Washington, D.C. Mesothelioma Lawyers
Workers and residents in Washington, D.C., who develop an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file lawsuits. Lawsuits may result in compensation for mesothelioma patients and their family members. Experienced asbestos attorneys can handle the lawsuit process on behalf of D.C. clients.
Connect With a Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Washington, D.C.
People who live or work in Washington, D.C., and develop asbestos-related illnesses can seek legal support. Victims of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation. Law firms experienced in mesothelioma lawsuits can explain an individual’s filing options and manage the entire legal process.
The following law firms can help people living in Washington, D.C., seek compensation:
Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer has multiple benefits. Lawyers at dedicated mesothelioma firms have extensive knowledge about asbestos litigation. They have access to numerous resources and can determine the best location to file a case.
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Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Washington, D.C.
For decades, many industries in the country’s capital used asbestos products in production and manufacturing. Working with these products led to asbestos exposure in Washington, D.C. Individuals who developed asbestos-related illnesses as a result of exposure may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Approximately 64 workers and residents in the district were diagnosed with mesothelioma from 1999 to 2020. In the same time period, at least 41 residents also died from mesothelioma. Because of mesothelioma’s long latency period, many of these people were likely exposed to asbestos decades earlier.
Attorneys at mesothelioma law firms can help asbestos victims in D.C. understand their legal options.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.?
District of Columbia residents who developed a related illness after asbestos exposure may be able to file personal injury lawsuits. Family members and loved ones of deceased mesothelioma patients may file wrongful death lawsuits.
D.C. asbestos victims can file lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and distributors responsible for their exposure. For many years, various asbestos companies knew the dangers of the mineral and continued to expose workers.
Before the 1980s, the construction industry in Washington, D.C., commonly used asbestos-containing building materials. Many old buildings in the capital may have been constructed with asbestos products. As a result, construction workers often experienced occupational exposure.
In 2014, the U.S. Capitol building underwent millions of dollars in renovations, including asbestos removal. During this process, debris fell from overhead, potentially disturbing asbestos. This led to a temporary shutdown of the House side of the Capitol building while authorities ran tests on the fallen material to determine possible exposure risks.
People who live or work in the D.C. metro area and have experienced asbestos exposure can contact an asbestos attorney to explore legal options.
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, asbestos victims have a specific time frame to file a lawsuit in Washington, D.C. Similarly, family members of deceased patients must also file a wrongful death lawsuit within a legal timeline. These timelines are contained in laws known as statutes of limitations.
In Washington, D.C., individuals have more time to file personal injury lawsuits than wrongful death lawsuits.
Lawsuits must be filed within 3 years after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Lawsuits must be filed within 2 years after death from mesothelioma.
Victims of asbestos exposure may also be eligible to file mesothelioma trust fund claims. These funds contain money set aside by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover asbestos claims.
Did You Know?
The statutes of limitations in the state you now live may not be applicable to your case.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can determine the best state in which to file your case and what the deadline to file will be.
Filing VA Claims in Washington, D.C.
Veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases may be eligible for monthly benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Historically, military service members have faced significant asbestos exposure risks. All branches of the military in operation before the 1980s used asbestos products. Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos on ships, bases and in equipment.
Military asbestos use impacted residents and veterans in Washington, D.C. Asbestos use was common throughout many Air Force bases and other installations. Several military bases are located in or near the District of Columbia, including:
- Bolling Air Force Base
- Fort Belvoir Army Base
- Fort McNair Army Base
- Fort Myer Army Base
- Washington Navy Yard
Veterans who served at these bases may have been exposed to asbestos. Military service members diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may file VA claims. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible to file lawsuits against asbestos companies that supplied products to the military.
The government sets aside VA benefit money to assist veterans in acknowledgment of their service to the country. It is the government’s policy that it owes these benefits to any qualified veteran.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are separate actions that do not involve suing the government. When veterans file mesothelioma lawsuits, they sue asbestos companies that manufactured and distributed asbestos to the U.S. military.
Mesothelioma Settlements in Washington, D.C.
Asbestos lawsuits in D.C. may end in settlements or verdicts. A settlement is a private agreement between a victim and an asbestos company to end a lawsuit. Mesothelioma settlements average $1 million to $1.4 million. A verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a trial. Mesothelioma verdicts average around $2.4 million.
Many successful mesothelioma lawsuits result in out-of-court settlements. Compensation from a mesothelioma settlement may help patients and family members cover treatment expenses, lost wages and end-of-life expenses.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Washington, D.C., mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
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Washington, D.C. Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Businesses in Washington, D.C., must follow federal asbestos regulations created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) has created local regulations for asbestos handling and removal.
For example, renovations and asbestos abatement in the district must be approved by the DOEE before activities begin. To remove friable (easily crumbled) asbestos materials, abatement contractors must have a district permit or license.
Individuals who do not comply with these laws may face legal consequences. In 2017, a D.C. man was sentenced to 20 months in prison after improperly removing asbestos from a historic building. The man was charged with violating the Clean Air Act after hiring an unlicensed individual to remove asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos handling laws aim to further protect Washington, D.C. workers and residents from exposure. People in D.C. who have been exposed to asbestos and developed a related illness can contact an experienced law firm for legal help.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2020 Incidence Request. CDC Wonder Online Database.
District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Weakley v. Burnham Corp. April 2005.
District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment. Asbestos Abatement Program.
District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment. Asbestos Laws and Regulations.
District of Columbia Municipal Regulations and District of Columbia Register. Control of Asbestos.
Dresbach J. Discoveries found at historic Fort McNair building. United States Army. December 2011.
Military Bases. Washington DC Military Bases.
United States Department of Justice. District of Columbia Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Committing Environmental Crime. Office of Public Affairs. January 2017.
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
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Kyle Navin
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
Kyle Navin is a Legal Advisor for Mesothelioma.com. His legal practice focuses on asbestos bankruptcy claims and helping veterans access disability benefits.
