Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Whether your case resolves in an out-of-court settlement or proceeds to trial, our attorneys can handle all of the legal legwork on your behalf.
From proving your asbestos exposure history to presenting your case before a judge and jury, we break down the asbestos trial process so families know what to expect and can feel confident every step of the way.
Attorney Daniel Blouin is a partner and lead mesothelioma trial lawyer at Simmons Hanly Conroy. With his extensive experience litigating mesothelioma cases, he has secured nearly half a billion dollars in mesothelioma verdicts.
Recognized as a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers and named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Daniel combines courtroom expertise with a commitment to guiding families through every step of the legal process.
Below, he answers some of the most commonly asked questions about asbestos trials and explains what families can expect when taking legal action for mesothelioma.
What is an asbestos trial for mesothelioma?
An asbestos trial is where the truth comes out in public. It’s not just paperwork or backroom negotiations — it’s a courtroom, a jury, and evidence showing exactly how companies chose profits over people, even after they knew asbestos could kill.
In a mesothelioma case, we trace the exposure, identify the products and job sites, and lay out, piece by piece, how that decision led to our client’s diagnosis decades later. That’s when these companies are finally forced to answer for it.
These cases are about justice, but they’re also about making families whole where we can. A strong verdict can provide compensation to cover the overwhelming cost of treatment, replace lost wages and benefits, and provide long-term financial security for a spouse or children.
It also accounts for what’s harder to measure — the pain, loss of time, and disruption to your everyday life. And just as important, it puts a spotlight on conduct that should never have happened in the first place.
How often do mesothelioma cases go to trial?
The overwhelming majority of mesothelioma claims don’t make it all the way to a jury verdict — and there’s a reason for that.
When the evidence is built the right way, defendants see what’s coming. They see the documents, the testimony, the medical proof, and the timeline that ties it all together. At that point, many companies decide they’d rather resolve the case than defend their conduct in open court.
Make no mistake, though: We prepare every case like it’s going to trial from day 1. That’s not a talking point, it’s a strategy. When a company knows you’re ready to put their decisions in front of a jury, the leverage shifts.
That pressure is what drives stronger settlements, higher case values, and faster results for families who don’t have time to wait.
Who can pursue compensation for mesothelioma?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have the right to pursue compensation — and in many cases, so does your family. Your spouse, children, or estate representative can step in to bring a claim on your behalf if you’re too sick to file or, sadly, have passed away. Ultimately, the right to hold these companies accountable carries forward to your surviving family members.
Whether the victim is here to tell their story or the family is telling it for them, our job is the same: We build a strong case, prove what happened, and hold negligent asbestos companies accountable.
What does the asbestos lawsuit trial process involve?
Even though most cases settle, every mesothelioma claim is built with a potential trial in mind. That preparation is what makes settlements possible in some cases — and ensures that if a case does go to court, it’s ready for battle.
We gather every piece of evidence: medical records, work histories, depositions, expert testimony, and internal documents from the companies responsible. Every detail helps tell the full picture of our client’s asbestos exposure and the harm they suffered as a result.
When a case reaches trial, we bring that client’s story to life in the courtroom. We show who our client is, the life they built, the work they did, and how corporate decisions caused them to get sick and develop mesothelioma. And we ask the jury to hold those companies accountable.
If my case goes to trial, will I have to testify? What if I’m too sick?
Every case is different, and my priority is always my client’s health and comfort. If you’re able to testify, I’ll prepare you fully, so you know exactly what to expect and can tell your story with confidence.
With mesothelioma, though, we often preserve testimony early through a deposition. That’s a recorded session where you answer questions outside the courtroom, with the ability to take breaks whenever you need.
If your health makes it hard to appear in person, you may also be able to testify by video call about your asbestos exposure and how mesothelioma has affected your life.
Above all, my job is to protect you. That means guiding you through the process, making it manageable, and ensuring your voice is heard without putting your wellbeing at risk.
What kind of support do families get during the legal process?
We recognize that the day-to-day realities of a mesothelioma diagnosis extend far beyond the courtroom, which is why we’re committed to providing support that goes well beyond legal representation.
Our mesothelioma law firm has nurses on staff who can help patients find a specialist, understand their treatment options, and navigate different medication side effects. If you need to travel for care, we’ve got people who can help you book your tickets and find someone to watch your pets or water your plants while you’re away.
Our clients deserve a team that will stand with them throughout every aspect of this fight, and that’s what we provide — every single day.
How much are mesothelioma verdicts worth?
Mesothelioma verdict amounts can vary widely, sometimes reaching tens of millions of dollars in some cases. The value of a case depends on the specific factors, including how many asbestos products the victim was exposed to, which defendants are involved, and the overall impact of the diagnosis on the individual and their family.
In many situations, verdicts exceed what companies are willing to offer in settlement. Our firm has secured record-breaking results for clients nationwide, including a $60 million verdict in New York for a laborer whose life was forever changed by mesothelioma.
Asbestos trial verdicts can be the difference between struggling to cover care and giving families a chance at real financial security.
Have you won any recent asbestos verdicts?
Over the past few years, I’ve taken multiple mesothelioma cases all the way to trial. Most recently, I secured a $15 million verdict against Kaiser Gypsum on behalf of the family of a construction worker who died from mesothelioma.
He had been exposed to asbestos in the company’s joint compound, and this verdict provided meaningful financial support for his children and grandchildren while holding the company accountable for its role in his illness.
However, more commonly, we settle for large amounts by always being prepared for trial and forcing settlements. Often, the best victories are ones that stay out of the headlines.
How long do mesothelioma court cases take?
Courts recognize that time is critical when someone has mesothelioma, so many jurisdictions prioritize these cases, especially if the person is still alive when the claim is filed. That said, every case is different.
Some are resolved in just a few months, while others take longer, particularly when multiple companies are involved. Usually, some defendants will want to settle early, allowing families to receive immediate financial support while we continue negotiating with the remaining parties.
Even though settlements are often the quickest way to get money to families, we always prepare every case as if it could go to trial. That ensures we maximize the recovery for our clients and hold every responsible company accountable.
How much do mesothelioma trial lawyers charge?
Mesothelioma trial lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means our clients don’t pay anything up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for them.
This way, our interests align completely with the client. Our firm assumes all financial risk associated with preparing and litigating a case.
The people we represent have already been through enough. They shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of holding companies accountable.
When should I contact a mesothelioma trial attorney?
The moment you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis is the moment to reach out. Every state has statutes of limitations — deadlines that can prevent you from filing a claim if you wait too long. Acting quickly helps give us the time to preserve evidence, secure key testimony, and build the strongest case possible from day 1.
Early action can make a real difference in your case’s outcome. The sooner you contact our firm, the better we can protect your interests, gather critical documentation, and position your case to maximize the compensation you and your family deserve.
Let Our Award-Winning National Asbestos & Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers Fight for You
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our mesothelioma trial lawyers can help families in all 50 states pursue compensation from a lawsuit settlement or verdict.
With over 25 years of experience, our firm has what it takes to hold powerful companies accountable both inside and outside of the courtroom.
We’ve secured more than $10.7 billion from asbestos claims, allowing thousands of clients to afford medical treatments and secure their family’s financial future.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if we may be able to help you seek justice. Speaking with us is free.
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