Mesothelioma & Asbestos — No Win No Fee
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Victims can pursue compensation through lawsuits and asbestos trust funds on a contingency fee basis — paying nothing unless the case succeeds.
What Is the Link Between Asbestos and Mesothelioma?
Direct Answer: Mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, with a latency period of 20–50 years. Multiple compensation routes exist: lawsuits, asbestos trust funds ($30B+ available), VA benefits, and workers' comp. Mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency fees of 33⅓%–40%.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and manufacturing industries throughout the 20th century. When asbestos fibres are inhaled or ingested, they can become embedded in the mesothelial lining and, over decades, cause mesothelioma. The dangers of asbestos were known to many manufacturers long before public disclosure, forming the basis for liability.
Compensation Options
Mesothelioma victims may pursue compensation through multiple channels:
- Personal injury lawsuits — filed against asbestos manufacturers, employers, or premises owners
- Asbestos trust fund claims — filed against bankruptcy trusts established by defunct manufacturers
- VA benefits — veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may be eligible for VA disability
- Workers' compensation — may provide additional benefits for occupational exposure
- Wrongful death claims — filed by surviving family members after the patient's death
Asbestos Trust Funds
When asbestos manufacturers faced overwhelming litigation, many filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and established 524(g) trusts to compensate current and future claimants. Each trust has its own claim criteria, payment percentages, and processing times. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify all trusts against which a client may have claims based on their specific exposure history.
High-Risk Occupations
- Construction workers (insulation, drywall, roofing)
- Shipyard workers and Navy veterans
- Auto mechanics (brake pads, clutches)
- Industrial plant workers (power plants, refineries)
- Miners
- Firefighters
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where this applies: Contingency fee rules are set state by state. Check your own state's rules before acting.
Sources for this page
Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 2 August 2026.
- ABA Model Rule 1.5 (Fees)
Model, not law. Each state adopts its own version. Rule 1.5(d) bars contingency fees in most domestic relations matters and in criminal defence.
- Cornell LII — contingency fee
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d) (costs to the prevailing party)
A losing plaintiff may be ordered to pay the defendant's taxable costs. There is no US equivalent of QOCS.
Who wrote and checked this page
- Written and published by
- Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
- Legal review
- This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
- Review dates
- Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Next review due 2 February 2027.
Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.