Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers in Canada
Helping Canadians Pursue Compensation Through U.S. Asbestos Trust Funds
Canadians diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease, or another asbestos-related disease now have access to the only legal team offering more than 40 years of U.S. asbestos trial and trust experience.
Sotos LLP, one of Canada’s leading class action firms, has partnered with The Schenk Law Firm LLP, a respected U.S. asbestos litigation firm that has recovered significant compensation through asbestos settlements, trust fund claims, and trial verdicts for asbestos and mesothelioma victims. This cross-border partnership helps Canadians pursue compensation through U.S. asbestos trust funds with experienced legal guidance on both sides of the border.
Many Canadians were exposed to asbestos decades ago while working in construction, shipyards, factories, mines, refineries, military facilities, rail operations, and other industrial workplaces across Canada. Because asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop, people are only now discovering that their diagnosis may be linked to historical asbestos exposure.
Our team helps Canadian families understand their legal options, identify potential sources of compensation, reconstruct exposure history, and navigate the claims process from start to finish.
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Compensation for Canadians Through U.S. Trust Funds
There are currently no Canadian asbestos trust funds. However, many Canadians may qualify for compensation through U.S. asbestos trust funds.
These trusts were created after asbestos manufacturers and related companies filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. As part of that process, funds were set aside to compensate people harmed by asbestos-containing products, materials, and equipment.
More than 40 U.S. asbestos trust funds remain active, with $30 billion USD available for eligible claimants. Canadians may qualify depending on their diagnosis, work history, exposure history, and connection to asbestos products or companies covered by the trusts.
We Help You Recover Money For:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Family survivor claims
Eligibility depends on the facts of each case. Our team can assess your potential claim and help determine which trust funds may apply.
Understanding Asbestos: A Hidden Threat
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that was once widely used 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 can be easily inhaled or ingested. Over time, they can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease and other serious illnesses. Health authorities generally recognize that 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?
Asbestos was widely used across Canada throughout the twentieth century. It appeared in construction materials, insulation, industrial equipment, shipbuilding materials, automotive components, fireproofing products, boilers, pipes, gaskets, cement, ceiling tiles, and many other products.
Many Canadians diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease today were exposed between the 1950s and 1990s.
Occupations Commonly Associated With Asbestos Exposure
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Pipefitters and plumbers
- Electricians
- Boilermakers
- Shipyard workers
- Dry dock workers
- Industrial insulators
- HVAC technicians
- Mechanics and automotive workers
- Railway workers
- Factory and mill workers
- Steel plant workers
- Refinery workers
- Oil and gas workers
- Miners and milling workers
- Power plant workers
- Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans
Family members were also sometimes exposed when asbestos fibres were carried home on clothing, boots, tools, hair, or work equipment. This is known as secondary asbestos exposure and may be relevant in some claims.
Known High-Risk Asbestos Exposure Areas in Canada
Asbestos exposure occurred across Canada, particularly in industrial regions of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.
Quebec
- Thetford Mines
- Black Lake
- Val-des-Sources (formerly Asbestos)
- Chaudière-Appalaches
- Estrie
These regions were historically associated with major asbestos mining operations, including the Jeffrey Mine legacy.
Ontario
- Sarnia Chemical Valley
- Hamilton steelworks
- Windsor and Essex manufacturing plants
- Lambton Region
British Columbia
- Vancouver Shipyards
- Esquimalt Dockyard
- Cassiar Mine
- Greater Victoria
- North Shore shipyards
Nova Scotia
- Halifax Shipyard
- CFB Halifax
- Maritime dockyards
Alberta
- Fort McMurray oil sands
- Calgary and Edmonton construction sectors
New Brunswick
- Saint John industrial and ship repair facilities
Newfoundland & Labrador
- John’s offshore and ship repair industries
Even if exposure occurred decades ago, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, or other asbestos-related disease may still qualify for compensation.
About Our Canadian and U.S. Asbestos Legal Team
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.
Why Canadian Asbestos Victims Choose Our Legal Team
Cross-Border Legal Support for Canadian Asbestos Victims
Sotos and The Schenk Law Firm combine years of trusted Canadian client advocacy with leading U.S. asbestos compensation lawyers. Each firm operates within its jurisdiction. Sotos handles Canadian client matters in each province, in English and French, while The Schenk Law Firm navigates those clients through the complex U.S. trusts. Fred Schenk 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.
How Our Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers Help Canadians
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 work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
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.
Resources
- Government of Canada: Asbestos and your health
- Government of Canada: Asbestos
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Asbestos health effects
- Canadian Cancer Society: Asbestos
- Canadian Cancer Society: Mesothelioma risks
- Canadian Cancer Society: Supportive care for mesothelioma
- Canadian Lung Association: Asbestosis
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre
- Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation
Free Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Fund Case Review
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, contact our legal team for a free confidential consultation.
Call: 1-888-977-9806
Email: asbestosclaims@sotos.ca
