What Is Mesothelioma Litigation in 2025?
In 2025, mesothelioma litigation focuses on securing compensation for victims of asbestos-related diseases and their loved ones. It is the longest-running mass tort in the U.S., according to the Rand Institute for Civil Justice.
These claims are usually filed against companies that knowingly made, sold, or distributed asbestos-containing products without warning the public about the deadly health risks.
Today, mesothelioma lawsuits continue to serve as a powerful tool to seek justice and compensation, awarding between $1 Million and $11.4 Million on average.
While asbestos is no longer widely used, its lasting impact continues to devastate thousands of lives each year. Mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure, meaning that many are just now getting sick.
At Sokolove Law, we’ve successfully handled over 8,900 asbestos cases across all 50 states. See if you may qualify for mesothelioma litigation now.
History of Asbestos Litigation
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was prized for its durability, heat resistance, and affordability — leading to its use in thousands of industrial and commercial products. Its use dates back centuries, with the first U.S. patent for asbestos-containing insulation issued in 1828.
As early as 1918, U.S. officials identified unusually high rates of early deaths among asbestos workers. Companies created elaborate plans to cover up the link between these deaths and asbestos — and, sadly, they won in court for years.
In the case of Nellie Kershaw, the first recorded death linked to asbestos, she was exposed while working at a textile mill. Her doctor diagnosed her with “asbestos poisoning,” but her employer refused to provide compensation, arguing the illness wasn’t a recognized occupational disease. She passed away in 1924.
For decades, companies worked to avoid taking accountability for asbestos-related illnesses. Yet over time, mounting evidence and growing awareness led to a surge in asbestos legal claims.
Between the 1970s and 2002, over 730,000 claims had been filed, and more than $70 Billion was spent on asbestos litigation costs.
In the past year alone, nearly 4,000 asbestos claims were filed, and courts continue to award significant compensation to families nationwide.
“I filed a lawsuit because I couldn't work and needed to provide for my family. It's taken away the monetary concerns associated with cancer, like treatments, transportation, and everyday bills, so I can concentrate on my health and family.”
– David, Mesothelioma Survivor & Firm Client
Key Dates in Asbestos Lawsuit History
Throughout asbestos lawsuit history, courts have concluded that companies had a responsibility to warn and protect workers from the dangers of asbestos — but many chose not to.
Find out more about the key dates in asbestos lawsuit history:
- 1929: A landmark asbestos claim is filed against the Johns Manville Corporation.
- 1969: The first trial involving an asbestos-related illness ends in favor of manufacturers.
- 1973: The first successful asbestos cancer lawsuit sets a precedent for future claims.
- 1977: Evidence surfaces showing companies deliberately hid the risks associated with asbestos.
- 1982: As awareness about the dangers of asbestos grows, the number of asbestos claims filed increases to 21,000.
- 1982-1988: Johns Manville files for bankruptcy and is ordered to create the first asbestos trust fund, setting billions aside for future victims.
- 1989: The EPA bans asbestos, but this ban is soon overturned.
- 2002: Asbestos and mesothelioma litigation costs surpass $70 Billion.
- 2024: JM’s asbestos trust pays out its millionth claim to asbestos victims and their families.
Since then, mesothelioma law firms have secured significant results for patients and their loved ones across the country. Find out more about key dates in mesothelioma litigation history.
1929-1934: First Asbestos Lawsuit Filed
Pirskowski v. Johns Manville Corp. is the first asbestos lawsuit filed. Anna Pirskowski worked for Johns Manville until 1922, when she was forced to leave her job due to a malignant lung disease linked to asbestos.
In 1929, she filed a lawsuit in New Jersey, seeking $50,000. The complaint alleged that Johns Manville failed to provide a safe work environment with proper ventilation or protective masks.
In response, Johns Manville argued that Pirskowski had assumed the risks of asbestos exposure as part of her employment contract. A judge dismissed the case in 1934 without awarding compensation.
1966-1969: Asbestos Litigation Proceeds to Trial
In July 1966, Texas insulation worker Claude Tomplait was diagnosed with asbestosis after over 20 years of occupational asbestos exposure. He filed a lawsuit against 11 companies, including Johns Manville, Fibreboard Paper Products, and Owens Corning Fiberglas.
Tomplait v. Combustion Engineering Inc., et al. was the first asbestos-containing products lawsuit to go to trial.
Tomplait claimed the companies knew or should’ve known that their products were dangerous to his health, but they failed to warn him about the risks.
Given his medical bills, inability to work, and pain and suffering, he sought $500,000 from these companies. The case went to trial in 1969, but the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants.
1969: Johns Manville Pays Asbestos Workers’ Comp Claims
In 1969, the Johns Manville Corporation paid nearly $1 Million in workers’ compensation to 285 former employees with asbestosis. They argued the company knew about the risks of asbestos as early as the 1920s but failed to protect them.
This payout is considered by many to be the first asbestos legal settlement, marking a step forward for litigation. At the time, Johns Manville was the largest producer of asbestos-containing products in the United States.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you may be able to pursue mesothelioma litigation. It costs nothing to speak with us.
1969-1973: First Mesothelioma Verdict
Clarence Borel, a coworker of Claude Tomplait, spent over 30 years as an industrial insulation worker before developing asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Borel worked with Attorney Ward Stephenson, who had also represented Tomplait, to file his lawsuit — Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation et al.
Sadly, Borel passed away from his illnesses before his case concluded. In 1973, the court ruled in his favor, and his family was awarded $79,436 in mesothelioma compensation.
In Borel's case, Stephenson broadened his approach, arguing companies should be held strictly liable. This meant companies were responsible for the harm caused by their products, regardless of if it was intentional, because asbestos-containing products were unreasonably dangerous and lacked proper warnings.
This landmark case paved the way for thousands of future asbestos claims, fundamentally changing how the courts viewed manufacturers’ responsibility around dangerous products and worker safety.
1977: Sumner Simpson Papers Expose Corporate Cover-Up
In 1977, mesothelioma attorneys working on asbestos-related litigation uncovered a collection of letters between asbestos executives and internal memos dating back to the 1930s.
These documents, which were named the Sumner Simpson Papers after the former president of Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc., revealed that industry leaders made a conscious effort to hide the risk associated with asbestos.
"I think the less said about asbestos, the better off we are," wrote Simpson to Vandiver Brown, general counsel at Johns Manville. “I quite agree with you that our interests are best served by having asbestosis receive the minimum of publicity,” responded Brown.
By the 1930s, for example, studies in the United Kingdom and the U.S. linked asbestos exposure to pulmonary diseases. However, executives downplayed the research and prevented the findings from being published in journals.
1979: Sokolove Law Is Founded in Massachusetts
In 1979, Attorney Jim Sokolove founded Sokolove Law in Boston, Massachusetts. Over time, Sokolove Law became one of the first national mesothelioma law firms, helping clients in all 50 states seek justice from asbestos-related companies.
Jim eventually came to be known as “the mesothelioma guy” due to his commitment to fighting for families impacted by this cancer.
"James Sokolove was the guy who originated taking care of people with mesothelioma."
– Dennis, Mesothelioma Victim & Firm Client
For more than 45 years, our firm has helped thousands of families secure life-changing compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. With decades of experience and extensive resources, no other firm has handled as many mesothelioma cases.
1982: Over $1 Billion Spent on Asbestos Litigation
Less than 10 years after the first successful asbestos lawsuit, around 21,000 patients and their families had come forward to take legal action for asbestos-related diseases.
By this point, payouts for asbestos claims and litigation expenses had climbed to over $1 Billion. To avoid further mesothelioma litigation and more costs, three major asbestos-related companies — Johns Manville, Amatex, and UNR Industries — filed for bankruptcy in 1982.
At the time, this meant they couldn't be sued anymore. However, courts saw through their attempt to avoid responsibility for the harm they’d caused.
1982-1988: JM Declares Bankruptcy, Establishes First Asbestos Trust
After being named in over 16,000 asbestos claims, Johns Manville filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1982. The company was once a major producer of asbestos-containing products like insulation and roofing materials.
As part of Johns Manville’s bankruptcy plan, the company was ordered to create the Johns Manville asbestos trust to pay current and future victims. When the trust was established in 1988, it contained $2.5 Billion.
This was the first asbestos trust fund in U.S. history, which set a precedent for other companies involved in mesothelioma litigation. Over 100 trusts have since been created, and around 60 are still active in 2025.
1989: Nearly 50,000 Asbestos Claims Filed in Federal Court
With an estimated 27 Million Americans exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979, the number of families impacted by asbestos-related illnesses continued to rise.
By 1989, nearly 50,000 asbestos claims had been filed in federal court — with even more cases playing out in state courts across the country.
That same year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took action to protect Americans by banning most asbestos products in the United States.
1991: Asbestos Ban Overturned Due to Corporate Lobbying
From the start, the EPA’s ban faced strong opposition from corporate lobbyists, including those involved with asbestos-related companies and other industries.
Just 2 years after the ban was first introduced, it was overturned by a federal court. The court stated that the EPA had failed to adequately consider potential alternatives to asbestos and their toxicity levels.
This decision was a significant victory for lobbyists and asbestos executives, who used the ruling to publicly claim that asbestos could be safely used across various industries.
1997: Asbestos Class Action Lawsuits No Longer Filed
In Amchem Products, Inc. v. Windsor, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed a proposed class action settlement involving asbestos claims. The plaintiffs had been exposed to different asbestos-containing products and developed various illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
The Court ultimately ruled against the proposed settlement, noting that the claims were too diverse to be grouped together because the severity of injuries varied significantly.
This ruling effectively ended the use of class action lawsuits for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related claims. Today, asbestos claims are filed individually, allowing for a more personalized approach.
2002: Over $70 Billion Spent on Asbestos Litigation
By 2002, more than $70 Billion had been spent on court costs, legal fees, and settlements paid to victims with asbestos-related diseases.
Around 1 Million people had filed lawsuits against more than 8,000 asbestos-related companies for their illnesses, highlighting the staggering impact of the asbestos crisis on the United States.
2003: Largest Mesothelioma Verdict of $250 Million Awarded
On March 28, 2003, a jury ordered U.S. Steel to pay $250 Million to the family of Roby Whittington, who developed mesothelioma after working at the company’s Indiana steel plant.
This remains the largest mesothelioma verdict against a single defendant in the history of asbestos litigation.
It included $50 Million in compensatory damages to pay for costs like medical bills and lost wages, and $200 Million in punitive damages to punish U.S. Steel for their negligence.
2006: First Mesothelioma Talc Verdict
In the case of Hirsch v. R.T. Vanderbilt Co., a New Jersey woman claimed the industrial talc her husband used in his pottery studio caused him to develop mesothelioma. He passed away at just 53 years old.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that often forms near asbestos. During the mining process, talcum powder may be contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers.
Despite R.T. Vanderbilt's attempts to claim the fibers found in their talc were not asbestos, a jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $3 Million. This marked the first mesothelioma verdict involving industrial talc.
2018: J&J Ordered to Pay $117 Million for Asbestos in Baby Powder
Johnson & Johnson and talc supplier Imerys Talc America were ordered to pay $117 Million to mesothelioma patient Stephen Lanzo and his wife.
Lanzo allegedly used the company’s talcum powder products for several decades in his personal care routine, unaware that they may contain asbestos.
This was the first successful lawsuit involving J&J’s cosmetic talc products and mesothelioma, marking a turning point in asbestos litigation.
As more patients link their cancer to everyday talc-based products like body powders and makeup, mesothelioma litigation may expand to include major personal care brands.
2024: JM Asbestos Trust Pays Out 1,000,000th Claim
Johns Manville was once one of the largest asbestos-related companies in the United States. However, they’ve become a symbol of corporate negligence — and the lasting consequences of putting profits over people.
As of 2024, the JM trust has paid out over 1 Million asbestos claims totaling more than $5 Billion, highlighting just how widespread the harm caused by their products has been.
Even though the company stopped using asbestos decades ago, many victims are just now getting sick from Johns Manville products.
Mesothelioma litigation will likely continue for years to come as new cases emerge and companies are held accountable for their negligence.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in 2024
Generally speaking, mesothelioma litigation continues to climb each year. However, as the years progress, the landscape of litigation shifts, and new trends emerge. These patterns are tracked by KCIC Consulting.
Here’s a breakdown of key asbestos litigation trends from 2024:
- Approximately 90% of all asbestos claims involved lung cancer or mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma cases involving talc exposure have increased by more than 100% since 2021, jumping from 318 to 673 in 2024.
- The average number of defendants named in an asbestos claim has steadily risen over the years and currently stands at 75.
- A growing number of victims are claiming both primary or direct asbestos exposure and secondary or indirect exposure, which occurs when a worker unknowingly brings asbestos fibers home and exposes others.
- The majority of asbestos claims are filed by men, likely due to workplace exposure involving asbestos-containing materials.
Mesothelioma litigation trends vary each year, reflecting changes in who’s affected and how they’re exposed to asbestos. One constant, however, remains our commitment to helping families pursue justice in the legal system.
What Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Can Do for You
At Sokolove Law, we’re here to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible while fighting on your behalf.
We can level the playing field against powerful asbestos-related companies. Many companies have the resources to try and avoid responsibility for the devastation they’ve caused.
Our asbestos litigation attorneys can:
- Determine the options available to you: During a free case review, we can see if you may be able to take legal action and the types of claims you may be able to file.
- Gather evidence to build a strong case: We’ll collect medical records, information on your work history, expert testimony, and more to prove your asbestos exposure.
- File your asbestos claims: Our team will file all of your claims correctly and before any legal deadlines.
- Negotiate a settlement: We’ll work to secure compensation from all of the defendants named in your case.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement is unable to be reached, we’re prepared to represent you in court and fight for a trial verdict on your behalf.
“They were able to take the reins for us, because we were lost. It's devastating enough to hear that your spouse is fighting a terminal condition. If all the legalities were put on us as well, we would be in ruin, and I probably wouldn't have my husband here.”
– Constance, Wife of a U.S. Veteran with Mesothelioma
We’re here to provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and answering any questions you may have along the way.
Call (800) 647-3434 now if you or someone you loved has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Now is the time to pursue asbestos litigation.
Sokolove Law: Handling Mesothelioma Litigation Since 1979
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience fighting for families affected by mesothelioma. With over $5.2 Billion in past results, our asbestos attorneys are leaders in mesothelioma litigation.
We have the resources needed to help families in all 50 states seek the justice and compensation they deserve. We’re committed to holding negligent companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Let our team handle every step of the mesothelioma litigation process for you, so you can focus on your health and loved ones.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free consultation.
Asbestos Litigation History FAQs
What is mesothelioma litigation?
Mesothelioma litigation refers to claims filed by patients or their loved ones against asbestos-related companies for failing to warn them about the dangers of asbestos.
By taking legal action, families may also be able to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. See if you qualify now.
When was the first asbestos lawsuit?
The first asbestos lawsuit was filed in 1929 by former Johns Manville employee Anna Pirskowski. She claimed JM failed to provide a safe work environment, causing her to develop asbestos-related cancer. A judge dismissed the case in 1934.
Claude Tomplait, a Texas insulation worker with asbestosis, filed the first asbestos-related products lawsuit to go to trial in 1966. There were 11 manufacturers named in the case, including Johns Manville and Owens Corning Fibreglas.
However, a jury ruled in favor of the defendants in 1969.
What was the famous asbestos lawsuit?
Many consider Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation to be the most famous asbestos lawsuit since it was the first successful lawsuit against asbestos-related companies in the U.S.
Clarence Borel, an insulation worker, developed mesothelioma and asbestosis after decades of working with asbestos-containing materials. He filed a lawsuit against multiple companies for failing to warn him about the health risks of asbestos exposure.
Although Borel passed away before the case was decided in 1973, the court ruled in his favor and awarded compensation to his family. This landmark decision paved the way for thousands of asbestos victims to seek justice against negligent manufacturers.
What was the largest asbestos lawsuit?
The largest asbestos lawsuit against a single defendant was Roby Whittington vs. United States Steel, which resulted in a $250 Million trial verdict in 2003.
The case was filed by the family of a former U.S. Steel employee with mesothelioma. Whittington worked at the company’s steel plant in Indiana, where he was regularly exposed to asbestos-containing insulation.
The verdict included $50 Million in compensatory damages and $200 Million in punitive damages.
How much do asbestos litigation attorneys charge?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our asbestos litigation attorneys.
We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. Call (800) 647-3434 to find out if you can work with our team.
What is the average payout for asbestos litigation?
The average asbestos litigation payout is between $1 Million and $11.4 Million, depending on whether the case results in a settlement or trial verdict.
While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our asbestos litigation attorneys will fight hard for everything you’re entitled to.
