Portland, Oregon, Mesothelioma Lawyer

Contact a qualified Portland, Oregon mesothelioma lawyer if you have an asbestos disease or encountered asbestos on the job. Historically, Portland relied on shipyards, lumber, and mineral processing, industries that once heavily used asbestos.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Portland, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Portland Asbestos Facts

• Over 4,700 Oregon residents died from asbestos-related illnesses between 1999 and 2017.
• Multnomah County and Portland had the highest number of asbestos deaths in that period, with more than 700.
• Portland’s shipping industry, oil, lumber, and pulp companies contributed to asbestos exposure in workers.
• Portland was also home to two vermiculite facilities that processed asbestos-contaminated minerals from the Libby, Montana mines.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that most often affects the tissue around the lungs. A less common form, peritoneal mesothelioma, develops in the abdomen.

Most asbestos exposure occurs or occurred in workplaces and is considered negligent. Workers handling or even just working near asbestos inadvertently inhale tiny fibers shed from asbestos materials.

Inside the body, asbestos fibers damage tissues and cells. This leads to inflammation and, in some people, illness. Asbestos illnesses are usually not diagnosed until decades after exposure. If you think you could have been exposed to asbestos, talk to your doctor immediately.

When to Contact a Portland, Oregon, Mesothelioma Lawyer

Talk to a top Portland, OR, mesothelioma or asbestos attorney as soon as possible after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Because asbestos exposure is negligent, you have a right to take legal action and seek compensation.

Filing an asbestos claim in Portland is crucial not only for your immediate needs but also for broader justice. Many companies knowingly hid the dangers of asbestos for decades. By filing a claim, you can hold these companies accountable for their negligence, ensuring that they answer for the harm caused.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local asbestos law firm. You have no time to lose with this aggressive cancer. There are also time limits on filing asbestos lawsuits and claims, so don’t wait and miss your opportunity.

Securing compensation can help cover medical expenses and provide financial stability for your family’s future. This is more than just a legal battle; it’s about protecting your loved ones and making sure your voice is heard.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in Oregon

If you’re considering filing a mesothelioma claim in Oregon, it’s crucial to understand the statute of limitations. This legal term refers to the strict timeframe within which you must initiate your lawsuit.

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims, like mesothelioma, typically allows you to file within two years of the date of diagnosis. If you’re filing on behalf of a deceased family member, the filing period is generally two years from the date of death.

Here’s why acting quickly is essential:

• Preserving Evidence: Mesothelioma cases rely heavily on documents and witness testimonies. The sooner you start, the better your chances of gathering robust evidence.
• Legal Preparation: Building a solid case takes time. Early engagement with legal experts ensures there’s ample time for preparation.
• Avoiding Claim Dismissal: Missing the deadline could result in losing your right to file altogether.

Given these constraints, it’s advisable to contact a legal professional who specializes in asbestos cases as soon as possible after diagnosis or a loved one’s passing. Doing so ensures you are well within this critical time window.

The Benefit of Working With a Mesothelioma Lawyer

There are many good reasons to work with a mesothelioma lawyer if you have an asbestos illness:

• Get a free expert consultation to learn more about your case and legal options.
• Benefit from the expertise of someone who has handled and won asbestos cases.
• Maximize the compensation you receive from asbestos companies.
• Get compensation as soon as within 90 days.
• Don’t pay any fees until they win for you.

When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, consider these key factors to ensure you’re making the best decision:

1. Experience Matters: Look for a lawyer with decades of experience in asbestos litigation. This ensures they have the deep knowledge necessary to handle complex cases effectively.
2. Track Record of Success: A proven history of winning significant settlements or verdicts for clients is crucial. This track record not only demonstrates their capability but also builds your confidence in achieving a favorable outcome.
3. No Upfront Costs: Choose a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless they secure compensation for you, making it a risk-free engagement.
4. Comprehensive Support: Opt for a legal team that offers full support throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your health and loved ones during this challenging time.

By considering these factors, you can ensure you’re partnering with a legal professional who will effectively advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Notable Mesothelioma Settlements in the Portland Area

If you’re curious about past mesothelioma settlements in the Portland area, here are some examples that reflect the diverse circumstances and significant compensations awarded:

• A manufacturing worker in Portland received a settlement of $3.76 million.
• An asbestos abatement worker from Beaverton secured $3.79 million in compensation.
• A welder in Lake Oswego was awarded $2.67 million.

Additional Settlements:

• U.S. Navy Veteran in Salem: This individual with peritoneal mesothelioma obtained $2.68 million.
• A cashier in Rainier with mesothelioma received $1.87 million.
• A machinist based in Milwaukie reached a settlement of $2 million.
• Nearly $1 million was awarded to a U.S. Navy veteran in Portland.
• A telephone worker in Salem with pleural mesothelioma secured a settlement of $1.18 million.
• A mechanic in Molalla was awarded $1.49 million.
• A power company worker in Salem received $1.71 million.
• A longshoreman from Colton with peritoneal mesothelioma achieved a settlement of $1.49 million.
• A combined settlement of $1.35 million went to a U.S. Navy veteran and welder in Salem.

Please Note: Settlement amounts can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the individual’s exposure history, age, and diagnosis. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

What Kind of Asbestos Claim Can I File in Portland?

Your lawyer will explain your options, the types of claims you are eligible for, and the best choice for receiving compensation. You might qualify for one or more of the following sources of compensation:

• Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Mesothelioma is considered a personal injury. You can file a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that exposed you. Most of these lawsuits end in settlements. Only rarely do they go to trial, where your lawyer will seek a jury award.
• Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. Too often, a victim of mesothelioma passes away before they can resolve a personal injury lawsuit. Their families may choose to continue the legal action as a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. If asbestos companies went bankrupt, you cannot sue them for damages. Instead, you can make a claim with an asbestos trust fund. Many companies set up these trusts during bankruptcy, and they still contain nearly $30 billion for victims.
• VA Benefits Claim. If you are a veteran, you might have been exposed to asbestos during your service. You could be eligible for VA benefits, including monthly disability compensation.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Portland?

Asbestos exposure almost always occurs on the job. Several industries, including those important to Portland’s economy, used asbestos in the past. These are just some examples of Portland workplaces that put workers at risk of exposure.

Portland Shipyard

Established in 1942, the Portland Shipyard opened to contribute to the war effort. Workers built ships and repaired damaged vessels. Employees and contractors on the site experienced years of asbestos exposure.

The following are among some of the many types of equipment, parts, and operations that contained asbestos at the Portland Shipyard:

• Pipes
• Pumps
• Incinerators
• Gaskets
• Welding blankets
• Valves
• Turbines
• Boilers

Many Portland residents developed asbestos-related illnesses after working at the Portland Shipyard. Some of the workers most likely to have been exposed to asbestos include:

• Vessel mechanics
• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Insulators
• Electricians
• Plumbers

Vermiculite Processing in Portland

The Oregon Department of Human Services and the  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) evaluated two vermiculite processing facilities in Portland and found issues with asbestos.

Both received shipments of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mines in Libby, Montana:

• Vermiculite Northwest. Workers who processed vermiculite between 1967 and 1994 were likely exposed to asbestos. Other people who may have been exposed include family members of the workers and anyone who used or came into contact with the plant’s waste rocks.
• Supreme Perlite. This plant processed vermiculite from 1968 to 1974. Some of the minerals came from Libby. Workers during that time period, and members of their households, were probably exposed to asbestos. The soil at the site was not remediated until 2001. Workers in the facility prior to that who did not process vermiculite may have been exposed.

The vermiculite processed at these facilities went into products, mostly insulation, that were then shipped and used nationwide.

Many more people were probably exposed to Libby asbestos than the workers in the processing plants.

Other Job Sites with Asbestos in Portland

Many more workplaces, buildings, and companies in Portland used asbestos in the past. Some of these buildings remain in place and may still pose risks of exposure.

Schools and Hospitals

• Jefferson High School
• Concordia College
• John Adams High School
• Lewis & Clark College
• Marylhurst University
• Mt. Hood Community College
• University of Oregon
• Portland State University
• Oregon Health & Science University
• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Kaiser
• Saint Vincent’s Hospital
• Woodland Park Hospital
• Lincoln High School
• Treadwell Nursing Home

Shipyards

• Albina Shipyard
• Dyer Shipyard
• Swan Island Shipyard
• Willamette Iron and Steel Shipyard

Chemical and Oil Companies

• Chipman Chemical
• Chevron Chemical Fertilizer Plant
• Paramount Oil Refinery
• Rhone-Poulenc Chemical Plant
• Stauffer Chemical Plant
• Shell Oil
• Standard Oil
• Union Oil Company
• Klamath Chemical
• Pennwalt Chemicals

Steel Companies

• Oregon Steel Mills, Inc.
• Columbia Steel Casting Company, Inc.
• Electric Steel Foundry Company (ESCO)
• Gilmore Steel Corporation

Construction Companies

• American Pipe & Construction
• Leonard Construction Company
• Raderfab Construction

Apartments and Hotels

• King Plaza Apartments
• Raleigh Scholls Apartments
• The Benson
• Cosmopolitan Motor Hotel
• Imperial Hotel
• Multnomah Hotel

Additional Businesses and Buildings

• Acme Trading & Supply Company
• Armstrong Cork Company
• Associated Meat and Kenton Meat Packing
• Blitz Weinhard Brewery
• Brooks Scanlon Lumber Company
• Century Fund Incorporated
• Crown Columbia Pulp and Paper Company
• Crown Zellerbach Corporation
• Doernbecher Manufacturing Company
• Linde Air Products Company
• Metalclad Insulation Corporation of Oregon
• Mount Hood Railway and Power Company
• Multnomah County Farm Power Station
• Oregon Laundry and Dry Cleaners
• Peninsula Lumber Company
• Portland Power & Light
• Simpson Logging Company
• Troy Laundry Company
• Union Carbide Corporation
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Therm-O-Seal Insulation Company
• Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway Company

Mesothelioma Treatment in Portland, Oregon

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland is a comprehensive cancer care center backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as one of the leading medical centers in the entire Northwest.

The Knight Cancer Institute partners with several national, regional, and worldwide institutions, including the following:

• M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center
• The University of California at Los Angeles
• Salem Cancer Institute
• Quality Healthcare
• Mercy Medical Center
• Bay Area Hospital

Knight Cancer Institute offers mesothelioma patients clinical trials, advanced treatment options, and state-of-the-art technology.

Knight Cancer Institute Cancer Center 

3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, Oregon 97239
Cancer Institute: (503) 494-1617
Health Care Services/OHSU Switchboard: (503) 494-8311

The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center made my husband and I feel much better about dealing with Meso. They made sure we received everything we could and they also made sure he saw the best medical attention possible. They arranged visits with doctors that they personally knew and recommended. We can’t imagine dealing with this without Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.

– Isabelle D.

Legal Help in Portland

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, you may qualify for considerable 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 additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.