01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Maine
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Maine
From 1999 to 2019, 471 Maine residents died from mesothelioma. Additionally, 483 Mainers received a mesothelioma diagnosis between 1999 and 2017. Shipbuilding and chemical industries caused many residents in the state to experience asbestos exposure. These industries frequently used asbestos-containing products.
Individuals who developed an asbestos illness after exposure may be eligible to seek compensation. Mesothelioma attorneys may help Maine residents and workers learn about their legal options.
Mesothelioma attorneys have helped individuals in at least 54 Maine towns and cities file lawsuits. As a result, many Maine residents have received financial compensation.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Maine?
Individuals who experienced asbestos exposure in Maine and later developed an illness may be eligible to file a lawsuit or claim. Shipyard workers, plant workers and other residents in the state were commonly exposed at jobsites.
Asbestos victims who experienced occupational exposure may seek compensation from negligent companies. Many companies in Maine knew the dangers of asbestos and continued to use the mineral.
For example, Bath Iron Works located in Bath, Maine, was a shipbuilding company that employed thousands of workers. The company used asbestos products for shipbuilding until the late 1980s. As a result, many employees were exposed to asbestos at the Bath Iron Works shipyard and later developed mesothelioma. As a result, the shipbuilding company has faced a number of lawsuits and claims.
Maine residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Acton, ME
- Albion, ME
- Alexander, ME
- Auburn, ME
- Augusta, ME
- Bangor, ME
- Bass Harbor, ME
- Bath, ME
- Belfast, ME
- Berwick, ME
- Biddeford, ME
- Boothbay, ME
- Boothbay Harbor, ME
- Brooks, ME
- Brunswick, ME
- Cape Neddick, ME
- Caribou, ME
- Chesterville, ME
- Ellsworth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Greenville Junction, ME
- Hampden, ME
- Harpswell, ME
- Jay, ME
- Kennebunk, ME
- Kittery, ME
- Lewiston, ME
- Limerick, ME
- Lincolnville, ME
- Machias, ME
- Millinocket, ME
- Monmouth, ME
- Mount Desert, ME
- Old Town, ME
- Phippsburg, ME
- Portland, ME
- Roxbury, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Sherman Station, ME
- Skowhegan, ME
- Swanville, ME
- Van Buren, ME
- Warren, ME
- Washington, ME
- Whitefield, ME
- Windham, ME
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Maine
Any Mainer who developed an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Family members who lost a loved one may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within a certain period of time. These legal deadlines are known as the statutes of limitations. Maine has one of the longest statutes of limitations for asbestos personal injury lawsuits in the United States.
Maine residents may also be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim or veterans benefits claim. Veterans who worked at Bath Iron Works or one of Maine’s military bases may be eligible to file a VA claim. Various military branches used asbestos on bases, in equipment and shipbuilding.
According to 2020 projections by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Maine’s population is made up of more than 109,000 veterans. Many Maine veterans are also over the age of 65. These individuals may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos illnesses. Through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, former service members may receive compensation, medical care and other benefits.
02. Maine Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Maine
Mesothelioma law firms can help Maine 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 nationwide law firm can help people living in Maine 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. Maine Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Maine
Successful mesothelioma lawsuits often result in out-of-court settlements. In some cases, lawsuits may result in jury awards. Compensation from a settlement or jury award may help asbestos victims pay for treatment, travel costs and other expenses.
As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of settlements achieved on behalf of Maine residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $2.3 MILLION: Electrician/Army Worker – 83 years old
- $2.1 MILLION: Household – 57 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Navy/Shipyard 65 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Navy/Mechanical Insulator – 75 years old
- $1.7 MILLION: Shipyard Worker/Oiler/Fireman – 80 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Shipyard – 60 years old
- $1.4 MILLION: Plumber – 65 years old
- $1.4 MILLION: Electrician – 85 years old
- $1.4 MILLION: Household/Plant Worker – 55 years old
- $1.4 MILLION: Electrician – 66 years old
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Maine mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Maine
Maine Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Employers, businesses and contractors in Maine must follow state and federal asbestos laws. These laws ensure all handling, removal and disposal of asbestos is done safely.
For example, Maine laws require abatement professionals be licensed by the state. Before undergoing an asbestos abatement project, contractors must submit the proper notification to the state at least 10 days in advance. The transportation of asbestos-containing materials is also overseen by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
These laws help prevent exposure, striving to keep workers and the general public safe.