01. Virginia Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Virginia
Mesothelioma law firms can file lawsuits and claims seeking compensation on behalf of Virginia residents impacted by asbestos-related diseases. Experienced lawyers at these firms can discuss individuals’ eligibility and filing options. These lawyers can work with clients to navigate the entire legal process.
Virginia residents can contact the following law firms for help seeking compensation:
Mesothelioma lawyers are experienced with asbestos lawsuits and understand the best options for filing. This knowledge helps them pursue the most beneficial outcomes for their clients.
Dedicated attorneys have the resources and knowledge to determine where asbestos exposure may have happened. They can find the most advantageous filing location for asbestos victims to increase their chances of receiving compensation. These lawyers are skilled at holding asbestos companies accountable for their clients’ injuries.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Virginia
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Virginia
Virginia mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have received millions of dollars from lawsuits. Residents may seek additional compensation from other sources, such as mesothelioma claims against asbestos trust funds.
Virginia has various asbestos jobsites, and victims from more than 50 cities have filed mesothelioma cases in the state. From 1999 to 2019, approximately 1,755 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Virginia.
Residents with asbestos-related diseases can file lawsuits against companies that may be liable for their asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma attorneys are skilled at pursuing compensation from these companies on their clients’ behalf.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Virginia?
Virginia residents and workers who developed mesothelioma may be able to file lawsuits against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma attorneys can help determine eligibility and find the best places to seek compensation.
Family members of patients may also be eligible to file lawsuits after the death of a loved one. Virginia ranks 12th highest in the United States for mesothelioma deaths, with nearly 1,600 between 1999 and 2020.
Some industries most likely to cause asbestos exposure in Virginia include chemical plants, shipbuilding and mining. Virginia was once home to asbestos mines. Two prominent asbestos mines in the state that have closed include:
- Bedford County Mine: Near Chestnut Ford, 12 miles south of Bedford
- Franklin County Mine: Two miles east of Rocky Mount
Asbestos mine workers may have inhaled asbestos while mining or packaging the mineral. Secondary asbestos exposure is a risk factor for family members and people who live in the surrounding community.
Asbestos also occurs alongside other minerals and can be disturbed while mining. Therefore, mining for other minerals may be considered a high-risk occupation for asbestos exposure. Notable mines in Virginia with known asbestos deposits are:
- Hanover County: Mica mine
- Louisa County: Vermiculite mine
- Page County: Copper mine
- Wythe County: Lead and zinc mine
Virginia residents have filed mesothelioma lawsuits in many different cities and towns, including:
- 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 Lawsuit in Virginia
Mesothelioma cases have specific time requirements. Laws called statutes of limitations set the deadlines for asbestos victims to file lawsuits.
People who have asbestos-related diseases may be able to file personal injury lawsuits and claims. Family members may also file wrongful death lawsuits and claims after the death of a loved one.
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families understand their options and filing requirements. They can also explain other options for pursuing compensation, like asbestos trust fund claims.
Filing VA Claims in Virginia
Statistics from 2021 show more than 640,000 veterans living in Virginia, the fifth-highest veteran population in the country at the time. Veterans have risked asbestos exposure from various sources.
Virginia’s numerous U.S. Navy bases and shipyards put Navy veterans and civilian employees at risk of exposure. Veterans who served on ships also risked exposure aboard the vessels.
In 2021, nearly 5% of all exposure allegations from Navy veterans came from Virginia residents. Of the state’s 27 military bases, 10 belong to the U.S. Navy. Veterans and others who worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and Norfolk Naval Shipyard faced exposure to asbestos.
Veterans from the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps also risked exposure from the equipment they used and the bases they served on. Veterans who develop asbestos-related diseases may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans may have many options for benefits through the VA. An asbestos attorney can help veterans and their families file a VA claim and understand what benefits are available.
03. Virginia Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Virginia
Mesothelioma law firms have helped patients and their families receive millions of dollars in asbestos compensation. This compensation may come from mesothelioma settlements and verdicts. People may use this compensation to pay medical bills and cover lost income. It can also offer long-term financial support for patients and their loved ones.
Some of the settlements Virginia mesothelioma patients have received include:
- $9.2 million for a 57-year-old Navy veteran and boilermaker
- $4 million for a 54-year-old machinist (Johns-Manville)
- $2.6 million for a 59-year-old Navy veteran (Norfolk Naval Shipyard) and engineer
- $2.3 million for a 71-year-old Marine veteran
- $2.3 million for a 73-year-old auto mechanic
- $2 million for a 57-year-old furnace installer and technician
- $2 million for a 69-year-old shipyard worker and veterinarian
- $1.8 million for a 73-year-old Army veteran, mechanic and carpenter
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Virginia
Mesothelioma patients may also receive compensation from lawsuits resulting in a verdict. These verdicts come after juries find asbestos companies liable for causing asbestos diseases.
In one case, a machinist at Newport News Shipbuilding developed pleural mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos products made by John Crane Inc. He passed away before the resolution of his case. In 2007, a jury awarded his wife and his estate $10.4 million.
Another asbestos action involved a different machinist who died from mesothelioma after working with asbestos products at Newport News Shipyard for 31 years. He had used asbestos products manufactured by John Crane Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies. A jury awarded his estate $9.25 million.
Beyond these examples, mesothelioma law firms have successfully pursued compensation for many other asbestos victims 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. Asbestos regulations and guidelines in the state are overseen by:
- The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
The Code of Virginia sets the state’s regulations covering asbestos. It covers licensing, inspections and remediation. It also establishes penalties for contractors who do not follow these regulations.
Other parts of the Code of Virginia establish other asbestos rules, like legal requirements for asbestos inspections on buildings being renovated.
Virginia Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Virginia has specific laws and past rulings that may impact asbestos cases. Virginia laws that may affect asbestos litigation include:
- “One disease” rule: Virginia has adopted the “one disease” rule in asbestos cases. This rule does not separate liability for different malignant diseases. Asbestos exposure victims should speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to understand how this may impact them.
- Trust transparency: Virginia does not require plaintiffs to disclose trust claims during legal proceedings with an asbestos company. Plaintiffs may even be able to defer trust claims until after litigation has ended.
Additional laws may affect asbestos lawsuits in Virginia. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain how different laws may affect an individual’s case and help determine the best options for seeking compensation.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
