Payout Table (USA Claims)

Here’s a realistic payout table for successful asbestos trust fund applicants in the USA, based on historical trust payouts, published data, and averages from major trusts like Johns-Manville, Owens Corning/Fibreboard, and T&N/Federal-Mogul trusts. 

U.S. payouts are generally higher than the UK because trusts are designed to compensate a large number of claimants for substantial corporate liability.

Typical Asbestos Trust Fund Payout Table (USA)

Condition / Severity

Estimated Payout (USD)

Mesothelioma (advanced / terminal)

$300,000 – $450,000

Fast-tracked; most trusts prioritise terminal cases.

Mesothelioma (moderate, not terminal)

$150,000 – $300,000

Payout depends on prognosis, age, and life expectancy.

Lung cancer (asbestos-related)

$100,000 – $250,000

Requires proof asbestos exposure significantly contributed to illness.

Asbestosis (moderate, impaired lung function)

$60,000 – $150,000

Based on severity, pulmonary function tests, and long-term care needs.

Asbestosis (mild)

$20,000 – $60,000

Early-stage disease; mostly compensates for medical monitoring and inconvenience.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening / Pleural Disease (significant)

$20,000 – $50,000

Reflects functional impairment; chronic but not terminal.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening / Pleural Disease (mild)

$5,000 – $20,000

Minor pleural scarring; usually only partial compensation.

Secondary exposure / family members

$5,000 – $25,000

Only allowed if documented domestic exposure (laundry, tools, vehicles).

Surviving dependents / wrongful death claim via trust

$50,000 – $200,000

Based on deceased’s trust eligibility, severity, and number of dependents.

Key Notes About U.S. Trust Fund Payouts

Payout ranges are indicative – Actual payments vary widely depending on:

Trust fund rules (each trust has its own payment percentages)

Severity of disease and medical documentation

Timing of the claim (trusts often pay a percentage of the “full value” to preserve funds)

Mesothelioma fast-tracking – Most trusts prioritise terminal cases for speedy payment.

Multiple trust claims possible – Claimants often file with several trusts if exposed to multiple products over their career. Payments from multiple trusts stack, increasing total compensation.

Trust payout vs lawsuit – Trusts are administrative and formula-based, generally faster but capped, while lawsuits can potentially result in higher but riskier awards.

Legal representation matters – Specialized asbestos attorneys maximize trust payouts, ensure documentation, and can coordinate simultaneous trust and lawsuit claims.