Lung Cancer and Other Asbestos-Related Cancers in Canada
How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Cancer
Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is different from other types of lung cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can stay in the body for decades, eventually causing tumours.
In Canada, asbestos exposure has been linked to several cancers, including:
- Primary lung cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
These cancers may not develop until many years after asbestos exposure.
Filing Asbestos Trust Fund Claims in Canada
After becoming aware of the hazardous effect of asbestos, many countries, including Canada, limited its use in the early 1980s. In 2012 Canada stopped exporting asbestos to developing countries. In December 2016 the Liberal government announced a plan to ban the imports of asbestos products by 2018.
In the U.S., manufacturers that used asbestos products were the subject of class action lawsuits. In many cases, the liability faced by these companies was far greater than the company’s assets. As a result, they declared bankruptcy and set up asbestos compensation trusts that pooled company assets and insurance money to help pay victims who have suffered asbestos injuries, primarily mesothelioma. Any Canadian affiliates of those companies also filed for creditor protection and their assets were also placed in trust. Anyone who can prove that they’ve been harmed by the products made by that company can make a claim against the trust for compensation instead of having to sue.
Eligibility for Asbestos Cancer Compensation
We only accept cancer claims where evidence confirms the illness is asbestos-related. To qualify, you must provide:
- A confirmed cancer diagnosis supported by a pathology (biopsy) report
- X-ray or CT scan showing asbestos exposure in both lungs
- Proof of at least six months of occupational asbestos exposure
- A medical opinion linking the cancer to asbestos exposure
Our team works with independent doctors and reviews all medical records to confirm eligibility before filing.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims for Canadians
Over the past few decades, many American asbestos manufacturers filed for bankruptcy and were ordered to create asbestos trust funds. These funds exist to compensate people who were exposed to asbestos products and later developed asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
Although the trusts are based in the United States, Canadians can file claims. You may be eligible if you or a loved one worked with or near asbestos-containing materials for more than six months and have since been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer. These materials include pipe insulation, gaskets, boilers, floor tiles, or cement products used in construction, power plants, refineries, and industrial sites.
Trust claims are not lawsuits. They do not require court appearances or drawn-out litigation. Many of our clients begin receiving compensation within a few months. We take care of the entire process, from documentation to submission, and we only get paid if your claim is successful.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contact us to find out if you qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds.
Asbestos Products in Canada
Many asbestos-containing products used in Canada, like pipe insulation, boilers, and floor tiles, were made by U.S. manufacturers that later went bankrupt. These companies have since established asbestos compensation trusts for victims.
It’s often hard to remember specific product names or brands decades later. That’s where we come in. At Miskin Law, we’ve developed a database of asbestos products used across Canada, covering thousands of job sites and industrial facilities.
This database helps our clients identify likely exposure sources, even if they never handled the materials directly. For example, if you were an electrician working near insulated piping at a steel plant in the 1970s, we can cross-reference your site and role to determine which manufacturer’s product was likely present and file a trust claim on your behalf.
You may qualify for compensation even if you didn’t work directly with asbestos.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Cancers
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Many Canadians experience no symptoms in the early stages. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing (throat or esophageal cancer)
- Abdominal pain or bowel changes (colorectal cancer)
Compensation for Asbestos-Related Cancers in Canada
Asbestos trust claims for cancer can be more valuable than asbestosis claims, though they require more medical and occupational evidence. Each trust fund has its own rules, and proof of exposure is essential.
At Miskin Law, we pursue all available trust funds for our clients. Cancer-related trust fund payments in Canada often range from $5,000 to more than $50,000 per trust, with total compensation potentially being much higher.
Workers’ Compensation and Asbestos Cancer
Asbestos-related cancers may also qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Canada. Benefits vary by province but may include:
- Lump-sum payments
- Medical and healthcare coverage
- Funeral and survivor benefits
Important: You cannot file both Workers’ Compensation and asbestos trust claims. Once you apply for Workers’ Compensation, your right to sue is removed. Contact Miskin Law before deciding which option is best for your case.
Why Canadians Choose Miskin Law
Miskin Law is Canada’s leading asbestos law firm, based in Ontario and serving clients nationwide. With decades of experience, we help cancer victims and their families secure maximum compensation from asbestos trust funds and Workers’ Compensation.
About Daniel J. Miskin
Daniel J. Miskin works on asbestos, mesothelioma, and class action cases. His passion for earning justice and compensation and proven track record have earned him trust and a sterling reputation amongst his clients.
Contact
Peterborough: 705-755-7363 ext. 2
Toll Free: 1-877-428-8000 ext. 2