How to qualify for a claim

A healthcare professional meticulously reviews and fills out a claim qualification form, ensuring all necessary details are accurately documented.

Exposure to asbestos has caused devastating illnesses for thousands of workers across the United States. Many individuals who were regularly exposed decades ago are only now developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one is considering filing an asbestos exposure claim, it’s important to understand the qualifications required to pursue compensation.

Work History Requirements

To qualify for most asbestos exposure claims, you must be able to show a history of employment in industries or occupations where asbestos use was common. A key qualification is working for at least five years before 1983 in a job where asbestos exposure likely occurred.

This timeframe is important because:

• Widespread use before regulation: Asbestos was heavily used in construction, shipyards, manufacturing, and industrial facilities prior to the early 1980s.

• Regulatory changes: By the mid-1980s, federal regulations significantly restricted the use of asbestos, meaning new cases of exposure became less common.

• Latency period: Asbestos-related diseases can take 20–50 years to develop after exposure, which is why cases are still surfacing today.

  
  

Types of Jobs with High Exposure

Workers in certain industries faced greater risks, including:

• Construction workers (insulation, drywall, roofing, flooring)

• Shipbuilders and Navy veterans

• Industrial plant workers (steel, chemical, or power plants)

• Automotive workers (brake and clutch repair)

• Railroad workers

• Asbestos product manufacturers

If you held a job in one of these industries prior to 1983 for five or more years, you may meet the criteria to file a claim.

Medical Evidence

In addition to work history, you must have a medical diagnosis linked to asbestos exposure. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Mesothelioma

• Asbestos-related lung cancer

• Asbestosis

• Pleural thickening or plaques

Medical documentation—such as pathology reports, imaging scans, or physician statements—is crucial to connecting your illness to past asbestos exposure.

Why These Qualifications Matter

These requirements help establish both exposure and causation, which are essential elements of a successful asbestos claim. Without clear evidence of long-term work exposure before 1983 and a medically confirmed diagnosis, it becomes much more difficult to secure compensation from asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, or veterans’ benefits programs.

Next Steps

If you believe you meet these qualifications, give us a call at 662-323-3939 or email us at claims@slfclaims.com. We can review your work history, gather medical records, and determine which compensation options are available to you.