Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawsuits

Latest Mesothelioma Lawsuit Updates

A total of 1,907 mesothelioma lawsuits were filed in the U.S. in 2024, according to KCIC’s Asbestos Litigation: 2024 Year in Review. Of these filings, 78% were all filed in the top 10 jurisdictions for filing. Madison County, IL is the No. 1 jurisdiction with 5 times as many mesothelioma filings than the second highest jurisdiction.

Status of Asbestos Lawsuits

• February 2026: A settlement ended a 7-year legal battle between 17 parents and the University of Montana. The parents claimed asbestos at campus day care centers in McGill Hall and Craighead Hall put their children at risk. Maintenance workers discovered asbestos fibers throughout HVAC systems and on surfaces in December 2018. The negotiated settlement awarded the parents $850,000.

• January 2026:  A trial is underway in the Los Angeles Superior Court involving Gloria Hernandez and another woman suing Johnson & Johnson. They claim decades of using J&J’s Baby Powder caused their ovarian cancer. Jurors now review evidence showing asbestos in the talc raises serious health risks.

Asbestos lawsuits serve a dual purpose. First, they hold companies accountable for exposing workers and consumers to asbestos. Second, they help patients and families cover medical bills and other expenses related to their cancer.

Pleural mesothelioma survivor Kim Madril tells us that her reason for filing an asbestos lawsuit was to hold these companies accountable. “They need to know that this was a bad thing. Their lack of taking care of the situation has caused a person to be in a position where their life is potentially cut short because of the exposure to something that they knew.”

Why Should Someone File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit offers more than financial relief, it provides a pathway to justice, closure and support during a challenging time. While the primary benefit is often compensation to cover medical and living expenses, other important advantages include emotional healing and holding negligent companies accountable.

Key Facts About Mesothelioma Lawsuits

1. Mesothelioma trials can result in multimillion-dollar verdicts.
2. Many mesothelioma cases settle out of court, with average payouts ranging nationally from $1 million to $2 million.
3. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can usually file a personal injury claim.
4. Families who lost a loved one to mesothelioma may file a wrongful death claim.
5. Deadlines limit when you can file claims. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you file if you’re eligible.

Many asbestos product manufacturers were aware of the health risks but failed to protect workers and consumers. For those who were exposed to asbestos because of this negligence, a lawsuit becomes a powerful tool in seeking justice. A qualified asbestos attorney can help you decide whether to pursue a lawsuit and can guide you through the process. Their expertise can help you receive monetary damages that may build you a more secure financial future for your loved ones.

Mesothelioma Survivors Who Have Filed Asbestos Lawsuits

Epifanio Figueroa (Peritoneal Mesothelioma): Figueroa was exposed to asbestos-containing auto parts during his career in automotive work. Diagnosed in 2016, he says filing a claim helped his family immensely. He was able to build a home for himself and his wife, and support loved ones. “It’s actually been a game changer for us. Also, I’ve been able to help my family, which I couldn’t before,” he said. “I have been able to leave a legacy for my kids and my grandkids.”

Kim Madril (Pleural Mesothelioma): Exposed to asbestos in art and automotive shop classrooms during middle and high school, Madril felt nervous about filing a lawsuit in 2019. She found the experience less daunting than expected: “I was very anxious and scared about it. And in the end, I thought, hey, it wasn’t that bad. And I think if you have the right support, the right legal team, if you don’t have any expectations, it makes the process much easier.”

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Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits fall into 3 common categories: personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Each type serves different purposes depending on the plaintiff and the situation. Asbestos personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits frequently involve multiple legal approaches. While often filed under negligence, alleging a company failed to warn or protect individuals from asbestos, they often also include product liability claims because of the inherent danger of the asbestos-containing products themselves. 

Personal Injury Lawsuit

In a personal injury lawsuit, a mesothelioma patient files a lawsuit to seek compensation from the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure and illness. Mesothelioma lawsuits can name various companies responsible for exposing them to the carcinogenic mineral. If the lawsuit is successful, the mesothelioma patient receives compensation for their injury.

Timing can affect your eligibility for a personal injury lawsuit. Each state has a different mesothelioma statute of limitations, which sets a time limit of typically around 2 or 3 years for a plaintiff to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations usually begins to run from the date a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Expert Insight

I think it’s important for patients to know that it’s a group decision as to how a case is handled. We provide the legal advice, but we also put together a range of different options depending upon what a client is physically capable of doing.

Samuel Meirowitz , mesothelioma lawyer

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the estate of a deceased mesothelioma patient. Money awarded from an asbestos case filed after death may include compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship and past pain and suffering.

If a mesothelioma patient files a personal injury lawsuit but dies before resolution, it can often be converted to a wrongful death lawsuit. The estate can then continue pursuing the mesothelioma lawsuit. The estate is the recipient of any funds awarded in this lawsuit or the settlement proceeds.

Product Liability Lawsuit

Mesothelioma lawsuits may be considered product liability claims because they allege an asbestos-containing product caused a personal injury or wrongful death. The areas of product liability law involved in asbestos lawsuits include negligence, strict liability and breach of warranty.

Once exposure to an asbestos product has caused asbestos-related illnesses or death, the injured party or surviving loved ones may file a lawsuit. A company’s failure to warn employees and consumers about the dangers of asbestos is often the basis for liability in a lawsuit.

Asbestos Lawsuits: Beyond Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma gets the most attention in asbestos litigation, but it isn’t the only disease that qualifies for an asbestos lawsuit. People diagnosed with other asbestos-related conditions can usually file legal claims against the companies responsible for their exposure.

Asbestos-Related Diseases That May Qualify for a Lawsuit

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that develops after prolonged asbestos exposure. It causes scarring of the lung tissue and can lead to serious breathing problems.
• Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly raises the risk of lung cancer, especially in people who also smoke. People diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer can often file a claim against the companies whose products caused their exposure.
• Pleural plaques and pleural thickening: These conditions affect the lining of the lungs and can develop years after asbestos exposure. They may qualify for compensation depending on the severity and the jurisdiction where you file.
• Ovarian cancer: Research links some ovarian cancers to asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products. Several significant verdicts have involved plaintiffs diagnosed with ovarian cancer after decades of talc use.
• Other cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to cancers of the larynx, pharynx and stomach.

Plaintiffs must prove asbestos exposure, connect that exposure to their illness and identify the companies responsible. The key differences involve how courts evaluate causation and the strength of the scientific evidence linking the disease to asbestos.

Filing deadlines, called statutes of limitations, also vary depending on the disease and the state where you file. Speak with an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations can begin running from the date of diagnosis and waiting too long can limit your right to file. An experienced asbestos attorney can evaluate your diagnosis, review your exposure history and help you understand whether you qualify for a claim.

Who Qualifies to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Mesothelioma patients and family members can typically file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Anyone filing an asbestos lawsuit must provide documentation proving they or their loved ones had asbestos exposure and received a diagnosis of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.

Documentation to Support Your Lawsuit

• Affidavits or testimony from co-workers and others familiar with the exposure
• Documentation of household or secondary exposure, such as evidence that a family member encountered asbestos through a worker’s clothing or equipment
• Employment records showing asbestos exposure history
• Medical reports and diagnosis confirmation
• Military service records for veterans exposed during duty
• Product identification records, such as product labels or safety data sheets

Skilled law firms have investigators who research your work history and evaluate other places where you may have encountered asbestos. Attorneys gather evidence to help prove your case during what’s called the discovery phase.

Survivor Experience

I was happy to learn that you can get financial assistance from companies that have asbestos in their products.

Carla Fasolo , peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

What Could Affect My Eligibility to File an Asbestos Lawsuit?

Several key factors can affect your eligibility to file an asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit. These factors determine whether you can pursue legal claims and receive compensation.

Factors Affecting Your Filing Eligibility 

• Identification of responsible parties: Your attorney will need to identify and demonstrate which companies or entities are liable for your asbestos exposure. This process often involves extensive investigation and expert testimony.
• Jurisdictional rules: Laws vary from state to state and can affect filing procedures, deadlines and available damages.
• Medical diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness is essential. Your medical records, a pathology report and a physician’s statement connecting your diagnosis to asbestos are often required.
• Proof of asbestos exposure: You must demonstrate how, when and where you were exposed with employment records, coworker testimony, military service records and documentation of environmental exposure or asbestos product use.
• Quality and availability of evidence: Lack of documentation or difficulty proving exposure can limit eligibility or reduce compensation amounts.
• Statute of limitations: Each state sets legal deadlines called statutes of limitation that limit when you can file your claim. These typically range from 1 to 6 years from the date of diagnosis or the date of death for wrongful death claims. Filing as early as possible is crucial to preserving your rights.

It’s important to consult with a specialized mesothelioma attorney soon after diagnosis. Early legal guidance ensures your case is properly evaluated and all necessary factors are addressed to protect your rights.

Special Eligibility Circumstances

Family Members

Spouses, children and estate representatives may be able to file wrongful death claims against the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. If a personal injury claim was in progress at the time of death, it can often convert to a wrongful death claim.

Veterans

Military veterans can file VA disability claims and civil lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers at the same time. Filing one usually doesn’t prevent you from filing the other, and pursuing both can maximize the compensation available to you. 

How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit involves 6 key steps, from selecting an asbestos attorney to receiving your final settlement or verdict. Filing can feel overwhelming, but the right attorney will manage the process for you from start to finish. Most people don’t need to go to court in person. Your legal team handles the heavy lifting while you focus on your health and your family.

1. Choose an Attorney

An experienced asbestos attorney is the most important decision you’ll make in this process. Top mesothelioma law firms offer free consultations and won’t charge you anything unless they win your case. Here are some things to gather before your initial consultation.

Gather These Before Your First Consultation

• A list of jobs you’ve held and industries you’ve worked in
• Military service records, if applicable
• Names of co-workers who can speak to your work environment
• Names of employers, jobsites or products you remember working with
• Your mesothelioma diagnosis records and pathology report

Don’t worry if you can’t remember every detail. A good mesothelioma law firm will investigate your asbestos exposure history and fill in the gaps. Most firms will travel to your home at no extra charge.

Typical timeline: Initial consultation can happen within days of your first call.

2. Case Review and Preparation

Your attorney will conduct a full case evaluation, which you can complete over the phone, virtually or in person. They’ll ask about your diagnosis, your work history and how you believe you were exposed to asbestos. This step helps your attorney understand which companies to pursue and which type of claim best fits your situation.

A reputable law firm won’t rush this process. They want to build the strongest possible case for you before filing anything.

Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your exposure history.

3. File the Lawsuit

Your attorney will research which lawsuit and compensation options best fit your needs. They’ll prepare all the documentation, file the complaint with the appropriate court and notify the defendants. They’ll also identify whether you qualify for asbestos trust fund claims, which can move faster than a lawsuit.

Typical timeline: Your attorney can file within weeks of completing your case review, depending on the jurisdiction.

4. Responses and Discovery

Each defendant receives a copy of your complaint and typically has around 30 days to respond. Defendants rarely admit fault. They typically deny allegations and argue that someone else is responsible. Your attorney will respond on your behalf.

During discovery, both sides gather evidence. Your attorney will collect employment records, medical records and expert testimony. Your attorney will schedule depositions during this phase, where you and the defendants answer questions under oath. Many depositions happen from your home.

Typical timeline: Discovery can take several months to more than a year, depending on the number of defendants and the complexity of the case.

5. Settlement or Trial

Before trial, defendants may offer a settlement to resolve the case. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and advise you. Most mesothelioma cases settle before trial. Settlements average $1 million to $2 million, according to legal experts.

If your case goes to trial, you may not need to appear in person. Trial verdicts can reach significantly higher amounts but take longer to receive.

Typical timeline: Settlement negotiations can begin at any point. Trials can add 1 or more years to the process.

6. Resolution

If you win at trial, defendants usually have between 30 and 180 days to file an appeal. They’re often required to post a bond for the full verdict amount while the appeal proceeds. If they lose the appeal, you’ll receive payment. If your case settles, your attorney will send you a release document to sign and notarize. After that, payment typically arrives within a few months.

Typical timeline: Payment after a settlement usually arrives within 1 to 3 months of signing the release. Trial payments may take longer if defendants appeal.

Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees to file a lawsuit. Attorneys collect a fee only if they win compensation for you. Initial consultations are free.

Expert Insight

“It’s so important for mesothelioma patients to go through the litigation process. They can tell their story in front of a jury of their peers to say it’s not right that a corporation knew or should have known about a poison they were putting into their products and did it anyway.”

Jim Kramer , mesothelioma lawyer

Asbestos Lawsuit Trends and Statistics

Asbestos lawsuit filings have stayed relatively steady in recent years after a decade of decline. KCIC, which has tracked asbestos lawsuits for more than 10 years, estimates total filings will reach approximately 4,200 for 2025, returning to pre-COVID levels.

Talc exposure has been one of the biggest shifts in asbestos litigation. In 2015, less than 5% of mesothelioma filings mentioned talc exposure. In 2025, talc exposure appears in over 40% of all mesothelioma filings. About 90% of all talc-related trials in the last 5 years ended in a verdict for the plaintiff. Here’s a look at total asbestos-related lawsuit filings by disease over recent years, according to KCIC annual reports

Jurisdictional shifts are also reshaping where cases get filed. This means where you file matters. The jurisdiction usually affects how long your case takes, the compensation you receive and the legal strategy your attorney recommends. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you identify the best place to file your claim.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits by State

Where you file a mesothelioma lawsuit can affect how much compensation you receive and how long the process takes. Each state sets its own rules for asbestos litigation, including statute of limitations deadlines, available damages and court procedures. Some states handle far more asbestos cases than others, which means their courts have more experience with this type of litigation.

Most states give you 2 to 3 years from the date of your mesothelioma diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitation may be different. Filing as early as possible protects your rights and gives your attorney more time to build a strong case.

You may not have to file in the state where you live. An experienced attorney can help you identify the best jurisdiction for your claim based on your exposure history, the defendants involved and current litigation trends. 

Notable Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Some of the most significant asbestos verdicts in recent years have reached tens of millions of dollars. Most cases settle before trial, with settlements averaging $1 million to $2 million, according to legal experts. When cases go to trial, verdicts can reach significantly higher amounts. The average asbestos verdict in 2023 was $20.7 million, according to an analysis of that year’s legal cases.

Recent Significant Asbestos Verdicts

• February 2026: The California 2nd District Court of Appeals upheld a $51 million verdict against Avon. The lawsuit claims Rita-Ann Chapman developed mesothelioma after using Avon talc-based cosmetic products from childhood through most of her life.
• December 2025: A California jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $40 million to 2 women who say long-term use of J&J’s talc-based baby powder caused their ovarian cancer.
• September 2025: A Portland, Oregon, jury held John Crane Inc. liable in a $34.2 million mesothelioma verdict. The lawsuit claimed a shipyard worker developed mesothelioma after exposure to John Crane’s asbestos-containing products.

Verdict amounts have historically varied widely depending on the specific circumstances of each case. You and your attorney can discuss typical settlement amounts, average verdict amounts and the details of your individual case as you navigate the litigation process together. The state where you file can also affect your compensation. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you and your family identify the best jurisdiction for your asbestos claim.

Other Notable Verdicts

$43 million (2022)

A Los Angeles Superior Court jury held Algoma Hardwoods Inc. liable for a person’s mesothelioma diagnosis. The lawsuit claims the person developed mesothelioma through secondary exposure, encountering asbestos dust carried home on a spouse’s work clothing.

$29.4 million (2019)

A jury awarded this amount to a long-time talcum powder user who developed mesothelioma after exposure to talcum powder contaminated with asbestos.

$24.4 million (2024)

A jury awarded this amount to the family of a janitor who developed mesothelioma. The lawsuit claims his exposure resulted from work at an Avon manufacturing facility.

Landmark Case: Johns-Manville (1982)

Johns-Manville’s 1982 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing shaped modern asbestos litigation. The company became the first in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy over asbestos claims, facing more than 16,000 lawsuits at the time. The filing followed the landmark Borel v. Fibreboard decision in 1973, the first successful lawsuit to hold asbestos manufacturers liable for failing to warn workers of the dangers of their products. Johns-Manville, a defendant in Borel, created the first asbestos trust fund in 1988, initially funding it with $2.5 billion. That trust set the model for more than 60 active asbestos trust funds operating today.

Settlement vs. Trial: How Most Mesothelioma Cases Resolve

A settlement is a negotiated agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant company that provides faster, more certain compensation without the risk of a trial. A trial verdict comes from a judge or a jury and can result in a higher award, but it usually takes longer and carries more uncertainty. 

Attorneys and plaintiffs can’t predict a jury’s decision, and defendants can appeal a verdict, further delaying payment. More than 95% of mesothelioma cases resolve through settlement, meaning most people never step foot in a courtroom.

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Common Defendant Companies in Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Many mesothelioma lawsuits name the same companies. Many of these manufacturers produced asbestos-containing products across multiple industries for decades. Most faced bankruptcy over asbestos claims and now operate asbestos trust funds that eligible claimants can file against.

Frequently Named Asbestos Companies

• Armstrong World Industries | Industry: Flooring, insulation and ceiling products | Status: Active trust fund (Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust, est. 2007)
• Celotex Corporation | Industry: Roofing, insulation and building materials | Status: Active trust fund (Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust, est. 1998)
• Combustion Engineering | Industry: Power systems and industrial engineering | Status: Active trust fund (Combustion Engineering Asbestos Personal Injury Trust, est. 2005)
• Georgia-Pacific | Industry: Construction materials and drywall | Status: No trust fund established. Subsidiary Bestwall Gypsum filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017. The case is still in proceedings and no trust fund has formed yet. Claimants can’t currently sue Georgia-Pacific directly while the bankruptcy process continues.
• Johns-Manville | Industry: Insulation and construction products | Status: Active trust fund (Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust, est. 1988)
• Owens Corning | Industry: Insulation and construction materials | Status: Active trust fund (Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust, est. 2006)
• U.S. Gypsum | Industry: Drywall and building materials | Status: Active trust fund (USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust, est. 2006)
• W.R. Grace | Industry: Construction products and specialty chemicals | Status: Active trust fund (WRG Asbestos PI Trust, est. 2014)

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you determine which companies contributed to your exposure. They’ll help you identify every available source of compensation, including trust funds, lawsuits or both. Most people with mesothelioma had exposure to products from multiple companies, which means they may qualify for claims against more than one trust fund or defendant.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Lawsuits

What are mesothelioma lawsuits?

A mesothelioma lawsuit is a legal claim people with mesothelioma or their families file against the companies that made asbestos products. These claims say the companies are responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused their illness. Plaintiffs can get money for medical bills, legal fees or lost wages.

How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take?

Mesothelioma lawsuits vary widely in timeline depending on the jurisdiction, the number of defendants and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Most cases resolve within 1 to 2 years, though some may take longer. Filing as soon as possible after a diagnosis gives your attorney the most time to build a strong case and pursue the best outcome.

As Carl Money, mesothelioma attorney at Nemeroff Law Firm, tells us, “A mesothelioma lawsuit may take anywhere from a year or more, depending on the jurisdiction where the lawsuit was filed.”

 

How much will I need to pay a mesothelioma lawyer?

A free case evaluation is the first step, and it costs nothing to find out where you stand. If you move forward, your attorney fronts all case costs, including filing fees and expert witness fees, which can be significant in mesothelioma litigation. Those costs are deducted from your settlement or verdict at the end. The contingency fee model means your lawyer only gets paid when you do, aligning their interests directly with yours.

As Carl Money, mesothelioma attorney at Nemeroff Law Firm, tells us, “It does not cost anything to hire a mesothelioma attorney. A mesothelioma attorney represents you on a contingency fee basis (no win, no fee) so that you have no out-of-pocket costs. The mesothelioma attorney only receives a fee if they obtain compensation for you and your heirs.”

 

What should you expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit?

A mesothelioma lawsuit is one of the most direct ways to hold asbestos companies accountable for the harm they caused. It also gives patients and families an opportunity to have their story heard. Your attorney handles every aspect of the case, from gathering records to negotiating with defendants on your behalf. Their goal is to secure the compensation and justice you and your family deserve.

As Carl Money, mesothelioma attorney at Nemeroff Law Firm, tells us, “You should expect to meet with an attorney so that they can obtain a contract, authorizations for medical records and employment records, and take notes about your history of asbestos exposure.”

 

Will I need to travel?

Mesothelioma attorneys offer both in-home and virtual consultations, making it easy to get started from wherever you are. Your attorney manages all court appearances, so you never need to set foot in a courtroom. Your legal team keeps you updated throughout the entire process by phone or video, so you stay informed without the burden of travel.

As Carl Money, mesothelioma attorney at Nemeroff Law Firm, tells us, “Generally, you do not need to travel. The attorney will come to your house and obtain all necessary information to pursue litigation and file claims against the asbestos trusts.”

 

Who are the parties involved in a mesothelioma lawsuit?

Mesothelioma lawsuits are often filed against companies that manufactured, distributed, or used asbestos-containing products without disclosing its risks to people.

Can I file an asbestos lawsuit if I don’t have mesothelioma?

Yes. People diagnosed with other asbestos-related diseases can also file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for their exposure. Qualifying conditions include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques and pleural thickening. The legal process follows the same general framework as a mesothelioma lawsuit. You’ll need to prove asbestos exposure and connect it to your diagnosis. An experienced asbestos attorney can review your case and help you understand your options.

What is the average asbestos lawsuit settlement in 2026?

Most mesothelioma settlements range from $1 million to $2 million, according to legal experts. Trust fund claims average $300,000 to $400,000 per claim, and people can file with multiple trusts. Trial verdicts average significantly higher but take longer to resolve and carry more risk. The amount you receive depends on the strength of your case, the defendants involved and the jurisdiction where you file.

How long do asbestos lawsuits take to settle?

Most mesothelioma lawsuits settle within 6 to 12 months. Most people who file a trust fund claim receive compensation within a few months. Cases that go to trial take longer, sometimes several years. If you’re seriously ill, your attorney can ask the court to expedite the process. Filing as early as possible gives your legal team the most time to build a strong case and pursue the best outcome for your family.

Can family members file a mesothelioma lawsuit after death?

Yes. When a person diagnosed with mesothelioma passes away, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. An estate representative can also file asbestos trust fund claims on behalf of the deceased. Eligible family members typically include a spouse, children, dependents and siblings. Each state sets its own deadlines for wrongful death claims, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is important.

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