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why file a lawsuit

Reasons For & Benefits of Filing

Reasons to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. You’re likely facing countless medical appointments, treatments, and an uncertain future. It’s common to feel uncertain about your next steps, and you might wonder if pursuing a lawsuit is even worth the effort. 

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The manufacturers responsible for exposing you to asbestos should be held accountable. Our mesothelioma lawyers are ready to be your advocate. 

At Vogelzang Law, our firm has dedicated years to fighting for people just like you—people who were exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own and now face a serious illness. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may not change the diagnosis, but it can bring you financial relief, a sense of justice, and the peace of mind from knowing those responsible for your suffering are being held accountable.

Asbestos, once widely used for its heat-resistant properties, is the primary cause of mesothelioma. This natural mineral was commonly used in construction materials, insulation, automotive parts, and household products. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can lodge in the lining of your lungs or abdomen, leading to serious health conditions like mesothelioma decades later.

The truly infuriating part is that manufacturers knew the dangers of asbestos for years but chose not to warn the public. Instead, they prioritized profits, exposing workers and consumers to this dangerous substance while hiding the risks. 

By continuing to use asbestos despite its deadly effects, these companies gambled with people’s lives. And for many, the consequences of this negligence are catastrophic.

For decades, manufacturers knew that asbestos could cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma. Yet, they kept using it. Why? Because asbestos was cheap and widely available.

It was used in construction, manufacturing, automotive parts, and even household products. The companies profiting from asbestos gambled with people’s lives, knowing the risks. Instead of warning workers and the public, they chose to protect their bottom line.

You didn’t have a choice in your exposure. Whether you worked in construction, served in the military, or simply lived in a building with asbestos products, your health was put in danger without your knowledge or consent. Now, you’re living with the consequences.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might feel lost or even guilty, questioning how and when you were exposed to asbestos. But the truth is, you did nothing wrong. The blame lies solely with the companies that knew the risks and chose to ignore them. These manufacturers had a duty to protect the public, and they failed.

Filing a lawsuit is about holding these companies accountable for their actions. It’s about making sure they pay for the harm they’ve caused you and others. By taking legal action, you send a powerful message that companies can’t put profits above people’s health and expect to get away with it.

Financial Relief

Mesothelioma is an expensive disease. Treatment can lead to significant financial strain, with costs quickly mounting from surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing medical care. Beyond these medical bills, many individuals also face a loss of income if they are unable to work due to their condition. 

This financial burden, known as financial toxicity, can create immense stress for you and your loved ones during an already challenging time. Research indicates that financial toxicity is linked to poorer physical and emotional outcomes following a traumatic illness or injury. 

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help alleviate this burden by securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. This financial relief can ease the pressure on your family, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being rather than worrying about managing overwhelming expenses.

Justice For You and Your Family

Beyond the financial burden, mesothelioma takes an emotional and physical toll. Filing a lawsuit is a way to seek justice for the harm that’s been done to you. You deserve to see those responsible held accountable for their actions —not just for yourself, but for your family as well. Your loved ones are affected by this diagnosis, too. A successful lawsuit can help provide for their future.

Preventing Future Harm

Holding companies accountable for their negligence sends a message to other industries: safety matters. Your lawsuit can contribute to a broader effort to regulate harmful practices and prevent future generations from being exposed to asbestos. By acting, you play a role in ensuring that companies cannot continue to put lives at risk.

At Vogelzang Law, we’ve built our practice on helping people with mesothelioma seek the compensation and justice they deserve. Our mesothelioma attorneys know the ins and outs of asbestos litigation and deeply understand how to track down the manufacturers responsible for your exposure. 

It’s not easy to pinpoint when and where you were exposed to asbestos, especially if the exposure happened decades ago. But that’s where our firm stands out. We have access to extensive databases and resources that help us trace asbestos products back to their manufacturers. 

We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build strong claims that hold negligent companies accountable.

How Filing a Lawsuit Works

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may seem daunting, especially when you’re dealing with a serious illness. That’s why we make the process as easy as possible for our clients. At Vogelzang Law, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on your health and your family.

Initial Consultation

The first step in the legal process is an initial consultation with a mesothelioma lawyer. This free, confidential consultation is a chance for you to ask questions, share your story, and learn more about your legal options. We’ll review your work history, medical diagnosis, and any known asbestos exposure to determine the strength of your case.

Gathering Evidence

To build a strong case, we’ll need to gather evidence, including medical records, employment history, and any documents that link your exposure to asbestos. Our team has years of experience in asbestos litigation, and we know how to find the proof needed to support your claim.

Nationwide Reach

Although Vogelzang Law is based in Chicago, we handle mesothelioma cases across the country. Asbestos exposure occurred in workplaces, homes, and schools nationwide, and our attorneys are familiar with the laws in every state. No matter where you were exposed, we can help you file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once we’ve gathered the necessary evidence, we’ll file the lawsuit on your behalf. In most cases, these lawsuits settle out of court, meaning you won’t have to go through a lengthy trial. Our goal is to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible while still securing the compensation you deserve.

No Upfront Costs

At Vogelzang Law, we understand that finances are a concern for many mesothelioma patients. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.

You're Not Alone in This Fight

Vogelzang Law is here to support you every step of the way. Our attorneys will come to your home, handle all the paperwork, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and care. Our goal is to make this as easy on you as possible while ensuring that those responsible for your asbestos exposure are held accountable.

Understanding the Legal Process

The majority of asbestos-related cases, including mesothelioma claims, are resolved through settlements before they ever go to trial. This can often be a faster and less stressful way to secure compensation without enduring a lengthy court process. Several key factors can improve the chances of reaching a settlement:

  • Thorough Documentation: Detailed records of your medical diagnosis, treatments, and employment history can strengthen your case by clearly linking your illness to asbestos exposure.
  • An Efficient Attorney: A skilled attorney with experience in asbestos litigation will streamline the legal process by effectively negotiating with the responsible parties and ensuring your case is handled promptly.

  • Identifiable Compensation Sources: Settlements are often easier to reach when there is a clear source of payment, such as an insurance company, an asbestos manufacturer, or a victims’ trust fund. Many companies that exposed workers to asbestos have established trust funds specifically for mesothelioma victims, which can expedite the process.

In most cases, settlements are reached within a year of filing the lawsuit, allowing you to receive financial compensation more quickly than if the case went to trial. This quicker resolution can provide much-needed financial relief, covering medical expenses and other costs without the added stress of prolonged legal proceedings.

Mesothelioma FAQs

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer found in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. Because symptoms can be similar to those of several other conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia, they can be challenging to detect or diagnose. 

The only proven cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. 

There are four main types of mesothelioma - they include:

  • Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases. Malignant pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, accounting for about 20% of cases. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, and nausea.
  • Pericardial mesothelioma: This rare type of mesothelioma (less than 1% of all cases) affects the lining of the heart (pericardium). Symptoms of this type of malignant mesothelioma may include chest pain, palpitations, and difficulty breathing.
  • Testicular mesothelioma: This is the rarest form of mesothelioma and affects the lining of the testicles. It may cause swelling or lumps in the testicles, but it usually does not cause any other symptoms.
What causes mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Too many asbestos companies and manufacturers knowingly subjected their workers and the public to hazardous asbestos-laden products.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or inadvertently consumed, they become lodged in the delicate linings of internal organs. The body's inability to degrade these fibers leads to years of irritation, which can eventually trigger the development of cancer cells.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, various treatment options are available that may help extend life expectancy and alleviate symptoms. 

Some treatment options include: 

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Tumor Treating Fields
  • Clinical Trials
Are mesothelioma and lung cancer the same disease?

No. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdominal cavity, the lining of the heart, or the lining of the testicles. In contrast, lung cancer originates directly within the lungs.

How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Men are four times more likely to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis than women, with the average patient being over the age of 70. Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 0.3% of annual cancer diagnoses in the U.S.

How long does it take for mesothelioma symptoms to develop?

Mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos exposure often have a long latency period, with symptoms typically manifesting 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit FAQs

How do I file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Vogelzang Law has over 25 years of experience in asbestos litigation. Mesothelioma cases can be incredibly complex - working with an experienced firm will make the process as straightforward as possible. 

Learn more about our process. 

In general, the mesothelioma claims process involves the following steps: 

  • Initial consultation: During this free, confidential consultation, we'll discuss your work history, medical diagnosis, and asbestos exposure to determine your legal options.
  • Gathering evidence: We will collect medical records, employment history, and documents related to asbestos exposure to build a strong case. Our experienced team knows how to find the proof needed for your claim.
  • Nationwide reach: We handle mesothelioma cases across the nation. Our attorneys are well-versed in state laws and can assist you in filing a lawsuit for compensation, regardless of where your asbestos exposure occurred.
  • Filing the lawsuit: After gathering evidence, we'll file your lawsuit. Most cases settle out of court, avoiding long trials. Our goal is a swift and efficient resolution, along with deserved compensation.
  • No upfront costs: We offer contingency-based fees, so you only pay attorney fees if we win your mesothelioma case.


You are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way. Our attorneys will come to your home, handle all the paperwork, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and care. Our goal is to make this as easy on you as possible while ensuring that those responsible for your asbestos exposure are held accountable.

What is the average compensation for a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Mesothelioma settlement amounts vary significantly, making it difficult to determine an average. Each case is unique, and a law firm's previous successes do not guarantee similar future outcomes.

Many factors influence the compensation amount in each case. These can include the severity of the asbestos-related illness, any lost wages, and medical expenses.

However, a few of our past mesothelioma legal settlements include:

  • $17 million - Union Boilermaker
  • $8 million – Union Boilermaker
  • $7.9 million – Union Pipefitter
  • $7.7 million – Union Pipefitter
  • $7.6 million – Union Boilermaker
  • $6.9 million - Assembly Worker
  • $5.8 million - Union Steelworker
  • $5.63 million – Union Pipefitter


See all our case results.

Who is eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit?

You may be eligible for mesothelioma compensation if:

  • You were diagnosed with mesothelioma
  • Your spouse or parent had mesothelioma and passed away
  • You represent the estate of someone with mesothelioma who passed away


Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact us for a free case evaluation.

What are my options for compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit?

If you've been affected by mesothelioma, compensation might be available through lawsuits or asbestos trust funds. An estimated $30 billion remains in these funds, which were established by asbestos companies that filed for bankruptcy due to lawsuits related to mesothelioma.

How long does it take to get compensation for a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Receiving a mesothelioma settlement varies from case to case. We recognize the urgency for families impacted by mesothelioma to achieve swift outcomes, and we are committed to securing your compensation as quickly as possible.

How much does a mesothelioma lawyer cost?

Vogelzang Law's asbestos attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. You won't pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees; we only receive payment if your mesothelioma case is successful.

What if the company responsible has gone out of business?

Even if the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has gone out of business, you may still be able to receive compensation. Many companies that used asbestos have established trust funds to compensate victims. Our firm will guide you through this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

You Deserve Justice: Call Vogelzang Law to Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you didn’t ask for this illness, and you do have the right to seek justice. The manufacturers that exposed you to asbestos must be held accountable for the damage they caused. At Vogelzang Law, we are committed to helping mesothelioma victims secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

Our compassionate team of attorneys is ready to fight for you, using our knowledge of asbestos litigation to build a strong case. We understand your challenges and are here to support you through every step of the legal process. 

Don’t wait. Contact Vogelzang Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.