Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Name: Why I Decided To File An Asbestos Lawsuit
Uploaded: 2020-04-06
Description: Meso Survivors and Meso Warriors discuss what factors led them to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Filing an asbestos lawsuit allows mesothelioma patients and their families to fight back against the companies responsible for their asbestos-related disease — and secure compensation for their future.

As a leading mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped thousands of clients across the country recover over $8.8 billion in mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts.

Call (800) 326-8900 now for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how our firm can help.

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Why File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Hold companies accountable
Pay for growing medical costs
Recover lost wages
Provide for your family members

Asbestos companies knew the risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s — but covered them up for decades.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can hold these companies accountable while securing compensation that may help you take care of yourself during an exceedingly difficult time.

Sadly, mesothelioma is an expensive disease to treat. The costs of diagnostic tests, medication, surgeries and traveling to specialists can add up quickly, amounting to over $400,000 a year.

Video Summary: Meso Survivors and Meso Warriors discuss what factors led them to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. View Transcript.

Latanyta Manuel (00:01):
Mesothelioma took my husband, the father of my children, and he was only 44 years old. 
Bob Guinn (00:14):
My name is Bob. I'm 53 years old, and I have mesothelioma.
 Dennis Ray (00:18):
And they said, "The results from the biopsy are you have mesothelioma. You've been around asbestos."
 Julie Gundlach (00:27):
I was told that I had a very deadly cancer, that I should go home, put my affairs in order.
 Walter Twidwell (00:33):
They said, “Do you have all your paperwork in order?” And I said, "Yes I do." And he said, "Well, keep it there."
 Bob Guinn (00:38):
I used to be this big strong guy and tough guy, and nothing bothered me, and now I'm less than that.
 Forrest Wulf (00:46):
It was devastating when they told me I had it — for me and my family.
 Latanyta Manuel (00:53):
Companies knew it was deadly, but they used it anyway.
 Julie Gundlach (00:58):
I think initially my reaction was disbelief at the way companies continued to use asbestos after they knew that it was deadly.
 Walter Twidwell (01:08):
When I got told they knew many years prior what it would do to a human being, I got mad. I said, "Well, to heck with this noise, they're going to hear from me."
 Bob Guinn (01:22):
They knew they were making people sick with the products they were producing and they didn't give a...
 Walter Twidwell (01:29):
I didn't want to sue my government, and I damn sure didn't want to sue the Navy, because they’re still feeding me.
 Forrest Wulf (01:38):
When I found out, people told me to go see a lawyer and file a lawsuit.
 Julie Gundlach (01:44):
I first contacted an attorney on the advice of my physician, and it seemed initially like something I didn't want to do. It just goes against my nature.

Bob Guinn (01:57):
I've never filed a lawsuit before in my life.
 Dennis Ray (02:01):
Number one, I didn't think I'd ever get mesothelioma. I knew there was asbestos in it, but I didn't know it was harmful. I didn't know it would cause cancer.
 Forrest Wulf (02:10):
I hope it sends a message to them, because they're killing us is what they're doing.
 Bob Guinn (02:18):
It was all about the mighty dollar. They didn't care what happened to people and their families.
 Julie Gundlach (02:23):
My biggest fear was my daughter would grow up and not remember her mother.

Who Can File an Asbestos Lawsuit?

We may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of the:

Patient diagnosed with mesothelioma
Victim’s spouse or children
Representative of the victim’s estate

Even if your loved one has already passed away, you may still be eligible to take legal action and secure compensation on their behalf.

Not sure about your legal options? Call (800) 326-8900 now to start your free legal consultation.

Start a Free Consultation for:

How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Contact Our Asbestos Attorneys

Since 1999, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped thousands of families across the country understand their options and secure compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits.

Our asbestos attorneys strive to make filing a lawsuit as easy as possible for you and your family.

We’ll File Your Asbestos Claim

When you work with Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ll handle every step of the legal process for you, including:

Collecting all the evidence about how and when you were exposed to asbestos
Investigating the asbestos products that may have caused your illness
Filing any asbestos exposure claims on your behalf within state deadlines

Our goal is to identify who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and hold them accountable for causing you to get sick.

Get Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve secured over $8.8 billion from mesothelioma claims nationwide.

We have decades of experience securing results from powerful asbestos companies.

Our combination of compassion, resources and experience has helped us secure some of the largest asbestos verdicts and settlements in the country for mesothelioma patients and their families.

Why Choose Simmons Hanly Conroy?

As one of the country’s leading mesothelioma law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy is uniquely equipped to help mesothelioma patients and their families get the justice and results they deserve.

20+ Years of Experience
60+ Asbestos Attorneys Nationwide
$9.3 Billion from Asbestos Cases
Over 6,000 Families Helped
We Only Get Paid If You Do

When you work with us, you’ll have a small team of experienced asbestos attorneys focused solely on your case. Each team has access to top resources and is dedicated to ensuring you get the results you deserve.

These asbestos litigation resources include:

Research and Discovery Department of veteran attorneys and Ph.D. researchers
Robust national network of medical and safety experts
In-house medical department led by registered nurses
Warehouse of evidence, including corporate documentation and physical industrial parts and materials

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’re not only committed to our clients — but also to our communities. We support a wide variety of national and local organizations and are one of the nation’s leading legal contributors to mesothelioma cancer research.

Our Past Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud of the success we’ve had securing mesothelioma compensation both through settlements and trial verdicts.

$250 Million Verdict

Occupation: Steelworker
Diagnosis: Pleural Mesothelioma

$40 Million Verdict

Occupation: U.S. Navy Veteran
Diagnosis: Pleural Mesothelioma

$60 Million Verdict

Occupation: California Laborer
Diagnosis: Pleural Mesothelioma

$3.8 Million Settlement

Exposure: Secondhand
Diagnosis: Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Additional results:

$20 million – Auto mechanic
$4.14 million – U.S. Air Force veteran
$5.6 million – Airline worker
$12 million – U.S. Navy veteran
$4.7 million – Laborer
$2.92 million – U.S. Air Force veteran
$13 million – HVAC worker
$3.69 million – U.S. Navy veteran
$4 million – Laborer

Our Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlements

Our attorneys have represented thousands of families in mesothelioma cases and recovered billions of dollars in compensation for families of mesothelioma warriors, including the following results:

$4.4 Million

Exposure: Secondhand
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Apple on a teacher's desk with blurred students in background

$4 Million

Occupation: Los Angeles Teacher
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

$3.75 Million

Occupation: Pennsylvania Laborer
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

older factory worker using industrial machine

$2.86 Million

Occupation: Factory Worker
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Lawyer going over paperwork with a happy older couple

Additional results:

$1.57 million – Texas mechanic
$3.3 million – U.S. Marine Corps veteran
$1.9 million – U.S. Navy veteran
$1.2 million – New York truck driver
$2.69 million – California shipyard  worker
$3.43 million – Colorado carpenter
$5.2 million – Florida roofer
$3.98 million – Massachusetts Navy veteran

Learn more about the legal options available to you.

Get a Free Case Review Now

See How We Have Helped Others

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we stand for our clients. We’re committed to providing our clients with the expert legal care they need and the personal attention they deserve. See what just a few of our mesothelioma clients have said about us so far.

"The financial freedom from filing a lawsuit made the time I have left even better."

– Art

"Filing a lawsuit put us in a better position to fight mesothelioma.”

– LaTanyta

John Stahl and his wife stand together in front of a waterfall

"Hiring Simmons Hanly Conroy was the smartest thing we ever did."

– John

Mike Mattmuller — a Simmons Hanly Conroy client — and his wife holding their young daughter

"The firm helped us out when nobody else would. They care about you, they really do."

– Mike

Hear from Our Clients

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Why Asbestos Companies Can Be Sued

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Throughout the 20th century, this toxic mineral was used by asbestos companies to make durable and fire-resistant products and building materials.

Sadly, these companies knew the health risks of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s. That’s why mesothelioma patients can file lawsuits against the companies responsible for their asbestos-related illness.

Mesothelioma lawsuits may be filed against the:

Product manufacturer(s)
Manufacturer of component parts
Wholesaler or distributor(s) of the product
Company that employed workers to use the asbestos-containing products

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help individuals hold negligent companies accountable for exposing them to cancer-causing asbestos.

Get a Free Legal Consultation

“I know all too well the devastation and heartache cancer can wreak on a family. I try to take that experience and understanding with me into the lawsuit, so clients feel supported and protected, from the first meeting in the living room to the trial in the courtroom.”

– Partner Donald Blydenburgh

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

The most important step in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is understanding the deadlines that govern how much time you have to file. These are called the mesothelioma statutes of limitations.

Each state has a different time period when it’s OK to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. The mesothelioma statute of limitations can range from 1-to-3 years after the date of a person’s diagnosis or death from mesothelioma.

Don’t miss your opportunity!

The most common reason our asbestos attorneys can’t help people file a mesothelioma lawsuit is that the deadline to file has passed. Don’t let this happen to you. Connect with our team today to make sure your lawsuit is filed in time.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timeline

We know time is of the essence in cases like these due to the aggressive nature of mesothelioma and the cost of treatment.

Within days of contacting us, our attorneys can meet with you at a location of your choosing to learn more about your diagnosis and start building your case.

From there, we do everything we can to secure compensation as quickly as possible for you.

Get Started Now

Types of Lawsuits for Mesothelioma Cancer

Simmons Hanly Conroy has decades of experience filing mesothelioma lawsuits on behalf of our clients and their families. Depending on your exposure history, you may also be able to pursue compensation from the estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds.

Unlike many other firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy can handle filing your mesothelioma lawsuit as well as filing claims with any trusts you qualify for, which maximizes the amount of compensation in your case.

During a free legal consultation, we can let you know more about all of your potential legal options.

Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit

Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits are what people file when they are injured by a company or a person through no fault of their own.

The purpose of the lawsuit is to get compensation for mesothelioma and let the wrongdoers know that there is a cost for putting people’s lives at risk.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit After Death

If your spouse or family member died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be able to file a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit after their death.

In legal terms, “wrongful” means a death was caused by the negligent acts of another party. Companies knew the health dangers of asbestos exposure for years — but continued to use it.

Mesothelioma Class Action Lawsuit

Since asbestos exposure can affect people in different ways, class action lawsuits for mesothelioma are no longer considered an effective means of holding asbestos companies accountable.

Your case will be filed and prosecuted individually, not as a mesothelioma class action lawsuit, so you get the attention and compensation you deserve.

“A good attorney needs to vigorously represent his client while also managing the numerous moving parts that may be involved in a lawsuit. At the firm, we make it a priority to give clients the personal attention they deserve while keeping an eye on the larger picture.”

– Partner Ryan Kiwala

Meet Our Award-Winning Mesothelioma Attorneys

When you work with our mesothelioma lawyers, you get the personal support of a local legal team with the resources and reach of a nationwide law firm. Meet some of the firm’s top mesothelioma lawyers below.

Meet Firm Founder and Chairman John Simmons

Learn About “Best Lawyer in America” Amy Garrett

Meet Head of the Asbestos Department Nick Angelides

Get to Know Asbestos Trial Attorney Jim Kramer

Meet All Our Lawyers

Find an Asbestos Lawyer in Your State

As a leading national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped thousands of families across the country hold the companies that exposed them to asbestos accountable for their illness.

With centuries of cumulative service to our clients and our communities, our attorneys are devoted to improving the lives of those affected by mesothelioma.

We firmly believe victims of asbestos exposure deserve a voice in our legal system and are committed to standing up for clients in and out of the courtroom.

Over the last 20 years, our lawyers have recovered over $9.3 billion total for asbestos exposure victims across the country.

Ready to see if we can help you pursue compensation? Get a free case evaluation or call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more.

Select your state to learn more about our past results in the area.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawsuits FAQs

What is a mesothelioma lawsuit?

A mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of legal action taken against the companies that made or used asbestos-containing products.

Those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases can hold asbestos companies liable for the injuries they suffered as a result of exposure to the company’s products.

Filing a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit can also secure compensation that can help patients pay for treatment and more.

Am I eligible to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma?

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma — or recently passed away from this cancer — you may be able to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma.

Each state has a law, called the mesothelioma statute of limitations, that limits how long you have to take legal action, which makes it very important to act quickly if you think you have a case.

Contact Simmons Hanly Conroy today to see if you can file a claim to pursue compensation.

Why do people sue for mesothelioma?

There are many reasons to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can give you back your health, a mesothelioma lawsuit settlement may help cover your medical expenses and ensure your family’s financial security for years to come.

Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. This mineral was used by companies to make durable and fire-resistant products throughout the 20th century. However, these companies knew the health dangers of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s.

Because of this, mesothelioma patients and their families are able to hold these companies accountable through mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. Call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more for free.

When should I file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

You have only a certain amount of time after your diagnosis to file an asbestos claim due to the mesothelioma statute of limitations, a state-specific deadline on filing a lawsuit. Once these deadlines pass, it’s too late to file.

Because of this, we advise you to contact us as soon as possible. Our team can listen to what’s going on and let you know if you’re eligible to take legal action — at no cost or obligation to you.

How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?

Every mesothelioma lawsuit has a different timeline depending on the specific factors in each case. As a national mesothelioma law firm, we understand that time is of the essence in asbestos cancer cases.

Our skilled mesothelioma attorneys will work to secure the highest amount of compensation for you in the shortest amount of time possible.

Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit after the death of my loved one?

Potentially, yes. Mesothelioma victims or their immediate family members may be eligible to receive compensation from the manufacturers of dangerous asbestos products that caused the disease.

Even if your loved one is deceased, as a family member, you may be able to file a mesothelioma wrongful death claim on their behalf after death. Learn more about your legal options today.

How much mesothelioma lawsuit compensation can I expect to get?

Any recovery you may receive depends on a variety of factors, such as your exposure history or whether your case is settled or goes to a jury trial.

Our law firm has a track record of securing significant results for our clients diagnosed with mesothelioma.

To get a better idea of how much compensation you might be able to expect, request a free legal case review.

How much will it cost to file an asbestos exposure lawsuit?

There are no out-of-pocket costs to file an asbestos lawsuit. Our lawyers will only get paid if your case results in compensation. This means there is no financial risk on your part in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Start the process today by filling out the form on this page or calling (800) 326-8900.

Will I have to travel?

We will come to you, wherever you may be and whenever it’s convenient for you. Our attorneys and investigators will travel to meet with you in the comfort of your own home or in a location of your choosing.

Though we can’t guarantee you won’t ever have to travel during your case, it’s very unlikely you will need to leave the area you live in for your case.

Will I have to testify at trial?

We always prepare as if we are going to trial, but the vast majority of our mesothelioma cases settle out of court without going through a trial.

In the event that a trial does occur, our mesothelioma attorneys are trained to make this process as easy on you and your family as possible.

Will my mesothelioma lawsuit be filed in my state?

Not necessarily. Based on your unique circumstances, your experienced mesothelioma lawyer will recommend the best court for your lawsuit and what information that jurisdiction requires to file your case.

Your home state is one of several factors your attorney will consider when deciding where your case may be filed. This step is included in the legal process and will not cost you any extra money.

Depending on the specific facts of your case, it’s possible that your asbestos lawsuit may not be filed in your home state. However, this does not mean you will have to travel or leave the state.

When you work with Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ll travel to you and work to make filing a lawsuit as stress-free as possible for your family.

Once I contact you, what happens next?

As soon as you contact us, our mesothelioma lawyers and legal team will begin examining your asbestos claim at no cost to you or your family.

One of our investigators or attorneys will call or visit you to learn more about you, your family and your work history to determine more about your asbestos exposure.

After we have enough information, we decide if we can recommend filing an asbestos lawsuit, and you decide if you’d like to hire us to represent your family.

Start the investigation process by filling out the form on this page or calling (800) 326-8900. There’s no cost to speak with our team.

Are mesothelioma lawsuit settlements taxable?

Compensation from a mesothelioma claim may or may not be subject to taxes. We recommend you consult a tax attorney regarding your specific situation.

Will my case be part of a mesothelioma class action lawsuit?

No. While asbestos class action lawsuits may have been an option historically, your case will not be handled as a class action mesothelioma lawsuit.

All asbestos cases will be filed and prosecuted individually, instead of as a mesothelioma class action, so your case receives the individual attention and compensation it deserves.

Mesothelioma class action lawsuit settlements were unable to take into account the various different factors that can influence compensation amounts in individual claims, such as the:

Duration of exposure
Number of asbestos products and work sites involved
Severity of the illness

Call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more about your legal options.

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Focus on your health and loved ones while we focus on your mesothelioma claim.

We fight to maximize your results
Many clients get results in as few as 90 days
No out-of-pocket costs for you or your family

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