Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit for Family Members
Mesothelioma legal compensation is available to both patients and their family members, which can provide financial security during this difficult time.
Those who have lost someone to mesothelioma should be able to grieve without feeling concerned about medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses.
Filing an asbestos lawsuit for family members may help you:
As a national mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law has secured more than $5.1 Billion for families across all 50 states.
Since 1979, we’ve helped over 8,700 clients get compensation for mesothelioma. Contact us now to find out if our attorneys can fight for you.
We’ll Figure Out How Your Loved One Was Exposed to Asbestos
Your loved one’s cancer was likely caused by exposure to asbestos that took place decades ago. Mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to develop after initial exposure.
You may not know how your family member was exposed to asbestos, or they may no longer be here to ask — but that’s where we come in.
Our team has a warehouse of evidence we can use to determine:
- The asbestos-containing products they were exposed to
- When and where the exposure took place
- Which companies made, sold, and distributed the products that made them sick
With decades of experience, it’s likely our asbestos attorneys have already helped someone who worked at the same job site or around the same products as them.
"Our primary role in the very beginning stages of a mesothelioma lawsuit is to be detectives. We have to find products that were around the victim during the time of their exposure to asbestos."
– Jim Sokolove, Founder (Retired 2013)
Our Past Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Members
As of December 2024, we’ve secured more than $5.1 Billion in mesothelioma compensation for family members and victims across the country.
Some of our past mesothelioma settlements and verdicts for families include:
- $10.99 Million for the loved ones of a Colorado laborer
- $9.3 Million to the family of a U.S. Navy veteran in Massachusetts
- $5.3 Million for a Nevada forklift operator and mechanic’s loved ones
- $6.8 Million to the family of a mechanic in Florida
- $3.64 Million for the loved ones of a Hawaii woman
- $6.5 Million to the family of a California resident who passed away
- $8.1 Million for the family of a union pipefitter in Missouri
- $8.3 Million to the loved ones of a Louisiana serviceman
While there’s never a guarantee in any case, our asbestos attorneys will fight hard to get you the most compensation possible.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to find out if your family may qualify for compensation. It costs nothing to speak with us.
“My kids are going to be taken care of, so there’s peace of mind knowing I won’t have to worry about them.”
– John, Mesothelioma Patient & Firm Client
Which Family Members Qualify for Mesothelioma Compensation?
Immediate family members or the estate representative of a mesothelioma patient may qualify for compensation. If a patient started a claim but passed away before it was resolved, their loved ones can continue it on their behalf.
Mesothelioma compensation may be available for the patient’s:
- Spouse
- Children
- Siblings
- Parents
- Other dependants or close relatives
In some states, you have as little as 1 year to pursue mesothelioma compensation on behalf of a loved one due to state laws known as statutes of limitations.
Once the deadline in your case passes, you won’t be able to file an asbestos claim and secure the justice your family deserves.
Find out if you may qualify for mesothelioma compensation now during a free case review.
How to Pursue Compensation for Mesothelioma
Whether you’re seeking mesothelioma compensation for a loved one currently battling this cancer or honoring the memory of someone who has passed away, our asbestos attorneys can handle every step of the process on your behalf.
We understand the emotional toll that mesothelioma takes on families. Our team will fight hard to get you the money you need, so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones.
If you have a case, your legal team can:
While the vast majority of cases result in an out-of-court settlement, we’re prepared to present your case at trial and fight for a verdict on your behalf.
With over 45 years of experience and a proven track record, our mesothelioma lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every family we represent.
How Long Does It Take to Get Compensation?
Many family members start receiving mesothelioma compensation in as few as 90 days after contacting our firm, with additional payments coming in over time.
"Our clients could receive compensation in as little as 6 weeks. The more likelihood is 2 or 3 months, and then you'll probably continue receiving various compensation for another year."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
In many cases, mesothelioma lawsuits can result in compensation faster if the patient is still alive. Courts often prioritize these cases to ensure victims receive the support they need while they’re still able to benefit from it.
If your loved one is currently battling mesothelioma, helping them take legal action now may allow them to receive more compensation in a shorter amount of time.
Types of Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Members
There are several types of mesothelioma compensation family members may be able to pursue, including asbestos trust funds, mesothelioma lawsuits, and VA benefits.
In many cases, families are eligible for compensation from a combination of these legal options. Our asbestos attorneys can determine what you may qualify for — and pursue compensation from each.
Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts
An estimated $30 Billion is still available in asbestos trust funds for mesothelioma patients and their family members. This money was set aside by companies that declared bankruptcy to avoid asbestos lawsuits.
Filing an asbestos trust fund claim doesn't involve going to court and can result in quicker payouts, easing the financial burdens faced by families sooner.
See if you can access money in asbestos trusts now. We may be able to file multiple trust fund claims on your behalf.
Wrongful Death Asbestos Lawsuit for Family Members
When a patient starts the legal process but passes away before their case is resolved, the victim's loved ones can continue the asbestos claim after their death.
The vast majority of these lawsuits result in out-of-court settlements worth over $1 Million on average.
Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help family members pay for outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, potential lost income, grief counseling, and more.
“I want people out there to realize that there’s help. They can get assistance and a settlement from these manufacturers that continued to use asbestos while knowing it was dangerous.”
– Dee, Wife of a Mesothelioma Patient & Firm Client
Mesothelioma VA Benefits for Children & Spouses
If your loved one was a U.S. military veteran with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Asbestos was widely used across all branches of the military from the 1930s until the 1980s, putting millions of service members at risk.
Mesothelioma VA benefits for survivors include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Immediate family members of deceased veterans may qualify for monthly tax-free payments worth several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Health Care: The VA offers health insurance to spouses and dependent children of veterans who’ve passed away.
- Mesothelioma VA Burial Benefits: The VA will pay up to $2,000 toward the burial and funeral expenses of a veteran with mesothelioma. Families can also request a headstone.
- Survivors Pension: Spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans may qualify for compensation starting at $11,102 a year.
We have VA-accredited attorneys on staff who can help a veteran’s loved ones prepare their VA claims. Your benefits won’t be affected by taking legal action.
Helping Families with Mesothelioma in All 50 States
As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law has secured mesothelioma compensation for family members and victims in all 50 states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
With our extensive resources and national reach, our mesothelioma lawyers can fight for the compensation your family deserves, no matter which state you live in.
Find Mesothelioma Attorneys Near You for Families
A mesothelioma diagnosis can create emotional and financial challenges for an entire family. Finding a compassionate attorney who understands these challenges can make all the difference.
At Sokolove Law, we strive to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your loved ones during this difficult time.
Why work with our mesothelioma attorneys?
- More than 45 years of experience handling asbestos cases
- Over $5.1 Billion secured for families impacted by mesothelioma.
- 8,700+ families helped with their asbestos claims
- 98% of our mesothelioma clients get compensation
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team. Let us fight for your family.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review.
Mesothelioma Compensation for Family Member FAQs
What if you or a family member has mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation that can help with medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Many asbestos-related companies knew their products were dangerous — but sold them anyway, putting millions at risk.
At Sokolove Law, we can determine your legal options and fight to hold these companies accountable.
Get a free case review now to find out how our firm can support your family. We’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Do family members qualify for mesothelioma compensation?
Yes. Family members of mesothelioma patients may qualify for compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit, asbestos trust funds, and VA benefits.
Mesothelioma compensation we’ve secured for families includes:
- $9.3 Million to the family of a U.S. Navy veteran in Massachusetts
- $5.3 Million for the family of a Nevada forklift operator and mechanic
- $3 Million to the loved ones of a U.S. Army veteran and electrician
- $4 Million for the loved ones of a boiler worker in California
- $6.8 Million to a Florida family whose loved one passed away
- $8.1 Million for the loved ones of a Missouri pipefitter
While there’s never a guarantee of results, our mesothelioma attorneys have successfully helped thousands of families get compensation.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started. Let us get you the money you deserve.
What if I don’t know how my loved one was exposed to asbestos?
Mesothelioma lawyers can figure out how your loved one was exposed to asbestos by asking questions about their background and conducting an investigation.
Over the past 45 years, our firm has gathered a warehouse full of evidence on different asbestos-containing products and where they were used.
Let us use our extensive resources to figure out what happened to your loved one — and which companies may be to blame.
How much does a family member get for mesothelioma compensation?
Mesothelioma compensation for family members ranges from $1 Million to $11.4 Million on average. The money comes from the companies responsible for your loved one’s illness.
The amount you may receive depends on whether your case results in a settlement or trial verdict, how many asbestos-containing products your loved one was exposed to, and more.
See if you may qualify for compensation now during a free, no-obligation case review.
How long does it take to get a mesothelioma settlement after death?
Many families start receiving mesothelioma settlements in as few as 90 days after contacting Sokolove Law, with additional compensation coming over the next year or so.
While the payout timeline for each case may vary, our goal is to secure the compensation your family needs as quickly as possible.
How do I find mesothelioma attorneys near me for family lawsuits?
The best mesothelioma attorney for your family’s lawsuit may not be local. National firms can offer families across the country the same access to extensive resources and lawyers with decades of experience handling cases similar to yours.
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma attorneys can travel to you for free if you have a case. We’ll meet you at a time and location of your choosing, making the legal process as convenient as possible.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started with your case. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Are there taxes on mesothelioma compensation for family members?
In most cases, mesothelioma compensation for family members isn’t taxed, though there are some exceptions like punitive damages in jury verdicts.
Find out more about taxes on mesothelioma compensation and what may apply in your case.
