Dealing with a diagnosis related to asbestos exposure changes your entire perspective. You likely have concerns about your health, your family, and your financial security. These feelings are normal, but you have options to help secure your future.
Financial compensation exists specifically to support individuals in your situation. The U.S. Gypsum Asbestos Trust was established to help people exactly like you recover damages and pay for medical care. You can take steps today to access the support you deserve.
The Purpose of the U.S. Gypsum Asbestos Trust
For many years, the United States Gypsum Company manufactured construction materials containing asbestos. These products were efficient for building but dangerous for human health. When the health consequences became undeniable and lawsuits mounted, the company sought bankruptcy protection.
This legal action resulted in the formation of the US gypsum asbestos trust to manage liability and ensure funds remained available for victims. The trust holds money specifically to pay valid claims to individuals who developed asbestos-related diseases from their products.
These funds exist to ensure that victims receive fair compensation even decades after the exposure occurred. Firms like ELSM Law understand that these trusts provide a necessary lifeline for families facing uncertain futures.
The money sits in the trust waiting for those who can prove their exposure and resulting illness. It serves as a dedicated resource to help you manage the costs associated with your diagnosis.
Eligibility Requirements for Filing
Qualifying for payment requires you to meet specific criteria set by the trust administrators. You must provide medical evidence of an asbestos-related disease. This typically involves submitting pathology reports or a diagnosis from a qualified physician.
Conditions often covered include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory issues. The diagnosis serves as the foundation of your claim. You also need to demonstrate a history of exposure to U.S. Gypsum products.
This might seem difficult if the work happened decades ago, but you can use work history records, invoices, or witness statements. The goal is to connect your illness directly to the products manufactured by this specific company. Establishing this link validates your right to receive funds from the trust.
Personal Injury versus Wrongful Death
Two primary categories of claims exist within the trust system. A personal injury claim is for the individual who was directly exposed and is currently suffering from an illness. This type of claim seeks to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It provides direct support to you while you navigate treatment and recovery. Families also have a path to compensation if their loved one has already passed away. A wrongful death claim allows the estate or surviving family members to seek damages.
This funding helps cover funeral expenses and provides financial stability for those left behind. Both claim types acknowledge the harm done and offer a measure of justice.
The Claims Process Steps
The procedure for securing funds involves a few logical actions. You first gather all necessary documentation regarding your health and work history. This collection of evidence forms the backbone of your submission. Thorough records make the review process smoother and faster.
Once you have your evidence, you submit the claim forms to the trust for review. The administrators examine your documents to ensure everything meets the established guidelines. If your claim matches the criteria, they determine the payout amount based on the severity of the illness and other factors.
