01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Missouri
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Missouri
Many individuals who live and work in Missouri have been impacted by asbestos-related diseases. For instance, between 1999 and 2019, 943 people died from mesothelioma in Missouri.
As a result of the incidence of mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses, Missourians may file claims against responsible asbestos companies. Mesothelioma claims in Missouri may be higher because of the large presence of industries that expose workers to asbestos, such as the military, oil and gas, and construction.
Saint Louis, Missouri, has become one of the top jurisdictions for mesothelioma claims. Saint Louis was in the top 10 jurisdictions for mesothelioma filings in 2020. It was also in the top 10 jurisdictions for asbestos-related lung cancer claims, with 147 filings in 2020.
An experienced mesothelioma law firm can help asbestos-exposed individuals in Missouri understand their rights and claim options.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Missouri?
Those exposed to asbestos in Missouri may have an opportunity to file a claim. If these individuals later develop an asbestos illness, such as mesothelioma, they may be eligible for compensation.
Those who live and work in Missouri risked asbestos exposure at jobsites throughout the state. For instance, a number of prominent asbestos companies had plants in the state. Some of these asbestos companies in Missouri include:
- General Aniline and Film, otherwise known as GAF Corporation, had a large plant in Missouri. The company manufactured construction and roofing materials with asbestos. Those exposed to these products may be eligible to file a claim with the company’s trust fund.
- CertainTeed Corporation, which exposed workers to asbestos through its roofing business, also had a plant in Missouri. The company dumped dangerous asbestos waste on its property, which led to exposure of residents in surrounding areas. CertainTeed Corporation has faced thousands of lawsuits as a result of its negligent asbestos use.
Residents of Missouri 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:
- Bloomfield, MO
- Bolivar, MO
- Bowling Green, MO
- Butler, MO
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- Caruthersville, MO
- Chesterfield, MO
- Deepwater, MO
- Edina, MO
- Fenton, MO
- Greenwood, MO
- Hannibal, MO
- Hermann, MO
- Hornersville, MO
- Jackson, MO
- Joplin, MO
- Kahoka, MO
- Lee’s Summit, MO
- Marthasville, MO
- Matthews, MO
- Maywood, MO
- Mexico, MO
- Neosho, MO
- New London, MO
- Nixa, MO
- Odessa, MO
- O’Fallon, MO
- Ozark, MO
- Park Hills, MO
- Parkville, MO
- Peculiar, MO
- Pevely, MO
- Puxico, MO
- Saint Louis, MO
- Shell Knob, MO
- St. Charles, MO
- Warrensburg, MO
- Waynesville, MO
- Webb City, MO
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Missouri
Mesothelioma patients and other individuals may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit. A mesothelioma attorney can help with this process.
To file a claim, the individual needs to gather evidence and fulfill other requirements. Mesothelioma attorneys can help protect the legal rights of asbestos-exposure victims in Missouri.
Every state in the United States has its own limitations and deadlines for filing a lawsuit for mesothelioma, so it is important for victims or their surviving loved ones to start a claim as soon as they can. In Missouri, individuals have five years after a diagnosis and three years after a related death to file a claim.
Even if this deadline has been missed, claimants may be able to file another kind of claim. For instance, claimants may be eligible to file a claim with a trust fund. These funds are designed for workers who were exposed to products by specific companies that have since filed for bankruptcy.
Established asbestos trust funds and other options may be available that provide access to compensation for asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Those who are not currently eligible for a lawsuit due to a missed deadline may speak with mesothelioma lawyers in Missouri to understand further claim options and eligibility requirements. There are sometimes exceptions, or there may be alternatives to help these individuals get the financial support they deserve.
02. Missouri Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Missouri
People who worked or lived in Missouri may obtain help from an educated mesothelioma attorney. Several prominent firms in Missouri and national law firms work with clients in the state.
These dedicated lawyers help gather evidence, file claims and help claimants understand and protect their rights. Experienced attorneys work with and on behalf of their clients to seek out compensation.
The following law firms can help people living in Missouri file their claims:
The following nationwide mesothelioma law firms have office locations in Saint Louis, Missouri:
- Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
- Simmons Hanly Conroy
- The Gori Law Firm
Selecting a nationwide law firm to represent you has several advantages over working with smaller, local firms:
- They have the experience and resources for litigating mesothelioma cases that can’t be matched by smaller firms.
- After decades of litigating asbestos cases, they know how to go up against the large asbestos companies and hold them accountable for their gross negligence.
They also understand the legal nuances involved in filing lawsuits in different states. These law firms are skilled in knowing the best state to file your claim in so that you receive the best possible financial outcome.
Mesothelioma patients and their loved ones can contact attorneys now to learn more about seeking compensation or obtaining financial assistance. They should reach out to learn more about asbestos exposure, asbestos trust funds and other information that may apply to their cases.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Missouri Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Missouri
Victims of asbestos exposure in Missouri have received millions in compensation through jury verdicts and settlements. As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of settlements achieved on behalf of Missouri residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $3.3 MILLION: Construction – 61 years old
- $2.8 MILLION: Navy / Painter – 84 years old
- $2.5 MILLION: Army / Machinist – 83 years old
- $2.4 MILLION: Household – 81 years old
- $2.4 MILLION: Household – 46 years old
- $2.2 MILLION: Navy – 69 years old
- $2.1 MILLION: Laborer – 69 years old
- $2.1 MILLION: Household / Construction – 50 years old
- $1.9 MILLION: Plant Worker / Bus Driver – 74 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Plant Worker – 64 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Missouri
One prominent asbestos verdict in Missouri was related to talcum powder. In June 2021, a Supreme Court judge rejected Johnson & Johnson’s appeal over a $2 billion talcum powder verdict in the state.
The case originally awarded close to $5 billion to 22 women across the United States in 2018. These women claim they developed ovarian cancer as a result of exposure to asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products from the company. The verdict was reduced to $2.1 billion in 2020.
Mesothelioma compensation may be available to help with medical costs, loss of income, ongoing medical care and more. A mesothelioma lawyer can help with lawsuits and other types of claims within Missouri. Mesothelioma claims may help claimants receive awards that cover their medical costs and other necessary expenses that resulted from asbestos exposure.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Missouri mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Missouri
Missouri Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Asbestos regulations in Missouri are handled by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. This agency is also in charge of governing asbestos abatement projects in the state.
The department is a delegated agency of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administers federal laws, such as the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. These standards detail important requirements and regulations regarding asbestos, such as:
- Requirements for asbestos inspections
- Emission control procedures for asbestos removal
- Asbestos waste disposal
- Asbestos project notifications
The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department Air Quality Program and Saint Louis County Department of Public Health also work with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to enforce the local and statewide asbestos requirements.
Missouri lawmakers have also introduced various laws regarding asbestos litigation. For instance, lawmakers have pushed through different forms of the Asbestos Bankruptcy Transparency Act in recent years. This bill would impact claimants filing against a trust fund and filing a lawsuit. Other recent bill proposals in 2021 would impact veterans filing asbestos claims. So far, none of these bills have been successful. Past asbestos-related bills have died in the chamber.
