01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in New Hampshire
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents and workers may have been exposed to asbestos at work, home, schools and local dumping grounds. Exposed individuals may develop an asbestos disease, such as mesothelioma.
New Hampshire’s mesothelioma death rate is well above the national rate, relative to the state’s population. Between 1999 and 2019, 288 people died of mesothelioma in New Hampshire.
Asbestos disease patients and their families may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit for their injuries. Mesothelioma lawsuits and claims can help patients and loved ones gain compensation for New Hampshire asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in New Hampshire?
Individuals in New Hampshire who develop an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a compensation claim. These illnesses can develop after exposure to asbestos. Jobsites with asbestos exposure potential in New Hampshire include:
- Johns-Manville facility: A now-closed Johns-Manville Corporation facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, manufactured asbestos products. In 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) embarked on a $20 million cleanup effort to remove 65,000 tons of asbestos waste and materials from the site.
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: This shipyard is located across New Hampshire’s Portsmouth Harbor in Maine. However, many New Hampshire residents worked at and visited the shipyard. Shipyard workers and veterans may have been exposed to asbestos in boilers, shipbuilding materials and other equipment.
- Power plants: Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, Schiller Station and Nashua Light, Heat, and Power Company are a few locations with known asbestos use in New Hampshire. Power companies used asbestos for its ability to insulate and withstand high temperatures.
- Textile plants: Asbestos could be woven into textiles to provide fire and chemical resistance. However, textile plant workers may have come into contact with asbestos fibers during fiber preparation, carding, spinning and weaving. High concentrations of airborne asbestos were recorded at the American Asbestos Textile Corporation in Meredith, New Hampshire.
These sources are all examples of occupational exposure, where workers come into contact with the mineral in their professional duties. Residents may also have been exposed to asbestos in dumping grounds or buildings constructed before 1980. Even small amounts of exposure can lead to an asbestos disease.
A mesothelioma attorney familiar with New Hampshire laws can help residents and workers take legal action. The first part of the process is determining which legal option(s) an individual may be eligible for.
Asbestos disease patients may have several options for compensation, depending on their unique situations. Common ways to gain compensation include a settlement agreement, lawsuit verdict or asbestos trust fund claim.
New Hampshire 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:
- Brentwood, NH
- Bristol, NH
- Concord, NH
- Dalton, NH
- Derry, NH
- Dover, NH
- Gorham, NH
- Grantham, NH
- Hampstead, NH
- Jackson, NH
- Keene, NH
- Kingston, NH
- Laconia, NH
- Manchester, NH
- Merrimack, NH
- Milan, NH
- Moultonborough, NH
- Nashua, NH
- Newport, NH
- Newton, NH
- Peterborough, NH
- Portsmouth, NH
- Rochester, NH
- Salem, NH
- Stratham, NH
- Troy, NH
- Washington, NH
- Weare, NH
- Woodsville, NH
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in New Hampshire
A state’s statutes of limitations are an important piece of eligibility criteria. These time frames dictate how long lawsuits may be filed after an asbestos-related death or diagnosis. New Hampshire’s relevant statutes provide a three-year window.
Personal injury lawsuits are typically filed by the asbestos patient, whereas wrongful death lawsuits may be filed by a loved one after a patient’s death.
Victims may also be eligible for other claim types, including a trust fund claim. Asbestos victims should contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm to learn more about filing options. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist victims with choosing a claim type, gathering evidence and filing the claim.
02. New Hampshire Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in New Hampshire
Individuals who have lived or worked in New Hampshire and develop an asbestos-related illness can seek legal support. Local and nationwide law firms experienced in asbestos and mesothelioma claims can guide claimants through the filing process. Lawyers at these firms understand state laws that impact claim options. They can explain an individual’s legal options, determine the best course of action and help file the claim.
The following nationwide law firm can help people living in New Hampshire receive compensation:
Nationwide law firms have extensive experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits. Lawyers at these firms have litigated against large asbestos companies, securing meaningful settlements for their clients. They have access to numerous resources to build your case and a thorough knowledge of asbestos laws. They can help you choose the best jurisdiction to file your claim. It may not be in your current state of residence.
You don’t have to worry about traveling during this difficult time. Lawyers will travel to you to talk about your case and address any questions or concerns you have. They will keep the process as effortless as possible. These firms will handle the entire claim process on your behalf and are dedicated to getting you and your loved ones the best financial outcome.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. New Hampshire Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in New Hampshire
Lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation awards for New Hampshire asbestos victims. These settlement and verdict awards can help victims and loved ones cover medical bills, lost wages and emotional damage.
A mesothelioma lawyer will help victims build their lawsuit or claim for the best chance of success. This includes choosing a claim type, filing location and naming defendants. Common defendants include asbestos companies or negligent building owners.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in New Hampshire:
- $1.6 MILLION: Laborer – 60 years old
- $1.2 MILLION: Navy/Engineer – 71 years old
- $1.2 MILLION: Navy/Shipyard – 76 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Plant Worker – 50 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Shipyard – 84 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Navy/Household – 55 years old
- $900,000: Electric Boat Worker – 72 years old
- $800,000: Navy/Firefighter – 54 years old
- $700,000: Household – 60 years old
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable New Hampshire mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Asbestos Laws & Regulations
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has set several regulations to protect residents and workers from asbestos exposure in the state. Two main statutes carry these regulations: state statute RSA 141-E Asbestos Management and Control and state regulation Env-A 1800, Asbestos Management and Control.
These NHDES regulations cover four main areas:
- Licensing for asbestos contractors
- Procedures for renovation or demolition projects
- Asbestos in schools
- Inactive asbestos disposal sites
New Hampshire law dictates that a licensed asbestos inspector must test a site before any construction, renovation or demolition may begin. Contractors must also provide 10 days’ notice before beginning these projects, after inspection. This ensures the state is aware of any ongoing asbestos activities.
New Hampshire is also subject to federal asbestos laws, largely enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These laws all seek to prevent further asbestos exposure in the United States. Failure to comply with any of these regulations can result in large fines.
State laws may also impact legal proceedings and award amounts. For example, the state of New Hampshire does not allow punitive damages in product liability cases, including asbestos cases. Experienced asbestos attorneys can help claimants navigate these rules to gain the best awards possible for their situations.
