Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you encountered asbestos, an experienced Maryland mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine your options for recovering damages. Maryland residents and workers have been exposed to asbestos from natural deposits, construction materials, shipyards, factories, and other industrial sites and workplaces.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to considerable compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Many clients start receiving compensation in as few as 90 days. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure you experience minimal delays.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Compensation: First payments often begin within 90 days, offering immediate financial relief.
• Ongoing Payments: Additional checks may follow over the next year or so until your case is fully resolved.

Keep in mind, the timeline may vary based on the specifics of your case. However, rest assured, we are committed to securing the most compensation for you as quickly as possible.

By understanding these timelines and processes, you’ll have a clearer picture of your financial journey ahead.

We offer assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all areas of Maryland, including:

Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Ellicott,Frederick, Glen Burnie, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Dundalk, Towson, Bowie, Aspen Hill, Wheaton, North Bethesda, Bel Air South, Severn, Potomac, Woodlawn Cdp, Catonsville, Hagerstown, Chillum, Clinton, Odenton, Olney, Severna Park, Essex, Owings, Mills, Montgomery Village, Pikesville, Parkville, Eldersburg, Milford Mill, Bel Air North, Randallstown, Salisbury, College Park, Carney, Crofton, Perry Hall, Ilchester, Middle River, Reisterstown, South Laurel, Edgewood, Pasadena, Laurel, Lochearn, Suitland, North Potomac, Greenbelt, Fort Washington, Landover, Langley Park, Arnold, Fairland, North Laurel, Cockeysville, Cumberland, Arbutus, Camp Springs, Lake Shore, Oxon Hill, Calverton, Westminster, Rosedale, Ballenger Creek, Hyattsville, Ferndale, Takoma Park, Glassmanor, White Oak, Beltsville, Redland, Easton, Parole, Seabrook, Maryland City, Cloverly, Elkridge, East Riverdale, Elkton, Adelphi, Rossville, Hillcrest Heights, Aberdeen, Clarksburg, Damascus, Glenmont, Colesville, Brooklyn Park, Glenn Dale, Havre de Grace, Kettering, Cambridge, Joppatowne, Riviera Beach, and more.

About Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Most asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace and was more common in the past. When workers handle asbestos, it sheds fibers into the air that can then be inhaled or ingested.

Inside the body, asbestos causes damage to tissue and cells, leading to illness in some people. Once inhaled or ingested, these microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lining of certain organs, such as the lungs, heart, or abdomen. This irritation can lead to significant health problems over time, as the affected tissues and cells may mutate and become cancerous.

Health Conditions Linked to Asbestos Exposure:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Other asbestos-related diseases

Mesothelioma develops decades after asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. Symptoms of this disease can take 20-50 years to manifest and are often similar to those of other common illnesses, which makes early diagnosis challenging. Understanding the long-term effects and risks associated with asbestos is crucial for those who have been exposed, especially in occupational settings.

How to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Maryland

Asbestos exposure that causes mesothelioma involves negligence. Employers and asbestos suppliers had a duty to warn workers of the risks of exposure. They can be held liable for damages.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Maryland, you can file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation:

• Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit. Negligent exposure that results in illness is a personal injury. A lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to recover damages. Most of these lawsuits end in settlements and compensation for the victim. Only rarely do they go to trial.
• Asbestos trust fund claim. If the negligent companies went bankrupt, they cannot be sued. They most likely set up an asbestos trust fund to compensate victims. A lawyer can help you find the trusts you are eligible for and file claims.
• Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to negligent asbestos exposure, a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit. You can seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional pain and suffering.

If you were exposed to asbestos during military service, you could also be eligible for VA benefits. These include monthly disability compensation and treatment at VA medical centers. A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.

What Evidence is Needed to File a Mesothelioma Claim?

Filing a mesothelioma claim requires a solid foundation of evidence to support your case. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Medical Documentation:
   • A confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial. This includes pathology reports and medical records detailing your condition and treatment history.
2. Proof of Asbestos Exposure:
   • Detailed work history that identifies where and when you were exposed to asbestos. This can involve employment records, military service documents, or testimonies from co-workers or employers.
3. Identifying Asbestos Products:
   • Evidence of the specific asbestos-containing products you encountered. This could be product labels, invoices, or any documentation linking you to the exposure of these products.
4. Connection to Asbestos Manufacturers:
   • Information that identifies the companies responsible for your exposure. Historical data, purchase orders, and expert testimonies can help establish which manufacturers produced the asbestos-containing materials you came in contact with.
5. Legal Precedents and Case Evidence:
   • Gather past case outcomes and settlements related to similar exposures to strengthen your claim. This might include verdicts, settlements, and claims involving the same manufacturers.

By compiling this comprehensive evidence, you create a powerful case that can help you seek the compensation you deserve. It’s beneficial to collaborate with legal experts who possess extensive knowledge and resources in tracking down historical evidence to support mesothelioma claims.

Steps in Negotiating a Mesothelioma Settlement

Navigating a mesothelioma settlement involves several key steps to ensure you receive fair compensation. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your journey begins with an initial consultation with a qualified asbestos attorney. They will evaluate your case by reviewing medical records, work history, and exposure details to determine its viability.
2. Gathering Evidence: Your legal team will collect robust evidence to support your claim. This includes medical documentation of your diagnosis, employment records showing exposure to asbestos, and any witnesses that can attest to your working conditions.
3. Filing a Claim: Once the evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a formal claim against the responsible asbestos manufacturer or employer. This step officially notifies them of your intent to seek compensation.
4. Negotiation Process: Your attorney will begin negotiations with the defendant’s legal representatives. This involves presenting evidence and arguing your case to reach a reasonable settlement offer. The goal is to secure compensation that covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages associated with your diagnosis.
5. Review of Settlement Offer: After negotiations, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Your attorney will help you understand the terms and ensure the offer is fair and adequate to meet your needs.
6. Acceptance or Rejection: You have the option to accept or reject the settlement offer. If rejected, your attorney may continue negotiations or decide to proceed with a lawsuit.
7. Court Trial (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Here, a judge and jury will assess the evidence and decide the compensation amount through a verdict.

Throughout the process, your attorney will guide you, providing expertise and support, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

How Do Mesothelioma Lawsuits Differ from Class Action Lawsuits?

When pursuing legal action for mesothelioma, the process diverges significantly from class action lawsuits. Here’s why:

• Individual Attention: Each mesothelioma lawsuit is filed on a personal basis, which allows legal representatives to focus on the specific details and circumstances of an individual’s case. This individualized approach ensures that the unique aspects of each victim’s situation are considered.
• Tailored Compensation: Since these cases are handled separately, attorneys can work diligently to secure compensation that best reflects the specific harm and losses experienced by the individual. This stands in contrast to class action suits, where compensation is distributed across many plaintiffs, potentially diluting the amount received by each.
• Case Control: In mesothelioma lawsuits, the plaintiff maintains more control over their case, allowing for decisions that align closely with their personal goals and needs. This contrasts with class actions, where decisions are often made on behalf of the entire group.

By handling these cases individually, victims of mesothelioma receive the personal attention required to pursue the most appropriate and substantial compensation based on their unique situations.

Finding a Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer

Taking any of these steps requires the guidance of an expert lawyer specializing in asbestos cases. Mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits are complicated. They often involve multiple defendants. Some might be asbestos companies from outside Maryland that supplied your workplace.

Top Maryland mesothelioma lawyers are available in your area, so don’t settle for less. You need someone with relevant experience and backed by a large, nationwide firm. These firms have the resources and multistate jurisdictions necessary to settle asbestos cases successfully.

When hiring an asbestos lawyer in Maryland, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. These attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means they only get paid if your case results in compensation. This arrangement ensures that you can pursue justice without financial stress.

They should offer a free initial consultation and contingency payment. You should not have to pay anything until they win your case. By choosing the right legal representation, you can focus on what truly matters: your health and family.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Maryland?

Although some of the state’s asbestos deaths may have resulted from repeated exposure to naturally occurring asbestos in Maryland, most trace back to large-scale industrial use of asbestos-containing materials.

The peak period of heavy asbestos use was between the 1930s and 1970s. Maryland industries whose workers were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos fibers include:

• Mining Companies
• Shipbuilders
• Chemical Manufacturers
• Electrical Power Companies
• Construction Companies
• Automobile Repair Shops
• Heavy Industrial Manufacturers
• Steel Mills
• Paper Product Manufacturers
• Government Agencies
• Cement Manufacturers

How to Determine If You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos

Understanding potential asbestos exposure is crucial for safeguarding your health. Here are steps to help you determine if you’ve been affected:

• Identify Possible Exposure Sites
  • Asbestos was widely used in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and automotive repair.
  • Common exposure locations include older homes, schools, factories, and shipyards.
  • Check if your workplace or residence is among those known for asbestos use.
• Assess Your Work History
  • Review your employment history to see if you’ve worked in at-risk occupations, such as construction workers, miners, or electricians.
  • Consider reaching out to former colleagues to discuss any known asbestos risks during your tenure.
• Conduct a Home Inspection
  • If you live in a building constructed before the late 1980s, consider having it inspected by a certified asbestos professional.
  • Professional inspections can identify materials like insulation, flooring, and roofing that may contain asbestos.
• Understand Health Symptoms
  • Be aware of symptoms like persistent coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, which can be early signs of asbestos-related conditions.
  • Keep in mind that symptoms might take years to manifest after initial exposure.
• Consult Medical and Legal Experts
  • Schedule a check-up with a physician who specializes in occupational health to discuss your concerns and potential need for further testing.
  • Speak with an attorney experienced in asbestos exposure cases to understand your rights and available resources for diagnosis and potential compensation.
• Stay Informed
  • Keep up-to-date with industry safety standards and recommendations concerning asbestos.
  • Follow guidance from reputable organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Taking these steps can help you identify possible asbestos exposure, enabling you to take appropriate action to protect your health and well-being.

Asbestos in Maryland’s Shipping Industry

Maryland’s location on the Atlantic coast has made the state a major player in the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Boilers, steam pipes, and other heat-generating parts were covered with asbestos to prevent extreme temperatures or shipboard fires.

Merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels built during World War II also used asbestos insulation.

Shipyard workers, sailors, and ship engineers are among the high-risk groups for asbestos-related illnesses.

Thousands of people have died from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers as a result of exposure at these Baltimore shipyards:

• Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard
• Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard
• Key Highway Shipyard
• Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard
• Maryland Drydock Company

Power Stations and Asbestos

Until the early 1980s, all power-generating stations were built with asbestos. As in the shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing industries, asbestos materials were standard in construction.

Asbestos was liberally used in all sections and components in many power plants to control heat and prevent fires. Workbenches and protective gear had asbestos added in as insulation or fire retardant.

Asbestos is known to have been used extensively in these Maryland power-generating plants:

• Potomac Electric Company, Aquasco
• Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, Baltimore
• Northern Electric Company, Baltimore
• Brandon Shores Generating Station, Glen Burnie
• Chalk Point Generating Station, Eagle Harbor
• Charles P. Crane Generating Station, Bowleys Quarters
• Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station, Glen Burnie
• Dickerson Generating Station, Dickerson
• Montgomery County Resource Recovery Facility, Dickerson
• Warrior Run Generating Station, Cumberland
• Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Lusby

Where Else Did Asbestos Exposure Occur in Maryland?

Steel mills, sheet metal factories, chemical plants, the construction industry, and various government facilities used asbestos nearly as extensively as shipyards and power plants.

Asbestos exposure occurred as a matter of course for many decades in many Maryland job sites, including the following locations:

• Bethesda Naval Medical Hospital, Bethesda
• Naval Ordnance Laboratory, White Oak
• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, Cumberland
• Western Maryland Railroad, Cumberland
• Anchor Packing Company (Asbestos Manufacturer), Baltimore
• Porter Hayden Company (Asbestos Manufacturer), Baltimore

Maryland’s Asbestos Laws

Every state has its own laws regarding the handling of asbestos and how asbestos lawsuits proceed.

Statute of Limitations

A very important law to know for filing a lawsuit is the statute of limitations. This defines a deadline for when you can file and when it is too late:

• Code Ann. § 5-101 et seq. of the Maryland Courts and Judicial Process states that an asbestos-related lawsuit must be filed within three years of the time of the diagnosis or within three years of the time the disease should have been discovered.
• Wrongful death lawsuits have to be filed within three years of death in most cases.
• If the wrongful death was caused by a disease that developed because of the victim’s occupation, a 10-year statute of limitations can be used.

Maryland Does Not Recognize Take-Home Duty for Secondhand Asbestos Exposure

Secondhand asbestos exposure is less common than primary exposure on the job, but it happens and sometimes makes people sick. It occurs when someone brings fibers of asbestos into the home from the workplace, often on their clothing.

Some women, for instance, developed mesothelioma after years of washing their husbands’ asbestos-covered work clothes.

Companies have a responsibility, or duty, to warn workers of the risks of asbestos. Maryland has ruled that the duty does not extend to the family members of workers. This means that if you developed mesothelioma from secondhand exposure in Maryland, you cannot sue for damages.

Asbestos Safety Regulations in Maryland

According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, the handling and abatement of asbestos are strictly regulated:

• If you plan to remove, renovate, or repair any home, building, or product that contains asbestos, you must be a licensed asbestos contractor.
• If you aren’t a licensed contractor, you must hire one to perform the job for you. The contractor must also sign a contract with the state and pay fees.
• Asbestos licenses must be renewed annually under the COMAR 26.11.21 law.
• In order to qualify for asbestos removal, the contractor must first undergo training at an accredited asbestos training provider.
• A respiratory program that outlines the safety guidelines to be used while handling asbestos must be submitted to the state beforehand.
• Warning signs, at least 20 x 14 inches, must be placed in prominent areas surrounding the asbestos project.
• All records of any asbestos project must be maintained and saved. The state has the right to request these records at any time.

Along with the EPA guidelines, Maryland also follows the NESHAP regulations. For more state-specific asbestos information, contact the Office of the Secretary of State at 410-974-2486.

Treatment for Mesothelioma in Maryland

The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution in East Baltimore treats patients with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Kimmel Cancer Center is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Care Center and offers many treatment options.

Seek out treatment at a qualified medical facility that specializes in asbestos-related diseases. Since these types of illnesses are rare, you’ll need to find the right facility to get the best options for treatment.

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.

Legal Help in Maryland

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.