Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyers
Many asbestos lawsuits are filed in Louisiana each year with victims receiving millions in compensation. For example, a local pipefitter won a verdict of over $36 million in 2022. Mesothelioma cases can often be resolved faster given the state’s history of large verdicts being awarded to victims.
Connect With a Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in Louisiana
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Louisiana
Residents living in at least 40 cities in Louisiana have filed mesothelioma cases. Louisiana asbestos victims have received millions of dollars in financial compensation from lawsuits. Individuals may also seek additional compensation from mesothelioma claims against asbestos trust funds. Lawyers can help asbestos victims build the strongest possible case.
Key Facts About Louisiana Asbestos Litigation
- As of July 1, 2024, Louisiana gives mesothelioma patients two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. For mesothelioma diagnoses prior to July 1, 2024, the personal injury statute of limitations remains one year after the date of diagnosis.
- The Louisiana wrongful death statute of limitations for the family members of a deceased mesothelioma victim to file a wrongful death action is one year after the date of death or two years after the date of mesothelioma diagnosis. Whichever date is later will apply.
- If major occupational asbestos exposure happened in Louisiana before 1975 – 1976, companies do not have workers’ compensation immunity. This means victims may be able to directly sue company owners or leadership.
- Victims can file a direct action against insurers if the insured asbestos company is bankrupt or insolvent.
- Louisiana has a history of large mesothelioma verdicts. This often encourages defendants to settle rather than go to trial.
From 1999 to 2020, approximately 1,402 individuals were diagnosed with mesothelioma in the state. From 1999 to 2021, 1,016 Louisianans died from the disease. Orleans Parish is among the top 15 jurisdictions for asbestos claim filings in the country, with 75 complaints in 2024.
Louisiana residents who develop illnesses from asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation from asbestos companies. Lawyers can help asbestos victims build the strongest possible case.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana mesothelioma patients may be able to file lawsuits against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Family members may also be able to file lawsuits after a patient’s death.
Asbestos jobsites in Louisiana include oil refineries and shipyards. Louisiana’s Gulf Coast is home to several oil refineries and offshore drill sites. These include sites owned by companies such as Calcasieu, Conoco, Citgo and Valero. Occupational asbestos exposure in Louisiana also occurred in cement plants, power plants, salt mines and among agricultural workers. Many workers at these facilities who were exposed to asbestos have received compensation from their employers.
Residents living in cities and towns across the state of Louisiana have been able to obtain compensation for their mesothelioma diagnosis by working with lawyers specializing in asbestos cancer. These lawyers file lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos products on behalf of their clients. Louisiana mesothelioma victims in the following cities and towns have successfully filed lawsuits and have been awarded compensation:
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Folsom, LA
- Kenner, LA
- Lafayette, LA
- Loranger, LA
- Marrero, LA
- Monroe, LA
- New Orleans, LA
- Shreveport, LA
- Theriot, LA
- Thibodaux, LA
- West Monroe, LA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Louisiana
People interested in filing mesothelioma lawsuits should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Every state has its own laws called statutes of limitations. These laws create deadlines for filing different types of cases, including personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits.
Lawsuits must be filed within 2 years after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Lawsuits must be filed within 1 year after death from mesothelioma.
Individuals may also be eligible to pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds. These funds are set up by companies to provide compensation for asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients understand their rights and ensure any necessary documentation is submitted on time.
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 Louisiana
Veterans in Louisiana may have been exposed to asbestos during their military service. Asbestos was commonly used in military equipment and at bases, airfields and shipyards through most of the 20th century. In 2021, over 221,000 veterans were living in Louisiana.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to eligible veterans. These benefits can help cover treatment costs and living expenses for veterans with mesothelioma and their family members. These individuals can work with a lawyer to file asbestos VA claims.
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.
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Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Louisiana
Experienced mesothelioma law firms can help asbestos victims in Louisiana seek financial compensation. These firms are dedicated to pursuing justice for patients and their families affected by asbestos illnesses like mesothelioma.
After a firm is hired, their mesothelioma lawyers can file asbestos lawsuits on behalf of victims. They can also gather evidence and manage other litigation matters to help reach the most favorable outcomes. Top mesothelioma law firms equipped to represent asbestos victims in Louisiana include:
More Information About These Top Louisiana Mesothelioma Law Firms
The following law firms have represented Louisiana mesothelioma victims for decades with outstanding results. Mesothelioma attorneys at these firms are familiar with Louisiana asbestos laws and companies in the state that exposed workers to asbestos:
ELSM: Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen is a mesothelioma law firm that has represented mesothelioma victims from Louisiana for over 30 years. ELSM attorneys have recovered over $130 million on behalf of over 70 Louisiana mesothelioma victims who worked or lived in Louisiana. ELSM has an office in New Orleans, LA, that serves Louisiana mesothelioma clients statewide.
Shrader & Associates: Shrader & Associates is a national asbestos law firm that has extensive experience representing clients across Louisiana. The firm is selective in the cases they handle but has recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients.
DOB+S, LLP: The Law Offices of Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP obtained mesothelioma jury verdicts totaling over $1 billion in 2025, including a successful trial verdict in New Orleans. The firm has consistently led the country in asbestos litigation over the past decade and has represented many mesothelioma clients in Louisiana.
The Gori Law Firm: The Gori Law Firm has represented Louisiana mesothelioma victims for over 20 years. The firm’s Louisiana office is located at 909 Poydras Street Suite 2195, New Orleans. The Gori Law Firm has recovered over $4 billion on behalf of their mesothelioma clients nationwide.
Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Licensed to Practice in Louisiana
The following experienced mesothelioma lawyers are all licensed to practice in the state of Louisiana and have represented countless victims in the state:
Mickey P. Landry of Landry & Swarr practices out of his firm’s New Orleans office and represents mesothelioma victims across the state of Louisiana. Attorney Landry is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Louisiana.
Frank J. Swarr of Landry & Swarr is a founding partner of the New Orleans firm, focusing his practice on representing victims of mesothelioma and their families from Louisiana since graduating from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1994. Attorney Swarr has served as lead trial and appeal counsel on many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.
Donni Halvorson of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen, a Louisiana native, attended Loyola University New Orleans for both undergraduate and law school where she graduated third in her law school class. Attorney Halvorson has litigated on behalf of mesothelioma victims for over 30 years, with a focus on military veterans as a VA-accredited attorney.
Daniel P. Blouin of Simmons Hanly Conroy is an accomplished mesothelioma trial attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana. Attorney Blouin has served as lead trial attorney on dozens of jury trials, securing over $500 million in verdicts on behalf of his mesothelioma clients and their families. Attorney Blouin has been named to the Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs list of The Best Lawyers in America each year since 2018.
Lisa Shirley of Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP earned her law degree from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans in 1999 and worked for a judge on the Louisiana Supreme Court after graduating second in her class at Tulane. In 2006, Attorney Shirley began representing mesothelioma victims harmed by asbestos. She specializes in briefing trial court motions and appeals in state and federal courts for mesothelioma plaintiffs in Louisiana and across the country.
Ivan Cason of The Gori Law Firm is a partner of the firm and is licensed to practice law in the state of Louisiana. Attorney Cason has focused his practice on protecting the rights of families harmed by exposure to asbestos as part of The Gori Law Firm team for over 15 years.
Mesothelioma Settlements in Louisiana
Various asbestos victims in Louisiana have received mesothelioma settlements of over $4 million. Compensation from these settlements can help cover victims’ medical costs, lost wages and other expenses. In cases where the patient has died, settlements may be awarded to family members.
The average mesothelioma settlement amount is between $1 and $1.4 million. Examples of settlements for Louisiana victims who were exposed to asbestos include:
- $7.4 million for a 68-year-old office worker with secondary exposure
- $4.9 million for a 49-year-old Johns-Manville plant worker and worker at Avondale Shipyard
- $4.7 million for a 76-year-old office worker with childhood secondary exposure
- $4.5 million for a 72-year-old Army veteran and machinist
- $4.1 million for a 71-year-old office worker at Avondale Shipyard
- $3.6 million for a 78-year-old power plant worker
- $3.6 million for a 75-year-old Navy veteran and pipefitter
- $3.5 million for a 53-year-old worker at Shell Refinery and mechanic
- $2.8 million for a 68-year-old shipyard worker
- $2.8 million for an 82-year-old drywall business owner and Army veteran
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Louisiana
Juries have awarded millions of dollars to mesothelioma patients in Louisiana. While the average mesothelioma verdict is $2.4 million, asbestos lawyers have helped many individuals receive significantly more compensation.
In one asbestos action, a pipefitter and welder in Louisiana contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos products. His exposure occurred while working for various employers at industrial jobsites from 1967 until 1970. In May 2022, the jury awarded him over $36 million.
Another case involved secondary asbestos exposure. A woman’s husband’s work as an electrician caused her to be exposed to asbestos. She developed peritoneal mesothelioma from asbestos brought home on her husband’s work clothes. A jury held Foster Wheeler Corporation liable after it manufactured and installed asbestos-containing equipment at her husband’s jobsite. The jury awarded the wife $2.25 million.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
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Louisiana Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Although asbestos is not banned in the United States, Louisiana has several laws and regulations in place to protect residents from the dangers of asbestos. Louisiana also enforces relevant federal asbestos laws.
Most of the state’s asbestos regulations are governed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The LDEQ is responsible for overseeing training courses for individuals who work with asbestos, among other things.
Louisiana also regulates asbestos in schools and public buildings. The Louisiana Environmental Regulatory Code requires qualified officials to inspect buildings, identify asbestos-containing materials and analyze them using appropriate methods. It also governs training for people who handle asbestos during abatement procedures.
Unlicensed individuals should not attempt to handle the mineral.
Louisiana Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Louisiana is historically a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction with many past high-value judgments leading to higher settlement numbers for victims now. In Louisiana, the law at the time of substantial asbestos exposure applies to a personal injury action for a living mesothelioma victim. This is important because prior to 1996, Louisiana applied solitary obligor laws, meaning that any tortfeasor (defendant) could be held responsible for the entire judgment even if only found 1% at fault. For asbestos exposure that occurred prior to 1996, that law would apply regardless of when a mesothelioma diagnosis occurs.
It is also possible to sue employers and company officers for occupational asbestos exposure that has led to a mesothelioma diagnosis. If substantial occupational exposure occurred before 1975, an employer does not have workers’ compensation immunity. If exposure occurred before 1976, the executive officers or company directors also do not have workers’ compensation immunity.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in Louisiana
Louisiana remains a good jurisdiction to file mesothelioma lawsuits. Orleans Parish is consistently a top 15 jurisdiction in the United States by the number of asbestos lawsuits filed there. There was a plaintiff’s verdict in 2025 in a talc lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and another talc supplier won on behalf of a mesothelioma victim. As of July 1, 2024, Louisiana allows mesothelioma patients up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit depending on the diagnosis date, and families have up to two years from diagnosis or one year from death, whichever is later, to file a wrongful death claim.
Sources
KCIC. Asbestos Litigation: 2022 Year in Review. KCIC Industry Report.
CaseText. Chapter 27 – Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) in Schools and State Buildings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2021 Incidence Request.
Lautenbach EM. Jury Award of $36 Million Affirmed against Contractor. Asbestos Case Tracker. May 2023.
Louisiana Environmental Regulatory Code (ERC), Title 33, Part III, §2701 (2014).
Statista Research Department. Number of veterans living in the United States in 2021, by state. Statista. June 2023.
Donni Halvorson serves as the Veteran Support Director at Mesothelioma.com. She has over 30 years of experience helping those who have served our country get the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
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Jennifer Lucarelli
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
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.
