How Long Does a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Take?

Quick Answer

Most mesothelioma lawsuits resolve through settlement within 12-18 months. Trust fund claims often pay faster (sometimes within 90 days). Cases that go to trial typically take 18-36 months. Some courts (NYCAL, Madison County IL) have expedited dockets for mesothelioma plaintiffs given the short life expectancy.

Most mesothelioma cases resolve through settlement within 12 to 18 months. Trust fund claims often pay much faster — many trusts process and pay claims within 90 days of submission. Cases that proceed to trial typically take 18 to 36 months from filing through verdict.

Why Mesothelioma Cases Move Faster Than Typical Civil Litigation

Several factors accelerate mesothelioma cases: (1) Mesothelioma has a median survival of 12-21 months untreated, so courts often grant expedited trial dates; (2) Some jurisdictions (NYCAL, Madison County IL, Philadelphia, Baltimore) maintain dedicated mesothelioma dockets with expedited scheduling; (3) Most defendants prefer to settle rather than face a sympathetic jury and a dying plaintiff; (4) Trust fund claims have streamlined processes that don't require litigation.

Typical Timeline Stages

• Months 1-2: Investigation, exposure history, defendant identification
• Months 2-4: Filing complaint, initial discovery
• Months 4-8: Plaintiff deposition (often expedited in mesothelioma cases — can be done at home), defendant document production
• Months 8-12: Expert witness depositions, settlement negotiations
• Months 12-18: Settlement (most cases) or trial preparation
• Months 18-36: Trial (if settlement not reached)