Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer

According to the National Center on Health Statistics, Louisiana ranks 18th in the nation for the most asbestos-related deaths and currently has 3,886 asbestos-related deaths. Those who got sick are now fighting back and taking legal action with the help of experienced Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Louisiana, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

We assist asbestos victims and their families in all Louisiana cities, such as:

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma, Marrero, New Iberia, Laplace, Central, Slidell, Prairieville, Terrytown, Ruston, Harvey, Bayou, Cane, Hammond, Sulphur, Shenandoah, Natchitoches, Chalmette, Gretna, Estelle, Opelousas, Zachary, Thibodaux, Pineville, Baker, Belle, Chasse, River Ridge, Crowley, West Monroe, Minden, Claiborne, Abbeville, Bayou, Blue, Luling, Mandeville, Morgan City, Moss Bluff, Woodmere, Bogalusa, Destrehan, Jefferson, Bastrop, DeRidder, Gardere, Timberlane, Eunice, Gonzales, Raceland, Jennings, Denham, Springs, Waggaman, Youngsville, Reserve, Merrydale, Fort Polk, South Broussard, Covingto,n Harahan, St. Rose, Scott, Westwego, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, Rayne, Prien, Oak Hills Place, Lacombe, Galliano, Oakdale, Donaldsonville, Franklin, Bridge City, Eden Isle, Ville Platte, Schriever, Tallulah, Larose, Village St. George, Plaquemine, Old Jefferson, St. Gabriel, Ponchatoula, Leesville, Meraux, Walker, Patterson, St. Martinville, Red Chute, Inniswold, Violet, Chackbay, Brownfields, and more.

Do I Need a Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Yes, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. The main reason people sue for mesothelioma is to seek compensation. This is a costly illness, and it should have been prevented. The companies that exposed you to asbestos can and should be held accountable.

Your lawyer will use experience and resources to prove that companies negligently exposed you to asbestos and that this caused your mesothelioma. Proving this is complicated, so you need an experienced attorney backed by a large law firm with investigators, medical experts, and more.

Understanding the importance of identifying the source of asbestos exposure is crucial when filing a claim. Mesothelioma claims require detailed information about how and where exposure occurred—whether through specific jobs, residences, or other environments. This information is vital as it connects the exposure to responsible parties, thereby strengthening your claim.

A skilled lawyer will meticulously gather these details, ensuring that every aspect of your exposure history is documented. This comprehensive approach not only fortifies your case but also maximizes your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve efficiently. By identifying the source of exposure, your attorney can build a compelling case that highlights the negligence of the parties involved.

About Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Lousiana

You need a mesothelioma lawyer to take action against the companies that exposed you to asbestos. Choose an experienced Louisiana attorney who has represented and won for clients like you. They can help you make a claim or file a lawsuit and give you the best chance of recovering monetary damages.

To navigate the complexities of filing a mesothelioma claim in Louisiana, start by connecting with a seasoned asbestos lawyer. Not all attorneys have the specialized expertise required for these cases, which differ significantly from other legal claims. A knowledgeable lawyer will help you identify how and where you were exposed to asbestos, an essential step in linking your diagnosis to specific instances of exposure.

Once your exposure history is established, your attorney can assist in filing claims against all responsible parties. Due to the widespread distribution of asbestos, these claims may span multiple jurisdictions. Your attorney will strategically determine the best locations in Louisiana—such as New Orleans or Baton Rouge—for filing your claim to maximize potential compensation.

The legal journey may involve:

• Reviewing evidence from both sides.
• Recording depositions for trial use.
• Negotiating settlements or proceeding to trial if necessary.

In some cases, you might file a claim with asbestos trust funds, which involves matching your exposure history to specific companies. This process includes choosing between an expedited review for quicker, predetermined compensation, or an individual review that might result in a higher payout. Once an offer is accepted, payment is the final step.

Whether pursuing a lawsuit or a trust fund claim, having an experienced Louisiana asbestos lawyer by your side ensures you have the best chance of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve.

Types of Asbestos Claims and Lawsuits

Your lawyer will review your case and determine which types of claims or lawsuits you are eligible for:

• Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit
• Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
• Asbestos trust fund claim
• Veteran benefits claim

Most lawsuits are settled out of court. If negotiations fail, the case may go to court, where a jury renders a verdict. If companies that exposed you to asbestos went bankrupt, you cannot sue, but you can make a claim with an asbestos trust fund.

The Asbestos Trust Fund Claim Process:

• Identify Exposure: The first step involves matching your exposure history to specific companies that manufactured or used asbestos. This is crucial for filing claims with the appropriate trust funds.
• Filing Claims: Once you’ve linked your exposure to certain companies, you will likely need to file claims with multiple trusts. Each trust has its own criteria and procedures.
• Review Options: Claims are reviewed through two primary methods:
  • Expedited Review: This provides a quick, predetermined payout.
  • Individual Review: This takes longer but offers the potential for higher compensation, as the claim is evaluated on its unique merits.
• Liquidation of Claims: Liquidation involves assigning a monetary value to the claim. In expedited reviews, this value is preset. For individual reviews, the value is negotiated between the trustee and your asbestos lawyer.
• Payment: Once an offer is made and accepted, payment is processed as the final step.

This structured approach contrasts with the traditional lawsuit route, offering a potentially faster and more predictable resolution for those affected by asbestos exposure.

If you served in the military, you might have been exposed to asbestos during your service. This entitles you to VA healthcare and other benefits, such as monthly disability payments.

Filing a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Claim in Louisiana

To embark on the journey of filing a mesothelioma claim in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand the state-specific process. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Connect with a Specialized Louisiana Asbestos Lawyer: Engaging a lawyer experienced in Louisiana asbestos cases is essential. They understand the nuances of state law and can guide you effectively.
2. Identify Exposure Sources: Pinpointing how and where you encountered asbestos is vital. This step is foundational, as it connects your diagnosis to specific instances of exposure. Your attorney will aid in this investigation, linking exposure to liable companies.
3. File Claims Against Responsible Parties: Asbestos exposure often crosses state lines, necessitating filings in multiple jurisdictions. Your lawyer will ensure comprehensive claims are filed, targeting all responsible parties.

Understanding the Legal Processes

• Mesothelioma Lawsuits: These can be filed in major Louisiana cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The process includes evidence review, depositions, and potentially, trial verdicts. Settlements are common, providing quicker resolutions and financial compensation.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: If responsible companies have declared bankruptcy, claims are filed with established trust funds. These involve either expedited reviews for quick, fixed compensation or individual reviews for potentially higher payouts.

Potential Outcomes

Experienced lawyers will strive for settlements to expedite compensation. However, if a settlement isn’t reached, the case may proceed to trial. Both outcomes ensure victims receive their deserved compensation for the negligence endured.

Navigating a mesothelioma claim in Louisiana requires a strategic approach, leveraging local legal expertise to maximize success and alleviate the burden on victims and their families.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

There is a lot of variation in the duration of an asbestos lawsuit. It is faster to settle than to go to trial, which is why many lawyers choose this option for their clients. It could take years if your case goes to trial.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect?

Every case is different. One important reason to rely on an expert asbestos attorney is that they can maximize the compensation you are entitled to. Compensation amounts depend on several factors:

• Past and future medical expenses
• The severity of your illness
• Home care and travel expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• The extent of liability of the asbestos companies involved

Average asbestos settlement amounts are between $1 and $1.4 million. Jury awards are usually higher but are not guaranteed. Asbestos trust fund claims are usually less.

Louisiana is actually a “pro-victim” state in many instances. For example, a former mechanic received a $3 million award settlement in 2013 in a Louisiana mesothelioma lawsuit.

However, some verdicts in Louisiana have reached even more notable figures.

• $10.35 Million to Former Longshoreman: In 2023, a Louisiana appellate court upheld this substantial verdict for a former longshoreman who worked at the Port of New Orleans from 1964 to 1968. His asbestos exposure was attributed to loading burlap bags of raw asbestos on cargo ships, with additional secondary exposure at home from his father performing similar work.
• $36.7 Million to Former Welder and Pipefitter: This verdict was delivered in 2021 by a Louisiana court to a former welder and pipefitter employed at the Union Carbide Plant from 1967 to 1970. It stands as one of the largest asbestos verdicts since courts resumed operations post-COVID-19 pandemic.
• $8.26 Million to Former Mechanic: Also in 2021, a New Orleans court awarded this amount to a former gas station and school bus mechanic from the 1960s and 1970s. The case involved asbestos exposure from working on brakes and clutches associated with Ford vehicles.

These cases highlight the significant impact and recognition of asbestos-related claims in Louisiana, demonstrating the state’s commitment to addressing the plight of victims with substantial compensation.

The Role of Louisiana Courts in Asbestos Exposure Cases

The Louisiana court system plays a crucial role in asbestos exposure cases due to its historical precedent of delivering favorable outcomes for victims. This legal environment often leads to substantial compensation for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and developed related health conditions, such as mesothelioma.

Why Louisiana’s Legal Climate Matters

1. Victim-Focused Jurisprudence: The courts in Louisiana are known for their approach that tends to favor the victims, often taking into consideration the severe health impacts asbestos exposure can have.
2. Significant Payouts: Due to this victim-oriented approach, the compensation awarded in these cases can be significant. This not only aids victims in covering medical expenses but also provides financial security for their families.
3. Precedent Influence: The decisions made in these courts can influence other jurisdictions by setting legal benchmarks in handling asbestos-related claims.

Louisiana’s court system, thus, provides a vital avenue for justice and financial relief for those affected by asbestos exposure, making it a significant player in the legal landscape of such cases.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Louisiana?

Most asbestos exposure in Louisiana and other states occurred on the job. Several important industries in the state have a history of asbestos use. They are responsible for most of the exposure that has occurred in Louisiana.

Oil Refining

Oil refinery workers in Louisiana are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Most oil refineries in Louisiana used asbestos in pipes, tanks, machinery, and equipment. Many oil refinery companies operate here since Louisiana is situated on the Gulf of Mexico.

Salt Mining

The salt mining business was another industry known for heavy asbestos use. One company, in particular, Breaux Bridge’s Cargill, used asbestos to help purify salt. Many workers at Cargill were exposed to the harmful fibers for years.

Vermiculite Processing

Another source of asbestos use came from the W.R. Grace & Company’s New Orleans facility. W.R. Grace is notorious for asbestos use as it was a significant vermiculite processing business.

In New Orleans, the site processed over 140,000 tons of vermiculite. Workers were at risk, and local area residents may have also been exposed.

Chemical Plants

Another big industry in Louisiana is chemical manufacturing. Like many other industries, chemical plants once used asbestos in many components and processes.

Most uses of asbestos in industrial manufacturing have been banned. An exception to this is chlor-alkali plants, which still use asbestos as part of the process. The plants make chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide. There are four chlor-alkali plants in Louisiana:

• Occidental Chemical Corporation, Covent
• Occidental Chemical Corporation, Taft
• Olin Corporation, Plaquemine
• Westlake Chemical Corporation, Plaquemine

Shipbuilding

With its strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has always been home to thriving shipping, shipbuilding, and port industries. At one time, ships were constructed with asbestos in nearly every component.

Workers most affected by asbestos in ships built them, installed asbestos insulation, or made repairs that disrupted asbestos. Also at serious risk were members of the U.S. Navy who worked on ships.

Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Louisiana

• Alexandria Street Railway Company
• Arkansas Oak Flooring Company
• Bentley Hotel, Inc.
• Central Louisiana Electric Company Inc
• City Electric Light & W.W.
• City of Alexandria Electric Light Dept.
• Dg Hunter Steam Plant
• Louisiana Pacific Corp
• Missouri Pacific R.R.
• Oil Field Scrap & Equipment Company
• Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing Company
• Red River Cotton Oil Company, Inc.
• Roberts Hardware & Supply
• Roland Construction Company
• Roy O. Martin Lumber Company
• Placid Refining
• Poplar Grove Factory and Refining Company
• Smithfield Sugar
• Westover Sugar Factory
• B & B Engineering & Supply Company
• Barnard & Burk Industrial
• Baton Rouge Charity Hospital
• Baton Rouge City Docks
• Baton Rouge Elec Company
• Best Manufacturing Company Inc
• Big Cajun Power Station
• Bolton Company
• Grace Chemical Research
• Grant Chemical Plant
• Gulf States Utilities Company
• Hbm River Plant
• Hercules Inc
• Herrin Transfer & Warehouse Company, Inc.
• Hullinghorst Industries, Inc.
• Humble Oil & Refining Company
• Insulation Engineers, Inc.
• JTT Warehouse
• Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
• Alcorn Combustion
• Bogal USA Paper Mill
• Delta Southern
• Firestone Tire Plant (Sulphur)
• Ford Bacon & Davis Company
• Gaylord Container Corporation
• General Motors (Shreveport)
• Peoples Utility Company

Louisiana Laws That Affect Asbestos Cases

State laws determine how lawsuits and claims proceed. Your lawyer can explain how they impact your case.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure

Secondhand asbestos exposure has occurred in the past when a worker inadvertently brought fibers of asbestos into the home. The fibers clung to hair and clothing and exposed family members. Some of these people got sick through secondhand exposure, often wives who laundered their husbands’ work clothes.

Louisiana recognizes take-home duty for secondhand asbestos exposure. This means that, legally, companies have a duty to warn workers and their family members of the risks of secondhand exposure.

Not all states recognize take-home duty. Because Louisiana does, it allows these special victims of asbestos exposure to sue for damages.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

• La. Civil Code § 3492 et seq. mandates that a one-year statute of limitations must be followed for plaintiffs who wish to file an asbestos-related lawsuit.
• The one-year limit begins from the time the illness was diagnosed.
• Wrongful death cases must be filed within a year of the victim’s actual date of death.

Louisiana Asbestos Safety Laws

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality enforces the state’s asbestos laws:

• Contractors must be certified and trained by an approved Louisiana training center/school before working on any asbestos abatement projects.
• Asbestos must be disposed of properly in one of Louisiana’s approved landfills. Disposal packaging must be visibly marked as dangerous and disposed of immediately upon inspection at the appropriate landfill.
• Notification must be written to the state prior to an asbestos abatement project.
• Friable asbestos is the riskiest type of asbestos and must be completely wetted before starting an asbestos abatement project in Louisiana.
• As with most states, written notification needs to be sent to the state prior to asbestos removal and disposal and during any building renovations and/or demolitions.

For more information, contact the Louisiana DEQ’s Office of Environmental Service at 225-219-0789.

Where Can I Get Treatment for Asbestos Diseases in Louisiana?

Obtaining the best mesothelioma treatment is essential, which means finding a specialist in asbestos-related diseases.

An NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation for a medical facility tells you that it is known for its specialized focus, research, treatment options, and new technologies.

The Mary Bird Perkins Care Center in Baton Rouge, for instance, is an NCI-designated care center with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease specialists on staff. It has six campuses in Oklahoma also, including the Proton Campus in Oklahoma City.

Another important center for cancer care in Louisiana is the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans. A part of the Ochsner Medical Center, it includes a multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic that treats mesothelioma patients.

When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them

– Isabelle D.

Getting Legal Help in Louisiana

Remember, if you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of enjoyment, emotional stress, and more. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.