Mesothelioma Trust Funds: Are You Eligible for Compensation?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation even if the company responsible went bankrupt years ago. That’s where mesothelioma trust funds come in. These multi-billion-dollar funds were specifically created to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, and in 2025, they remain one of the fastest, most reliable ways to get financial support.

This guide breaks down what mesothelioma trust funds are, who qualifies, and how to file a claim even if the exposure happened decades ago.

What Are Mesothelioma Trust Funds?

Mesothelioma trust funds are legal entities set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to pay current and future victims of asbestos-related diseases. When courts determined these companies were liable for widespread harm, they required them to establish these trusts as part of their bankruptcy proceedings.

As of 2025, there are over 60 active asbestos trust funds in the U.S., holding more than $30 billion in assets combined. These funds were created to ensure victims could still receive compensation even after a company restructured or dissolved.

Why Trust Funds Exist:

Thousands of lawsuits overwhelmed asbestos companies
Bankruptcy courts ordered those companies to fund future claims
Victims now file against the trust instead of the company

Who Qualifies for Trust Fund Compensation?

To receive money from a mesothelioma trust fund, you generally must meet three main criteria:

1. Confirmed Medical Diagnosis

You need medical documentation showing you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. The most commonly accepted conditions include:

Malignant mesothelioma
Asbestosis
Lung cancer (with proof of asbestos exposure)
Other asbestos-related cancers (e.g., throat, esophageal)

2. Proof of Exposure to Asbestos Products

Each trust fund has a list of approved job sites and exposure criteria. You must show that you were exposed to a specific company’s asbestos-containing product(s) or job site.

This may involve:

Employment records
Military service records
Union or coworker affidavits
Blueprints or invoices for asbestos materials

3. Claim Filed Within the Approved Timeframe

Although trust fund claims are typically more flexible than lawsuits, you still have to file within the statute of limitations, which varies by state and the trust fund’s internal rules.

If a loved one passed away from mesothelioma, family members or estate representatives can often still file a wrongful death claim.

How to File a Mesothelioma Trust Fund Claim

Filing a trust fund claim can be complex, but here’s an overview of what’s involved:

Step 1: Hire a Lawyer Who Specializes in Asbestos Claims

Most victims don’t file trust fund claims on their own. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will:

Identify all trust funds you’re eligible for
Gather your medical and exposure evidence
Complete and submit all claim forms
Negotiate on your behalf, if needed

Step 2: Collect the Right Documentation

You’ll need:

Medical records with a clear diagnosis
Pathology and imaging reports
Work history and job site details
Witness statements (if available)

Step 3: Submit the Claim to the Appropriate Trust

Each trust fund has its own claim process. Some offer expedited review (standard payouts, quicker) and individual review (potentially higher payouts, longer process).

Step 4: Wait for Approval and Payment

Once approved, payment is typically issued within a few months. Your lawyer will manage follow-ups and appeals if the claim is delayed or denied.

Typical Trust Fund Compensation in 2025

Mesothelioma trust fund payouts vary widely based on:

The severity of your illness
The company responsible
How many claims the fund has received
Whether you choose expedited or individual review

Average Trust Fund Compensation:

Low-end: $30,000–$100,000
Mid-range: $100,000–$250,000
High-end (multiple claims): $500,000 or more

Many mesothelioma patients file multiple trust fund claims if they were exposed to products from several companies.

Example: A retired shipyard worker diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2023 successfully filed claims with four different trust funds, receiving a total of $450,000 in under a year.

What About Lawsuits? Can You Do Both?

Yes. Trust fund claims are not the same as personal injury lawsuits, and you can often pursue both at the same time.

Trust fund claims are administrative they don’t go to court.
Lawsuits target companies that haven’t gone bankrupt and may result in a larger settlement or verdict.

Your attorney can help you strategically file both, maximizing total compensation without violating any legal rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still file if I was exposed 40 years ago?

Yes. Mesothelioma typically develops decades after exposure, and trust funds are designed to compensate late-onset claims. As long as you meet their criteria, time since exposure doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

Q: What if I don’t know exactly which company exposed me?

Experienced lawyers use asbestos exposure databases to help identify likely sources based on where you worked and when. Even if you don’t know the brand names, there may be a match.

Q: Can I file a claim if the victim has passed away?

Yes. Surviving spouses, children, or estate representatives can file a wrongful death claim against asbestos trusts, provided it’s within the allowable time window.

Q: Are trust fund claims taxable?

In most cases, no. Compensation for personal injury or wrongful death is not considered taxable income under federal law. But always consult a tax professional for your specific case.

Trust Fund Red Flags: Don’t Go It Alone

Filing on your own may seem quicker or cheaper, but it comes with real risks:

Missed deadlines
Incomplete paperwork
Lower payouts due to lack of documentation

Working with a specialized mesothelioma attorney ensures your claim is accurate, timely, and eligible for the highest possible compensation.

Final Thought: Don’t Leave Compensation on the Table

Mesothelioma trust funds exist for one reason: to make sure victims and families don’t suffer financially because of corporate negligence. If you’ve been diagnosed or lost a loved one you may be entitled to compensation that can ease the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and end-of-life care.

Even if you’re unsure where to begin, talking to a qualified asbestos attorney can help you unlock the support you deserve.

Ready to understand the full timeline of getting compensated? Head over to:
>> How Long Do Mesothelioma Settlements Usually Take? for a detailed breakdown of timeframes, from trust fund payouts to court settlements.