AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund
The AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund was created in 2008. Its sole purpose is to compensate workers and others harmed by asbestos-containing products distributed by Armstrong Contracting and Supply Corporation (AC&S).
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- AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund – Claim Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
- What Is the AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund?
- Who Is Eligible for Compensation From the AC&S Trust?
- How To File an AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
- What Is the Average Payout From the AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund?
- How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation?
- Can Family Members File a Claim After a Loved One’s Death?
- How Gori Law Can Help You With Your AC&S Trust Fund Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About AC&S Asbestos Trust
- Get Help Filing Your AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
- AC&S Asbestos Settlement Trust Fund has millions of dollars available for asbestos exposure victims who worked with AC&S products.
- To receive a payout, eligible applicants must have a qualifying medical diagnosis and meet the Trust’s exposure requirements.
- A seasoned asbestos exposure attorney can help you file a claim and explore other ways to obtain compensation.
AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund - Claim Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
The AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund was created in 2008. Its sole purpose is to compensate workers and others harmed by asbestos-containing products distributed by Armstrong Contracting and Supply Corporation (AC&S).
The AC&S Asbestos Trust is one of numerous trusts established over several decades for asbestos exposure victims. Many companies that made products containing asbestos faced personal injury lawsuits filed by former workers and clients. The lawsuits forced many companies into bankruptcy. As a condition of bankruptcy approval, judges required companies to create trust funds for future asbestos injury claims.
If you or a loved one has an asbestos-related disease caused by working with AC&S products, Gori Law can file a claim for compensation with the AC&S mesothelioma trust fund. Our firm has substantial experience in asbestos exposure cases. Reach out to schedule your free consultation.
What Is the AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund?
Armstrong Contracting and Supply Corporation was a major distributor of asbestos insulation. It was established in 1958 as a subsidiary of Armstrong Cork Company, which first opened in the 1860s.
AC&S didn’t manufacture asbestos products. It bought them from other companies and sold them to different organizations and contractors. Many AC&S workers handled asbestos products and worked around them in various plants, which put them at risk of inhaling or ingesting tiny asbestos fibers that cause deadly diseases.
As public awareness of the connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma grew in the 1970s and 1980s, victims began suing AC&S. It settled over 200,000 lawsuits before declaring bankruptcy in 2002. Federal courts approved the bankruptcy and the creation of the AC&S Asbestos Settlement Trust in 2008.
Since then, individuals who develop mesothelioma and related diseases can file a claim with the Trust if they meet eligibility requirements. The payment percentage has been adjusted over time to maintain the Trust’s stability and ensure funds remain available for future claimants. Currently, the average payout is 3.2 percent.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation From the AC&S Trust?
AC&S Asbestos Trust eligibility extends to individuals with a confirmed medical diagnosis of any of the following illnesses:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Some other cancers, including esophageal and stomach cancer
- Asbestosis
- Pleural disease
Victims must also prove they were exposed to asbestos through AC&S products. In general, that means having contact with AC&S asbestos-based products before December 31, 1982. Depending on your claim type, you may also need to demonstrate at least five years of cumulative asbestos exposure to qualify for AC&S asbestos trust fund payouts.
If you believe you were exposed to AC&S asbestos products, our experienced asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How To File an AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
If you’re wondering how to file a claim with the AC&S Asbestos Trust. It’s possible in just a few steps.
1. Gather Medical Evidence
Request records from your doctor documenting your asbestos-related condition. The records should include a diagnosis from a qualified physician or board-certified pathologist. X-rays, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and other lab results can further support a claim.
2. Establish an Asbestos Exposure Connection with AC&S
Victims must prove they were exposed to AC&S asbestos-containing products. This can be shown through employment records, invoices, and construction documents. AC&S will also accept sworn statements or affidavits from a claimant.
3. Decide on Expedited or Individual Review
Expedited claims follow a clearly defined path to approval. They take less time to process but also have lower payouts. Applicants who believe their case warrants a higher payout may submit a claim for an Individual review.
Individual reviews can take longer to resolve. There’s also the risk that a claims examiner will provide a lower payout than you would have received under the expedited review. But, if you’re successful, you may receive more than the scheduled claim value for your disease.
4. Submit Claim Documents to the Trust
The AC&S Asbestos Trust requires applicants to complete their claim forms and submit all documents to examiners. They will review the claim and decide whether to approve it. If a claim examiner has questions, they may contact you for clarification or additional evidence.
5. Hire a Seasoned Asbestos Exposure Attorney
Filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund isn’t easy. It’s a complex process that requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the requirements. Missing documents and form mistakes can derail your hopes of recovering compensation.
Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you maximize the value of your claim. They can advise you of your legal options and prepare a claim that thoroughly details your asbestos exposure history and medical condition.
What Is the Average Payout From the AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund?
The Trust uses scheduled values to compensate claimants who file for an expedited review. Applicants who request an individual review may recover up to a maximum value established by the Trust. AC&S asbestos settlement amounts are as follows:
| Diagnosis: | Scheduled Value | Average Value | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $150,000 | $220,000 | $550,000 |
| Lung Cancer I | $50,000 | $55,000 | $125,000 |
| Lung Cancer II | None | $12,000 | $50,000 |
| Other Cancer | $14,000 | $15,000 | $50,000 |
| Severe Asbestosis | $40,000 | $45,000 | $100,000 |
| Asbestosis/Pleural Disease II | $7,500 | - | - |
| Asbestosis/Pleural Disease I | $3,000 | - | - |
The Trust applies a payment percentage to the value of the claim. As of September 2024, the AC&S Asbestos Trust payment percentage is 3.2 percent. That means claimants receive 3.2 percent of the value of their claim.
For example, if you request an expedited review for a mesothelioma diagnosis and the Trust approves your $150,000 claim, after applying the 3.2% payout rate, you would receive $4,800.
While that may not sound like much, asbestos exposure victims often file claims against multiple trust funds. Payout percentages vary with each one, making it possible to recover substantial damages.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation?
Once you file a claim, how long does it take to receive compensation from the AC&S Asbestos Settlement Trust? On average, expect to wait several months. Claims examiners need time to complete their review process.
Claims filed for expedited review may resolve more quickly than individually reviewed claims. With expedited reviews, claims examiners have less room for interpretation and aren’t as likely to request additional evidence.
Individual reviews may take six months or longer to complete. Your attorney can advise you on expected timelines.
Can Family Members File a Claim After a Loved One's Death?
Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, victims may not live long enough to pursue legal justice. Their survivors may wonder if family members can file an AC&S asbestos claim. The answer is yes.
AC&S Asbestos Settlement Trust accepts claim applications from individuals with legal authority. That may include a surviving family member or an estate executor. Along with the medical evidence and proof of exposure required in a standard claim, survivors must share a copy of the individual’s death certificate.
In some cases, survivors may file a wrongful death lawsuit against organizations that subjected their loved ones to asbestos exposure. Such a lawsuit may allow you to recover compensation for your loved one’s outstanding medical bills, funeral costs, and the emotional impact of their loss. A qualified attorney can help you explore potential legal avenues for maximum compensation.
How Gori Law Can Help You With Your AC&S Trust Fund Claim
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for asbestos exposure victims. Since opening our doors, our case results include recovering over $4 billion for mesothelioma and personal injury victims. We’re renowned for our thoughtful, attentive lawyers who work hand-in-hand with victims to pursue the justice they deserve.
Contact The Gori Law Firm today and let our experienced team support you through your legal journey. Our Clients say they appreciate our informative and supportive attorneys. If you believe you have a claim against AC&S Settlement Trust for asbestos exposure, get in touch with Gori Law, and let us provide the same level of service to you during your time of need.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC&S Asbestos Trust
What Is the AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund?
AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund disburses compensation to qualifying individuals with an asbestos-related disease. Eligible claimants must demonstrate a history of asbestos exposure through the company’s products to receive a payout.
How Do I Prove Asbestos Exposure for a Claim?
Working in an occupation with a substantial risk of asbestos exposure, such as construction or pipe fitting, can help you meet trust fund requirements. Keep in mind that some of the exposure must have occurred when AC&S was legally liable for its asbestos products (before December 31, 1982). The timeline varies based on the classification of your disease.
What Documents Do I Need To File a Claim?
Claims require an official diagnosis from a physician or pathologist and lab evidence to support it, such as X-rays and bloodwork. Examiners will also review documents that prove your exposure history, including employment records and written affidavits.
What Happens if My Claim Is Denied?
While the AC&S Trust Fund typically approves claims with all the necessary evidence, your attorney will work with claims examiners to seek a suitable resolution if a claim is denied.
Are There Deadlines for Filing a Claim?
Yes. States have a statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim for asbestos exposure. The clock starts ticking from a victim’s diagnosis or the date of their death. Seek an attorney’s assistance quickly to avoid losing your right to seek legal justice.
Get Help Filing Your AC&S Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
Asbestos exposure has deadly consequences for workers and their loved ones. If you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, don’t wait to get help. Contact The Gori Law Firm at (618) 659-9833 or fill out our online intake form. We’ll advise you of legal options and work to secure compensation for your losses.
