Mesothelioma Cancer Medical Diagnosis Image

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Were you diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease? You may qualify for compensation. Learn how to hold companies accountable and explore your legal options today.

  • Cancer Lawsuits

Last Update

  • April 09, 2025
lawsuitlike
lawsuitlike
lawsuitlike

About The Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Companies around the world understood the risks of asbestos for decades but failed to warn workers and consumers—leading to 255,000 deaths and countless asbestos-related illnesses each year, including mesothelioma.

 

People may be exposed at work, during home renovations, and through contaminated products like talcum powder. Those with family members who work around asbestos may develop mesothelioma following secondhand exposure.

 

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you deserve answers. Learn if you may qualify for a lawsuit and how to seek accountability. 

 

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium (a thin membrane that covers some internal organs). Symptoms of mesothelioma include: 

  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Pleural effusion (buildup of fluid in the chest)
  • Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen)
  • A cough that doesn’t go away
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Night sweats

 

 There are several types of mesothelioma, including: 

  • Pleural mesothelioma (affects the lining of the lungs and chest)
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma (affects the lining of the abdomen) 
  • Pericardial mesothelioma (affects the lining of the heart)
  • Testicular mesothelioma (affects the lining of the testicles) 

 

Each type of mesothelioma has its own symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis. However, they share one thing in common: the only recognized cause of all forms of this aggressive disease is exposure to asbestos.

 

What Is Asbestos, And Where Is It Found?

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber used throughout history for its durability and fireproof properties. Ancient Egyptians used the substance to help preserve mummified bodies, and it was a frequent component of 19th-century building materials like insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roof and siding shingles, paints, and concrete.

 

Despite its applications, asbestos is extremely hazardous. Classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), exposure can cause: 

  • Mesothelioma 
  • Lung cancer
  • Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
  • Ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and fallopian tube cancers

 

People may be exposed to asbestos:

  • At work. Those in the construction, manufacturing, and automobile industries may be affected, as well as first responders and military members. 
  • At home. People who live in older homes may be exposed during renovations or when asbestos-containing building materials break down. 
  • Via second-hand exposure. Family members and loved ones of exposed workers may come into contact with asbestos-contaminated clothing, shoes, or hair.  

 

Since talc and asbestos are often found together in nature, the two can mix if not properly mined. Consumers who use talc-based products (like talcum powders, certain baby powders, and cosmetic products containing talc) may also be exposed to asbestos.  

How Do Patients Develop Mesothelioma?

Patients can develop mesothelioma after breathing in or swallowing airborne asbestos fibers. The sharp fibers can become embedded in the body’s tissues, causing inflammation that can damage cells. This may lead to cancer-causing mutations that result in the development of mesothelioma over time. Mesothelioma often doesn’t show up until 10 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. 

 

The use of asbestos-contaminated talcum powders has also been linked to urogenital cancers in women, especially ovarian cancer. Some evidence also suggests that exposure to these products could cause mesothelioma. 

 

Who Qualifies For The Mesothelioma Lawsuits?

Bringing a Mesothelioma lawsuit may be available for anyone who developed mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease. This includes those exposed to asbestos at work, those who used contaminated consumer products, and those who received secondhand exposure.

 

You may qualify for the lawsuit if you meet requirements such as:

  • You must be diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease (including mesothelioma or lung cancer).
  • You must take legal action within 1 to 6 years following your diagnosis (or following the death of a loved one). Deadlines vary by state. 

 

You may also qualify for the lawsuit if you have been diagnosed with the following condition(s):

  • Mesothelioma
  • Lung Cancer
  • Pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the lungs)
  • Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
  • Pericardial effusion (fluid buildup in the sac around the heart)
  • Abdominal pain and/or chest pain
  • Fever
  • Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion)
  • Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Night sweats
  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weight loss

 

The best way to determine your eligibility is by speaking with a qualified attorney.

A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story

At just 35 years old, Julia Gundlach visited her doctor to discuss a bout of digestive symptoms. The routine appointment took a dark turn when imaging studies located a large mass in her pelvis. Doctors determined a life-shattering cause: peritoneal mesothelioma. Heartbreakingly, the young mother was given just 6 to 12 months to live.   

 

Julia’s diagnosis was unexpected but didn’t come as a complete surprise—not long before, her father had passed away from asbestos-related lung cancer after working as an electrician for four decades. His duties constantly exposed him to the toxic fibers hidden within the building materials commonly used at the time. 

 

“My father would come home from work, and I’d run up and hug him. He was covered in dust from a worksite. We didn’t know that that included asbestos dust,” stated Julia, who recalled her mother frequently shaking off the contaminated dust in their playroom. 

 

Julia’s father’s occupational asbestos exposure caused his cancer diagnosis—and, inadvertently, her own. Julia had become one of the growing number of individuals who developed mesothelioma following secondhand asbestos exposure. 

 

Though her care team wasn’t optimistic, Julia refused to give up. She battled through brutal chemotherapy sessions, multiple surgeries, and relentless insurance claim denials. Mounting medical bills left Julia in debt, prompting her to seek legal assistance from an experienced mesothelioma attorney.  

 

Through her legal team, Julia learned that manufacturers long knew of the dangers of the asbestos-laced building supplies her father worked with. Indefensibly, they neglected to alert workers, causing Julia, her father, and so many like them to develop and suffer from asbestos-related conditions. 

 

Julia’s lawyer explained her legal rights and encouraged her to seek justice. Determined to hold these companies accountable, Julia chose to file a lawsuit. Her case was successful, and she received compensation that helped with her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

 

Julia’s compensation allowed her to receive the treatment she needed, in part enabling her to defy expectations and soon be celebrating 20 years as a mesothelioma survivor. 

 

What Are The Next Steps If You Want To Pursue A Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may have questions about how to file a lawsuit. Speaking with an asbestos attorney is the best way to seek the accountability you deserve. 

 

An attorney will evaluate your case, identify filing deadlines, assist in gathering evidence, and help determine which legal path is right for you (a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit, or mesothelioma trust fund claim). The good news is that most attorneys who work on these cases do not require payment upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay a portion of your settlement or compensation if your case is successful.

 

Attorneys in the OCA network are available to answer any questions you have about the legal process and filing a lawsuit. Complete the form at the top of the page to be connected with an attorney in our network for a free case evaluation. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Anyone who was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may qualify to file a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can help determine your eligibility and identify applicable filing deadlines.

Usually, lawyers who work on these cases do not require payment upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay a portion of your compensation only if your case is successful.

Typically, no. Most asbestos cases are settled outside of court, meaning you likely won’t be required to go to trial. However, you may be able to reject a settlement offer and take your case to trial if you choose. An attorney can help you better understand your options.

Since many people are unaware of their legal rights, it can be helpful to encourage your friend to seek the advice of a qualified attorney. Sharing this page with your friend can be a good place to start.

This is an advertisement. OnlyClassActions is not a law firm or referral service, and we do not provide legal advice. OnlyClassActions provides a free service for individuals seeking legal representation, and we do not charge you to be connected with an attorney. We do not recommend or endorse any attorneys that pay to participate. OnlyClassActions utilizes a pool of attorneys in each jurisdiction, and attorneys are selected through a round-robin process without our evaluating your legal situation when selecting which attorney will receive your information. OnlyClassActions makes no representation about the quality of legal services or the qualifications of any attorney participating in our pool. Information you submit will be shared with third-party attorney(s). An attorney-client relationship is not formed when you submit information through the form. Hiring a lawyer is a critical decision and should not be predicated solely on comments, advertisements, or other content found on any website. You are under no obligation to retain a lawyer who contacts you through this service.

Add Comment




footer-logo

Lawsuits & Settlements

View All SettlementsLatest Class Action NewsAbout Us

Subscribe

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on cases and settlements.

By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.

© 2024 OnlyClassActions. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

Cookie Consent

FacebookInstagramTwitter