01. North Carolina Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in North Carolina
Many people in North Carolina have been impacted by mesothelioma. Asbestos law firms specialize in mesothelioma lawsuits and other claims. Once hired, they can handle the legal process from filing to settlement negotiation and presenting the case at trial.
Lawyers at these firms have experience navigating North Carolina asbestos laws. They help clients understand their filing options for financial compensation. Lawyers also handle the filing process on behalf of their clients.
The following law firms can help people receive mesothelioma compensation in North Carolina:
Mesothelioma law firms have decades of experience in asbestos litigation. They have access to many resources for building successful mesothelioma cases. Lawyers at these firms have proven histories of holding asbestos companies accountable. Mesothelioma lawyers understand the nuances of asbestos laws in the United States.
Mesothelioma lawyers help make the process as easy as possible from start to finish. For example, they often travel to their clients. They are dedicated to getting their clients compensation and peace of mind.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in North Carolina
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in North Carolina
Many people have filed mesothelioma lawsuits in North Carolina against asbestos companies. These lawsuits have resulted in compensation for many patients. The companies involved often used asbestos for decades. This led to asbestos exposure in North Carolina for many workers, residents and veterans.
Asbestos exposure may lead to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. More than 6,000 people in North Carolina have suffered from an asbestos disease.
From 1999 to 2019, there were approximately 1,550 mesothelioma diagnoses in the state. From 1999 to 2020, reports show around 1,266 mesothelioma deaths in North Carolina.
Asbestos victims can work with mesothelioma lawyers to determine eligibility for litigation.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Anyone may be eligible to file a lawsuit if they have developed mesothelioma. In many North Carolina cases, this was the result of occupational asbestos exposure.
Major asbestos industries in North Carolina include mining, product manufacturing and vermiculite processing. Workers in these and other industries may be able to file lawsuits. Jobsites that exposed workers to asbestos in North Carolina include:
- Davidson Asbestos Mill: In 1930, Carolina Asbestos Company moved into a former cotton mill in Davidson, North Carolina. Workers at the mill were frequently exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers from the factory also contaminated surrounding areas in the town.
- High Point Vermiculite Processing Facility: An Environmental Working Group analysis shows this facility received 10,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana.
Many North Carolina residents and veterans have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma. They may be eligible to file lawsuits or claims here.
People may also be able to file in North Carolina for reasons other than current residence. For example, former residence, employment in the state and locations where a company operates may factor in. Family members may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Many people have filed lawsuits in North Carolina against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos. Filing can help secure the compensation that victims deserve. Lawsuits have been filed by clients in the following towns and cities in North Carolina:
- Advance, NC
- Alexander, NC
- Apex, NC
- Asheville, NC
- Atlantic, NC
- Aulander, NC
- Bakersville, NC
- Benson, NC
- Boomer, NC
- Brevard, NC
- Burnsville, NC
- Carolina Beach, NC
- Cary, NC
- Chadbourn, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- Clemmons, NC
- Clinton, NC
- Concord, NC
- Connelly Springs, NC
- Conover, NC
- Cornelius, NC
- Denver, NC
- Erwin, NC
- Etowah, NC
- Fayetteville, NC
- Flat Rock, NC
- Franklin, NC
- Franklinton, NC
- Franklinville, NC
- Goldsboro, NC
- Grover, NC
- Hampstead, NC
- Henderson, NC
- Hickory, NC
- High Point, NC
- Hillsborough, NC
- Holly Springs, NC
- Hope Mills, NC
- Hudson, NC
- Indian Trail, NC
- Jacksonville, NC
- Kernersville, NC
- Kill Devil Hills, NC
- Lexington, NC
- Louisburg, NC
- Marion, NC
- Marshville, NC
- Matthews, NC
- McLeansville, NC
- Monroe, NC
- Mooresville, NC
- Mount Airy, NC
- Nags Head, NC
- Nebo, NC
- Newport, NC
- Newton, NC
- North Wilkesboro, NC
- Oakridge, NC
- Oriental, NC
- Pink Hill, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Richfield, NC
- Riegelwood, NC
- Roanoke Rapids, NC
- Selma, NC
- Smithfield, NC
- Sneads Ferry, NC
- Southern Pines, NC
- Stanley, NC
- Tryon, NC
- Wake Forest, NC
- Weddington, NC
- West End, NC
- Whiteville, NC
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in North Carolina
Asbestos lawyers can review potential cases and provide filing advice. If proceeding with a mesothelioma lawsuit, an asbestos victim’s lawyer will handle the entire process. This includes gathering all required information, filing the lawsuit and litigating the case.
These attorneys understand North Carolina’s asbestos laws. They can ensure cases follow any relevant laws, like the statutes of limitations. These laws outline the time frames for filing mesothelioma lawsuits.
Beyond lawsuits, asbestos victims may have other options for compensation. For instance, asbestos trust fund claims are a common source of additional compensation. Bankrupt asbestos companies have created mesothelioma trust funds to compensate victims. Mesothelioma attorneys can help victims with the trust fund claim process.
Filing VA Claims in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to two notable asbestos exposure military sites: Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg. Many veterans, family members, workers and civilians have all faced exposure at these locations.
- Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base located near Jacksonville, North Carolina. In recent years, evidence has come to light that this base had both asbestos and chemically contaminated water. The base had some contaminated water sources from 1953 to 1987. Nearly 40 health conditions, including cancer, have since been linked to this water. Anyone who lived, served and worked here also may have been exposed to asbestos. Impacted individuals have options to file Camp Lejeune water contamination claims for compensation.
- Fort Bragg is an Army base that had an asbestos exposure event in 2008. Paratroopers assigned to clean a barracks storage room experienced asbestos exposure. The presence of asbestos may mean that other areas of the base contain the harmful mineral.
Veterans are entitled to various benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits cover many illnesses that resulted from service duties. This includes compensation for asbestos-related diseases. Veterans with mesothelioma can work with lawyers to access these benefits.
03. North Carolina Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in North Carolina
North Carolina lawsuits have led to millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation for victims. This compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost income and other costs. Many mesothelioma lawsuits reach settlements outside of court. Both parties must agree to the settlement, which they may keep private.
The average mesothelioma settlement ranges between $1 million and $1.4 million. But in North Carolina, many settlements have been more than double the average amount.
Examples of settlements for North Carolina mesothelioma lawsuits include:
- $11.5 million for a 62-year-old Army veteran and surgeon
- $7.3 million for an 80-year-old Army veteran and shipyard worker (Newport News)
- $6.3 million for a 70-year-old household worker and plant worker with secondary exposure
- $6 million for a 77-year-old Navy veteran and mechanic
- $5.1 million for a 41-year-old lumber yard manager and salesman
- $4.7 million for a 57-year-old Navy veteran and boilermaker
- $4.6 million for a 49-year-old Navy veteran and carpenter
- $4 million for a 72-year-old firefighter, electrician and home renovator
- $3.8 million for a 74-year-old Navy veteran, electrician and boiler tender
- $3.6 million for a 78-year-old maintenance worker (oil refineries, power plants, ships)
Mesothelioma Verdicts in North Carolina
Unlike settlements, verdicts are awarded for cases tried in court. The average mesothelioma verdict is $2.4 million. But many verdicts have exceeded this average. For example, in 2018, a jury awarded the largest mesothelioma-related verdict so far in North Carolina history.
In the 2018 case, a widow filed a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit against Covil Corporation. Her late husband had worked in a Firestone tire factory for 20 years. He regularly came into contact with asbestos products manufactured by Covil Corporation. He was later diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The North Carolina jury ruled in the widow’s favor and awarded $32.7 million in compensation. Covil Corporation attempted to overturn the decision but was unsuccessful.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable North Carolina mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Various laws and regulations affect asbestos handling and abatement in North Carolina. Specific departments that oversee and enforce these regulations include:
- North Carolina Asbestos Hazard Management Program: This department provides asbestos education to schools, businesses and the general public. It also oversees licensing and training for asbestos programs.
- North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division: This division runs a program for workplaces where employees face asbestos exposure risks. The program emphasizes inspection, training and consultation.
Specific asbestos laws include:
- Asbestos management in public places: This statute provides regulations for asbestos management in schools and other public places. It also provides guidance for asbestos abatement permits and accreditation of abatement professionals.
- Penalties for asbestos mishandling: This statute defines penalties for violating the state’s asbestos laws. It also defines how to assess fine amounts.
North Carolina also follows all federal asbestos regulations. These regulations do not include a full ban on asbestos.
North Carolina Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Some North Carolina laws may also impact asbestos litigation. North Carolina’s asbestos trust transparency law is one notable asbestos litigation law.
This law comes from Senate Bill 470. It requires plaintiffs (victims) to notify defendants (companies) of any bankruptcy trust claims. Within 30 days of initial claim filing, victims must file all potential bankruptcy claims available to them. Victims must submit this information to court.
North Carolina courts place a heightened burden on victims to show an asbestos company caused their mesothelioma. The courts ask a victim’s case to show that exposure occurred with a certain amount of frequency, regularity and proximity to asbestos exposure. This is despite the fact that any level of asbestos exposure is dangerous.
Asbestos laws are complex and may change at times. Mesothelioma lawyers understand the nuances of these laws in North Carolina. They can review and explain any impacts these laws may have on cases. They will also use their resources and expertise to meet relevant legal standards to show why a company should be held liable.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
