At Mesothelioma Hope, we understand how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be. On top of navigating doctor visits and treatment decisions, you may just be learning about your options for compensation. It’s a lot to take in, but our team is here to help you understand your rights.
We spoke with Attorney Melissa Schopfer of Simmons Hanly Conroy to answer some of the most common mesothelioma legal questions patients have after a diagnosis. She’s worked closely with hundreds of families across the country to help them get the justice they deserve.
Melissa joined the firm in 2004 and leads a trial team that focuses solely on asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits. Her team has helped recover more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for families impacted by this disease.
“Sometimes you get the wrong interpretation of lawyers and attorneys. They’re humans too. They’ve become family. We got pretty close to Melissa. She called us when her babies were born, and we called her when our grandbaby was born.”
Melissa is also the recipient of the 2025 Women of Plaintiffs Asbestos Litigation Seminar (PALS) Award in recognition of her work as an advocate for clients and women in the legal profession.
In this Q&A, Melissa shares helpful mesothelioma legal information about pursuing financial compensation for asbestos exposure.
Why can you sue for mesothelioma?
You can sue for mesothelioma because asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this cancer, no matter what type a person has.
When companies chose to use asbestos in their products, they already knew it could cause cancer. They still failed to provide warnings or protections about these risks. Because of that, patients and their families can take legal action to hold those companies responsible.
A lawsuit can help recover the cost of medical care, lost wages, and the suffering this disease causes. It’s also a way to seek justice and make sure these companies are held accountable for the harm they caused.
Can a mesothelioma attorney figure out how I was exposed to asbestos?
Even if a client comes to us and has no idea how they were exposed to asbestos, we can usually help them figure it out. Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take decades to appear, so the exposure history isn’t always clear at first.
I work with a team of attorneys and investigators who focus specifically on asbestos exposure. They’ll meet with you and walk through your job history, military service, where you’ve lived, potential household exposures, personal care products you may have used in your life, and what kind of work your family members and loved ones did.
That last part is important because I’ve had many clients who were exposed to asbestos secondhand, often by coming into contact with dust or fibers brought home on a loved one’s clothing.
How do you prove asbestos exposure?
We work closely with each client and their family to piece together the facts about where they lived and worked, what kind of jobs they did, and even the specific products they may have come into contact with.
Over time, we’ve built extensive resources and access to historical records, job site information, and databases of products that contained asbestos. Combining this with what you share, we can pinpoint when and where the exposure happened, sometimes down to the exact asbestos-containing materials that were involved.
This kind of investigative work is critical because proving asbestos exposure is the foundation of a mesothelioma case. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Why should families file a mesothelioma legal claim?
Filing a mesothelioma legal claim can be an important step in managing the financial impact of mesothelioma. The cost of treatment can be overwhelming, and there are often added expenses for prescriptions, in-home care, and travel to and from the hospital. Many families also face a loss of income if a spouse or family member has to leave their job to become a caregiver.
Compensation from a mesothelioma claim can help cover these costs and allow families to focus on spending time together and supporting their loved one through treatment.
Beyond helping with these costs, filing a claim can also help families facing this cancer make sure the companies involved are held accountable. For years, businesses used asbestos in their products without providing warnings or protections that people needed to stay safe.
What compensation is available to mesothelioma patients and their families?
There are a few different ways clients might be able to receive compensation, depending on how and when they were exposed to asbestos. Once we learn more about someone’s background, we can help figure out which options may apply.
Many asbestos cases end in mesothelioma settlements, where the company agrees to pay without going to trial. Veterans who were exposed during military service may also be eligible for monthly disability benefits.
In some situations, clients qualify for payments from asbestos trust funds set up by companies that went bankrupt. Others might have the option to file a lawsuit against companies that are still in business.
Our role is to help explain what’s available and guide you through the next steps, whether that’s covering medical bills, making up for lost income, or helping reduce the financial burden this diagnosis can bring.
Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there’s a good chance you may be eligible for compensation — even if your loved one has already passed away.
A lot of my clients are construction workers, military veterans, shipyard workers, and others who were exposed to asbestos on the job. Others were exposed just by being around it. They might have lived in a home with asbestos insulation or washed a family member’s work clothes that had asbestos fibers stuck to them.
One thing I always remind people is that many companies knew asbestos was dangerous but failed to warn their workers or the public. Even if the company responsible for your exposure no longer exists, you may still be eligible for compensation from trusts that were set up for victims.
How do asbestos trust funds work?
When companies that manufactured or used asbestos products file for bankruptcy, they may be required to create asbestos trust funds. These trust funds are designed to ensure that people who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can still access financial compensation, even if the original company is no longer in business.
The process is meant to make sure that money is set aside specifically for those who have been impacted, providing a dedicated avenue for support outside of traditional lawsuits. The funds can be used to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Today, there are multiple asbestos trust funds operating in the United States, collectively holding billions of dollars. This money has already been set aside to ensure that compensation remains available for those who qualify now and in the future.
How much does it cost to hire an asbestos lawyer?
My team works on a contingency basis, which means there aren’t any costs for families to work with us. We’ll pursue compensation and receive a portion of whatever we secure for clients.
The firm covers all the upfront costs involved in the litigation process. You don’t have to worry about surprise invoices or paying every time you talk to your lawyer. Our goal is to take on the legal side of things, so you can focus on your treatment and the people around you.
How long does a mesothelioma legal claim typically take to resolve?
How long a case takes depends on factors like the type of claims we file and the number of different products someone was exposed to.
For claims submitted to asbestos trust funds, compensation usually starts to come within a few months. When a lawsuit is filed, the process may take longer. Even in those situations, we work diligently to move each claim forward as efficiently as possible.
If a client is seriously ill, we can request that the court grant an expedited schedule so their claim is resolved more quickly. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates so clients always know the status of their claims and the next steps.
My doctor told me I have a BAP1 gene mutation — can I still get compensation?
Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, you can still get asbestos compensation, even if you have a BAP1 gene mutation. Having the mutation alone isn’t enough to cause the cancer; asbestos exposure is still the key factor.
In the U.S., the law focuses on asbestos exposure as the cause of illness, not your genetic risk. So even if your genes made you more vulnerable to the harmful effects of asbestos, you still have the right to seek compensation. Companies that exposed you to asbestos can still be held responsible.
How can families learn more about their mesothelioma legal options?
I always recommend that families start by reaching out to have a conversation with us. You don’t have to know all the details or commit to anything. Many people feel nervous at first, but by the end of our first call, they usually feel some level of relief. They realize they aren’t alone and that they have support.
We aren’t here to pressure people — we’re here to guide them through one of the most challenging times of their lives. We’ll explain your options clearly, and then you can decide what feels right for you and your family. From there, your legal team will handle the rest.
Get Mesothelioma Legal Help Now
At Mesothelioma Hope, we can explain your legal options, answer any questions you have, and provide personalized support to your family every step of the way.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis is hard enough — figuring out your mesothelioma legal options shouldn’t add more stress.
“It was painless. It was informative. We had Melissa Schopfer, who was dedicated to us 24-7, and she helped us understand the next steps associated with our lawsuit. And it was very much a pleasure dealing with her.”
To get started, call (866) 608-8933 or request a free case review. Speaking with us is free, and there’s no pressure to move forward until you’re ready.
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