01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Georgia
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Georgia
Between 1999 and 2019, 824 Georgia residents died from mesothelioma. Many Georgians were also diagnosed with mesothelioma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 1,034 new mesothelioma cases in Georgia between 1999 and 2017. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may seek compensation.
Asbestos victims in Georgia may file a claim or lawsuit against companies that manufactured and used asbestos. For example, Georgia-Pacific Corporation is a company located in Atlanta that once made asbestos construction products. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after facing a number of asbestos lawsuits. Until filing for bankruptcy, Georgia-Pacific Corporation was named in 70% of all asbestos complaints in the United States.
In Georgia, asbestos victims have received millions in financial compensation from negligent companies. Compensation from a successful mesothelioma claim may help individuals pay for expenses related to their diagnoses.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Georgia?
Individuals who experienced asbestos exposure while working or living in Georgia may be able to file a claim. Those who develop an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to make a claim against a company or organization in Georgia. In the event of an asbestos-related death, family members may also file a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit.
High rates of asbestos exposure in Georgia have been linked to various commercial and military sites. Many workers at these jobsites risk developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. Asbestos exposure has been documented at companies and jobsites such as:
- Georgia-Pacific Corporation
- Hunter Air Force Base
- National Biscuit Company (Nabisco)
Residents of Georgia who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and to seek compensation from negligent manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Athens, GA
- Atlanta, GA
- Augusta, GA
- Brunswick, GA
- Buchanan, GA
- Centerville, GA
- College Park, GA
- Columbus, GA
- Conyers, GA
- Covington, GA
- Crawfordville, GA
- Cumming, GA
- Dacula, GA
- Dallas, GA
- Dalton, GA
- Decatur, GA
- Donalsonville, GA
- Ellijay, GA
- Fayetteville, GA
- Folkston, GA
- Gainesville, GA
- Griffin, GA
- Hazelhurst, GA
- Hiram, GA
- Homerville, GA
- Jonesboro, GA
- Kennesaw, GA
- Lagrange, GA
- Lilburn, GA
- Macon, GA
- Marietta, GA
- Millen, GA
- Murrayville, GA
- Nahunta, GA
- Newnan, GA
- Reynolds, GA
- Ringgold, GA
- Rockmart, GA
- Rome, GA
- Rossville, GA
- Savannah, GA
- Silver Creek, GA
- Smyrna, GA
- Snellville, GA
- St. George, GA
- Statesboro, GA
- Stockbridge, GA
- Stone Mountain, GA
- Trenton, GA
- Tucker, GA
- Waleska, GA
- Waycross, GA
- Winder, GA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Georgia
Individuals who worked or lived in Georgia and later developed asbestos-related illnesses due to their occupations may file a claim. Asbestos-exposure victims in Georgia should speak with experienced asbestos attorneys to understand their legal options and eligibility. A mesothelioma attorney may help gather the documentation needed to make a claim.
Claimants may seek a wrongful death or personal injury claim. Wrongful death claims are filed by the family members or representative of the estate for the victim who passed away due to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Personal injury claims are filed by the victims.
Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within Georgia’s statutes of limitations. Attorneys at mesothelioma law firms can help claimants gather evidence and file a claim within the legal deadline.
In addition to these lawsuits, individuals may be compensated through veterans benefits or asbestos trust funds. Before taking action, claimants should speak with an experienced attorney to understand their legal options.
Asbestos trust funds ensure current and future asbestos victims receive compensation. For example, Georgia-Pacific Corporation pledged $1 billion into the Bestwall Asbestos Trust Fund. The affiliate company Bestwall LLC was purchased by Georgia-Pacific Corporation in 1965.
In 2017, Bestwall LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time, there were more than 62,000 pending asbestos claims against the company.
02. Georgia Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Georgia
Mesothelioma law firms can help Georgia residents file a claim and receive compensation. These law firms have experience with different types of claims, including lawsuits and asbestos trust funds. Lawyers at these firms can explain an individual’s eligibility for different claim options and assist with the entire claim process.
The following law firms can help people living in Georgia receive compensation:
A nationwide law firm will give you access to experienced attorneys who will be happy to travel to you. They will guide you through the details of your case and address any questions you have. These lawyers will assist you throughout the entire claim process.
Additionally, these law firms have years of experience, a deep knowledge of asbestos laws and access to extensive resources to build your lawsuit. With their background, the lawyers at these firms can decide which jurisdiction will provide the most favorable financial outcome for your case. Filing a lawsuit outside your state of residence may have the best outcome. Their legal teams will guide you through the whole process.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Georgia Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Georgia
Mesothelioma victims in Georgia have received compensation through settlements and verdicts after filing lawsuits. We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Georgia:
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Georgia mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Georgia
Georgia Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Georgia’s Asbestos Program outlines laws for handling and removing asbestos-containing materials. For example, the Georgia Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation Rule discusses and regulates activities that disturb asbestos in the state.
Additionally, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to uphold the current Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).
This program is in charge of six important enforcement techniques of the federal and state asbestos regulations including:
- Accrediting training providers
- Issuing licenses for asbestos contractors
- Developing technical guidance
- Collecting asbestos abatement and demolition project notifications
- Inspecting K-12 schools for asbestos compliance with AHERA
- Conducting outreach and education
Georgia also has asbestos notification requirements for demolitions and abatement programs. These requirements may be found on the Environmental Protection Division’s website and discuss regulated materials and notifications for Category I and II asbestos materials.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in Georgia
The state of Georgia also has laws that regulate asbestos litigation. For example, Georgia claimants must be current residents or have resided in the state when asbestos exposure occurred.
Georgia also has a medical criteria statute that requires claimants with asbestos-related illnesses to provide evidence of impairment. This law does not apply to claimants with mesothelioma.
Asbestos attorneys will help individuals understand state laws and the legal process. Lawyers may also help clients collect the proper medical documentation needed to file their claim.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
