Mesothelioma cases involve both complex medical issues and equally complex legal processes. If you’re pursuing a claim, you’ll run into legal terms that may be unfamiliar or confusing. This glossary organizes the most important concepts into four categories so you can quickly find what you need.

Whether you’re just starting to learn about your options or preparing to file, these definitions will help you understand the process and know what to expect

Lawsuit Types

Mesothelioma lawsuits usually fall into one of two categories. Knowing the difference helps families understand who can file and what compensation may be available.

Personal Injury Lawsuit – Filed by someone diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit – Filed by surviving family members after a loved one has passed away from mesothelioma.

Trust Funds & VA Benefits

When asbestos companies went bankrupt, many were required to set aside money in special trust funds. Veterans who were exposed in the military may also qualify for VA benefits.

Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts – Funds set aside to compensate current and future asbestos victims.
VA Benefits – Compensation and healthcare available for veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service.

Procedure

Legal procedures vary by state and case type, but several terms come up again and again.

Statute of Limitations – The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit, often one to three years from diagnosis or death.
Multi-District Litigation (MDL) – A process that consolidates similar asbestos lawsuits to streamline proceedings while keeping cases individual.
Appeal – A request for a higher court to review or overturn a previous decision.

Compensation & Fees

Compensation in mesothelioma cases can come through trust fund payments, settlements, or trial verdicts. It’s also important to understand how lawyers are paid.

Settlement – An agreement reached before trial that provides compensation without a court verdict.
Verdict – The final decision from a jury or judge after a trial.
Contingency Fee – A payment structure where lawyers are only paid if they win compensation, usually a percentage of the recovery.

Learn the Basics (Guides & Resources)

Looking for more than definitions? Explore our in-depth guides:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you think you may have a case, you can:

Disclaimer:
This glossary is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For medical definitions and health information, see independent patient resources.