01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in New Jersey
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in New Jersey
New Jersey is an active location for asbestos litigation because of the impact asbestos exposure has had on residents. Between 1999 and 2017, New Jersey recorded nearly seven asbestos-related deaths per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national rate of nearly five deaths related to asbestos per 100,000 people during that time.
Over these years, 2,037 individuals died of mesothelioma in New Jersey. The state also recorded 1,272 deaths from asbestosis during these years.
Because of the high rates of asbestos-related diseases in the state, many New Jersey residents have filed related claims. For instance, Middlesex County is one of the top 10 jurisdictions in the country for mesothelioma filings. There were 54 mesothelioma lawsuits filed in Middlesex in 2020, up almost 23% from 2019.
Residents in more than 100 New Jersey cities and towns have filed asbestos claims against companies that produced, used or sold products containing the toxic substance.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in New Jersey?
Many people have been impacted by asbestos exposure in New Jersey, including workers in manufacturing facilities, shipyards, oil refineries and power plants. Those who developed asbestos illnesses such as mesothelioma — including those who had secondary exposure — can file personal injury lawsuits against companies at fault. Some families may also file wrongful death lawsuits because of loved ones who passed away.
In 2020, there were an average of 31 defendants per complaint on cases filed in Middlesex County. This means many companies were potentially responsible for wrongful asbestos exposure.
One of the biggest sites for asbestos exposure in New Jersey was the Johns-Manville factory. The asbestos manufacturing facility opened in 1912, and the town of Manville was named after it. At the company’s peak during World War II, nearly 5,000 people worked at the plant.
Many people were employed long-term at the factory and may have breathed asbestos fibers into their lungs regularly. The average employee had 30 years of service with Johns-Manville. More than 16,000 lawsuits were pending against the asbestos producer by 1982, and the company eventually filed for bankruptcy protection.
While the plant had a harmful impact on the health of Manville residents, other worksites in the state also used asbestos and caused exposure.
New Jersey 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:
- Asbury Park, NJ
- Basking Ridge, NJ
- Bayonne, NJ
- Belford, NJ
- Bellmawr, NJ
- Belvidere, NJ
- Bergenfield, NJ
- Bernardsville, NJ
- Bloomfield, NJ
- Boonton, NJ
- Brick, NJ
- Carneys Point, NJ
- Chatham, NJ
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- Clifton, NJ
- Columbus, NJ
- Cranford, NJ
- Deptford, NJ
- Dover, NJ
- East Brunswick, NJ
- Edgewater Park, NJ
- Edison, NJ
- Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- Egg Harbor Twp., NJ
- Emerson, NJ
- Flemington, NJ
- Forked River, NJ
- Franklinville, NJ
- Galloway, NJ
- Gloucester City, NJ
- Great Meadows, NJ
- Hackensack, NJ
- Hamilton, NJ
- Hammonton, NJ
- Harrington Park, NJ
- Harrison, NJ
- Hightstown, NJ
- Hoboken, NJ
- Howell, NJ
- Iselin, NJ
- Jersey City, NJ
- Kearny, NJ
- Lakewood, NJ
- Linden, NJ
- Little Falls, NJ
- Little Silver, NJ
- Lumberton, NJ
- Lyndhurst, NJ
- Manasquan, NJ
- Manchester, NJ
- Manchester Tw., NJ
- Mantua, NJ
- Marlboro, NJ
- Marlton, NJ
- Medford, NJ
- Mercerville, NJ
- Middlesex, NJ
- Middletown, NJ
- Midland Park, NJ
- Millville, NJ
- Monroe Township, NJ
- Montclair, NJ
- National Park, NJ
- Newark, NJ
- North Arlington, NJ
- North Bergen, NJ
- Northvale, NJ
- Ocean City, NJ
- Ocean Grove, NJ
- Paulsboro, NJ
- Pemberton, NJ
- Perth Amboy, NJ
- Pittsgrove, NJ
- Randolph, NJ
- Red Bank, NJ
- Ringoes, NJ
- Rutherford, NJ
- Saddle Brook, NJ
- Saddle River, NJ
- Sewell, NJ
- Shiloh, NJ
- Somers Point, NJ
- Swedesboro, NJ
- Teaneck, NJ
- Toms River, NJ
- Trenton, NJ
- Turnersville, NJ
- Union, NJ
- Upper Saddle River, NJ
- Ventnor City, NJ
- Warren, NJ
- Westville, NJ
- Whiting, NJ
- Woodstown, NJ
- Wrightstown, NJ
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in New Jersey
The first step in exploring a possible asbestos claim is to speak to a mesothelioma lawyer in New Jersey. Mesothelioma attorneys in New Jersey can investigate claims, gather proof, document illnesses and recommend viable options for pursuing compensation.
Experienced firms are also knowledgeable about state laws, including the statutes of limitations. Residents have a certain period of time to file claims following a mesothelioma diagnosis or death of a family member.
Claimants who miss their window for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may be eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. These funds are established by bankrupt companies to compensate current and future asbestos victims. A mesothelioma law firm in New Jersey can help those affected identify the appropriate fund(s), determine eligibility and file claims.
02. New Jersey Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in New Jersey
When seeking compensation, residents can retain the services of experienced New Jersey mesothelioma attorneys. Between 1998 and 2000, New Jersey was one of 11 states that accounted for the bulk of asbestos cases in the country because of the number of people impacted. Over an 18-year span beginning in 1999, estimates suggest there were more than 11,365 deaths from mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer in the state.
Each mesothelioma claim is unique. Law firms with backgrounds in asbestos litigation can help claimants build cases and receive compensation.
The following law firms can help people living in New Jersey file their claims:
There are several advantages to selecting a nationwide law firm to handle your mesothelioma case. A national firm, because they are always traveling around the country, will be happy to come to you to discuss your case. Chances are, they are nearby on any given day and available to walk you through the process and address any questions and concerns.
In addition, the extensive experience they have handling a large volume of asbestos cases over the years means they have the most comprehensive knowledge about where to file your case to achieve the most favorable outcome for you and your family.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. New Jersey Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in New Jersey
Mesothelioma lawyers in New Jersey continue to secure financial compensation for clients from negligent companies. Mesothelioma settlements assist with asbestos-related health care costs, as well as the financial security of families and loved ones after victims pass away.
As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of settlements achieved on behalf of New Jersey residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $6.0 MILLION: Navy Worker/Plumber – 66 years old
- $4.6 MILLION: Boilermaker – 71 years old
- $4.6 MILLION: Navy Worker/Insulator – 66 years old
- $4.3 MILLION: Carpenter/Marine Corps Worker – 70 years old
- $3.8 MILLION: Household Worker/Machine Operator – 56 years old
- $3.6 MILLION: Steel Worker/Household Worker – 64 years old
- $3.4 MILLION: Navy Worker/Boiler Operator – 66 years old
- $2.9 MILLION: Army Worker/Plumber – 85 years old
- $2.9 MILLION: Construction Worker – 71 years old
- $2.6 MILLION: Steamfitter – 61 years old
- $2.5 MILLION: Laborer – 61 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Engineer – 86 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Shipyard Worker/Electrician – 69 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in New Jersey
Mesothelioma law firms in New Jersey have won numerous verdicts from lawsuits that demonstrate the link between asbestos-related diseases and previous asbestos exposure.
- In 2014, a judge in New Brunswick, New Jersey, awarded $90.5 million to 11 Manville families who lost loved ones to mesothelioma. Anova Holding and Becon, two companies that provided asbestos to Johns-Manville between the 1950s and 1980s, were found liable. Individual awards ranged from $4 million to $15 million. Several plaintiffs were not employees of Johns-Manville. These claimants were exposed when family members who worked at the plant brought asbestos particles into the home on clothing and skin.
- In 2015, a jury awarded $7.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a couple in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. William Condon installed HVAC systems and boilers for 11 years starting in 1973. He was exposed to Pecora Asbestos Furnace Cement, which came with the boilers he installed. Condon was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2013. The jury also found Pecora continued making products containing asbestos despite being aware of the dangers.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable New Jersey mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Despite health hazards, asbestos use has not been completely banned in the United States. While federal laws are in place, New Jersey — once a center of asbestos production — has implemented its own state laws.
In 2019, legislators unanimously passed bill A4416 prohibiting the sale and distribution of consumer products containing asbestos. The bill gives the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection the authority to enter businesses to check for compliance, issue fines and seek injunctions.
New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development regulates the application, enclosure, removal and encapsulation of asbestos to ensure there’s no harm to the public. The Asbestos Control and Licensing Act addresses topics such as contractor licensing, permits, signage at worksites and certification of training courses and exams.
New Jersey also has laws and protocols related to asbestos litigation:
- Case management practices: To prevent a backlog of cases in court, mesothelioma lawyers in New Jersey negotiate case management orders in advance. This ensures early exchange of information, disclosure of anticipated problems and set deadlines. An advisory committee works closely with the New Jersey asbestos bar to ensure efficiency.
- Take-home exposure liability: Take-home exposure refers to asbestos dust and particles brought home on a worker’s clothing and skin, putting people in the household at risk. States differ on the extent of an employer’s responsibility. Some jurisdictions limit liability to a worker’s spouse, but the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that it extends beyond a spouse in certain circumstances. This ruling has implications for who can pursue asbestos litigation in the future.
- Components made by third parties: In 2020, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that equipment manufacturers and distributors can be liable if they don’t issue warnings about asbestos in product components. This includes components that are part of the equipment as well as replacement components, even if made or supplied by a third party.
An experienced asbestos lawyer in New Jersey can help claimants understand how these laws may apply to their case.
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