01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Washington
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Washington
Between 1999 and 2017, 1,715 individuals were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Washington. In approximately the same time period, 1,654 mesothelioma deaths were reported in the state. During this time frame, Washington had the fifth highest mesothelioma mortality rate in the country.
Mesothelioma patients in Washington may have experienced asbestos exposure at work, home or in other instances in their daily lives. Due to the latency period of the diseases, it can take 10 to 50 years for asbestos-related diseases to present symptoms. As a result, many mesothelioma claims filed today are linked to decades-old sources of exposure.
Mesothelioma lawyers experienced in Washington law can help negotiate asbestos-related settlements and compensation awards.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Washington?
Washington asbestos exposure victims may be eligible for compensation if they developed an asbestos-related disease. Patients can file a personal injury claim in pursuit of compensation. Spouses and surviving family members may also be able to file an asbestos wrongful death lawsuit.
Mesothelioma lawyers have filed successful claims for Washington workers exposed at asbestos jobsites in various industries. Sources of workplace asbestos exposure in Washington include metal plants, mineral mines and shipyards.
For instance, according to internal memos, the aluminum plant Alcoa was aware of the dangers of asbestos at its Wenatchee, Washington, plant as early as 1956. Many aluminum workers may have been exposed to asbestos at this plant, including welders, smelters and insulators.
Mine workers in Washington also risked exposure. Asbestos was actively mined in Lyman and near Alta Lake. Both sites contained amphibole asbestos fibers.
Shipyards in the state also caused asbestos exposure. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton was one of the most notable Washington shipyards that used asbestos. Researchers found pipe coverers and insulators at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard had elevated rates of pulmonary abnormalities. Other shipyards in the state may have also led to exposure, including Lockheed Shipbuilding and Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc.
Residents of Washington 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:
- Arlington, WA
- Auburn, WA
- Battle Ground, WA
- Bellingham, WA
- Bremerton, WA
- Burlington, WA
- Colville, WA
- Custer, WA
- East Puyallup, WA
- East Wenatchee, WA
- Everett, WA
- Gig Harbor, WA
- Graham, WA
- Hoquiam, WA
- Kelso, WA
- Kennewick, WA
- Kettle Falls, WA
- Lacey, WA
- Lake Steven, WA
- Lake Tapps, WA
- Lakewood, WA
- Leavenworth, WA
- Long Beach, WA
- Marysville, WA
- Milton, WA
- Mineral, WA
- Mossyrock, WA
- Newport, WA
- Oak Harbor, WA
- Pasco, WA
- Port Angeles, WA
- Port Hadlock, WA
- Port Orchard, WA
- Puyallup, WA
- Quincy, WA
- Redmond, WA
- Seattle, WA
- Sequim, WA
- Shelton, WA
- Shoreline, WA
- South Colby, WA
- Spanaway, WA
- Spokane, WA
- Tacoma, WA
- Tulalip, WA
- Underwood, WA
- Union, WA
- Vancouver, WA
- Walla Walla, WA
- Westport, WA
- Yelm, WA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Washington
An important part of claim eligibility is adhering to the relevant legal deadlines. Each state has laws known as statutes of limitations. These laws dictate a claimant’s eligibility to file legal claims, including mesothelioma lawsuits. For patients and their families, these statutes determine how much time claimants have to file a lawsuit after a mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
As a result, Washington residents diagnosed with an asbestos disease should consult an attorney to see if they may be eligible for compensation. An experienced attorney can help claimants take legal action within the relevant statute of limitations.
Patients who missed the relevant statute of limitations may still be able to seek compensation through other avenues, including asbestos trust funds. These funds are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover asbestos liability expenses for current and future claimants.
If the patient is a veteran, they may be eligible for VA benefits as well. These are just a few of several legal options for Washington residents who have been affected by mesothelioma.
02. Washington Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Washington
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a compensation claim in Washington. Mesothelioma law firms can explain eligibility, filing options and how state laws may impact claims. Asbestos lawyers can assist with all aspects of the filing process, including investigating the claim and gathering needed documentation.
The following law firms can help people living in Washington receive compensation:
Choosing a nationwide law firm can provide various advantages over working with a smaller, local law firm. Lawyers at national law firms have decades of combined experience litigating asbestos lawsuits. They have brought successful claims against large asbestos companies to secure settlements for their clients. These law firms are well-versed in asbestos laws across the country and can ensure your lawsuit is filed in the most favorable jurisdiction. They will also determine if additional compensation can be obtained by filing claims with asbestos trusts.
Because of their national reach, lawyers at these law firms are also able to travel to you. They can meet you in person to address your questions, concerns and needs. Their goal is to make the entire claim process as easy as possible and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Washington Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Washington
Many mesothelioma patients in Washington have filed successful claims against asbestos companies and other guilty parties. Successful claimants can use their compensation to cover medical bills, loss of wages and pain and suffering. Compensation may come from a mesothelioma lawsuit verdict or a settlement agreement.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Washington:
- $5.3 MILLION: Shipyard Worker – 60 years old
- $4.9 MILLION: Carpenter – 65 years old
- $4.4 MILLION: Laborer – 67 years old
- $4.3 MILLION: Coast Guard – 60 years old
- $2.4 MILLION: Shipyard Worker – 61 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Shipyard Worker – 57 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Air Force/Plant Worker – 64 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Navy/Industrial Worker – 62 years old
- $2.2 MILLION: Roofer/Construction Worker – 72 years old
- $2.0 MILLION: Navy/Engineer – 67 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Washington
Lawsuits have been successfully decided in favor of asbestos victims in Washington. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help ensure the best outcome and award.
In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld a 2017 jury verdict in the amount of $81.5 million in favor of a 67-year-old deceased auto mechanic. After interest, the amount is now $95 million. The plaintiff worked with asbestos-containing brake pads and other auto parts for decades. Genuine Parts Company supplied the parts and National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) sold them. He died of mesothelioma in 2015. The two parts companies were defendants in the resulting asbestos lawsuit.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Washington mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Washington
Washington Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Certain agencies have enacted state-specific asbestos regulations for litigation and workplace safety. In Washington, these regulations are overseen and administered by two main bodies, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Washington regulations related to asbestos exposure and handling include:
- Revised Code of Washington 49.26.010:901: These sections contain several regulations known as the Washington State Asbestos Act. These regulations cover everything from asbestos use standards and containers for proper disposal of asbestos products to penalties for violating asbestos rules.
- Washington Administrative Code 296-62-077: This code sets general occupational health standards for several substances, including asbestos. It defines what asbestos is, sets permissible exposure limits, outlines requirements for worksites and protective gear and sets hygiene practices for asbestos sites.
- Washington Administrative Code 296-65: This section of code is also known as the Safety Standards for Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation. It outlines requirements for proper asbestos handling, removal and encapsulation.
Experienced attorneys stay up to date on evolving legislation and precedent. They can help Washington residents with mesothelioma choose the best course of action for their claims.
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