If you were diagnosed with this disease or were exposed to asbestos on the job, contact an Arkansas mesothelioma lawyer to learn what you can do about it. Industrial job sites have been the leading cause of asbestos exposure in Arkansas, contributing to thousands of deaths from mesothelioma and other diseases.

There is currently more than $30 billion in asbestos trust funds created for people exposed to asbestos because of the careless actions of another party. If you now suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top Arkansas mesothelioma lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

We are happy to provide legal help to all cities and towns in Arkansas, including:

Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Bentonville, Hot Springs, Benton, Texarkana, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Russellville, Bella Vista, West Memphis, Paragould, Cabot, Searcy, Van Buren, El Dorado, Maumelle, Blytheville, Siloam Springs, Bryant, Harrison, Mountain Home, Marion, Helena-West Helena, Camden, Magnolia, Arkadelphia, Malvern, Batesville, Hope, Centerton, Monticello, Stuttgart, Clarksville, Greenwood, Wynne, Newport, Osceola, Lowell, Beebe, Trumann, Heber Springs, Morrilton, Pocahontas, De Queen, Warren, Farmington, Mena, White Hall, Crossett, Alma, Berryville, Walnut Ridge, Pea Ridge, Dardanelle, Ashdown, Dumas, Greenbrier, Cherokee Village, Barling, Nashville, Sheridan, Prairie Grove, Fordyce, Lonoke, McGehee, Marianna, Ward, Booneville, Haskell, Piggott, Viloni,a Ozark, Waldron, Gosnell, Paris, Corning, Johnson, Manila, Prescott, DeWitt, Brinkley, Gentry, Shannon Hills, Atkins, Alexander, Bald Knob, Hamburg, Pottsville, England, Hoxie, Green Forest, Mountain View, Elkins, Clinton, Little Flock, Lake Village, Marked Tree, Charleston, Tontitown, Earle, Danville, Bethel Heights, Huntsville, Fairfield Bay, Gravette, West Fork, Dermott, Lavaca, Harrisburg, Star City, Eudora, Lincoln, Mayflower, Glenwood, Carlisle, Gurdon, Augusta, Horseshoe Bend, Bono, Wrightsville, Lake City, Gassville, Eureka Springs, Austin, Judsonia, Leachville, Rector, Bull Shoals, Cave City, Lepanto, Smackover, Tuckerman, Melbourne, Bay, Cave Springs, McCrory, Des Arc, Decatur, Stamps, Clarendon, Mulberry, Kensett, Brookland, Murfreesboro, Salem, Lamar, Calico Rock, Elm Springs, Monette, Hazen, Perryville, Hughes, Cedarville, Dover, Waldo, Flippin, Marshall, Rison, Hampton, Diaz, Redfield, Ola, Lewisville, Caraway, Greenland, Mineral Springs, Yellville, Marvell, Luxora, Newark, Mansfield, Dierks, Marmaduke, Parkin, Ash Flat, Mount Ida, Goshen, Highland, Horatio, London, Coal Hill, Foreman, and more.

Do I Need an Arkansas Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos lung cancer, you need a mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos exposure is almost always negligent, so companies can be held accountable. You can recover damages for expensive medical treatments.

An Arkansas mesothelioma lawyer can help you where you live. They will come to you to provide legal guidance and to explain your options. Your lawyer should be part of a nationwide firm with the resources necessary to tackle complicated asbestos cases.

One of the most important things a mesothelioma lawyer must have is the resources to investigate your exposure. An Arkansas asbestos firm should be able to use your work history to find all the companies that put you at risk of asbestos exposure.

How the Law Firm Ensures a Stress-Free Experience for Mesothelioma Clients

Navigating the legal maze can be daunting, especially when dealing with health concerns. Here’s how we aim to alleviate that stress for our mesothelioma clients:

1. Comprehensive Case Management:
   • We handle all legal paperwork and filings, ensuring accuracy and timeliness at every step.
   • Our team coordinates all necessary investigations and gathers evidence to support your case.
2. Expert Legal Guidance:
   • Our experienced attorneys take charge of the entire process, providing clarity and direction.
   • We keep you informed with regular updates, explaining complex legal terms in plain language.
3. Personalized Support:
   • We assign dedicated legal professionals to address your concerns and answer questions promptly.
   • Our team offers flexible communication options, whether you prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings.
4. Focus on Health and Family:
   • By managing the complex legal aspects, we allow you to concentrate on your recovery and spending time with loved ones.
   • We tailor our approach to suit your individual needs and preferences, ensuring you feel supported throughout.

With our commitment to easing the burden, you can trust that your legal journey will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

How to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Arkansas

When you select the right lawyer for your asbestos case, they will explain your options for filing a claim and seeking compensation:

Asbestos Personal Injury Lawsuit

One of the most common choices is to file a personal injury lawsuit. To do this, your lawyer will file the suit, notify the defendants, and attempt to negotiate a settlement for a fair compensation amount.

If negotiations fail, you can take your lawsuit to court. There, a jury will decide if the defendants negligently caused your asbestos exposure. If so, the jury will award you a certain amount of damages.

Steps Involved in Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit:

1. Initial Consultation: Start with a free case evaluation to determine if you have a viable claim.
2. Evidence Gathering: Your lawyer will collect evidence about your work history, asbestos exposure, and medical diagnosis.
3. Filing the Claim: The lawsuit is filed against the responsible parties for your asbestos exposure.
4. Settlement Negotiations: Lawyers will negotiate on your behalf. Many cases are settled out of court, ensuring quicker compensation.
5. Court Proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to court, where a jury may award damages.

Asbestos Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If your loved one died because of negligent asbestos exposure, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The process is the same as filing a personal injury lawsuit. You will be seeking compensation for past medical expenses, funeral expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claim

Many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy after facing thousands of lawsuits. If any of the defendants in your case went bankrupt, you still have an option for seeking compensation.

These companies set up asbestos trust funds to compensate future claimants. A lawyer will help you find the appropriate trusts and make a successful claim.

Veterans’ Benefits

You are entitled to VA benefits if you served in the military and now have mesothelioma. Veterans have high rates of asbestos illnesses. You can seek monthly compensation and other benefits to cover the associated costs.

By understanding each step and option available, you can make informed decisions about your legal journey and potential compensation. With professional guidance, you can navigate this complex process more smoothly.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Arkansas?

Arkansas mesothelioma lawyers are experienced and skilled in tracking down sources of asbestos exposure. If you aren’t sure where you came into contact with asbestos, they can help.

Many different types of industrial workplaces in Arkansas used asbestos for decades. The construction industry also used the material heavily.

Some notable industries, workplaces, and buildings in Arkansas that caused worker exposure include:

• From 1953 to 1989, North Little Rock Salvage operated an asbestos-processing facility in the city, and exposure to asbestos in the area is still a threat as the EPA found asbestos contamination during the inspection. Both former facility workers and residents in the area are at risk for developing malignant mesothelioma.
• Several other businesses were also associated with asbestos use before the 1980s. Many buildings in the Fort Chaffee area were built with asbestos. The buildings were eventually demolished after numerous workers were exposed.
• Stuttgart School District in Stuttgart also used asbestos and is under a strict management plan with regular inspections.
• Some of the types of workers put at risk of exposure because of their jobs include pipefitters, power plant workers, teachers, navy personnel, plant workers, and even park rangers. North Little Rock Parks has been associated with high amounts of asbestos during the building period.
• The Capco Pipe Company operated a plant in Van Buren, Arkansas, for many years. Workers made asbestos cement pipes and risked harmful exposure.

What is Secondhand Asbestos Exposure and How Does It Occur?

Secondhand asbestos exposure, also known as paraoccupational exposure, refers to the indirect contact with asbestos fibers that individuals may experience without ever handling the material themselves. This unexpected form of exposure occurs when someone living with or interacting closely with an asbestos worker carries these harmful fibers beyond the work environment.

How It Happens:

1. Dust and Debris Transported on Clothing:
   • Workers in environments containing asbestos often unknowingly bring fibers home on their clothes. These microscopic particles can linger and release into the home atmosphere.
2. Hair and Skin:
   • It’s not just clothing that poses a risk. The hair and skin of individuals can also trap asbestos particles, further increasing the exposure risk to family members.
3. Contaminated Tools or Equipment:
   • Personal items, like tools or even vehicles used for commuting to and from asbestos-contaminated sites, may harbor these fibers and contribute to household exposure.

This type of secondary exposure can be particularly concerning as it endangers those who might not even be aware they’re at risk, expanding the reach of asbestos beyond industrial settings and into the safety of homes.

Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Arkansas

• Ark Power and Light
• Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp
• Arkansas Mechanical Contractors
• Arkansas Power & Light, Lynch Station
• Arkansas Power and Light Company
• Cecil Lynch Station
• Koppers Company Inc
• Lynn Whitsett Company
• M.M. Cohn Store, Mccain Mall
• Mopac Railroad
• Oak Grove Elementary School
• John L. McClellan Generating Station
• N.A.D. Ordnance Plant
• Southern Kraft Corporation
• Southern Kraft Div International. Paper Company
• Tri-State Mill & Supply Company
• Ace Contractors, Inc.
• Ace Supply
• Arkansas Light and Power Company
• Butyrate Product Company
• Chemical Plant
• Columbia Carbon Plant
• Columbian Gibson Company
• Dodson Insulation Company, Inc.
• El Dorado Chemical Plant
• Fort Smith Light and Traction Company
• Gerber Plant
• Global Steel
• Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company
• Southside High School
• Triangle Insulation Company
• Vender Bros., Inc.
• Whirlpool
• Williams Energy
• Kansas Power & Light Company
• Lake Catherine Power Station
• Reynolds Aluminum Company
• North Little Rocks Parks
• Stuttgart School District

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Cases

Arkansas follows the personal injury statute of limitations for asbestos-related lawsuits. The statute of limitations puts a deadline on when you can file:

• In Arkansas, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of discovering the problem.
• In an asbestos-related case, this means within three years from the time the asbestos-related disease was discovered.
• The three-year rule also applies to wrongful death lawsuits. The plaintiffs must file within three years of the victim’s date of death.

Arkansas Asbestos Safety Laws

The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, along with the state of Arkansas, created regulations in 1990 that help promote safety and control the way asbestos is currently handled in the state:

• Facilities, homes, buildings, and any other structures must be properly inspected for asbestos before beginning any demolition or renovation project.
• The state of Arkansas must be notified before an asbestos project begins and after the project is completed.
• Only professionally trained asbestos technicians licensed in Arkansas can handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos.
• Following the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guidelines, safety requirements must be adhered to at all times.
• The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality will maintain a database that lists currently-certified asbestos professionals in the state.

For more detailed information regarding the Arkansas Asbestos Program, contact the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Division at 501-682-0740.

Where Can I Get Mesothelioma Treatment in Arkansas?

With a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s important to find a physician specializing in asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is rare, and specialists can provide the best care.

Look for cancer centers approved by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). An NCI designation means the care center has received recognition for its superior doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals with in-depth knowledge and experience dealing with cancer.

The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas Medical Services Site is an NCI-designated care center with researchers, physicians, cancer experts, and healthcare specialists focusing on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Understanding Mesothelioma: Symptoms and Diagnosis Challenges

Mesothelioma is a complex condition with symptoms that often mimic those of other diseases, making it a challenge to diagnose accurately. This type of cancer, primarily linked to asbestos exposure, may not manifest symptoms until decades later—sometimes 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma

1. Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath and persistent coughing are frequent symptoms due to pleural effusion—an accumulation of fluid in the lung lining.
2. Chest and Abdominal Pain: As the cancer progresses, patients may experience significant pain and discomfort in the chest or abdominal regions.
3. General Fatigue and Weakness: Like many cancers, mesothelioma often leaves individuals feeling unusually tired and weak.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss: A rapid or unexplained drop in weight can be an indicator, often coupled with a loss of appetite.

Challenges in Diagnosis

• Delayed Onset of Symptoms: The significant time period between exposure and symptom appearance complicates early diagnosis. Patients or doctors may not immediately link the symptoms to their root cause.
• Symptom Overlap with Other Conditions: Mesothelioma symptoms are not unique; they closely resemble those of less severe illnesses like pneumonia or the flu, which may lead to misdiagnosis.
• Diverse Presentation in Patients: Depending on whether mesothelioma affects the pleura, peritoneum, or other body parts, the specific symptoms can vary, adding to diagnostic difficulty.

Diagnostic Procedures

1. Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can help identify abnormalities but might not conclusively diagnose mesothelioma.
2. Biopsy Procedures: A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy, where tissue samples are examined for malignant cells.
3. Blood Tests and Biomarkers: These can support the diagnostic process but are not foolproof on their own.

Efforts to improve early detection are ongoing, with a focus on developing more precise diagnostic tools to better distinguish mesothelioma from other conditions. Recognizing the disease’s symptoms and understanding its diagnostic challenges are crucial for health practitioners and patients alike.

People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.

Jingjing Z.

Getting Legal Help in Arkansas

Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. You may be eligible for considerable compensation. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.