Notable Asbestos Lung Cancer Settlements & Verdicts
Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits help patients and families seek compensation from companies that caused their exposure. After mesothelioma, lung cancer is the second most common type of asbestos lawsuit.
Courts have awarded millions to people with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Here are some notable verdicts and settlements:
- $38 million: A New York jury awarded $38 million to a man with asbestos lung cancer and his wife. They found Burnham LLC, a boiler manufacturer, responsible for his exposure.
- $28.5 million: A New York City jury ordered three companies to pay $28.5 million to a steamfitter who developed lung cancer. He worked for decades at major jobsites, including the World Trade Center.
- $6.4 million: A Pennsylvania jury awarded $6.4 million to a carpenter and his wife. He was diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer after more than 30 years of exposure. The trial court divided the damages evenly among eight entities found responsible.
- $4.3 million: A California jury awarded $4.3 million to the family of a Navy rigger who died from lung cancer. J&H Marine Industrial & Engineering was found responsible for his asbestos exposure.
- $3.4 million: A Louisiana court upheld a verdict of $3.4 million in a family’s wrongful death lawsuit for a woman with asbestos lung cancer. Union Carbide was found liable.
- $1.36 million: An Illinois court awarded damages to the widow of a railroad worker who died of lung cancer. She received $1.36 million. Her husband faced years of asbestos exposure while employed at GM&O Railroad.
These cases show that compensation varies widely. But courts continue to hold companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims on the Rise
The number of asbestos lung cancer lawsuits in the U.S. has risen in recent years. Better medical tests now help doctors confirm if asbestos exposure was a cause of lung cancer. This helps more people connect their diagnosis to past asbestos exposure.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
How to Prove Asbestos Exposure Caused Lung Cancer
Proving asbestos caused lung cancer can be difficult. One study attributed as many as 18% of lung cancer cases to occupational asbestos exposure. However, smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer.
Lung cancer also has various risk factors. These include radiation therapy and exposure to certain chemicals. Because lung cancer has several possible causes, courts need clear proof that asbestos played a major role in an individual’s diagnosis. Luckily, lawyers know the best ways to prove this.
What Medical Evidence Is Required?
Asbestos attorneys often use medical experts to show how the mineral contributed to a patient’s cancer. Key evidence includes:
- Expert testimony: Doctors who explain how asbestos exposure led to the illness
- Exposure history: Records showing when, where and how asbestos contact happened
- Lab results: Tissue samples that may show asbestos fibers or disease patterns
This information can help prove if asbestos played a key role in a patient’s illness, even when other risk factors exist.
How Asbestos Lawyers Can Help
Experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers are well-versed in the medical and legal complexities of lung cancer lawsuits. They can:
- Build strong cases: Lawyers collect medical records, work history and company documents to prove your case.
- Take on big corporations: They handle large companies and their legal teams, so you don’t have to.
- Work with medical experts: Lawyers often bring in doctors to show that asbestos was a key factor in your cancer.
- Find all compensation avenues: They evaluate all options, including lawsuits and trust fund claims.
Asbestos lawyers can handle most of the legal process, so patients can focus on treatment and time with loved ones.
Who Can File an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit?
People who develop lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure may file lawsuits against the responsible companies. For instance, they may file against past employers or businesses that made or sold asbestos products. Family members can also file wrongful death lawsuits for deceased loved ones.
To qualify, you need:
- A confirmed lung cancer diagnosis: Medical records or lab results
- Documented asbestos exposure: Work history or other proof
- Medical causation: Expert opinion linking exposure to cancer
- Timely filing: Legal time limits
How to File an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
A qualified asbestos law firm can guide you through the process. First, you can get a free case review from a law firm. An attorney will look at your asbestos exposure history, medical records and work history to explain your options. If you choose to move forward with a lung cancer lawsuit, here’s what to expect:
- Your legal team builds your case. Lawyers gather evidence to strengthen your claim, such as company records and expert opinions.
- They file your lawsuit. Attorneys make sure your lawsuit is filed before deadlines.
- They handle proceedings and keep you updated. Your lawyers will seek compensation through settlement or trial, if needed.
Benefits of Filing an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit
Filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit can provide several benefits for patients and families:
- Financial support: Compensation can help cover medical bills, lost income and future care costs.
- Accountability: Lawsuits hold companies accountable for exposing workers and consumers to asbestos.
- Family security: Wrongful death lawsuits can help families recover after losing a loved one.
- Access to multiple options: Filing a lawsuit doesn’t prevent you from also seeking asbestos trust fund compensation or other benefits.
Notable Companies Facing Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits
Many asbestos lung cancer lawsuits name large corporations as defendants. Company records often show that these companies had evidence that asbestos was dangerous long before the public. Despite knowing the health dangers, some companies kept using asbestos.
Companies that have been named in asbestos lung cancer lawsuits include:
These companies used asbestos in many products, like building materials and insulation. Workers in fields like construction faced heavy exposure risks. The general public may also have been exposed through consumer goods. Anyone with asbestos contact could later develop mesothelioma, lung cancer or other related diseases.
Other Types of Asbestos Lung Cancer Compensation
Asbestos lung cancer patients and their loved ones may be eligible for different types of compensation. In addition to lawsuits, you may also be eligible to file trust fund claims, veteran benefits or workers’ compensation. A lawyer can determine the best course of action based on your individual case.
An asbestos lawyer can file trust fund claims and lawsuits together. This approach may increase total compensation by holding several companies accountable.
Trust Fund Claims
Many bankrupt companies created asbestos trust funds. These claims typically resolve more quickly than lawsuits. You may qualify for multiple claims if you were exposed in different ways.
Examples of companies with asbestos trust funds include:
To qualify, you need:
- A confirmed lung cancer diagnosis: Medical records or lab results. For lung cancer level 1 cases, some trusts require chest exams or additional reports diagnosing a bilateral underlying disease.
- Documented asbestos exposure: Evidence of work history or other proof. Some trusts require at least six months of exposure and may not recognize secondary exposure.
- Medical causation: Expert opinion linking exposure to cancer. A doctor can provide a medical statement connecting your cancer to your asbestos exposure history.
- Timely filing: Each state has filing timelines. Lawyers can explain which filing window will apply to your case.
Workers’ Compensation
Some states offer benefits for job-related exposure to asbestos. Benefits can include medical coverage and lost wage replacement. You can pursue workers’ compensation in addition to other options.
Veteran Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide disability benefits to veterans who were exposed. You need both a diagnosis of an asbestos-related condition and proof of exposure during military service. A disability rating may also grant VA healthcare and other benefits.
Common Questions About Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits
- Can you get compensation for lung cancer caused by asbestos?
Yes, people have successfully received compensation for lung cancer caused by asbestos. Some have been awarded millions from verdicts or settlements. If you are interested in compensation after a lung cancer diagnosis, you can contact an asbestos lawyer.
- What is the average settlement for asbestos lung cancer?
Settlement amounts vary since most are confidential. Factors include age, evidence strength, geographic location, lung cancer stage and number of defendants. Court verdicts range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Your attorney can better estimate compensation after reviewing your case.
- Can I file an asbestos lawsuit without a lung cancer diagnosis?
You need a diagnosis of an asbestos disease, like lung cancer or mesothelioma, to file an asbestos lawsuit. Exposure alone is not enough to secure compensation. Courts look for tangible losses owed, such as medical expenses or treatment costs.
- How long do asbestos lung cancer lawsuits take?
Case length depends on court schedules, case complexity and settlement talks. Asbestos lawsuits may take months to one year or longer. Trust fund claims usually resolve faster than lawsuits.
- Can I file an asbestos lawsuit if I also smoked cigarettes?
Smoking does not stop you from filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit. It may be harder to prove exposure, but it is still possible if you have a history of smoking. Skilled lawyers can show the court that asbestos exposure was a key contributing factor.
