ASBESTOS LAWSUIT EXPOSURE CLAIMS
Were you exposed to Asbestos at work, while serving on a military base, or in your home?
You may be eligible for compensation
- Written By Attorney Troy Bouk
When microscopic fibers you couldn’t even see during service cause lasting damage to your lungs and body, the consequences are devastating—and they deserve recognition from the VA.
FAQs About Asbestos Exposure and VA Benefits...
What Is Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its heat and fire resistance, once widely used in building materials like insulation. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested.
Asbestos exposure was especially common in:
- Industrial, construction, manufacturing, and shipyard jobs
- Military service
- Secondhand exposure from family members bringing fibers home
Once inside the body, asbestos can embed in organs or tissue linings, causing inflammation, scarring, and eventually cancer.
How Asbestos Exposure Occurs
In the United States, most people were exposed to asbestos through occupational settings, particularly in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Workers in these fields were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers while handling materials like insulation, brake linings, and other products.
- Primary mode of exposure: Airborne Inhalation.
- Common Settings: Homes, workplaces, military bases.
Who Is at Risk?
- Workers in trades using asbestos-containing products
- Military Veterans
- Family members of workers (secondhand exposure)
- Residents in buildings containing degraded asbestos products
What Are the Signs of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period—10 to 50 years after exposure.
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Related Illnesses:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue
- Nausea, bloating, or abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Fluid buildup (effusion)
- Loss of appetite
Conditions Caused by Asbestos:
Exposure Cancers:
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
Non-Cancerous Illnesses:
- Asbestosis
- Interstitial Fibrosis
- Pleural effusion
- Peritoneal effusion
- Pleuritis (Pleurisy)
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural thickening
Do You Have An
Asbestos Exposure Claim?
Who Are the Defendants?
- Johns Manville: First company to establish a mesothelioma trust fund.
- 40+ Companies: Have filed for bankruptcy and now operate asbestos trust funds.
Who Are the Victims?
- You may qualify if you were exposed to asbestos, and
- Diagnosed with one of the conditions listed above.
What Compensation Is Available?
Types of Compensation:
- Mesothelioma patients may be eligible for compensation from multiple asbestos trust funds.
- Claims for VA disability for military service-related asbestos exposure
- Potential lawsuits (if no trust exists)
- Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
You May Be Eligible Without a Lawsuit
- No need to sue individual companies.
- Claims are filed directly with bankruptcy trust fund administrators.
Compensation Ranges:
- Single trust payout: $10,000 – $150,000
- Average total payouts: $300,000 – $400,000
High-end claims: $1 million or more .
How Fast Is Compensation Paid?
- As quickly as 6 weeks
- Common timeline: 2–3 months after claim filing
- Expedited review available for terminally ill patients
Filing Requirements & Proof Needed
You’ll Need:
- Medical diagnosis of an asbestos-related condition
- Work history and company identification
- Social Security records or union documentation
- Signed affidavit detailing exposure
How Do Asbestos Trust Funds Work?
- Not a single fund: Each company has its own trust.
- Court-ordered: Bankruptcy courts required companies to fund trusts instead of facing lawsuits.
- Managed by trustees, not the companies themselves.
Examples of Companies with Asbestos Trust Funds:
- Armstrong
- ASARCO
- Johns Manville
- Kaiser Aluminum
- Owens Corning
- Pittsburgh Corning
- U.S. Gypsum
How Much Money Is Still Available?
- Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds (as of 2024)
- $17+ billion already paid to claimants since 1988
- Funds continue to pay claims for new diagnoses every year
Do I Qualify for Compensation?
You may qualify if:
- You or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
- Exposure occurred at work, in the military, or secondhand
- Claim is filed within 2–3 years of diagnosis or death (varies by state)
How to File a Claim
- Contact a mesothelioma attorney at Bouk Law.
- Free case evaluation
- Law firm gathers your medical and exposure records
- Claims submitted to all eligible trusts
- Additional lawsuit may be filed if no trust exists
Why Choose Bouk Law?
At Bouk Law, we provide legal support and advice that is tailored to your specific situation and needs.
- Understanding your unique circumstances: It means taking into account your specific asbestos exposure history, the severity of your illness, your medical expenses, lost income, and the overall impact on your life.
- Case evaluation and strategy: A legal professional will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case to determine liability, assess damages, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
- Navigating the legal process: Personalized guidance helps you navigate the complex legal landscape of asbestos litigation, including filing claims, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and potentially going to court.
- Communication and support: It includes maintaining clear communication with you, promptly submitting requested information, and providing compassionate support throughout the process.
Essentially, at Bouk Law we provide personalized guidance to ensure you receive the specific attention and support you need to pursue a favorable outcome in your asbestos claim, taking into account all the individual aspects of your case.
Why These Claims Matter
Your asbestos case matters greatly, and here’s why you should consider pursuing legal action:
- Holding Negligent Companies Accountable: Many companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but hid this information, prioritizing profits over the health of workers and the public. By filing a lawsuit, you can expose this negligence and seek justice.
- Securing Financial Compensation: Asbestos lawsuits can provide significant financial compensation to help cover the costs of medical treatments, lost wages, and other expenses related to your illness. This can include compensation for pain and suffering.
- Ensuring Your Family’s Future: Mesothelioma lawsuits can provide a sense of security by ensuring your family is financially provided for after your passing.Preventing Future Harm: By holding companies accountable, your lawsuit sends a message that prioritizes safety and may deter future asbestos use, protecting future generations.
- Gaining a Sense of Closure: Filing a lawsuit can provide emotional closure, knowing that justice has been served for the harm caused to you and your family. No Upfront Costs: Many asbestos law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless your case results in compensation.
