01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Maryland
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Maryland
Maryland residents and workers with an asbestos disease such as mesothelioma may be eligible to file a claim. Residents may develop asbestos-related diseases after exposure to asbestos at work, home or in school.
From 1999 to 2019, 928 Maryland residents died of mesothelioma. This rate of death compared to the state’s population is in line with the national average per 100,000 people. Many families and individuals in Maryland have been and continue to be affected by asbestos.
Maryland mesothelioma lawyers have helped many individuals gain compensation for asbestos diseases. These attorneys and law firms can help mesothelioma patients file claims and pursue fair compensation.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Maryland?
Maryland asbestos victims may be eligible to receive compensation. Those who have lost a family member to an asbestos-related illness may also be able to file a claim.
Many notable asbestos claims in Maryland were the result of exposure in shipyards. Maryland shipyard workers were exposed at various jobsites, including Curtis Bay Shipyard, Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Baltimore and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Workers in many industries, including manufacturing and oil, are also plaintiffs in mesothelioma claims throughout Maryland.
Maryland 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:
- Annapolis, MD
- Baltimore, MD
- Brandywine, MD
- Brentwood, MD
- Chevy Chase, MD
- Clinton, MD
- Columbia, MD
- Dunkirk, MD
- Elkton, MD
- Forest Hills, MD
- Fort Washington, MD
- Frederick, MD
- Friendsville, MD
- Frostburg, MD
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Huntington, MD
- Hurlock, MD
- Ijamsville, MD
- Joppa, MD
- Landover, MD
- Laurel, MD
- Leonardtown, MD
- Middle River, MD
- New Market, MD
- North Potomac, MD
- Oakland, MD
- Poolesville, MD
- Potomac, MD
- Rock Hall, MD
- Rockville, MD
- Solomons, MD
- Sparrows Point, MD
- Timonium, MD
- Towson, MD
- Westminster, MD
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Maryland
Asbestos victims wishing to file a claim should contact a Maryland mesothelioma attorney. These professionals can help patients determine their claim eligibility. Lawyers will also help claimants gather necessary documentation for a case, including:
- Records of the plaintiff’s exposure site
- Medical records with proof of diagnosis
- Financial records stating medical expenses due to the asbestos disease
An important part of claim eligibility is the statutes of limitations. These statutes dictate how long after an injury occurs or is discovered a claim can be filed. Each state has its own statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Patients who are ineligible for lawsuits may be able to seek compensation through asbestos trust funds. These funds are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover medical expenses for their current and former employees when asbestos exposure has occurred.
02. Maryland Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Maryland
Patients pursuing compensation can seek the help of lawyers experienced in Maryland mesothelioma claims. These attorneys can provide representation to help asbestos victims receive fair compensation.
Maryland mesothelioma lawyers can help with all steps of the filing process. This includes filing the claim, guiding patients through the process and negotiating the best possible awards.
The following law firms can help people living in Maryland file their claims:
Choosing to work with a nationwide law firm, versus a smaller, local firm, offers several advantages:
- Nationwide firms have more experience, resources and know-how for litigating mesothelioma cases than smaller firms.
- For decades, they have gone up against large asbestos companies holding them accountable for their gross negligence and secured large settlements for their clients.
They also understand the legal nuances involved with filing mesothelioma lawsuits and are skilled in knowing the best state in which to file your claim so that you receive the best possible financial outcome.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Maryland Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Maryland
Many mesothelioma patients in Maryland have filed lawsuits against asbestos companies. Successful claimants can use their compensation awards to cover medical bills, loss of wages and general pain and suffering.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Maryland:
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Maryland
In 2019, William Edward Busch. Jr., an employee of Honeywell, was awarded $7.2 million after being exposed to asbestos at work. Beginning in 1971, Busch installed thermostats and related asbestos-containing equipment for the company. Despite the use of a respirator, he developed mesothelioma.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Maryland mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Maryland
Maryland Asbestos Laws & Regulations
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) oversees the state’s laws and regulations surrounding asbestos. The agency also issues licenses and certifications to workers dealing with asbestos.
The department has guidelines for safely handling asbestos during abatement. These laws require all asbestos contractors to provide:
- A minimum of 10 days’ notice before beginning an abatement job
- An approved abatement license from the MDE prior to starting work
- Information detailing the type of asbestos being removed and how the work will be performed
A variety of other forms are required when working with asbestos in the state, depending on the particular work being carried out. Forms include:
- Application for License to Remove Asbestos
- Asbestos Project Notification Form
- Notice of Intent to Demolish
- Initial School Management Plan Forms
Asbestos abatement workers are required to carry their training ID card during jobs. These cards are issued upon successful completion of the MDE’s asbestos handling exam.
In addition to the MDE’s rules, workers must also follow asbestos regulations provided by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). This organization provides guidelines for employers whose workers risk asbestos exposure, including rules for safety equipment and protections. Most of these rules follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) federal guidelines.