Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyers
Many Rhode Island workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos, which can cause cancers like mesothelioma. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help Rhode Islanders seek compensation. Law firms have helped Rhode Island asbestos victims receive millions of dollars from asbestos companies.
Connect With a Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in Rhode Island
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Rhode Island
Rhode Island asbestos victims may be eligible for compensation from asbestos companies that wrongfully exposed people to asbestos. Mesothelioma attorneys are available to help patients and their families file lawsuits and claims. Individuals in at least 35 Rhode Island cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers.
Key Facts About Rhode Island Asbestos Litigation
- A Rhode Island mesothelioma victim has three years from the date of their diagnosis to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, and the family of a deceased mesothelioma victim has three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim on the victim’s behalf. A special provision in Rhode Island General Laws may extend both statutes of limitation.
- Rhode Island has a dedicated asbestos docket for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease lawsuits filed in the state.
- Judge Alice B. Gibney presided over the Rhode Island asbestos docket for over 25 years before retiring and being replaced by Judge Richard A. Licht.
- The Rhode Island asbestos docket is small, without a substantial backlog of cases. This means that mesothelioma lawsuits filed there get individualized attention and generally settle quicker than in most other jurisdictions.
Asbestos exposure may cause cancers, including mesothelioma. From 1999 to 2021, around 330 Rhode Island residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Rhode Island residents diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation from personal injury lawsuits.
Family members of deceased mesothelioma patients may also be eligible for compensation. From 1999 to 2020, 256 Rhode Island residents died from mesothelioma. Families of deceased patients may file wrongful death lawsuits.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Rhode Islanders who experienced asbestos exposure and develop related illnesses may be eligible to file lawsuits and legal claims. Mesothelioma patients and their family members may be eligible to file different types of lawsuits.
Rhode Islanders may have been exposed to asbestos in various parts of the state. Some areas pose a higher risk of asbestos exposure in Rhode Island than others. For example, several shipyards operated in the state for decades. Many older shipyards used asbestos-containing materials, putting workers at risk of exposure.
For example, Walsh-Kaiser Company Inc. began operations in 1942. The company built many ships during World War II, employing nearly 21,000 people. During this period, asbestos-containing materials were frequently used in shipbuilding. As a result, shipyard workers and veterans risked exposure and developing an asbestos disease.
Students, faculty and staff in Rhode Island schools may also be at risk of asbestos exposure. Before the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in building construction.
In the 1970s, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) conducted an asbestos survey in 326 schools built between 1950 and 1973. The RIDOH concluded spray-on asbestos was present in 24 schools. Any individual who develops an asbestos illness after exposure in a school may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Residents living in various cities and towns in the state of Rhode Island have filed lawsuits to seek financial compensation for their mesothelioma diagnosis. The lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers and distributors of asbestos and asbestos products that were responsible for their injury. Mesothelioma victims living in the following Rhode Island cities and towns have filed lawsuits:
- Bristol, RI
- Coventry, RI
- Cranston, RI
- Cumberland, RI
- East Providence, RI
- Jamestown, RI
- Lincoln, RI
- Middletown, RI
- Narragansett, RI
- Newport, RI
- North Providence, RI
- Pawtucket, RI
- Portsmouth, RI
- Providence, RI
- Riverside, RI
- Smithfield, RI
- Tiverton, RI
- Wakefield, RI
- Warwick, RI
- Westerly, RI
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders who have developed asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, may be eligible to file lawsuits. Mesothelioma lawyers help victims understand their legal options and any relevant filing requirements.
Each state has timelines for filing specific lawsuits. These timelines are found in laws called the statutes of limitations. Depending on the lawsuit, the window of time to file begins after the date of mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
Lawsuits must be filed within 3 years after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Lawsuits must be filed within 3 years after death from mesothelioma.
Rhode Island asbestos victims may file in or out of state, depending on the facts of their case. A mesothelioma lawyer can determine the most beneficial place to file.
Besides lawsuits, other options may be available. For instance, individuals may be eligible to file claims against asbestos company trust funds. Asbestos trust funds are typically established during a company’s bankruptcy proceedings. They are created to compensate current and future asbestos victims.
Victims may also qualify for workers’ compensation or VA benefits. An experienced lawyer will explain an individual’s options and file claims on a victim’s behalf.
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 Rhode Island
Veterans in Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island is home to Naval Station Newport. In 2024, over 43,000 veterans were living in Rhode Island.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to eligible veterans, including those from asbestos-related diseases. VA benefits can help cover treatment costs and living expenses for veterans with mesothelioma and their family members. These individuals can work with an accredited 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.
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Rhode Island
Individuals from Rhode Island diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible for compensation. Mesothelioma law firms provide comprehensive legal services to asbestos victims and can handle the lawsuit process on their behalf.
Lawyers at these firms will explain filing options and how state laws may impact asbestos lawsuits. Asbestos lawyers also assist with all aspects of the filing process, including investigating the case and gathering any necessary documentation.
The following law firms can help people living in Rhode Island receive compensation:
More Information About These Top Rhode Island Mesothelioma Law Firms
There are a number of advantages to choosing an asbestos law firm to handle a mesothelioma case. Attorneys at the following Rhode Island law firms have specialized knowledge of asbestos liability and have collectively represented hundreds of Rhode Island mesothelioma victims:
- ELSM: Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen has four partners who are licensed in Rhode Island state or federal courts. The firm has represented Rhode Island mesothelioma victims for nearly 40 years, recovering over $70 million on behalf of over 50 of their Rhode Island clients.
- Motley Rice: Motley Rice is one of the largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms in the United States. The firm has represented Rhode Island mesothelioma victims since the 1980s. They have an office located at 40 Westminster St. in Providence, RI.
- Duffy Law: Founding partner Attorney Chris Duffy has built his practice around representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases throughout New England for over 25 years. Duffy Law LLC has unique local asbestos product identifications and exposure knowledge to maximize value for their Rhode Island clients.
- The Gori Law Firm: The Gori Law Firm is one of the largest asbestos law firms in the country and has extensive experience representing mesothelioma victims in Rhode Island.
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Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Licensed to Practice in Rhode Island
The following experienced mesothelioma lawyers are all licensed to practice in the state of Rhode Island:
Brian Kenney of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has represented hundreds of Rhode Island mesothelioma victims. Attorney Kenney is a graduate of Providence College and has been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers publication and has been named a Super Lawyer each year since 2024.
Donald A. Migliori of Motley Rice has been a Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer for nearly 30 years and continues to manage mesothelioma lawsuits in the courtroom. Attorney Migliori attended Brown University for his undergraduate degree and taught mass torts as an adjunct professor for more than ten years. Attorney Migliori has received many accolades and recognitions including being named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Rhode Island list from 2010-present, a Rhode Island Super Lawyer, and Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly 2020 Leader in Law and 2011 Lawyer of the Year.
Donni Halvorson of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has participated in litigating over 1,500 individual asbestos claims, including hundreds in Rhode Island when she managed the firm’s Rhode Island practice. Attorney Halvorson is also accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma in filing their VA disability claims.
Kyle Navin of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has been representing Rhode Island mesothelioma victims since 2016. As a leader in the firm’s bankruptcy department, Attorney Navin is extremely familiar with Rhode Island jobsites where workers were frequently exposed to asbestos.
Ron Meneo of The Meneo Law Group is a resident of Charlestown, RI and has been practicing law for over 25 years. Attorney Meneo is of counsel for the national asbestos firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen and has assisted their attorneys with many Rhode Island mesothelioma lawsuits. Attorney Meneo has been awarded an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the widely recognized and premier national attorney ratings organization.
Mesothelioma Settlements in Rhode Island
People in Rhode Island have won millions of dollars from asbestos companies. Financial compensation may ease many stresses for patients and their loved ones. It can help with their medical expenses and loss of income. Their families may also have greater financial security for the future.
Compensation from settlements and verdicts also helps hold companies accountable for asbestos use.
Below are a few mesothelioma settlements compensating Rhode Island residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $8.8 million for a 57-year-old talcum powder and makeup user
- $4.6 million for an 82-year-old construction worker (World Trade Center)
- $2.2 million for a 72-year-old Army veteran and shipyard worker
- $2.2 million for a 69-year-old chemical operator
- $2 million for an 82-year-old Merchant Marine
- $1.7 million for a 59-year-old Navy veteran (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) and railroad worker
- $1.5 million for a 69-year-old Navy veteran (Naval Station Newport) and pipefitter
- $1.5 million for a 67-year-old steamfitter and shipyard worker (Fore River Shipyard)
- $1.4 million for a 77-year-old Army veteran, construction worker and carpenter
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Rhode Island Asbestos Laws & Regulations
In the 1970s, the United States began creating laws to prohibit most asbestos use. Today, Rhode Island has state and federal asbestos laws and restrictions. The RIDOH primarily enforces asbestos regulations.
The RIDOH’s responsibilities include:
- Audit certified training providers
- Certify and license asbestos training courses, consultants, contractors, labs, site supervisors and workers
- Ensure safety of asbestos abatement projects by developing procedures and reviewing technical plans
- Identify and resolve asbestos risks in public buildings, such as schools
- Inspect schools located in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Environmental Justice Areas
Failure to adhere to national or state asbestos regulations can result in fines. In 2005, a Rhode Island contractor violated the Clean Air Act and several asbestos handling laws. The EPA filed a complaint, seeking $70,535 from the contractor. Asbestos laws and fines aim to protect Rhode Island residents from asbestos exposure.
Rhode Island Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Rhode Island has a statute of limitations of three years for both personal injury and wrongful death claims, but the state has a special provision regarding asbestos litigation statutes of limitation known as Duties of Physicians Regarding Asbestos-Related Disease. Rhode Island General Law 23-24.5-15 states:
- Any physician or employee of a licensed medical facility making the diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or any illness or death suspected as being due to asbestos exposure must be reported to the director of health within six (6) months of the diagnosis.
- The physician or licensed medical facility involved shall also inform the patient or patient’s next-of-kin in a dated letter by certified mail return receipt requested of the suspected role of asbestos as it related to the patient’s condition.
- Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the statute of limitations for any personal injury or property damage relating to asbestos or asbestiform material for any cause of action now pending or which may be pending in the future shall not begin to run until notice to the patient or the patient’s next-of-kin is filed as set forth in subsection (b), or in the case of pending matters when a physician in writing had notified the patient or next-of-kin.
In other words, if a mesothelioma patient or their family is not notified in writing by a physician that the mesothelioma diagnosis is related to past asbestos exposure, it can be argued by an attorney that a lawsuit can be filed even if three years has passed since a mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a special docket dedicated solely to asbestos litigation which guarantees each mesothelioma case is given individual attention. For over 25 years, Judge Alice B. Gibney presided over Rhode Island’s asbestos cases. After retiring in 2025, Judge Gibney was replaced on the asbestos docket by Judge Richard A. Licht.
Sources
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.
EPA Complaint Against Rhode Island Flooring Contractor Seeks $70,535 Penalty For Violations Related to Its Handling of Asbestos Flooring At Church Building. United States Environmental Protection Agency. March 2005.
Faich GA. Asbestos Hazard Evaluation in Rhode Island Schools. American Journal of Public Health. February 1980:70(2);162-164.
KCIC. Asbestos Litigation: 2022 Year In Review. KCIC Industry Report.
State of Rhode Island Department of Health. Asbestos Control Program.
Wikimapia. Former Site of Walsh-Kaiser Company, Inc Shipyard (Providence, Rhode Island).
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.
