Asbestos & Mesothelioma Legal Support
The Only Team Bringing 40+ Years of U.S. Asbestos Trial and Trust Experience to Canadians
Canadians facing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases now have access to a legal team with decades of proven experience.
If you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you are not alone. Sotos LLP, one of Canada’s leading class action firms, has partnered with The Schenk Law Firm LLP, a respected U.S. law firm that has recovered significant compensation in both settlements and trial verdicts for asbestos and mesothelioma victims. This collaboration brings proven experience in navigating U.S. asbestos trust funds, which may be available to certain Canadians affected by asbestos exposure.
Canadians may be eligible for compensation through more than 40 U.S. asbestos trusts. Our team helps Canadian families access compensation from these trusts, which hold a combined $30 billion USD in available funds, depending on their individual exposure history and eligibility.
Why This Partnership Matters
Cross-Border Legal Support for Canadian Asbestos Victims
Sotos LLP and The Schenk Law Firm LLP combine years of trusted Canadian client advocacy with leading U.S. asbestos compensation lawyers. Each firm operates within its jurisdiction. Sotos LLP handles Canadian client matters in each province, in English and French, while The Schenk Law Firm LLP navigates those clients through the complex U.S. trusts. Fred Schenk has has represented thousands of asbestos victims for over 40 years.
We Handle the Legal Work, Start to Finish
From reconstructing your work history to filing claims among the 40 plus trust funds, we handle the details. Most claims are resolved through administrative processes, and court appearances are not required.
Two Trusted Firms, One Contingency Fee
We work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our standard contingency fee is 30% of any recovery, plus applicable taxes. In some cases involving bankrupt entities, fees are set by established trust processes and may be lower.
When you work with our team, you benefit from the combined experience of two leading law firms for no more than you would typically pay for one. We do not double the fees, we double the support.
Understanding Asbestos: A Hidden Threat
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral once used widely across Canada in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and heavy industry. While praised for its insulation and fire resistance, asbestos is now known to be a deadly carcinogen.
When asbestos fibres become airborne, they are easily inhaled or ingested. Over time, they can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious illnesses. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even second-hand contact can be dangerous.
The Threat of Mesothelioma: A Canadian Legacy
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, though it can also affect the abdomen and heart.
One of its most dangerous traits is its long latency period. Symptoms may not appear for 15 to 40 years. That means many Canadians are only now discovering they were impacted by asbestos used on job sites, in homes, or in consumer products decades ago.
Other Serious Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Besides mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has been linked in medical literature to:
- Lung cancer
- Laryngeal and ovarian cancers
- Colon and stomach cancers
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques and effusion
- Other respiratory complications
Eligibility for compensation depends on diagnosis and proof of exposure. We can help assess your claim.
Who Is at Risk?
Many Canadian workers in the following sectors faced routine exposure to asbestos:
- Construction and demolition
- Shipyards and dry docks
- Mining and milling
- Plumbing and pipefitting
- Rail and automotive work
- Canadian Armed Forces and veterans
- Insulation and factory work
Family members were also exposed through asbestos dust carried home on clothing, tools, or hair, a form of secondary exposure now recognized in some claims.
Compensation for Canadians Through U.S. Trust Funds
There are currently no Canadian asbestos trust funds. However, many Canadian victims may qualify for compensation through U.S. asbestos trust funds, which were created when asbestos manufacturers filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.
The Sotos LLP and Schenk Law Firm LLP partnership provides Canadians with comprehensive support in identifying eligible trusts, documenting occupational exposure, and filing claims through non-court administrative processes.
We Help You Recover Money For:
- Medical costs and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Family survivor benefits
Who We Are
Sotos LLP is one of Canada’s most trusted class action and plaintiff-side litigation firms. We have a long history of standing up for individuals against powerful institutions.
The Schenk Law Firm LLP is a U.S. firm focused on asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. Led by Fred Schenk, a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than four decades of experience, the firm has helped families recover compensation from nearly every major U.S. asbestos trust.
How We Help
Complete Case Review and Evidence Gathering
We reconstruct your work and exposure history, even for exposures that occurred decades ago.
Cross-Border Legal Support
Sotos LLP manages the Canadian aspects of your claim; Schenk Law provides trust fund guidance in the United States.
Integrated Legal and Medical Strategy
We work with physicians, occupational experts, and compensation professionals to build a strong claim.
No Upfront Fees. No Risk.
We do not get paid unless you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, commonly linked to asbestos exposure.
Can Canadians access U.S. asbestos trust funds?
Yes. The asbestos trust funds are special compensation funds set up by companies that manufactured or used asbestos. The trust funds originally started with $30 billion in funding and are expected to continue for decades as new cases are diagnosed. The trust funds are available worldwide, and Canadians are eligible.
How do I know if I have a valid asbestos claim?
Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your case to determine the validity of your asbestos claim and the potential compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Do I have to sue or go to court?
It depends on your exposure. Many asbestos manufacturers are now bankrupt, and claims against those companies are resolved through administrative trust processes—no lawsuit or court appearance required. However, if a company responsible for your exposure is still operating, you may also have a claim through the civil court system, which can result in additional compensation. We evaluate both paths for every client.
Do I need a lawyer?
While individuals can technically file on their own, the process is complex and often overwhelming. Each trust fund has different criteria, documentation standards, and legal rules. A lawyer can identify which trusts apply to your case, prepare strong submissions, and maximize your compensation. Filing without legal support may result in delays, denials, or under-compensation.
We guide you through the trust fund system and handle all the paperwork to help you receive full compensation.
How long does it take to receive compensation?
Most claims are resolved in 6 to 12 months, though timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the specific trust funds involved.
What if my exposure happened decades ago?
Many asbestos-related illnesses have long latency periods, with symptoms appearing 15 to 40 years after exposure. Our team specializes in reconstructing historical work and exposure records, even from decades past, to support your claim.
What will this cost me?
We only get paid if we are successful in obtaining compensation. With no upfront fees and a no win, no fee policy, we handle the entire process for you.
What compensation can I expect to receive?
The compensation amount for asbestos claims varies depending on factors such as the extent of exposure, resulting damages, and individual circumstances. Our team will work to maximize your compensation and ensure you receive what you deserve.
Ready to Learn More About Your Options?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, please complete the free case evaluation form or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Or email us at asbestosclaims@sotos.ca.
