Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers

So what is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs, most notably the lining of the chest, the abdomen, the pericardial sac, and even the testes.

But the most common form of mesothelioma is what they call pleural mesothelioma. It’s the lining around the outside of your lung that is affected.

And the only thing we really know that causes mesothelioma in the Western world is exposure to asbestos. It could be in a factory, a construction site, or it could be in cosmetic products that are contaminated with asbestos, like a talc product.

But mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the organ, most notably the lung and the abdomen.

It used to be that the prognosis was very poor, 12 to 18 months. But since I’ve started doing this some 40 years ago, thank God medical advances have occurred, and people, if they get the right treatment promptly, live longer, and there is hope.

We actually had a client come in maybe a month or two ago who the doctors believe have actually been cured of mesothelioma.

So my message is: go to the right doctors, get the right help. If you have questions about who are experts in this field, what facilities are noted, what are the research centers, we’re happy to supply that information. Just give us a call.

The person responsible for filing the claim is the estate representative, typically named in a will. This may be a surviving spouse, a child, or another close family member or friend. If there is no will, the court will choose a representative. A claim for wrongful death is usually brought by family members of the deceased plaintiff, such as a spouse or child. The spouse or children of a deceased plaintiff can be considered wrongful death beneficiaries.

One notable example of a high settlement occurred in Illinois. There, a woman named Jean Holmes died of mesothelioma after secondary exposure to asbestos fibers while laundering her husband’s clothes. The jury awarded $2.6 million to Holmes’ children. They received this high award partly because responsible parties did not warn Holmes of the dangers of asbestos fibers.

The top factors that affect a mesothelioma settlement in a wrongful death case include the following:

• The deceased person’s age
• The deceased person’s treatment and expenses
• The deceased person’s pain and suffering
• The strength of the evidence
• The impact the treatment and loss had on surviving family members

You must prove that the defendant was wrongfully exposed to asbestos and died of mesothelioma. The stronger the evidence developed during litigation, the higher the likelihood of a full and fair settlement or verdict.

• Provide Evidence of Costs
• Provide Evidence of Lost Wages and Other Costs
• Provide Evidence of Mental Pain and Suffering

Cohen, Placitella, and Roth has offices in Philadelphia, PA. Our mesothelioma lawyers will fight to get the results you deserve for your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Our expert mesothelioma lawyers have offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Red Bank, New Jersey. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you and your family –  contact us today for a free evaluation of your mesothelioma lawsuit.

Most mesothelioma settlements are paid within 60–90 days after finalization, though timelines can vary based on case complexity and court processing. Asbestos trust fund claims typically take 6–12 months, depending on the trust and review process. Delays may occur if multiple defendants are involved or if liens must be resolved, but an experienced attorney can help streamline payment.

An asbestos trust fund claim is a compensation process for victims of asbestos exposure, created when companies filed for bankruptcy under Section 524(g) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Instead of going to court, victims file claims with these trusts, which review medical and exposure evidence and issue payment. There are 60+ active trust funds with over $30 billion available, and approved claims are often paid within 2–8 weeks.

You may be eligible if you have a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease and can show exposure to products linked to a company that established a trust fund. Claims must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations, typically 2–3 years from diagnosis or death, depending on the state. There are 60+ active asbestos trust funds with over $30 billion available, and many victims qualify for compensation even decades after exposure.

Asbestos trust fund payouts vary, but most claims receive 10%–30% of a trust’s scheduled value, which for mesothelioma can result in tens of thousands per claim. Because many victims qualify for multiple trusts (often 10 or more), total compensation can reach hundreds of thousands or more. There are 60+ active trust funds with over $30 billion available, and an experienced attorney can help maximize your recovery.

Yes — family members or estate representatives can file wrongful death claims or asbestos trust fund claims after a loved one passes away. Most states require filing within 1–3 years from the date of death, though deadlines vary. Trust fund claims are often processed faster, with payments typically issued within 2–8 weeks after approval, and can be pursued alongside lawsuits against other companies.

Mesothelioma typically develops 20–60 years after asbestos exposure, with an average latency of about 35 years, according to the National Cancer Institute and CDC. This long delay occurs because asbestos fibers remain in the body and cause gradual cellular damage over decades. Because the statute of limitations usually begins at diagnosis—not exposure—prompt legal action is critical to preserve your right to compensation.

Yes – veterans can file lawsuits against private manufacturers that supplied asbestos-containing products, though they cannot sue the U.S. military due to sovereign immunity. Veterans may also qualify for VA disability benefits, which are separate from lawsuits and trust fund claims. Navy, shipyard, and construction roles are among the highest-risk exposure groups, and veterans account for nearly one-third of U.S. mesothelioma cases. Learn more about your legal rights in our guide to whether veterans can sue for asbestos exposure.