Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit and Claims

In the United States, 240,000 new lung cancer cases are diagnosed yearly. Some are brought on by smoking or heredity, while many are brought on by occupational exposure to toxins like asbestos. Asbestos fibers can harm the DNA of lung tissue and the lining around it, resulting in cancerous tumors.
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Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit and Claims
Updated On:
May 22, 2023
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6–7 minutes

Occupational Lung Cancer

When an asbestos-induced cancer tumor starts to spread within or around the lung tissue, asbestos lung cancer is the result. Ten to sixty years after your initial asbestos exposure, this damage to lung cells may result in cancer development.

Your lung cancer won't typically be referred to as "asbestos lung cancer" by doctors. They will only refer to your diagnosis by the provided medical name. Many individuals who receive a lung cancer diagnosis are unaware of the source or may even blame themselves.

Lung Cancer Without Small Cells (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. It can take many distinct forms and develop in various parts of the lungs. As with many other types of cancer, being around dangerous substances like asbestos may make you more likely to get NSCLC.

The most prevalent varieties of NSCLC are:

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • cancer of the squamous cell
  • Undifferentiated large cell carcinoma
  • Low-Risk Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC, also known as oat cell carcinoma, is a far less prevalent type of lung cancer that accounts for just 10% to 15% of cases.

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Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit and Claims

Low-Risk Lung Cancer

Another risk factor for developing small cell lung cancer is exposure to asbestos dust. Early warning signals could include the following signs or symptoms:

  • reduced appetite, weight loss, and exhaustion
  • difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a persistent cough
  • fluid around the lungs
  • spots on or around the lungs

Whether you were diagnosed with small-cell or large-cell lung cancer, asbestos exposure may have been the root of the problem. Our attorneys have extensive experience identifying and connecting asbestos exposure to lung cancer diagnoses.

Lung Cancer Without Small Cells (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. It can take many distinct forms and develop in various parts of the lungs. As with many other types of cancer, being around dangerous substances like asbestos may make you more likely to get NSCLC.

The most prevalent varieties of NSCLC are:

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • cancer of the squamous cell
  • Undifferentiated large cell carcinoma
  • Low-Risk Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC, also known as oat cell carcinoma, is a far less prevalent type of lung cancer that accounts for just 10% to 15% of cases.

How We Can Link Lung Cancer To Asbestos Exposure

The risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, chemical exposure, and family history. But for the past century, asbestos has also been linked to lung cancer among American workers. Since World War II, asbestos has been utilized in tens of thousands of goods due to its exceptional capabilities as an insulator, structural supporter, and chemical resistance.

Occupations Involving Exposure to Asbestos

The following professions have the highest rates of asbestos exposure:

  • Insulators and foundry workers
  • Construction/Remodeling
  • Shipyard and trainyard workers
  • Manufacturing
  • Military service
  • Chemical and oil refining
  • Automotive Repair
  • Power workers

Even if your job is not on this list, you may have still been exposed to asbestos. Our experienced legal team can help determine this possibility with a short conversation.

Payouts for victims of lung cancer caused by asbestos

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer that was caused by asbestos exposure, our firm will seek compensation on your behalf. If you can prove the following, the legal system will let you collect this compensation:

  • a primary lung cancer diagnosis during the previous three years
  • exposure to asbestos in the past
  • X-ray of the chest showing lung scarring

We may be able to get benefits from some or all of the following as part of our compensation package for lung cancer:

  • Asbestos trust fund claims (Lung Cancer Trust)
  • Lung cancer lawsuit (not required in most cases)
  • Administrative defendants (who settle without a lawsuit)
  • Workers' Compensation (based on an occupational disease)
  • Social Security Disability(SSD/SSI) 
  • Veterans' Benefits

Most of these benefits do not need to be litigated to be paid. Instead, they can be supported by claim forms, affidavits, work records, or other evidence.

A federal bankruptcy court has ordered asbestos trust funds to hold money for upcoming mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other disease victims. More than 60 of these trust funds were created. They have jointly promised to pay more than $30 billion in compensation to asbestos cancer victims and their families.

What are asbestos trust funds, and how do they work?

Asbestos trust funds are financial compensation programs set up by companies that have been found liable for exposing individuals to asbestos. These trusts are funded by the company and are intended to compensate individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.

To be eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund, individuals must typically meet specific criteria, such as qualifying diagnoses and demonstrating that they were exposed to asbestos through the company's products or operations.  The amount of compensation an individual may receive from an asbestos trust fund will depend on the specific terms of the trust and the individual's particular circumstances.

Individuals who believe they may be eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund can typically submit a claim directly to the trust or through an attorney specializing in asbestos-related claims. 

You might be eligible for compensation from these asbestos trusts if you were exposed to asbestos between the 1940s and 1980s and were later diagnosed with lung cancer. Our firm works with lawyers who have filed hundreds of trust fund claims.


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Frequently Asked Questions about Asbestos Lung Cancer

What is asbestos lung cancer, and how is it caused? 

Asbestos lung cancer is a type of cancer that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various products, including building materials, insulation, and automotive parts. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause irritation and scarring, leading to cancer development.

Can a law firm help me if I have been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer? 

Yes, a law firm that specializes in representing victims of asbestos-related diseases can help you if you have been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer. An experienced attorney can review your medical records and work history to determine if you may have been exposed to asbestos on the job or through other means. They can also advise you on your legal options and assist you in pursuing a compensation claim.

What are the potential consequences for companies that exposed employees to asbestos? 

Companies that exposed employees to asbestos may be liable for the resulting injuries and illnesses, including asbestos lung cancer. 
If the company is found to have negligently exposed its employees to asbestos. In that case, they may be required to pay damages to the affected individuals, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.