Hawaii Mesothelioma Lawyers
Hawaiians were exposed to asbestos at jobsites like Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Those who developed asbestos-related diseases may be able to seek financial compensation. Experienced mesothelioma law firms can help individuals and families understand their legal options.
Connect With a Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in Hawaii
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Hawaii
Hawaii residents and workers impacted by asbestos-related diseases can seek legal help from asbestos attorneys. Top asbestos attorneys work at dedicated mesothelioma law firms and can help victims understand their legal options. A mesothelioma lawyer can handle the litigation process on a victim’s behalf, allowing them to focus on treatment and spending time with their loved ones.
The following law firms can help Hawaiians pursue compensation:
Lawyers at these mesothelioma firms use their decades of experience and access to many resources to build successful cases. They have proven track records holding asbestos companies accountable and securing settlements for their clients.
Mesothelioma lawyers also understand the details of asbestos laws across the country and can identify the most favorable locations to file lawsuits. They are dedicated to getting asbestos victims the compensation they deserve.
- Provide for loved ones
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Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Hawaii
Hawaii mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have received millions of dollars in compensation from settlements. People with asbestos-related diseases may contact an attorney to discuss their options for filing mesothelioma claims and lawsuits. Family members of deceased mesothelioma patients may also be eligible for compensation through wrongful death lawsuits.
As a result of asbestos exposure in Hawaii, many individuals have developed asbestos-related illnesses. From 1999 to 2020, about 185 Hawaiians were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Over the same period, approximately 154 Hawaiians died from mesothelioma. This type of illness may be a result of asbestos exposure at jobsites, homes and other buildings.
Lawyers can help Hawaii asbestos victims by gathering information about their exposures and filing lawsuits on their behalf. To make the process easier, lawyers can travel to patients and their loved ones to discuss their cases.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Hawaii?
Hawaiians affected by asbestos diseases may be eligible to file lawsuits against companies that used and distributed asbestos products. To file a mesothelioma lawsuit, lawyers will collect information about how and when the patient was exposed to asbestos. Common areas of exposure include various Hawaii jobsites, like shipyards and sugarcane plantations.
For instance, a high risk of mesothelioma has been documented among workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Pearl Harbor’s naval base is located in Honolulu County, which has the highest number of mesothelioma deaths in the state. Researchers did a study of 93 mesothelioma patients in Hawaii. They observed a 10-fold increase in mesothelioma among Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers compared to other fields.
Sugarcane plantations and mills were another source of workplace asbestos exposure in Hawaii. Researchers found asbestos fibers in air samples taken from machinists, mechanics and planting machinery operators.
Hawaiian workers who develop asbestos illnesses may seek compensation. Residents of Hawaii who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Honolulu, HI
- Laupahoehoe, HI
- Waianae, HI
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Hawaii
Experienced attorneys can work on behalf of their clients through the entire asbestos legal process. This includes collecting necessary information and filing cases on time.
It is important to comply with a state’s mesothelioma statutes of limitations for lawsuits. Statutes of limitations are laws that impose timelines for filing lawsuits. The timeline to file typically begins at the date of mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
Lawsuits must be filed within 2 years after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Lawsuits must be filed within 2 years after death from mesothelioma.
Hawaiian asbestos victims may be eligible to file in or out of state, depending on their case. A mesothelioma lawyer can determine the most beneficial place to file.
Individuals may also be eligible to file asbestos company trust fund claims in addition to lawsuits. These trust funds are created by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate current and future asbestos victims.
Did You Know?
The statutes of limitations in the state you now live may not be applicable to your case.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can determine the best state in which to file your case and what the deadline to file will be.
Filing VA Claims in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are home to bases for every branch of the military. Asbestos was a common component in military equipment, buildings and machinery throughout the 20th century. Many veterans served at Hawaii’s military bases and may have been exposed to these asbestos products.
In addition to lawsuits and trust fund claims, veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for monthly benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A mesothelioma lawyer can help explain these benefits and file for them on behalf of their clients.
The government sets aside VA benefit money to assist veterans in acknowledgement of their service to the country. It is the government’s policy that it owes these benefits to any qualified veteran.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are separate actions that do not involve suing the government. When veterans file mesothelioma lawsuits, they sue asbestos companies that manufactured and distributed asbestos to the U.S. military.
Mesothelioma Settlements in Hawaii
Hawaiian workers and loved ones harmed by asbestos exposure have secured millions in financial compensation. Compensation may help asbestos victims with their medical bills, lost income and other costs.
Below are a few of the settlements compensating Hawaii asbestos victims:
- $3.7 million for a 65-year-old warehouse worker
- $1.7 million for a 58-year-old plantation worker and heavy equipment operator
- $1.1 million for a 62-year-old Navy veteran and boiler tender
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
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Hawaii Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Hawaii has laws and regulations to protect workers and other individuals from asbestos exposure. These regulations are outlined in the Hawaii Administrative Rules. They cover various aspects of asbestos management, including:
- Air quality standards
- Asbestos waste disposal
- Asbestos worker certifications
- School inspections
- Standards for safe demolition and renovation
These regulations are implemented by the Hawaii Department of Health. The state is also subject to federal asbestos laws, mostly enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
These laws all seek to prevent asbestos exposure. Failure to comply with any of these regulations can result in large fines and harmful asbestos exposure.
Experienced asbestos attorneys can also help asbestos victims navigate any laws regarding asbestos litigation.
Sources
Brantom PG, Heikkilä P, et al. A Review of Cancer among Shipyard Workers. Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST). February 2012.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2021 Incidence Request. CDC Wonder Online Database.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report 2002. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. May 2003.
MilitaryBases.com. Hawaii Military Bases.
Miller R. Pearl Harbor Shipyard. Pearl Harbor. June 2012.
Sinks T, Goodman MT, et al. A Case-Control Study of Mesothelioma and Employment in the Hawaii Sugarcane Industry. Epidemiology. July 1994;5(4):466-468.
Van Voorhis V and LaVenture T. Sugar mills to be razed. The Garden Island. October 2011.
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
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Reviewed by
Kyle Navin
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
Kyle Navin is a Legal Advisor for Mesothelioma.com. His legal practice focuses on asbestos bankruptcy claims and helping veterans access disability benefits.
