John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- March 4, 2025
- Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
- Can I Still Bring a Mesothelioma Claim if the Responsible Company Went Out of Business?
- Mesothelioma Trust Fund: Money Has Been Set Aside for Future Claims
- There Are Dozens of Active Mesothelioma Trust Funds in the United States
- Get Help From Our Attorneys in Filing a Claim for Mesothelioma When the Company No Longer Exists
Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, know that you are not alone. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys have helped countless residents of Western New York with mesothelioma claims and other cases related to asbestos exposure – and we look forward to doing the same for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Can I Still Bring a Mesothelioma Claim if the Responsible Company Went Out of Business?
As explained by the New York State Department of Health, the rate of mesothelioma exploded in our state in the 1970s and 1980s. The majority of these increased incidents of mesothelioma were linked to long-term asbestos exposure—often in the workplace. Sadly, many companies negligently exposed their workers to conditions that they knew or should have known were dangerous.
Those companies can and should be held responsible for the extreme harm that they have caused. However, not all of those companies are around anymore. The good news is that victims still have options for financial support. Mesothelioma trust funds have been established to provide compensation to victims and their families. Below, our attorneys explain what you need to know about recovering compensation for asbestos exposure if the responsible company filed for bankruptcy.
Mesothelioma Trust Fund: Money Has Been Set Aside for Future Claims
Frequently referred to as ‘asbestos trust funds’, a mesothelioma trust fund is a pool of money that has been set aside to provide compensation to victims and their families who have not yet filed a claim. When major asbestos manufacturers and related companies sought bankruptcy protection, they were often required to set up a fund.
These funds are incredibly important because mesothelioma does not develop until many years (even decades) after a toxic exposure. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes that the typical period between asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis is between 20 years and 50 years. In some cases, it can take as long as 70 years for a person to develop cancer after being repeatedly exposed to asbestos.
There Are Dozens of Active Mesothelioma Trust Funds in the United States
If you or your loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, your claim will not be made against a centralized trust fund. It is a common misconception that there is one mesothelioma trust fund. Instead, a number of different trust funds have been established. Currently, there are more than 50 active mesothelioma trust funds nationwide. Collectively, they hold an estimated $30 billion in financial assets.
You and your family have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including for cancer treatment and loss of income. Our tenacious attorneys will help you explore every available option for financial recovery—from making a claim against an asbestos trust fund to filing a lawsuit against the responsible company.
Get Help From Our Attorneys in Filing a Claim for Mesothelioma When the Company No Longer Exists
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our top-rated New York attorneys are aggressive, experienced, advocates for victims and families. If you or your loved one was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, we are ready to help you bring a mesothelioma claim against out of business companies and thriving corporations alike.
To arrange a no cost, no commitment review of your case, please contact our law firm right away. From our office location in Buffalo, we handle mesothelioma and asbestos claims throughout Western New York, including in Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, East Aurora, Newfane, and Rochester.
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John Richmond has been extremely helpful on several occasions with matters we presented to him. I was very impressed with the exceptional diligence and professionalism he exhibited in successfully handling those issues. He took into consideration my thoughts and reasons behind the items I felt needed to be addressed. He went out of his way to make meeting with us a very convenient and pleasant experience. When our son required assistance with a custody issue we again went to Mr. Richmond. As it was an issue that was outside the scope of his expertise he did not hesitate to recommend another attorney in the field which was needed. That attorney was also exceptional and that case was also successfully resolved and for that recommendation we truly thank him. We will, beyond any doubt, utilize his firm and services for any matters that may arise in the future. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Mr. Richmond and his firm.
My experience with Richmond Vona was exceptional. Keith and John gave my case all the attention required to bring about a successful result. They were a calming and confident presence during a very difficult time in my life. I was never treated like a number, but more like family. They were in constant communication with me to make sure that everything I was going through was taken care of. I appreciate all of the support I received from Keith and John. I am proud to be part of the Richmond Vona family, and would highly recommend them to anyone
Let me be honest, I’ve been skeptical of attorneys in the past…. but Keith Vona and Richmond Vona, LLC changed that. They are professional, caring, thorough and trustworthy. They assisted me and my family with a challenging mesothelioma case. Challenging why, because my father passed before he could testify. Keith remained in contact, updated us regularly and I believe went above and beyond normal due diligence. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona, LLC. Thank you for all you have done for our family!!
