Mesothelioma & Asbestos Trust Funds

When manufacturers of asbestos-containing products file for bankruptcy, they must set aside compensation for current and future asbestos victims in asbestos trust funds. As of October 2024, an estimated $30 Billion is still available in these trusts.

For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped thousands pursue a portion of this money — without going to court. Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you qualify for free.

See If You Can Access Asbestos Trusts

What Are Asbestos Trust Funds?

Asbestos trust funds refer to money set aside by bankrupt manufacturers of asbestos-containing products for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Our mesothelioma attorneys can identify the asbestos-containing products responsible for your illness — and pursue compensation from the companies that made them.

Filing an asbestos trust fund claim:

  • Results in compensation faster than a mesothelioma lawsuit
  • Can be filed from the comfort of your own home
  • Doesn’t require you to testify in court
  • Awards an average payout of $300,000-400,000 total

Depending on your exposure history, you may be able to get compensation from multiple trust funds as well as a mesothelioma lawsuit.

See if you qualify for compensation from mesothelioma trust funds now — at no cost to you.

$30 Billion Still in Mesothelioma Trust Funds

While billions of dollars have already been paid out to victims of asbestos-related diseases from trust funds, there is still an estimated $30 Billion remaining for those harmed by asbestos exposure.

“Since 1988, 60 trusts have been established to pay claims with about $37 billion in total assets.”
– U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Although asbestos trusts have already paid out more than $17 Billion, at least 23 additional trusts have been created by bankrupt companies since GAO’s report, which adds to the total amount and leaves billions still available.

A few more recently formed trusts and their estimated funds include:

  • North American Refractories Corp., $6.32 Billion
  • Pittsburgh Corning, $3.4 Billion
  • Quigley Co., $596 Million
  • W.R. Grace, $2.978 Billion

At Sokolove Law, we know the hardship mesothelioma brings on families like yours, and we're committed to fighting for the results you deserve.

Our mesothelioma lawyers can determine if you’re eligible for asbestos trust fund compensation for free.

Who Can File Mesothelioma Fund Claims?

Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation from mesothelioma fund claims.

In short, you may be able to file an asbestos claim if you’re the:

  • Victims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases
  • The victim’s spouse or immediate family members
  • The victim’s estate representative

Even if your loved one is deceased, you may be able to file an asbestos trust fund claim on their behalf.

Not sure if you qualify? Call (800) 647-3434 today. We can listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.

"I really appreciate Sokolove Law. They help you, and they treat you like a person and not a number."
– Dennis, Firm Mesothelioma Client

Average Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts in 2024

Mesothelioma trusts pay out different amounts of compensation depending on a patient’s diagnosis and exposure history. The average payout for asbestos trust funds is between $300,000 and $400,000 in total.

In some cases, asbestos claims can amount to $750,000 or more, though that amount will vary greatly based on the unique details of each claim.

$300,000-400,000

Average Payout from Asbestos Trust Funds

Depending on how many products you were exposed to, you may be able to file multiple trust fund claims, which can increase your total results.

Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is the best way to maximize how much you get from asbestos trust payouts since you need to prove you were exposed to the company's products to qualify.

Let us help you get the money you deserve. Fill out our contact form now for a free, no-obligation case review.

Sokolove Law: Maximizing Asbestos Claim Payouts Since 1979

At Sokolove Law, our asbestos attorneys have databases of evidence that can establish which manufacturers are at fault for your illness. We’ll pursue compensation from every avenue available to you if you have a case.

Our dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate team of legal professionals can handle every aspect of filing an asbestos trust claim on your behalf, so you focus on your health and loved ones.

Learn how our asbestos trust fund lawyers stand out from the rest: 

  • Decades of Experience: For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped mesothelioma patients and their families get the results they deserve.
  • Billions of Dollars in Results: We’ve recovered over $5.1 Billion on behalf of clients with mesothelioma and their families.
  • Databases of Products and Job Sites with Asbestos: Our team can determine when, where, and how your exposure to asbestos took place, in addition to the company responsible for your illness.
  • Thousands Helped Nationwide: We’ve helped over 8,700 clients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease across the country — more than any other asbestos law firm.
  • Dedicated Team on Your Side: Clients at Sokolove Law work with a team of experienced legal and medical professionals, including a senior shareholder, multiple asbestos attorneys, registered nurses, paralegals, and investigators.
  • No Hourly Fees or Financial Risks: Our team works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you have a case.

List of Asbestos Trust Funds

The following is a partial list of asbestos companies with compensation available to current and future victims with valid mesothelioma fund claims.

CompanyAsbestos Trust FundCreated
A. P. Green IndustriesAPG Asbestos Trust2014
ABB Lummus GlobalLummus 524(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2007
A-Best ProductsA-Best Asbestos Settlement Trust2006
AC&SACandS Asbestos Settlement Trust2009
API, Inc.API, Inc. Asbestos Settlement Trust2006
Armstrong World IndustriesArmstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
ARTRA Group, Inc.ARTRA 524(g) Asbestos Trust2007
ASARCO, LLCASARCO LLC Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2009
Babcock & Wilcox Co.Babcock & Wilcox Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
Bondex International/Special Products Holding Corp.Bondex Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2016
Brauer Supply Co.Brauer524(g) Asbestos Trust2012
Burns & Roe Construction GroupBurns & Roe Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
Burns & Roe Enterprises, Inc.Burns & Roe Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
C.E. ThurstonC.E. Thurston & Sons Asbestos Trust2006
Celotex Corp.Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust1997
Christy Refractories Co. LLCChristy Refractories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2012
Combustion EngineeringCombustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2006
Congoleum Corp.Congoleum Plan Trust2011
DuroDyne National Corp.Duro Dyne Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2021
Eagle-Picher IndustriesEagle-Picher Industries Inc. Personal Injury Settlement Trust1996
Fairbanks International Inc. Fairbanks Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2023
Federal Mogul (T&N, Flexitallic, Ferodo)Federal Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Turner & Newall Subfund2007
Flintkote Co./Flintkote MinesFlintkote Asbestos PI Trust2015
Fuller-AustinFuller-Austin Asbestos Settlement Trust1999
Garlock Sealing Technologies, LLC (Anchor Packing Company and Garrison)Garlock Settlement Trust2018
General Motors Corp.Motors Liquidation Company Asbestos PI Trust (General Motors)2012
George V. Hamilton, Inc.Geo. V Hamilton, Inc. Asbestos Trust2019
G-I Holdings, Inc.G-I Holdings Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2010
Global Industrial Technologies (Harbison-Walker)DII Industries, LLC Asbestos PI Trust2005
H.K. Porter Co.H.K. Porter Asbestos Trust2008
Hercules Chemical Co.Hercules Chemical Company, Inc. Asbestos Settlement Trust2010
Johns Manville Corp.Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust 1988
J.T. Thorpe Co.J.T. Thorpe Company Successor Trust (TX)2004
J.T. Thorpe Inc.J.T. Thorpe Settlement Trust (CA)2006
Kaiser AluminumKaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2006
Keene Corp.Keene Creditors Trust 2006
Kentile FloorsMetex Asbestos PI Trust 2015
Leslie Controls, Inc.Leslie Controls, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Trust 2012
MallinckrodtMallinckrodt Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
Maremont CorporationMaremont Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2019
Mid-Valley Inc. (Halliburton)DII Industries, LLC Asbestos PI Trust (HAL)2005
National GypsumNGC Bodily Injury Trust1993
North American Refractories Corp. (NARCO)North American Refractories Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2013
Owens Corning Corp.Owens Corning Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Owens Corning Subfund2006
Owens Corning FibreboardOwens Corning Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust- Fibreboard Subfund2006
Pittsburgh CorningPittsburgh Corning Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2017
Plant Insulation Co.Plant Asbestos Settlement Trust2014
Plibrico Co.Plibrico 524(g) Trust2006
Porter-Hayden Co.Porter Hayden Bodily Injury Trust2007
Quigley Co.Quigley Company, Inc. Asbestos PI Trust2014
Raymark Corp./Raytech Corp.Raytech Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust 2010
SEPCOSepco Asbestos PI Trust2020
Shook and FletcherShook & Fletcher Asbestos Settlement Trust 2004
State Insulations Corp.State Insulation Corporation Asbestos PI Trust2016
Swan Transportation Co.Swan Asbestos and Silica Settlement Trust2003
T.H. Agriculture and Nutrition, LLCT.H. Agriculture & Nutrition, LLC Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2009
Thorpe Insulation Co.Thorpe Insulation Company Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2010
United Gilsonite LaboratoriesUnited Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust 2015
United States Mineral ProductsUnited States Mineral Products Company Asbestos PI Settlement Trust 2008
USG Corp. United States Gypsum Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2006
Utex IndustriesUtex Industries, Inc. Successor Trust2005
W.R. GraceW.R. Grace & Co. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust2014
Western MacArthur/Western AsbestosWestern Asbestos Settlement Trust2004
Yarway CorporationYarway Asbestos Personal Injury Trust2015

Don’t see the company that made the products you were exposed to listed above? It doesn’t mean you don’t have a potential case or can’t access mesothelioma compensation.

After decades of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, many trusts have different names — but funds may still be available. Contact us today to learn more about the options available to you.

How to File Mesothelioma Fund Claims

With experienced legal representation, filing an asbestos trust fund claim can be a surprisingly straightforward process, one that we can help you navigate every step of the way — at no out-of-pocket cost.

When you work with Sokolove Law, your asbestos attorney and legal team can:

  • Conduct an investigation to identify the asbestos-containing products you may have been exposed to
  • Gather evidence about your work history and potential asbestos exposure
  • Collaborate with expert witnesses to prove your diagnosis and exposure
  • File your asbestos claims with any trusts established by the companies responsible for your exposure
  • Secure asbestos trust fund payouts on your behalf once the claim is liquidated

In many cases, you can file both an asbestos trust claim and a mesothelioma lawsuit to maximize your compensation and hold each company responsible for your illness accountable.

Don't Miss Out on Money You Deserve

The time that you have to file a claim is limited, as states have different time limits for filing known as the statute of limitations. If you delay, you could miss your shot at justice and compensation — forever.

Our mesothelioma lawyers can help determine if you are still eligible and file your claim in time.

What Is an Asbestos Trust Fund? Video Thumbnail
Video Summary: Asbestos trust funds allow current and future mesothelioma victims to pursue compensation from companies that have declared bankruptcy.

For all of these companies that knew they were poisoning people, there were people that we can't file lawsuits against because at some point, they filed for bankruptcy protection. In those cases, many of those companies have established a trust fund unique to each one of the manufacturers, is not one big fund for the purpose of paying individuals who have been harmed by their products. If they have a trust fund, then that claim is separate from filing a lawsuit. Lawyers are going to be best to identify who those trusts are and to fill out the paperwork in a proper way to make sure that you actually get the money that's been sitting there in a trust for you. The only choice you have is to file a claim with the bankruptcy trust administrator. Those can move very fast, they can be paid very soon. So, I've seen those as early as six weeks but the norm is probably two or three months. Make sure you actually look into whether there is a claim or not there are time limits, if you wait, you could lose out. If you're fearful about seeing a lawyer and you're apprehensive about it because you don't want to sign anything, you don't want to commit anything, I'm not ready. Emotionally all understandable, we see it every day it doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to us. Reach out, talk to a lawyer and find out if maybe there is a case. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Sokolove Law is here to help. Call us today at 800-647-3434.

Asbestos Claim Payout Timeline

While the asbestos claim payout timeline will vary for each case, many victims begin receiving compensation in as few as 90 days.

Asbestos trust fund claims often provide victims with much-needed compensation quicker than a mesothelioma lawsuit because of how they’re paid out.

Asbestos trust funds review and pay out claims in two ways: 

  • Expedited review: If you meet certain requirements, you can receive a fixed amount of money from the trust fund. This helps victims get funds sooner.
  • Individual review: If your case is more complex, administrators will carefully study your medical records and asbestos history. While these reviews take longer, they work to provide meaningful compensation for those with less straightforward cases.

Your legal team can recommend which type of claim review is best based on the facts of your case.

Asbestos Claim Payouts & Compensation Options

Based on your work history and the data collected by our mesothelioma lawyers, we can often link asbestos exposure to several products, potentially made by multiple companies.

Because of this, you may qualify for compensation in multiple ways, like from:

  • Asbestos or mesothelioma fund claims: Clients are often entitled to asbestos payouts from multiple asbestos bankruptcy trusts.
  • Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts: Victims and their families may be able to file a lawsuit against any non-bankrupt companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: Filing an asbestos claim won’t impact your VA benefits. You may still seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in disability compensation, health care coverage, and other benefits if you’re a veteran with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Past Asbestos Trust Funds Payout Amounts

A former operating engineer diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma received $187,438 in asbestos bankruptcy claims. His legal team used his work and asbestos exposure histories to identify multiple products he was exposed to.

He also filed additional asbestos lawsuits, bringing his total compensation to over $2 Million.

By pursuing all avenues of legal action, our asbestos lawyers can fight for the maximum amount of mesothelioma compensation available in your case.

See If We Can Help Your Family Too

Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.1 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.

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John & Dee Sokolove Law Clients

Access Mesothelioma Settlement Funds Now

Sokolove Law is the first truly national mesothelioma law firm, with a network of offices and licensed attorneys in nearly every state.

After decades of experience, our mesothelioma attorneys have gathered a warehouse of files, evidence, and other resources on asbestos-containing products that we use to determine which products you were exposed to — and which companies may owe you money.

$30 Billion

Estimated Amount in Asbestos Trust Funds

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our experienced and knowledgeable team is ready to help you access mesothelioma settlement funds.

Get started now by calling (800) 647-3434 or filling out our contact form for a free case review.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma Fund Claims FAQs

How much money is left in the asbestos trust funds?

As of October 2024, an estimated $30 Billion is still available across mesothelioma trust funds. Since the first trust funds were created in 1988, more than $17 Billion has been paid out.

A few notable asbestos bankruptcy trusts and their estimated starting amounts include:

  • $2.5 Billion, Johns Manville Corp.
  • $2.062 Billion, Armstrong World Industries
  • $1.845 Billion, Babcock & Wilcox Co.
  • $1.218 Billion, Kaiser Aluminum

This money has been set aside to pay victims who were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases after being exposed to the company's products.

Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you qualify for compensation from mesothelioma trusts.

How many asbestos trust funds are there?

The total number of asbestos trust funds is over 60. A few companies that have declared bankruptcy and established mesothelioma funds include:

  • Babcock & Wilcox Company
  • Bondex
  • General Motors
  • Johns-Manville Corporation
  • Kaiser Aluminum Corporation
  • Owens Corning
  • United States Gypsum Corporation

If you're not seeing the company you worked for, you may still be eligible for compensation. Many companies have changed hands and names over the years.

Call (800) 647-3434 now for free help determining your eligibility for asbestos trust compensation.

Who is eligible to file a mesothelioma fund claim?

You may be eligible to file a mesothelioma trust fund claim if:

  • You or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
  • You were exposed to asbestos at some point, which your lawyer can help prove
  • The company that made the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to established an asbestos trust

Not sure if you’re eligible? Our experienced legal team can review the details of your case and let you know what your legal options may be — for free.

Can a family member file an asbestos trust fund claim?

Yes. If your loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim on their behalf — even if they have already passed away.

Mesothelioma compensation for families can help pay for outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and more.

Learn more about your legal options during a free, no-obligation case review.

How do asbestos trust funds work?

With asbestos trust funds, money has already been set aside for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases by companies that made products with asbestos and later declared bankruptcy.

Once your legal team files your claim, the trustees of the asbestos fund review your case to ensure you qualify and then offer you an asbestos payout.

Once approved, you should receive compensation within only a couple months.

How long do I have to file an asbestos trust fund claim?

You only have a limited amount of time to file asbestos trust fund claims due to state laws called statutes of limitations, which restrict how long you have to take legal action.

That’s why it’s important to contact a member of our team today. We can help you understand what your legal options are and help you file your claim before the deadline.

Who is responsible for my asbestos exposure — and how do I prove it?

Before we know who is responsible for your exposure to asbestos, we'll need to learn a little bit more about your work history.

From there, our team will gather all of the evidence needed to prove your asbestos exposure history and file your claim with the asbestos-related companies responsible.

At Sokolove Law, our team only gets paid if you receive money for your injuries, so there's no financial risk to taking legal action.

Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started. It costs nothing to contact us.

Can multiple jobs be responsible for asbestos exposure?

Yes. Depending on your work history, it’s entirely possible that you were exposed to asbestos in multiple roles or at various work sites.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, we can help you determine all of the companies that may have been responsible for exposing you to asbestos on the job.

Can you sue a bankrupt asbestos-related company?

In a way, yes. While you can’t sue the bankrupt company, you may still be able to pursue compensation from their asbestos bankruptcy trust fund.

Trust fund claims often allow victims to receive compensation for their asbestos-related illness sooner than if their case had gone to court.

Call Sokolove Law now at (800) 647-3434 to learn more about your potential legal options for free.

Should I file asbestos trust claims or lawsuits?

When you work with Sokolove Law, we’ll pursue compensation from all of the avenues available to you. This may be from a combination of both asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits, depending on your exposure history.

Learn more about how we may be able to help you get the most money possible for your medical care and family during a free legal case review.

What is the average payout from asbestos trust funds?

Compensation from a trust fund depends on many factors, but the average payouts from asbestos trust funds is between $300,000 and $400,000. 

Many victims are eligible to pursue compensation from multiple trust funds in addition to payouts from mesothelioma lawsuits and VA benefits.

How are asbestos trust fund payouts calculated?

Asbestos trust fund payouts are calculated based on multiple factors in each, including:

  • The severity of the asbestos-related illness
  • How your claim is reviewed
  • The payment percentages set up by the trust
  • How much money remains in the fund

At Sokolove, we’ll collect the evidence needed to fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you qualify for asbestos trust fund payouts.

Are asbestos trust fund payouts taxable?

Asbestos trust fund payouts tend to be tax-free. However, your mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine whether the money you receive is taxable.

Can you pursue compensation for asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases?

Usually, yes. You may be eligible for asbestos settlement funds if you were diagnosed with other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer.

Why were asbestos bankruptcy trusts created?

In the 1980s, an influx of asbestos lawsuits led some manufacturers to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code in an effort to avoid paying victims of asbestos exposure what they were owed.

Thankfully, the courts ordered these companies to put money aside in asbestos trust funds for those harmed by their products.

If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation through one or more of these trust funds.

Contact Sokolove Law now to see if you qualify — for free.

Do I need a lawyer to file asbestos trust claims?

Working with a lawyer will likely improve your chance of successfully securing compensation from asbestos trust funds. Your legal team can build a strong case on your behalf and inform you of which trust funds you may be able to access compensation from.

Many instances of asbestos exposure took place decades ago. Our team has a database and warehouse full of evidence to determine our clients' asbestos exposure histories — and we may have already represented someone from the same or similar job site as you.

See if we can help with your claim during a free case review. Call (800) 647-3434 now to speak with a member of our team.

What is the asbestos trust payment percentage?

Asbestos trust payment percentages refer to how much money a trust will pay out for each claim.

In order to ensure current and future victims have access to this money, asbestos trusts can only pay out a portion of each claim.

The asbestos trust payment percentage fluctuates over time depending on how much money is currently in the trust, so it's important to file your claim as soon as possible.

How are mesothelioma fund claims reviewed?

As part of the asbestos claims process, your lawyer will review your exposure information and recommend either an expedited review or an individual review of the mesothelioma fund claim:

  • Expedited Review: Most trusts have determined a payout for those that meet basic requirements for approval of a claim — this means every claimant approved with the same disease gets the same mesothelioma trust fund awards (money).
  • Individual Review: If our lawyers determine that you may be awarded more money based on the unique facts of your claim, they may recommend that you pursue an individual review. In this case, the trustee may award a higher amount than offered through the expedited review. This process can take longer, and it’s possible the trustee may award less money than the expedited review.

After this, trust fund administrators will “liquidate” your claim according to payment percentages established by the trust and then provide you with compensation.

  1. Gerald Bushmaker vs. A.W. Chesterton Company and Rapid American Corporation, 09-cv-726-slc, pp. 1-22 (2013). Retrieved from: https://www.wiwd.uscourts.gov/opinions/pdfs/2006-2009/09-C-726-C-03-01-13.PDF. Accessed on September 11, 2024.
  2. Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust. "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF MANVILLE PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT TRUST FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2012 PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 3.02(d) (ii) and (iii) OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT." Retrieved from: https://mantrust.claimsres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2012Q1.pdf. Accessed on September 11, 2024.
  3. Rand Institute for Civil Justice. “Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts.” Retrieved from: https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2010/RAND_TR872.pdf. Accessed on September 11, 2024.
  4. U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Asbestos Injury Compensation: The Role and Administration of Asbestos Trusts.” Retrieved from: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-11-819. Accessed on September 11, 2024.