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Mesothelioma in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 1/7/2026

Asbestos was widely used across a broad range of industries and jobsites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As a result, Navy veterans, civilian workers and residents are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients in Portsmouth have access to treatment options and legal resources, which are outlined below.

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Asbestos in New Hampshire

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, can seek specialized treatment from a variety of cancer centers in close proximity to the city. Portsmouth mesothelioma patients may choose to seek treatment in New Hampshire at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon (approximately two hours away).

Patients can also travel to a mesothelioma treatment facility in the neighboring states of Massachusetts or Maine. For instance, Boston, Massachusetts, is home to some of the top mesothelioma experts in the country.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Mesothelioma patients who reside in Portsmouth have access to several cancer centers in the surrounding area. These centers offer quality care from mesothelioma doctors and support staff who specialize in the treatment of this disease.

The Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, offers a team-based approach to mesothelioma treatment. Patients may receive treatment from many professionals, including thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists and palliative care specialists. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in northern New England, the Norris Cotton Cancer Center conducts cancer research. The center also offers lung screenings for patients at risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, operates the prestigious International Mesothelioma Program (IMP), the largest center for mesothelioma care worldwide. Specialists at the IMP use multimodal treatments for mesothelioma. Multimodal treatment is a combination of two or more therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

These cancer centers may offer opportunities for participation in clinical trials for eligible patients. They also have a vast array of support services for patients, and their loved ones, as they navigate a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.

Photo of Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
Boston, MA 02114
Photo of Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02139
Photo of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA 02215
Photo of Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
International Mesothelioma Program
Boston, MA 02115
Photo of Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH 03756
Photo of Brown University Health Cancer Institute at Rhode Island Hospital
Brown University Health Cancer Institute at Rhode Island Hospital
Thoracic Cancer Center
Providence, RI 02903

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Mesothelioma Doctors

Mesothelioma patients in Portsmouth have access to a wide range of specialists when seeking care for the treatment of their disease.

It is important for Portsmouth mesothelioma patients to seek care from a specialist who has experience treating this type of cancer. An experienced mesothelioma doctor will personalize a treatment plan to address the patient’s specific medical needs. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or enrollment in a clinical trial.

Photo of Dr. Gary M. Hochheiser
Dr. Gary M. Hochheiser
Thoracic Surgeon
Scarborough, ME
Photo of Dr. Michael S. Kent
Dr. Michael S. Kent
Thoracic Surgeon & Director, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Boston, MA
Photo of Dr. Pasi A. Jänne
Dr. Pasi A. Jänne
Medical Oncologist & Director, Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science
Boston, MA
Photo of Dr. Raphael Bueno
Dr. Raphael Bueno
Thoracic Surgeon; Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery; & Director, International Mesothelioma Program
Boston, MA
Photo of Dr. David J. Finley
Dr. David J. Finley
Director of the Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program
Lebanon, NH
Photo of Dr. Konstantin H. Dragnev
Dr. Konstantin H. Dragnev
Medical Oncologist/Hematologist
Lebanon, NH
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Veterans, workers and residents of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, may have been exposed to asbestos and developed an asbestos-related disease as a result. These individuals may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the companies responsible for their exposure. A successful mesothelioma lawsuit can provide compensation for victims and/or their loved ones.

If you were exposed to asbestos in New Hampshire at a commercial, residential or military site and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. For example, those who worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can seek assistance from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to gain compensation.

Settlement amounts can vary depending on the individual case, with the average mesothelioma settlement amount falling between $1 million and $1.4 million. Hiring an experienced mesothelioma attorney provides victims with the best opportunity to be awarded the compensation they deserve.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Asbestos victims in Portsmouth should seek legal guidance from a law firm with experience in handling mesothelioma cases. Law firms experienced in asbestos litigation can help asbestos victims understand the state’s laws and how they may impact filing requirements.

A mesothelioma law firm, such as Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen, can help Portsmouth asbestos victims find the best means of obtaining the compensation they deserve. These options may include filing a lawsuit or pursuing an asbestos trust claim. Financial compensation can help patients cover expenses, including treatment costs and loss of income. It can also help provide long-term financial stability for families after a loved one passes.

Logo for Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
Lawyers at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen have recovered top mesothelioma settlements in New Hampshire on behalf of their clients.
Logo for The Gori Law Firm
Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).
Logo for Duffy Law
For more than two decades, Attorney Christopher P. Duffy has helped individuals suffering from mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer throughout Greater Boston, all of Massachusetts, and northern New England.
Logo for Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC
Fighting for New York asbestos injury victims with a combined experience of over 100 years. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Super Lawyers®.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Legal action filed in New Hampshire is subject to the state’s laws and regulations surrounding asbestos cases. This includes the statutes of limitations, which are state-specific timelines that determine when victims and/or families can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

In the state of New Hampshire, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within three years of an asbestos-related diagnosis. A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years of an asbestos-related death as outlined in the table below.

Statutes of Limitations for Portsmouth
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 3 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 3 years after an asbestos-related death.

It is important for mesothelioma victims and their loved ones to seek assistance from a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible if they are considering filing an asbestos lawsuit. Quick action can help ensure the lawsuit will fall within the New Hampshire statutes of limitations. Once these statutes expire, the injured party or their family will not be able to file a lawsuit in the state.

Successful lawsuits have been filed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, resulting in financial compensation for victims and their families.

Examples of clients who have been compensated in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, include:

Client Profile

Age: 62

Occupations: Navy, Nuclear plant

Jobsites Worked at: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (1967 – 1975)

Settlement: ~$9,692,767

Client Profile

Age: 64

Occupations: Navy worker, Mechanic

Jobsites Worked at: Norfolk Naval Shipyard (1952 – 1955)

Settlement: ~$2,099,742

Client Profile

Age: 81

Occupation: Shipyard

Jobsites Worked at: National Gypsum Co. (1952 – 1957); Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (1957 – 1972)

Settlement: ~$1,138,473

Client Profile

Age: 76

Occupations: Navy worker, Powerhouse worker

Jobsites Worked at: Public Service Of New Hampshire (1953 – 1956); Schiller Station (1953 – 1956)

Settlement: ~$1,016,553

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Asbestos Use in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Numerous jobsites in Portsmouth have become known over the years for use of asbestos and asbestos products. For instance, military establishments, such as Air Force bases and shipyards, put veterans at risk of asbestos exposure.

Power plants, paper mills and manufacturing companies have also put workers and residents at risk of asbestos exposure. Notable asbestos jobsites in Portsmouth include National Gypsum Company, Rockingham County Light and Power Company, White Mountain Paper Company, Pease Air Force Base (formerly known as Portsmouth Air Force Base) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, among others.

Rockingham County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 69
Female 16

Asbestos at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard opened in 1800 and is still operational today. While the shipyard is physically located in Kittery, Maine, it is in close proximity to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Many residents of Portsmouth were employed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and exposed to asbestos as a result.

The primary focus of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from World War II (WWII) through 1969 was the construction of submarines. During WWII, the shipyard had more than 25,000 employees and constructed more than 70 submarines.

Asbestos was widely used in the construction of ships and submarines at this shipyard. The mineral was frequently used in Navy vessels due to its durability, heat resistance and flame resistance. It was a component of many products used in the shipbuilding process, including insulation in ship walls, pipes and boilers.

Ship maintenance and repair at the shipyard often disturbed asbestos, allowing the fibers to become airborne and inhaled or ingested by workers. Thousands of workers and Navy veterans over the years were exposed to asbestos at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This exposure puts them at an increased risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma.

Today this shipyard is only one of four remaining naval shipyards in the nation. It currently employs approximately 9,000 civilians and naval officers.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • Agricultural Chemical Solutions, Inc.
  • Atlantic Corporation
  • Bureau of Supplies and Accounts
  • Eastern Oil and Rendering Company
  • National Gypsum Company
  • New England Power Company
  • New Hampshire Gas & Electric Company
  • Pease Air National Guard Base
  • Phillips Manufacturing Company
  • Portsmouth Federal Building
  • Portsmouth High School
  • Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
  • Portsmouth Post Office
  • Portsmouth Regional Hospital
  • Portsmouth Telephone Exchange
  • Rockingham County Light and Power Company
  • Ryan Estate
  • Schiller Generation Station
  • Standard Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc.
  • USS Abraham Lincoln (ship)
  • USS John Adams (ship)
  • USS Sand Lance (ship)
  • USS Sea Dragon (ship)
  • USS Tinosa (ship)
  • Wentworth By The Sea
  • White Mountain Paper Company
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  2. International Mesothelioma Program. The IMP Program.

  3. Military Installations. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard In-depth Overview.

  4. Naval Sea Systems Command. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Facts.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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