01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Virginia
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Virginia
Residents and workers may have been exposed to asbestos throughout Virginia. Medical research has linked asbestos exposure to diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
From 1999 to 2017, there were 1,589 mesothelioma diagnoses in Virginia. During those years, 1,379 Virginians passed away from the disease. The state ranked as the 12th highest in the country for mesothelioma diagnoses and deaths at that time.
Asbestos-exposure victims in Virginia may be eligible to file a lawsuit or other claim. A mesothelioma lawyer can help individuals understand their rights.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Virginia?
Victims of asbestos-related diseases in Virginia may be eligible to file lawsuits. Victims’ family members may also be eligible to file a lawsuit on their behalf. Lawsuits or claims may result in financial compensation from asbestos companies.
Many Virginia jobsites and residential areas once used asbestos materials. Some areas continue to be at risk of asbestos contamination. This puts workers and the general public at risk of asbestos exposure. Many of Virginia’s highest-risk areas for exposure are a result of the prominent mining industry.
Virginia has two sites once mined for asbestos:
- Franklin County Mine: Two miles east of Rocky Mount
- Bedford County Mine: Near Chestnut Ford, 12 miles south of Bedford
Asbestos mine workers may have inhaled asbestos while mining or packaging the mineral. Family members and the surrounding community may also have been at risk of exposure.
Mining for other minerals is still considered a high-risk occupation for asbestos exposure. This is because asbestos develops alongside other minerals and can be disturbed while mining. Notable locations in Virginia with known asbestos deposits are:
- Page County: Copper mine
- Hanover County: Mica mine
- Wythe County: Lead and zinc mine
- Louisa County: Vermiculite mine
In 2000, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspected the Virginia Vermiculite mine in Louisa. That August, MSHA inspectors found “dangerously high” levels of asbestos in the vermiculite. Reports state the mine’s ore was used in hundreds of products sold throughout the United States.
This echoes asbestos exposure risks with vermiculite once mined in Libby, Montana. The asbestos-contaminated vermiculite has been linked to mesothelioma cases nationwide.
After asbestos exposure, related diseases can take decades to present. Anyone who worked or lived near active mines in Virginia may still be at risk of developing a disease.
Residents of Virginia who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and to seek compensation from negligent manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Alexandria, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Ashland, VA
- Barren Springs, VA
- Burke, VA
- Charlottesville, VA
- Chesapeake, VA
- Chester, VA
- Chesterfield, VA
- Clifton Forge, VA
- Colonial Beach, VA
- Dante, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Falls Church, VA
- Fincastle, VA
- Franklin, VA
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Front Royal, VA
- Gladstone, VA
- Gladys, VA
- Glasgow, VA
- Hague, VA
- Hampton, VA
- Hardy, VA
- Haymarket, VA
- Henrico, VA
- Herndon, VA
- Kenbridge, VA
- Leesburg, VA
- Locust Grove, VA
- Louisa, VA
- Madison Heights, VA
- Marshall, VA
- Mechanicsville, VA
- Newport News, VA
- Nickelsville, VA
- Norfolk, VA
- North Chesterfield, VA
- Norton, VA
- Oakton, VA
- Penhook, VA
- Portsmouth, VA
- Quinby, VA
- Reston, VA
- Richmond, VA
- Roanoke, VA
- Saltville, VA
- Springfield, VA
- Strasburg, VA
- Tasley, VA
- Unionville, VA
- Verona, VA
- Viewtown, VA
- Vinton, VA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Wicomico Church, VA
- Williamsburg, VA
- Winchester, VA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Virginia
Victims must submit mesothelioma lawsuits by the filing deadlines. These deadlines, called the statutes of limitations, may vary by lawsuit type.
A mesothelioma patient may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. For these lawsuits, the filing deadline starts at the date of diagnosis or death. A mesothelioma lawyer can handle the documentation and filing process.
Other options may be available if the filing deadline passes. For instance, claimants may qualify to file a VA benefits claim, workers’ compensation claim or an asbestos trust fund claim. National law firms can help victims understand their eligibility and navigate the filing process for these claims.
02. Virginia Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Virginia
Mesothelioma law firms can help Virginia residents file a claim and receive compensation. These law firms have experience with different types of claims, including lawsuits and asbestos trust funds. Lawyers at these firms can explain an individual’s eligibility for different claim options and assist with the entire claim process.
The following law firms can help people living in Virginia receive compensation:
Additionally, these law firms have years of experience, a deep knowledge of asbestos laws and access to extensive resources to build your lawsuit. With their background, the lawyers at these firms can decide which jurisdiction will provide the most favorable financial outcome for your case. Filing a lawsuit outside your state of residence may have the best outcome. Their legal teams will guide you through the whole process.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Virginia Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Virginia
Victims in Virginia have received millions of dollars of asbestos compensation. Financial compensation may come in the form of mesothelioma settlements or verdicts. This compensation can help pay for medical bills and make up for lost income. It can also offer long-term financial support for loved ones.
As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of settlements achieved on behalf of Virginia residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $9.0 MILLION: Navy – 58 years old
- $4.0 MILLION: Machinist – 58 years old
- $2.5 MILLION: Navy/Engineer – 62 years old
- $2.2 MILLION: Marines/Sales – 72 years old
- $1.9 MILLION: Maintenance – 63 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Laborer – 68 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Furnace Installation – 65 years old
- $1.7 MILLION: Mechanic/Carpenter – 73 years old
- $1.6 MILLION: Navy/Shipyard – 64 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Navy/Pipefitter – 81 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Virginia
In 2011, a jury awarded $25 million to a shipyard worker in a case against Exxon. For two decades, the plaintiff worked on 17 Exxon oil ships. He later was a repair supervisor at Newport News Shipbuilding. Until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in shipbuilding.
Exxon was aware of asbestos risks on ships but did not warn shipyard workers or crew members. Exxon’s negligence led to the plaintiff’s asbestos exposure and eventual mesothelioma diagnosis. The jury ruled in his favor. At the time, this was one of the largest verdicts awarded in the state.
There have been many successful mesothelioma lawsuits filed in Virginia.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Virginia mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Virginia
Virginia Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Virginia enforces federal regulations for asbestos, including inspection, demolition and handling processes. State adherence is overseen by:
- The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)
- The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
The Code of Virginia contains specifics about asbestos legislation.
Chapter 5 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia: Statute with legal requirements for asbestos, lead and home inspection contractors and workers.
Failure to follow these regulations may result in legal action, such as fines. Legal enforcement of asbestos policies helps protect public health in Virginia.
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