Mesothelioma & Asbestos Trust Funds

Legally Edited and Fact-Checked by:Ricky A. LeBlanc, Managing Attorney, Sokolove Law

What Are Asbestos Trust Funds?

Asbestos trust funds are a type of compensation set aside by bankrupt manufacturers of asbestos-containing products for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Our mesothelioma attorneys can identify the asbestos-containing products responsible for your illness — and pursue compensation from the companies that made them.

Filing an asbestos trust fund claim:

• Results in compensation faster than a mesothelioma lawsuit
• Can be filed from the comfort of your own home
• Doesn’t require you to testify in court
• Awards an average payout of $300,000-400,000 total

Depending on your exposure history, you may be able to get compensation from multiple trust funds as well as a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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Video Summary: Asbestos trust funds allow current and future mesothelioma victims to pursue compensation from companies that have declared bankruptcy. View Transcript.

For all of these companies that knew they were poisoning people, there were people that we can't file lawsuits against because at some point, they filed for bankruptcy protection. In those cases, many of those companies have established a trust fund unique to each one of the manufacturers, is not one big fund for the purpose of paying individuals who have been harmed by their products. If they have a trust fund, then that claim is separate from filing a lawsuit. Lawyers are going to be best to identify who those trusts are and to fill out the paperwork in a proper way to make sure that you actually get the money that's been sitting there in a trust for you. The only choice you have is to file a claim with the bankruptcy trust administrator. Those can move very fast, they can be paid very soon. So, I've seen those as early as six weeks but the norm is probably two or three months. Make sure you actually look into whether there is a claim or not there are time limits, if you wait, you could lose out. If you're fearful about seeing a lawyer and you're apprehensive about it because you don't want to sign anything, you don't want to commit anything, I'm not ready. Emotionally all understandable, we see it every day it doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to us. Reach out, talk to a lawyer and find out if maybe there is a case. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Sokolove Law is here to help. Call us today at 800-647-3434.

$30 Billion Still in Mesothelioma Trust Funds

While billions of dollars have already been paid out to victims of asbestos-related diseases from trust funds, there is still an estimated $30 Billion remaining for those harmed by asbestos exposure.

“Since 1988, 60 trusts have been established to pay claims with about $37 billion in total assets.”
– U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Although asbestos trusts have already paid out more than $17 Billion, at least 23 additional trusts have been created by bankrupt companies since GAO’s report, which adds to the total amount and leaves billions still available.

A few more recently formed trusts and their estimated funds include:

• North American Refractories Corp., $6.32 Billion
• Pittsburgh Corning, $3.4 Billion
• Quigley Co., $596 Million
• W.R. Grace, $2.978 Billion

At Sokolove Law, we know the hardship mesothelioma brings on families like yours, and we're committed to fighting for the results you deserve.

Who Can File Mesothelioma Fund Claims?

Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation from mesothelioma fund claims.

In short, you may be able to file an asbestos claim if you’re the:

• Victims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases
• The victim’s spouse or immediate family members
• The victim’s estate representative

Even if your loved one is deceased, you may be able to file an asbestos trust fund claim on their behalf.

Not sure if you qualify? Call (800) 647-3434 today. We can listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.

"I really appreciate Sokolove Law. They help you, and they treat you like a person and not a number."
– Dennis, Firm Mesothelioma Client

Average Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts in 2024

Mesothelioma trusts pay out different amounts of compensation depending on a patient’s diagnosis and exposure history. The average payout for asbestos trust funds is between $300,000 and $400,000 in total.

In some cases, asbestos claims can amount to $750,000 or more, though that amount will vary greatly based on the unique details of each claim.

Depending on how many products you were exposed to, you may be able to file multiple trust fund claims, which can increase your total results.

Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is the best way to maximize how much you get from asbestos trust payouts since you need to prove you were exposed to the company's products to qualify.

Let us help you get the money you deserve. Fill out our contact form now for a free, no-obligation case review.

Sokolove Law: Maximizing Asbestos Claim Payouts Since 1979

At Sokolove Law, our asbestos attorneys have databases of evidence that can establish which manufacturers are at fault for your illness. We’ll pursue compensation from every avenue available to you if you have a case.

Our dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate team of legal professionals can handle every aspect of filing an asbestos trust claim on your behalf, so you focus on your health and loved ones.

Learn how our asbestos trust fund lawyers stand out from the rest: 

• Decades of Experience: For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped mesothelioma patients and their families get the results they deserve.
• Billions of Dollars in Results: We’ve recovered over $4.9 Billion on behalf of clients with mesothelioma and their families.
• Databases of Products and Job Sites with Asbestos: Our team can determine when, where, and how your exposure to asbestos took place, in addition to the company responsible for your illness.
• Thousands Helped Nationwide: We’ve helped over 8,500 clients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease across the country — more than any other asbestos law firm.
• Dedicated Team on Your Side: Clients at Sokolove Law work with a team of experienced legal and medical professionals, including a senior shareholder, multiple asbestos attorneys, registered nurses, paralegals, investigators, and more.
• No Hourly Fees or Financial Risks: Our team works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you have a case.

List of Asbestos Trust Funds

The following is a partial list of asbestos companies with compensation available to current and future victims with valid mesothelioma fund claims.

Don’t see the company that made the products you were exposed to listed above? It doesn’t mean you don’t have a potential case or can’t access mesothelioma compensation.

After decades of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, many trusts have different names — but funds may still be available. Contact us today to learn more about the options available to you.

How to File Mesothelioma Fund Claims

With experienced legal representation, filing an asbestos trust fund claim can be a surprisingly straightforward process, one that we can help you navigate every step of the way — at no out-of-pocket cost.

When you work with Sokolove Law, your asbestos attorney and legal team can:

• Conduct an investigation to identify the asbestos-containing products you may have been exposed to
• Gather evidence about your work history and potential asbestos exposure
• Collaborate with expert witnesses to prove your diagnosis and exposure
• File your asbestos claims with any trusts established by the companies responsible for your exposure
• Secure asbestos trust fund payouts on your behalf once the claim is liquidated

In many cases, you can file both an asbestos trust claim and a mesothelioma lawsuit to maximize your compensation and hold each company responsible for your illness accountable.

Our mesothelioma lawyers can help determine if you are still eligible and file your claim in time.

Asbestos Claim Payout Timeline

While the asbestos claim payout timeline will vary for each case, many victims begin receiving compensation in as few as 90 days.

Asbestos trust fund claims often provide victims with much-needed compensation quicker than a mesothelioma lawsuit because of how they’re paid out.

Asbestos trust funds review and pay out claims in two ways: 

• Expedited review: If you meet certain requirements, you can receive a fixed amount of money from the trust fund. This helps victims get funds sooner.
• Individual review: If your case is more complex, administrators will carefully study your medical records and asbestos history. While these reviews take longer, they work to provide meaningful compensation for those with less straightforward cases.

Your legal team can recommend which type of claim review is best based on the facts of your case.

Asbestos Claim Payouts & Compensation Options

Based on your work history and the data collected by our mesothelioma lawyers, we can often link asbestos exposure to several products, potentially made by multiple companies.

Because of this, you may qualify for compensation in multiple ways, like from:

• Asbestos or mesothelioma fund claims: Clients are often entitled to asbestos payouts from multiple asbestos bankruptcy trusts.
• Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts: Victims and their families may be able to file a lawsuit against any non-bankrupt companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: Filing an asbestos claim won’t impact your VA benefits. You may still seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in disability compensation, health care coverage, and other benefits if you’re a veteran with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Past Asbestos Trust Funds Payout Amounts

A former operating engineer diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma received $187,438 in asbestos bankruptcy claims. His legal team used his work and asbestos exposure histories to identify multiple products he was exposed to.

He also filed additional asbestos lawsuits, bringing his total compensation to over $2 Million.

By pursuing all avenues of legal action, our asbestos lawyers can fight for the maximum amount of mesothelioma compensation available in your case.

Access Mesothelioma Settlement Funds Now

Sokolove Law is the first truly national mesothelioma law firm, with a network of offices and licensed attorneys in nearly every state.

After decades of experience, our mesothelioma attorneys have gathered a warehouse of files, evidence, and other resources on asbestos-containing products that we use to determine which products you were exposed to — and which companies may owe you money.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our experienced and knowledgeable team is ready to help you access mesothelioma settlement funds.

Get started now by calling (800) 647-3434 or filling out our contact form for a free case review.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma Fund Claims FAQs