Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania asbestos victims can seek help from dedicated mesothelioma law firms. Skilled mesothelioma attorneys work at these firms. They specialize in cases involving Pennsylvania state asbestos laws.
Once hired, a mesothelioma law firm can get to work building a strong case. These firms have specialized knowledge of the asbestos liability landscape. The firm’s lawyers build, file and resolve cases to get the best outcome for their clients.
Identifying where exposure occurred is an important part of any mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma’s long latency period means patients may not know when they were exposed to asbestos. But patients do not need to worry. Law firms have the expertise and resources to identify companies that may have caused their exposure.
After identifying potentially liable companies, lawyers can file a lawsuit and handle the litigation process on behalf of their client.
The following top mesothelioma law firms are prepared to represent clients in Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania has historically been a popular state to file mesothelioma cases in. Industry reports show Philadelphia as a top jurisdiction for filing mesothelioma lawsuits.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a high number of mesothelioma claims and lawsuits. Philadelphia, especially, has a very active asbestos docket. In 2023, for example:
- Among the top 15 U.S. jurisdictions with the highest number of asbestos-related lawsuit filings, Philadelphia ranked fourth, and Allegheny County ranked twelfth.
- More than 300 new asbestos lawsuits were filed in Philadelphia.
- Mesothelioma cases made up 91 of Philadelphia’s asbestos filings.
Pennsylvania has many industries that historically exposed workers to asbestos. These industries include manufacturing and mining, both known for high asbestos use.
Between 1999 and 2020, Pennsylvania ranked third in the nation for mesothelioma deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded a total of 3,488 deaths during this time. Between 1999 and 2021, the state ranked fourth in mesothelioma diagnoses, with 4,483 new cases.
The state is a top location for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to mesothelioma. Pennsylvanians who develop asbestos-related diseases may be able to take legal action. Mesothelioma attorneys can explain eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
People who lived or worked in Pennsylvania may have been exposed to asbestos. Those with asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma, may meet lawsuit eligibility requirements. Patients’ loved ones may be eligible to file wrongful death lawsuits.
Some industries, like textiles, may have led to asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania. Also, major employers in the state hired people to process raw asbestos. In fact, notorious asbestos company W.R. Grace once operated facilities in Pennsylvania.
Asbestos was also common in building materials used in homes and schools. For instance, reports showed high levels of asbestos in Philadelphia schools. Other schools in Pennsylvania faced similar asbestos issues, including those in the Scranton School District.
Pennsylvania residents who lived in the following cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. They have sought compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Allegheny, PA
- Allentown, PA
- Allison Park, PA
- Ambler, PA
- Barto, PA
- Beaver, PA
- Beaver Falls, PA
- Bellefonte, PA
- Bethel Park, PA
- Bethlehem, PA
- Boiling Springs, PA
- Bradford, PA
- Bulger, PA
- Butler, PA
- Clifton Township, PA
- Coal Center, PA
- Conneaut Lake, PA
- Corry, PA
- Cranberry Township, PA
- Dalton, PA
- Drums, PA
- Eagleville, PA
- Edinboro, PA
- Erie, PA
- Fairless Hills, PA
- Fogelsville, PA
- Franklin, PA
- Gettysburg, PA
- Gladwyne, PA
- Glen Mills, PA
- Glenshaw, PA
- Greensburg, PA
- Hanover, PA
- Harding, PA
- Harleysville, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
- Hauston, PA
- Havertown, PA
- Hazleton, PA
- Hollsopple, PA
- Homer City, PA
- Hopwood, PA
- Horsham, PA
- Indiana, PA
- Johnstown, PA
- Kennett Square, PA
- Lafayette Hill, PA
- Lancaster, PA
- Langhorne, PA
- Latrobe, PA
- Lattimer, PA
- Lebanon, PA
- Lititz, PA
- Mainsburg, PA
- Manheim, PA
- Matamoras, PA
- McDonald, PA
- McKean, PA
- McMurray, PA
- Mercer, PA
- Milford, PA
- Milton, PA
- Nescopeck, PA
- New Brighton, PA
- New Paris, PA
- Nicholson, PA
- Norristown, PA
- Northampton, PA
- Old Forge, PA
- Orrtanna, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenixville, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Plains, PA
- Plymouth, PA
- Port Carbon, PA
- Pottstown, PA
- Quakertown, PA
- Quarryville, PA
- Ralston, PA
- Reading, PA
- S. Abington Twp, PA
- Sayre, PA
- Schnecksville, PA
- Scranton, PA
- Seven Valleys, PA
- Shamokin, PA
- Snow Shoe, PA
- South Gibson, PA
- Spring Grove, PA
- Sugarloaf, PA
- Tionesta, PA
- Union City, PA
- Wapwallopen, PA
- Warren, PA
- West Chester, PA
- Whitehall, PA
- Windber, PA
- Wyomissing, PA
- York, PA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has statutes of limitations that establish time frames for filing asbestos lawsuits. The time frame runs from the date of diagnosis or death. In Pennsylvania, the statutes of limitations are two years for all asbestos-related lawsuits.
Mesothelioma patients and others may file asbestos lawsuits in Pennsylvania or other states. Experienced Pennsylvania mesothelioma attorneys can help. These lawyers start the lawsuit process and support their clients throughout the legal process. This process includes filing in court, gathering evidence and navigating the judicial system.
Asbestos victims may have additional options for compensation. For example, some may be eligible to file asbestos trust fund claims. Trusts are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover their liabilities.
Filing VA Claims in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans affected by asbestos. The VA has monthly benefits for veterans with service-related asbestos diseases.
Historically, military service members faced significant asbestos exposure risks. All branches of the military in existence before the 1980s often used asbestos.
The Philadelphia Navy Yard was active up to 1990. The Navy used the facility for shipbuilding and industrial research and development. The shipyard had asbestos insulation, boilers, gaskets and other components. These materials exposed workers and Navy and Marine veterans to asbestos.
In 1996, the Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnered to address the situation. The organizations shut down the shipyard and began cleaning it up. Asbestos was one of many contaminants on the site.
Veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos illnesses may qualify for VA benefits. They may also be eligible for compensation from lawsuits. A mesothelioma lawyer can help file VA claims and explain lawsuit requirements.
Mesothelioma Settlements in Pennsylvania
Asbestos victims in Pennsylvania have received millions of dollars in compensation. Some agreed to asbestos settlements, while others have gotten jury verdicts.
One example in Philadelphia involved a teacher diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Her years of work in a Philadelphia school exposed her to asbestos. She received an $850,000 settlement from the school district.
In general, settlements range from $1 million to $1.4 million, but individual cases may result in higher amounts. Other settlements in Pennsylvania include:
- $6.4 million for a 65-year-old shipyard worker (Maryland Drydock)
- $5.3 million for a 47-year-old laborer with talc exposure
- $4.3 million for a 69-year-old Marine Corps veteran and flooring installer
- $3.7 million for a 78-year-old plumber and boilermaker
- $3.6 million for a 61-year-old maintenance worker and electrician with secondary exposure
- $3.6 million for a 70-year-old Navy veteran and electrician (PPG Industries)
- $3.1 million for a 64-year-old laborer and home auto mechanic
- $2.9 million for an 83-year-old Army veteran and shipyard worker (Treasure Island Naval Station)
- $2.6 million for a 76-year-old railroad worker, air traffic controller and home mechanic
- $2.5 million for a 71-year-old Marine veteran and shipyard worker (Philadelphia Naval Shipyard)
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania judges and juries have awarded residents compensation for their asbestos-related diseases. In these cases, judges and juries found asbestos companies liable for exposing people to asbestos.
Examples of mesothelioma verdicts in Pennsylvania include:
- $7.25 million to a shipyard worker’s widow: In 2014, a Pennsylvania jury awarded the estate of a deceased Navy shipyard worker $7.25 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. The jury found the defendant, RSCC Wire & Cable, responsible for his asbestos exposure and resulting mesothelioma.
- $3.8 million to a maintenance worker’s widow: A jury awarded the widow of a deceased maintenance worker $3.8 million in 2022. The jury found the defendant, Wash Penn Plastics, failed to provide a safe work environment.
- $2.3 million to a maintenance worker’s widow: In 2016, a Pennsylvania court upheld a verdict that awarded the spouse of a deceased maintenance worker $2.3 million. One of the defendants, Crane Co., made asbestos-containing gaskets that the victim installed.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Pennsylvania mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Pennsylvania Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Pennsylvania follows federal laws along with state legislation and regulations relating to asbestos. These laws and regulations aim to protect citizens and address the large number of asbestos claims in the state.
Two state organizations regulate asbestos. First, the Department of Environmental Protection regulates asbestos collection, disposal, removal and transportation. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry enforces the laws covering certifications.
Pennsylvania passed the Asbestos Occupations Accreditation and Certification Act in 1990. It recognizes the dangers of asbestos and sets requirements for asbestos handling and abatement.
The act regulates certification programs for anyone who remodels or removes asbestos from older buildings. It also sets terms for when and how companies must notify the state when working with asbestos.
Pennsylvania Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Pennsylvania also has several asbestos laws related to litigation. These laws may affect a person’s legal rights relating to asbestos exposure. The state supreme court also affected asbestos litigation with their decisions.
Other Pennsylvania laws establish rules for asbestos cases. These laws establish medical criteria and case management procedures.
- Case management: Pennsylvania has policies in place to prioritize more serious cases. Priority cases may involve more severe asbestos illnesses, like mesothelioma. For example, asbestos victims with asymptomatic pleural thickening are not eligible for compensation.
- Causation: Pennsylvania courts rejected the “each and every exposure” causation theory. This decision means a one-time exposure to asbestos is not enough to establish the exposure caused an asbestos disease. Asbestos victims must show they worked closely with asbestos on a regular and frequent basis. It is important to know that medical experts have said there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
- Company successor liability: When a company merges with or acquires an asbestos company, it may assume that company’s asbestos liabilities. Pennsylvania laws may limit the liability of the successor company.
- Medical criteria: Pennsylvania laws limit lawsuit eligibility to those who experience physical impairment from their diagnosis. For example, people cannot sue for emotional distress caused by an increased fear of cancer. This means a person who develops non-symptomatic pleural thickening cannot sue for emotional distress. However, people can file a lawsuit later if they develop a malignancy in the future.
- Two disease rule: Pennsylvania courts have also adopted the “two disease rule.” This rule allows people to file separate lawsuits based on separate conditions. Someone who has both mesothelioma and lung cancer may be able to file two different lawsuits.
Mesothelioma lawyers understand these laws and how they may impact a case. They can help Pennsylvania asbestos victims determine their best filing options for compensation, including where to file.
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