Workers in the area who were harmed by asbestos are now fighting back with the help of Baton Rouge mesothelioma lawyers. Baton Rouge’s economy includes shipping, shipbuilding, and a Dow Chemical plant, all of which used asbestos at some point in their history.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baton Rouge, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Facts About Asbestos in Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge and the East Baton Rouge Parish had the second-highest number of deaths in Louisiana related to asbestos from 1999 to 2017.
- During that period, nearly 400 people in the area died from asbestos illnesses like mesothelioma.
- A shipping port and a nearby chemical plant are among the biggest sources of asbestos exposure in Baton Rouge.
Why Are Mesothelioma Cases Particularly High in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Baton Rouge, Louisiana sees a strikingly high number of mesothelioma cases, a trend closely linked to its industrial landscape. At the heart of this issue lies the state’s significant concentration of chemical plants and manufacturing facilities. These industries have historically been notorious for their heavy use of asbestos, a material once prized for its heat-resistant properties.
Asbestos in Industry
- Chemical Plants: Asbestos was widely used for insulation in chemical plants due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Workers in these settings often handled equipment wrapped in asbestos, putting them at risk of exposure.
- Manufacturing Sector: From shipbuilding to construction materials, many products manufactured in Louisiana’s facilities traditionally incorporated asbestos. This widespread use increased the likelihood of workers breathing in dangerous fibers.
Historical Context
For decades, asbestos was considered a ‘miracle’ material, and its dangers were not widely recognized until it was too late for many workers. Louisiana, with its abundance of relevant industries, became a hotspot for asbestos exposure.
Current Implications
Understanding this historical misuse and exposure helps explain why mesothelioma cases remain disproportionately high in Louisiana. Continued awareness and legal actions are essential in addressing the long-term impacts on workers and communities in the region.
In summary, the industrial history of Louisiana, heavily entrenched in asbestos use, significantly contributes to the state’s elevated mesothelioma rates.
Why Do I Need a Baton Rouge Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The asbestos exposure that leads to mesothelioma is almost always negligent. If you have mesothelioma, the companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos can be held accountable.
People primarily file a claim for mesothelioma because this terrible disease is expensive. The companies responsible can and should be held liable for your expenses.
To get compensation from them, you need an asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer. They can help you file one or more of the following:
Claims and trust fund claims are reliable ways to get the compensation needed to pay medical and other expenses related to mesothelioma.
How to Choose a Baton Rouge Mesothelioma Lawyer
Top-rated Louisiana attorneys serving asbestos victims in Baton Rouge are available now. It’s important that you choose the right lawyer to take your case. Your ability to get the compensation you need for medical and other expenses depends on this choice.
Consider these factors when selecting a Baton Rouge mesothelioma lawyer:
- They should have years of experience settling and litigating asbestos and mesothelioma cases.
- Ask for evidence of wins for previous asbestos clients.
- Your lawyer should be part of a larger, nationwide firm with the resources needed to take on and win a complicated claim.
- They should offer a free initial consultation and contingency payment, so you pay no fees until they win.
- Look for a compassionate legal team that considers your illness and helps you get through the legal process comfortably.
Choosing the right lawyer is so important. Asbestos cases are complicated and require proof of where, when, and by what companies you were exposed to. You also need evidence that the exposure led to your illness. Only an experienced lawyer in a large asbestos firm can gather the proof needed to build a strong case.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is a hotspot for past asbestos exposure and ongoing mesothelioma diagnoses. The city and surrounding area have been host to numerous industries that used asbestos heavily.
Workers in those industries risked asbestos exposure, as did their families and nearby residents. Port workers, construction workers, and chemical company workers had some of the highest risks of asbestos exposure.
Port of Baton Rouge
Located a few miles west of Baton Rouge in Port Allen, the Port of Baton Rouge handled asbestos and other cargo types over many years. Before the 1980s, many workers unloaded and handled bags of the harmful mineral, even opening some for inspections.
Dr. Mike Hackler, a leading cardiovascular surgeon, worked at the Port of Baton Rouge during his summers while in school during the 1960s. Along with several friends, Dr. Hackler was responsible for unloading, opening, and inspecting numerous bags of asbestos.
Several years later, Dr. Hackler diagnosed some of these former co-workers with asbestos-related illnesses. He also developed mesothelioma in 2006 after those early years of working with and inhaling asbestos fibers.
To promote awareness, Dr. Hackler’s son, Mike Hackler Jr., joined several asbestos awareness groups and lobbies to Congress annually at the Meso Foundation Symposium. He also advocates for National Mesothelioma Awareness Day, which takes place on September 26.
Dow Chemical
In August of 2013, a Baton Rouge jury awarded $5.3 million to Sidney Mabile, a native of Louisiana who worked for Dow Chemical for several years. Along with thousands of other employees, the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos on the job.
According to the official court documents, in the 1970s, Dow Chemical predicted that some of the employees might develop cancer. Yet, the company did nothing to stop its employees and contractors from being exposed. In addition, documents revealed that Dow Chemical lobbied in an attempt to oppose the EPA’s regulations on asbestos use.
Asbestos at LSU
In addition to the industries in the area that exposed workers to asbestos, many buildings were constructed using asbestos materials. These include homes, schools, and public buildings.
Now, many are facing potential exposure to aging asbestos. Staff and students at Louisiana State University may be at risk because of materials in several campus buildings.
Renovations on campus have stalled because of asbestos, including a restoration of the clock tower. Nearly $1 million is needed to remediate and renovate several buildings for safety.
Additional Job Sites Associated with Asbestos
Schools
- Broadmoor Middle School
- Central Middle School
- Mckinley High School
- Louisiana State University
- Mckinley Middle Magnet School
- Scotlandville Magnet High School
- Southern University and A&M College
- Ascension High School
Chemical Companies
- Allied Chemical Company
- Borden Chemical Inc.
- Consolidated Chemical Corporation
- Copolymer Rubber & Chemical Corporation
- The Dow Chemical Company
- Enjay Chemical Company
- W.R. Grace Chemical Research and Development
- Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
- Stauffer Chemical Company
- Uniroyal Chemical
- Ethyl Chemical
- Monochem Incorporated
Asbestos Companies
- Eagle Asbestos & Packing Company, Inc.
- Standard Asbestos Manufacturing & Insulating Company
Additional Companies and Buildings
- Avondale Shipyards Inc (Baton Rouge)
- B & B Engineering & Supply Company
- Mobile Oil Louisiana
- Earl K. Long Medical Center
- Baton Rouge Municipal Dock
- Big Cajun Power Plant
- Esso Research
- Humble Oil & Refining Company
- Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
- Cajun Electric LLC
- Reilly-Benton Company, Inc.
- A.G. McKee Standard Oil
- Alcorn Combustion
- Anco Insulations
- Baton Rouge Hospital
- Baton Rouge City Docks
- Crawford Corporation
- Delta Southern
- Exxon Baton Rouge
- Gulf State Utilities
- JTT Warehouse
Mesothelioma Treatment in Baton Rouge
Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other diseases caused by asbestos are rare and require treatment by specialists. In Baton Rouge, the Ochsner Cancer Center is a recognized cancer treatment center specializing in asbestos-related issues.
Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge
17050 Medical Center Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-761-5200
Another location in the area for cancer treatment is the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The lung cancer department treats patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
4950 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
1-888-501-4763
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice
– Natalie F.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth?
Compensation depends on your diagnosis, exposure history, and the type of claim. The table below shows the main paths and typical ranges.
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Claim needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos trust funds | Claims paid from bankrupt asbestos manufacturers’ trust funds | $30B+ available across active trusts; each trust sets its own payout schedule | No — filed directly, often in months. Trust fund payouts → |
| Mesothelioma settlement | Negotiated recovery from solvent companies that caused the exposure | Averages ~$1M–$1.4M (varies widely by case) | Yes — a claim is filed; most cases settle before trial |
| Wrongful-death claim | Filed by a surviving spouse or family after the patient has passed | Medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship | Yes — must be filed within the state deadline. Wrongful death → |
| VA benefits | For veterans with an asbestos-related disease from military service | VA disability compensation plus health care (not a claim) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
Getting Legal Help in Baton Rouge
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
