Am I Eligible for Compensation from a Mesothelioma Trust Fund?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation — often without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. Asbestos trust funds currently hold over $32 billion to pay individuals who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. These funds exist to help victims cover medical expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens caused by asbestos exposure.
In this article, we’ll explain what mesothelioma trust funds are, who qualifies, how the claims process works, and why acting quickly is important for securing your compensation.
What Are Mesothelioma Trust Funds?
Mesothelioma trust funds were created by asbestos companies that filed for bankruptcy. Even though these companies went out of business, courts required them to set aside money in trust funds to pay current and future victims of asbestos exposure.
Today, there are more than 60 active asbestos trust funds in the United States, and together they contain billions of dollars for eligible claimants.
Key points about asbestos trust funds:
- They are not government programs — they’re funded by private companies that used or manufactured asbestos products.
- Each trust has its own rules for who can file a claim.
- You do not need to file a lawsuit to receive trust fund compensation.
- Many claims are processed and paid in a matter of months.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
While every trust fund has its own criteria, most follow similar basic requirements. You may be eligible if:
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You’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
This includes lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related cancers. Medical proof from a qualified physician is required.
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You had exposure to asbestos from a specific activity, company, job, or product(s). The exposure must be linked directly or indirectly to a company that established a trust fund. This could come from:
- Working directly with asbestos products.
- Working in a location where asbestos was present.
- Secondary exposure, such as from a family member who brought asbestos fibers home on clothing.
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You file within the trust’s statute of limitations
This time limit usually starts from the date of diagnosis or, in wrongful death claims, from the date of death. Deadlines vary by trust.
How to File a Mesothelioma Trust Fund Claim
Filing a claim can be straightforward with the right legal help. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Identify Eligible Trust Funds
Your attorney will review your work history, military service, and any other exposure records to determine which trust funds you qualify for.
2. Gather Required Documentation
Most trusts require:
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis.
- Pathology reports or imaging scans.
- Employment records or witness statements proving exposure.
- Any prior asbestos-related claim information.
3. Submit Your Claim
Your lawyer will file the claim with each eligible trust fund, ensuring all documentation meets their specific requirements.
4. Claim Review and Payment
Trust funds generally offer two review options:
- Expedited Review: Faster processing with a fixed payment amount.
- Individual Review: Longer processing but potential for higher payment based on your unique circumstances.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The amount you can receive from a trust fund varies depending on:
- The trust’s payment percentage (most pay a portion of the claim value to ensure funds last for future claimants).
- The severity of your illness.
- Your work history and level of exposure.
- The number of trusts you qualify for.
Many mesothelioma patients qualify for multiple trust funds, which can significantly increase total compensation. An experienced lawyer will ensure you file with all eligible trusts to maximize your recovery.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Asbestos trust fund claims are time-sensitive. Statutes of limitations can be as short as one to three years from your diagnosis date, depending on the trust. Delaying your claim could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Additionally, filing sooner helps:
- Access money to cover immediate medical expenses.
- Reduce financial stress for you and your family.
- Ensure your testimony and evidence are documented while still available.
Working With an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
While you can technically file a trust fund claim on your own, the process can be complex. Each trust has its own forms, medical requirements, and legal standards. An attorney experienced in mesothelioma claims can:
- Identify all possible trust funds you’re eligible for.
- Collect and organize documentation to avoid delays.
- Submit claims correctly the first time.
- Negotiate and appeal if any claims are undervalued or denied.
- Maximize total compensation by coordinating trust fund claims with other legal options.
At MesotheliomaAttorney.com, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars from asbestos trust funds — often without them having to go to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Trust Funds
Do I have to go to court to receive trust fund money?
No. Trust fund claims are an administrative process, not a lawsuit.
Can I file with more than one trust?
Yes. Many victims qualify for multiple trusts, which can increase total payouts.
How fast can I receive compensation?
Some trusts pay in as little as 90 days once your claim is approved.
Can my family file a trust fund claim after I pass away?
Yes. Families can pursue wrongful death claims on behalf of loved ones who have died from asbestos-related diseases.
Will filing a trust claim affect my ability to sue other companies?
Not necessarily. Your attorney can coordinate both trust fund claims and lawsuits against non-bankrupt companies at the same time.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for significant compensation from one or more asbestos trust funds. With over $32 billion available, these funds exist to help victims and their families get the financial relief they deserve.
Call us today at 855-680-0452 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, identify every trust fund you qualify for, and guide you through the process to secure the maximum compensation possible.
