer include:

• Do you have a successful track record with asbestos lung cancer cases? 
• How many asbestos lawsuits have you settled or tried? 
• What is the average settlement or trial verdict you’ve secured in similar cases?

Access & Understanding of Exposure Information

It’s not uncommon for victims to have been exposed to asbestos at several job sites and by multiple companies’ products.

Major asbestos law firms typically have access to extensive databases, enabling them to pinpoint where and how the exposure occurred and identify all responsible asbestos products, companies, and sites.

The more specific information a firm can gather, the greater the chances of success and the potential compensation for the client. Choosing a law firm with a strong reputation for thoroughly tracing all sources of exposure is essential.

Contact Our Lung Cancer Lawyers Today

The right lawyer can make all the difference in seeking compensation for an asbestos lung cancer case. A skilled asbestos lung cancer attorney supports their client through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to building a strong case and negotiating the best possible compensation package.

With over 30 years of combined experience, Meirowitz & Wasserburg has established itself as a leading firm in asbestos litigation, handling more than 2,000 asbestos and mesothelioma cases.

The firm has achieved individual verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million, contributing to a total recovery of over $500 million for its clients.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer and are interested in exploring your options for compensation, reach out today for a free case evaluation.