How Long Does an Asbestos Claim Take?
Although every case is different, many asbestos claims start to award compensation in 90 days or less.
The exact time it takes to resolve a claim depends on the type of legal action you file and the number of asbestos companies or trust funds involved in.
Mesothelioma lawsuits can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete, while asbestos trust fund claims usually pay out much faster.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, which occurs when manufacturers of asbestos-containing products (the defendants) pay a mesothelioma victim or their family (the plaintiff) a lump sum to avoid a trial.
Asbestos trust funds were set up to provide guaranteed compensation to victims after the liable asbestos companies went into bankruptcy.
Many families qualify for payouts from both lawsuits and trust fund claims. See if you’re eligible for asbestos claim payouts without ever having to set foot in court.
Working With a Lawyer to Pursue Asbestos Lawsuit Payouts
Working with a mesothelioma lawyer is one of the most effective ways to pursue asbestos lawsuit payouts in the shortest possible time. Asbestos litigation is highly complex, and it’s unrealistic for your family to handle a case on your own while also managing treatment and day-to-day life.
An experienced asbestos attorney understands the legal system, can identify which companies should be held accountable, and has the resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
“We know how important compensation can be after a mesothelioma diagnosis, so we aim to move the process along as quickly as possible for our clients.”
Mesothelioma Hope partners with Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national mesothelioma law firm with a proven track record of securing life-changing results for asbestos victims. Through this partnership, you gain access to a nationwide network of mesothelioma attorneys who can help families in all 50 states.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Average Asbestos Claims Payouts for 2026
For 2026, the average asbestos claim payout is over $1 million, which includes compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits and trust funds. Some families receive much more than this depending on the number of companies involved and the strength of the evidence.
These payouts reflect both the harm caused by mesothelioma and the financial burdens that follow a diagnosis, including treatment costs, travel, lost income, and end-of-life care.
How to File an Asbestos Claim
Many asbestos claims follow a similar timeline. However, every case is different, and a settlement can be reached at almost any point in the asbestos claim process once a lawsuit has been filed.
Learn more about the mesothelioma lawsuit timeline below.
1. Get a Free Case Review
Time frame: Before the claim is filed — this first meeting typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
During this first conversation, a mesothelioma law firm will evaluate your case free of charge and determine if you can file an asbestos claim. If so, you can fill out the initial paperwork during this meeting to get started.
These law firms understand the burden that a mesothelioma diagnosis places on you and your family members. They have the resources and expertise to secure asbestos settlements for you as quickly as possible.
The best mesothelioma lawyers also charge no upfront fees and only get paid if they win your case, so there’s no financial risk to working with them. Get a free case review from our partner law firm now to learn whether you qualify for compensation.
2. Meet Your Asbestos Legal Team
Time frame: Within a few days after completing the initial paperwork. Meetings can be held in person, virtually, or over the phone.
Experienced asbestos law firms will have multiple resources and dedicated team members to give your claim the best chance of success.
Your legal team may consist of:
- Asbestos investigators
- Attorneys
- Medical experts
- Paralegals
These team members will gather evidence such as your work history, medical records, and information about products you worked with. They’ll use this information to prove how your asbestos exposure occurred.
Attorney Daniel P. Blouin explains how much a mesothelioma case is worth, when you can expect to receive compensation, and how each case's value is different. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to learn more. View Transcript.
Duration: 1 min 03 sec
The value of mesothelioma cases is varied, but typically quite high. It would be unfair to say a case is worth $400,000 to $5 million because every case is different. But I can tell you that these cases are extremely valuable. From the beginning of the case until the end of the case, it can be years, but typically, we try to resolve the case within a year to two years, typically a year to 18 months, depending on the state. It is important for everyone that our clients, once they meet the priority of their being deposed, that they can step aside and let us do the rest of the work and expedite receiving awards for them as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, MesotheliomaHope.com and Simmons Hanly Conroy can help.
3. File Your Asbestos Compensation Claim
Time frame: Varies, but the best law firms work quickly. Once the lawsuit is filed, the defendants must respond within a certain number of days or they could automatically lose.
Your asbestos lawyer will file your compensation claim after compiling information about your illness, identifying key defendants, and writing a formal complaint.
Arthur Putt, a long-term mesothelioma survivor and former auto mechanic, filed his legal claim with the help of Simmons Hanly Conroy and received “four settlements very quickly” before going to trial. The trial verdict was decided in his favor, and he received a $34 million asbestos exposure payout from Ford Motor Company.
Get a Free Case Review to see if the team at Simmons Hanly Conroy can help you, too.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
4. Go Through Discovery and Evidence Gathering
Time frame: From a few weeks to a few months. Both your lawyers and the defendants will organize information related to the case.
During discovery, your legal team gathers records and testimony that show when and where asbestos exposure occurred and how it led to your mesothelioma diagnosis.
The team may also speak to current or former employees who know how the companies used asbestos in their products.
5. Reach Settlements or Go to Trial
Time frame: From a few months to a year and a half. It depends on the number of companies sued and their willingness to settle.
Your mesothelioma attorney will typically try to negotiate settlements with the asbestos companies named in the lawsuit.
Nearly all lawsuits are resolved out of court with a mesothelioma settlement, which is less time-consuming and risky than a trial. If the court sides with the defendant in a trial, you may not receive compensation.
| Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements | Asbestos Lawsuit Verdicts |
|---|---|
| Most settlements award about $1 million to $1.4 million | Trial awards can be higher, averaging $5 million to $11.4 million |
| Families usually start receiving compensation sooner | The process can take much longer, sometimes a year or more |
| Lower risk because you know the payout amount ahead of time | Higher risk because the jury could decide against you |
| Less stressful because you don’t have to go to court | More stressful because you or your loved ones may need to appear in court |
| Final and secure because payouts cannot be appealed | Can be appealed, which may delay or reduce your payouts |
A mesothelioma law firm will make your case as strong as possible and fight for you in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
6. Receive Asbestos Claim Payouts
Time frame: Often 90 days or less for the first asbestos claims payouts.
If the case is resolved through a settlement or trial verdict, you’ll start to receive your asbestos lawsuit payouts.
Your attorney will keep you updated through each stage of your lawsuit and work to get you financial compensation as quickly as possible.
Asbestos Lawsuit Payouts
- $13.1 millionCarpenter
- $12 millionLaborer
- $10 millionBoiler tender
- $8 millionPipefitter and plumber
All Simmons Hanly Conroy settlement amounts have been fact-checked and verified by our editorial team.
How to File for Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts
Many families choose to file asbestos trust fund claims in addition to lawsuits because both options can provide compensation from different liable companies. Asbestos trust funds were created by companies that filed for bankruptcy after being sued for exposing people to asbestos.
You may qualify to file asbestos compensation claims with multiple trust funds since many workers encountered products made by several companies over the course of their careers.
Here’s how the asbestos trust fund filing process typically works:
- Choose a mesothelioma law firm. Reputable law firms have experience filing trust fund claims to get your asbestos payouts quickly.
- Share your work and medical history. You’ll be asked to provide information about where you’ve worked, whether you’ve served in the military, and relevant medical records.
- File claims with trusts. Your attorney will use your information and their expertise to file asbestos trust claims on your behalf.
- Receive asbestos trust fund payouts. After your claim has been reviewed, you’ll hear from your attorney about the amounts you’ll receive and when to expect the first asbestos payout. Many trust fund payouts begin coming in within 90 days or less.
Our legal partners can review your case and help you access asbestos trust funds right away if you qualify.
Notable Asbestos Claim Payouts
Although every case is resolved differently, it’s helpful to see how much compensation other families have received from their mesothelioma claims.
Here are some notable asbestos lawsuit payouts secured by our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Settlements
- $12 million for a laborer in Illinois
- $7 million for a wire installer in California
- $3.4 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Florida
- $8 million for a pipefitter and plumber in Texas
Verdicts
- $250 million for a steelworker in Indiana
- $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
- $20 million for a mechanic in Missouri
- $60 million for a laborer in New York
These outcomes show the range of compensation possible based on a person’s work history and the companies involved. A mesothelioma attorney can review your exposure history to identify which defendants or trust funds may be responsible in your case.
How Can Families Use Asbestos Claim Payouts?
There are no restrictions on what you can do with money recovered through mesothelioma legal claims. In many cases, paying medical bills is the top priority — but every patient’s and family’s situation is different.
Families have used asbestos claim payouts to:
- Pay for medical expenses
- Travel to out-of-state cancer centers
- Cover daily living costs
- Establish a savings or trust fund to support loved ones
- Donate to a cause they care about
- Buy something that brings more comfort or joy
Although money can never replace your or your loved one’s health, compensation for family members can ease the financial pressures that come with mesothelioma.
“Simmons Hanly Conroy was very professional and was able to settle the case very quickly. The results have taken away the monetary concerns that are associated with cancer, which are treatment and transportation, and meeting your everyday bills.”
Factors Affecting the Asbestos Claims Payout Timeline
Several factors can influence how quickly you begin receiving asbestos lawsuit payouts. Mesothelioma law firms review these variables early in the process to determine the best strategy for pursuing compensation.
Number of Asbestos Companies
Many mesothelioma cases involve exposure to asbestos-containing products from more than one company. Your legal team may file claims against each one, which can increase your total compensation.
However, each company or trust fund reviews claims on its own schedule. Some may resolve claims quickly, while others require more documentation or take longer to respond.
As a result, payouts often arrive in stages, with compensation from faster-moving companies or trusts arriving first.
Statute of Limitations
Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit the amount of time you have to file an asbestos claim or a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Most states set their statute of limitations at 1-3 years from the date you are diagnosed or the day a family member passes away from mesothelioma. You may be filing in the state where you currently live or the state in which you were exposed.
Even if you think you’ve missed the window, an attorney can see if you can file in another state or pursue asbestos claim payouts from bankruptcy trust funds, which have their own deadlines. See if you can access asbestos trust fund compensation now.
State Jurisdictions
The state or court system where your claim is filed can affect how quickly your case moves forward. Some courts handle asbestos cases on dedicated dockets or have procedures that allow mesothelioma claims to be scheduled more quickly than in other jurisdictions.
A national mesothelioma law firm like Simmons Hanly Conroy can review your exposure history and determine the most appropriate place to file your lawsuit. In many cases, the best jurisdiction isn’t where you currently live, but the state where exposure occurred or where the defendant company is located.
Settlements vs Trials
If a settlement cannot be reached with one or more defendants, the claim may proceed to trial.
Here’s what to expect in a trial:
- Both sides present evidence
- A judge or jury issues a verdict
- If the defendant is liable in a verdict, they must award compensation
Trials generally take longer than settlements, often extending the case timeline by months or even years. Verdicts can also be appealed, which may delay payment further. Because of these factors, most mesothelioma claims are resolved through settlements or asbestos trust fund payouts rather than going to trial.
Get Help Pursuing Asbestos Claim Payouts
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, now is the time to explore your legal options. You deserve justice and compensation, and our partners can handle everything needed to file your mesothelioma claim.
We can help you:
- Understand the legal options available to your family
- File a lawsuit quickly and maximize your potential compensation
- Navigate the entire legal process from start to finish
- Pursue asbestos claim payouts in 90 days or less
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or request your free case review — it only takes a few minutes, and there’s no pressure to move forward until you’re ready.
Asbestos Claims Process FAQs
Can you claim for asbestos exposure?
Yes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a claim. These claims may be filed through asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, or both, depending on the companies responsible for your exposure.
A mesothelioma attorney can review your work and medical history to determine which claims you qualify for and how to pursue compensation.
What is the average settlement for asbestos?
The average settlement for an asbestos claim ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million, according to industry reports. This amount can vary based on factors like the number of companies involved and where your claim is filed.
Many families also qualify for more mesothelioma compensation through bankruptcy trust funds, which can increase the total asbestos lawsuit payout.
How much money can you get from asbestos?
The total amount you may receive depends on your exposure history, the number of companies responsible, and other factors. Many patients have received asbestos claim compensation from multiple sources, including settlements, verdicts, and trust fund payouts.
When combined, it’s common for families to recover over $1 million, and some receive significantly more when several companies are involved.
How much do you get from an asbestos claim?
Every asbestos claim is different, but settlements often fall between $1 million and $1.4 million, while trust fund compensation may add another $300,000 to $400,000 on average across multiple trusts.
Your attorney will identify every possible source of compensation and estimate your potential recovery based on your diagnosis, exposure timeline, and work history.
How long does it take to settle an asbestos claim?
Many asbestos claims begin paying out in 90 days or less, especially trust fund claims. Full lawsuit settlements typically take 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of defendants and the court’s schedule.
Some companies settle quickly, while others wait until more evidence is exchanged or a trial date approaches.
Find out how soon you could start receiving compensation — get a free case review now.
Who pays asbestos compensation?
Asbestos compensation comes from the companies that made or sold asbestos-containing products, their insurance carriers, or asbestos bankruptcy trust funds.
When a company has gone bankrupt, its trust fund continues to pay victims, ensuring that compensation remains available even if the company is no longer in operation.
Your attorney will determine which companies are liable and pursue compensation from each one. Start by seeing if you qualify for asbestos trust fund compensation.
How We Can Help
