Losing a loved one to mesothelioma is one of the most challenging experiences a family can endure. Not only is the emotional toll enormous, but so is the financial strain.

Just as a victim of asbestos exposure can seek compensation, their surviving family members may also have the right to pursue financial relief.

When a loved one passes away, the financial impact can add up quickly. From burial expenses to ongoing bills, these costs can feel overwhelming while you’re grieving.

Many families like yours have received mesothelioma compensation that allowed them to pay off their medical bills and secure their family’s future.

“The results gave me enough security to provide for my children and grandchildren. Norris would be at peace knowing that his efforts allowed for that.”

– Lori, wife of mesothelioma patient Norris

Learn more about each of these three options and reach out to the Mesothelioma Hope team to see if you’re eligible for compensation.

1. Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits target the companies that chose to use asbestos in their products even though they knew it could harm people

Money from a successful mesothelioma lawsuit can help you recover emotional damages, pay medical bills, compensate for loss of income, and cover your daily living expenses.

Most wrongful death lawsuits settle out of court for an average of $1 million to $1.4 million.

Some families have received much more than this, including:

  • $15 million for the loved ones of a New York construction worker
  • $4.4 million for the family of a secondhand asbestos exposure victim in Illinois
  • $5.7 million for the loved ones of a Florida maintenance worker
  • $3.9 million for the family of a Virginia auto mechanic and insulator’s helper
  • $3.3 million for the loved ones of a U.S. Marine veteran and installer in Ohio
  • $6 million for the surviving family members of a Missouri laborer

It’s important to act quickly, however, since statutes of limitations limit the time you have to file a wrongful death claim.

With help from our partner law firm, many families have received their first payouts within 90 days or less.

Your family deserves answers, accountability, and support after losing a loved one to mesothelioma. Get a Free Case Review today to discuss your legal options.

2. Asbestos Trust Funds

In the 1980s, many companies that used asbestos declared bankruptcy to avoid mounting personal injury lawsuits. To ensure victims were still compensated, they were required to set aside money in asbestos trust funds.

Currently, there’s over $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds for patients and families who’ve been impacted by mesothelioma.

Did You Know?

In 2025, asbestos trust fund payouts average $300,000 to $400,000 in total compensation.

An experienced asbestos lawyer can confirm if you qualify for asbestos trust fund compensation and file claims on your family’s behalf.

“Andrew said to me, ‘The one thing that I want is for my family to survive, even if I don’t. Even if something happens to me, I want to know before I close my eyes that my family has been taken care of.’ And he did that.”

— LaTanyta, wife of mesothelioma patient Andrew

3. VA Benefits

If your loved one was exposed to asbestos in the military, you may be eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VA benefits for families of mesothelioma victims include:

  • Aid & Attendance (A&A) – Surviving spouses who are bedridden or require assistance with daily activities may qualify for payments of up to $33,548 per year.
  • Burial Benefits – The VA will help cover funeral and burial expenses, including cemetery plots and headstones, for veterans who pass away from service-related mesothelioma.
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation – Surviving family members may qualify for $1,653.07 a month in tax-free money.
  • Survivors Pensions – Spouses and dependent children can receive up to $11,380 in 2025.

VA compensation can provide much-needed relief and honor your loved one’s sacrifice.

Don’t leave these benefits unclaimed. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get the support your family deserves.

Get Help Pursuing Mesothelioma Compensation for Your Family

Losing a family member to mesothelioma is devastating, especially knowing it could have been prevented. Companies that use asbestos knowingly put people’s lives at risk — and you have the right to hold them accountable.

If your loved one has passed from mesothelioma, asbestos lawsuit payouts and other forms of compensation can help ease your financial stress and secure your family’s future.

Call (866) 608-8933 or get a Free Case Review to discuss your next steps with our team.

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, December 2). Current Veterans disability compensation rates. Retrieved December 27, 2024, from https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, December 2). Current Survivors Pension benefit rates. Retrieved December 27, 2024, from https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension/rates

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