Smokers who developed lung cancer or other respiratory conditions may qualify for compensation. Many of the bankruptcy trusts recognize that toxic exposure—especially to tobacco smoke, asbestos and industrial chemicals—can significantly increase the risk of lung disease.

If you smoked and later developed a serious respiratory illness, you may have a valid claim.

Thousands in Compensation May Be Available

Qualified individuals could receive tens of thousands of dollars in payouts, depending on their diagnosis, work history, and exposure timeline. Mesothelioma and confirmed lung cancer diagnoses typically receive the highest levels of compensation.

Special Consideration for Canadian Residents

While many of these bankruptcy trusts originated in the U.S., several are open to Canadian claimants—especially those employed in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and mining, where exposure to asbestos and other harmful materials was common.

Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities

In Ontario, 50% of First Nations adults living on-reserve and 43% living off-reserve report daily or occasional smoking—compared to 22% of non-Indigenous adults. This, combined with higher exposure rates to industrial toxins in certain regions and job roles, may lead to increased rates of lung disease in these communities.

Source: Cancer Care Ontario. “Cancer Fact: High Prevalence of Smoking in First Nations in Ontario.” May 2016. Available at cancercareontario.ca/cancerfacts.