Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer

Many workers who were injured by asbestos are fighting back with the help of a qualified Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer. Although Rhode Island is a small state, it has had its share of devastating asbestos exposure, mostly from manufacturing and shipbuilding industries.

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 Rhode Island, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

In Rhode Island, mesothelioma lawyers have successfully recovered over $30 million for families affected by asbestos exposure. This impressive achievement is part of a broader effort, with more than $9.8 billion recovered for thousands of clients nationwide.

By engaging with seasoned professionals, you not only gain access to expertise but also become part of a legacy of significant compensation wins. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone—discover how you can benefit from the expertise and proven track record of successful mesothelioma claims.

• Learn about top Rhode Island lawyers
• Understand the claims process
• Access asbestos trust funds

Secure your financial future today with the help of dedicated legal experts.

We offer assistance in all areas of Rhode Island, including:

Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence, South Kingstown, Johnston, West Warwick, North Kingstown, Newport, Westerly, Bristol, Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, Portsmouth, Barrington, Middletown, Burrillville, Narragansett, Tiverton, East Greenwich, North Smithfield, Warren, Scituate, Glocester, Hopkinton, Charlestown, Richmond, Exeter, West Greenwich, Jamestown, Foste, Little Compton, New Shoreham, and more.

About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer. It most often affects the tissue around the lungs, which is known as pleural mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdomen.

The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural mineral that easily sheds tiny fibers. Workers or residents in buildings with asbestos can inhale those fibers. They cause tissue and cell damage in the body that can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is often diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure. If you have mesothelioma now, you probably encountered asbestos on the job many years ago.

Why Should I Sue for Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. And asbestos exposure is almost always negligent. Companies that exposed people to asbestos without warnings and without safety protections can and should be held accountable.

Most people sue over mesothelioma to get compensation and to hold these companies liable for their expenses. Mesothelioma is expensive and can cost you in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Track Record of Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in Rhode Island

In recent years, there have been numerous successful settlements and verdicts for mesothelioma cases in Rhode Island. Victims have received substantial compensation to cover medical expenses and to pursue justice against those responsible for their asbestos exposure.

Below is a snapshot of some significant compensation amounts awarded to individuals:

• $5 Million: Granted to a factory worker in Smithfield, highlighting successful outcomes for industrial workers impacted by asbestos.
• $2.3 Million: Secured for a drywaller and welder from Little Compton, exemplifying critical recovery for tradespeople.
• $2 Million: Awarded for secondhand asbestos exposure in Providence, underscoring the broad impact of asbestos-related harm.

Additional Notable Settlements

• $1.54 Million: Achieved for a U.S. Navy veteran and boiler tender from Coventry.
• $1.19 Million: Allocated to a union laborer in Newport suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
• $1.37 Million: Recovered for a concrete worker in Portsmouth.
• $1.14 Million: Directed to a North Kingstown U.S. Navy veteran and electrician.
• $1.36 Million: Compensated for a machinist mate from Charlestown with a military background.
• $1.12 Million: Granted to a Hope-based union insulator afflicted by pleural mesothelioma.

These figures illustrate the diverse backgrounds of individuals affected by mesothelioma and the legal system’s role in delivering justice. Each case is unique, with outcomes shaped by factors such as the level of asbestos exposure and the personal circumstances of the victim. This record underscores the importance of personalized legal strategies aimed at maximizing compensation for each client.

Free Consultation with a Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer

Top Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyers are available and offer free initial consultations. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get answers.

During a consultation, a lawyer will review your case, answer any questions, and explain your legal options. You could be eligible for one or more of the following compensation claims:

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

Comprehensive Legal Support for Mesothelioma Victims

Our legal team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand the intricacies of your case. From collecting evidence to filing your claim on time, we handle all the details so you can focus on your health and family. If your lawyer believes you have a case, they will help you take the steps to file a claim or lawsuit, giving you the best chance of receiving fair compensation.

Multiple Avenues for Compensation

Your legal team can pursue mesothelioma compensation in several ways:

• Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: With over $30 billion still available in trust funds, you can access compensation without stepping foot in court.
• Mesothelioma Lawsuits: These can secure significant compensation from companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
• Veterans Benefits: Recognizing that veterans make up a significant portion of mesothelioma cases, we help you access VA benefits, which provide health care and monthly compensation.

Our commitment to you includes traveling to meet you at your convenience and ensuring you don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you. This client-focused approach ensures you receive the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

What Are the Costs Associated with Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney in Rhode Island?

When facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, understanding the legal costs involved in pursuing compensation is crucial. Fortunately, hiring a mesothelioma attorney in Rhode Island often comes with financial peace of mind.

No Upfront Costs

Most mesothelioma attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t need to worry about paying any initial fees or out-of-pocket expenses. The contingency model ensures that legal teams are driven by the objective of winning your case and recovering the compensation you deserve.

Payment Upon Success

Attorneys specializing in asbestos cases typically only receive their fee if they successfully secure a settlement or win a verdict on your behalf. This arrangement aligns the interests of both you and your legal team, as their payment hinges on achieving a favorable outcome for you.

Thus, by choosing a mesothelioma attorney in Rhode Island, you can focus on your health and recovery without the added burden of immediate legal costs.

Can Mesothelioma Victims in Rhode Island Access Asbestos Trust Funds without Going to Court?

Yes, mesothelioma victims residing in Rhode Island can potentially access significant compensation through asbestos trust funds without the hassle of court proceedings. These trusts, established by asbestos companies that have declared bankruptcy, are dedicated to compensating those affected by asbestos-related illnesses.

How Does It Work?

1. Eligibility: Victims don’t need to attend court. Instead, they file claims directly with the trusts, which assess eligibility based on exposure history and diagnosis.
2. Availability: An estimated $30 billion remains available in these trust funds, offering substantial financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
3. Process: The claim process generally involves submitting medical records and employment history. Many victims work with experienced attorneys to streamline this process and enhance their claims.
4. Peace of Mind: By sidestepping traditional legal proceedings, victims save time and reduce stress, allowing them to focus on recovery and family.

For those in Rhode Island facing the challenges of mesothelioma, these trust funds present a viable option for compensation without the courtroom ordeal.

Will clients need to travel to pursue a mesothelioma claim with a lawyer’s assistance?

When pursuing a mesothelioma claim, many clients worry about the inconvenience of travel. Fortunately, most law firms understand these concerns and offer flexible arrangements to ease the process.

• In-Home Visits: Many firms are willing to meet with clients in their homes or at a location of their choice. This means you can discuss your case without the stress of traveling.
• Remote Communication: With the rise of digital communication tools, much of the necessary correspondence and document signing can be handled online, reducing the need for in-person meetings.
• Localized Assistance: Generally, you won’t have to leave your community. Legal experts will make it a priority to handle proceedings in your area, making extended travel unlikely.

While there may be rare occasions where travel is necessary, these are exceptions rather than the rule. Most clients can count on their legal team to work around their needs and minimize disruptions.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is small, but it has long been home to industries that used asbestos. If you have mesothelioma now, you were probably exposed to asbestos at work. These are some of the main sources of exposure in the state.

Textiles and Manufacturing

Manufacturing has long been an important industry in Rhode Island. Textile manufacturing, in particular, was a big part of the state’s economy for years. Unfortunately, textile mills contributed significantly to asbestos exposure.

• Asbestos was used on machinery and equipment for textile production.
• It was also used as a component in fabrics and clothing.
• Although textile production is no longer a major industry in Rhode Island, the residual effects of its asbestos use are still being felt.
• Some asbestos-related fatalities happened after former employees faced prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos in Shipyards

Rhode Island is also home to two major shipyards: Newport Naval Yard and Walsh-Kaiser Shipyard.

Shipyards are well-known for extensive asbestos use. Asbestos was typically used to build ships, repair parts, and provide insulation. The most hazardous period for asbestos exposure in shipyards was from the 1930s until the late 1970s.

Asbestos in Rhode Island Schools

Before restrictions were placed on asbestos in the 1970s, many schools, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges, were constructed using asbestos.

Asbestos was a popular choice for its insulation and fire-resistant properties, and even today, staff members, teachers, and students are still at risk of exposure.

In 1991 the Rogers Williams Educational Building in Province underwent a health hazard evaluation.

Results showed asbestos in the furnaces, pipes, boilers, and insulation of the building, and only 50 percent contained.

Staff members were already beginning to experience respiratory problems when the evaluation began in 1991.

Additionally, three Rhode Island schools, Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary, Winsor Hill Elementary, and Brown Avenue Elementary, were all shut down for renovations after the Rhode Island State Health Department determined that the buildings were riddled with asbestos.

Additional Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Rhode Island

• Smithfield Air National Guard
• Wickford Shipyard
• North Smithfield Sr. High School
• Artic 1st Congregational Church
• St. Bernard’s Convent
• Artic Christ & King Church
• Artic Industrial National Bank
• Artic Municipal Building
• Arctic Telephone & Telegraph
• Washburn Wire Company
• F. W. Bird and Son
• Peterson-Puritan Company
• Synchron Chemical
• Davisville Naval Station
• GW Reynolds and Company
• Meadowcrest Elementary School – Riverside
• Industrial Underground Bank
• Clayville Elementary School

Ongoing Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island

Asbestos exposure was much more prevalent in the past. There is still a risk of exposure. Many buildings in Rhode Island were constructed with asbestos and still contain asbestos which puts workers and residents at risk.

Asbestos in school buildings is an important example of this ongoing risk. Both students and staff can be exposed when old asbestos materials deteriorate and release fibers. Any renovation or repair work also puts everyone in the building at risk.

Asbestos is also a risk in infrastructure. The town of Bristol, Rhode Island, received more than $ 1 million in 2022 to rehabilitate sewer pipes full of asbestos. Those pipes were beginning to deteriorate and release fibers into water.

Rhode Island’s First Asbestos Lawsuit

In 1983, Rhode Island saw its first asbestos lawsuit when Georgette Brady, widow of former Navy submarine engineer, Frank Brady, filed a suit for wrongful death.

While working on submarines before his death in 1977, Frank was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis.

Frank developed mesothelioma lung cancer and eventually died at age 58 from a heart attack.

According to a radiation oncologist who provided testimony, Frank’s heart attack resulted from lung scarring and straining after asbestos exposure.

Four asbestos manufacturers were sued, including Raybestos Manhattan, Owen Corning Fiberglass, Keene Industries, and Celotex Co.

After overwhelming evidence against the defendants, they settled out of our court for an undisclosed amount.

Asbestos Laws in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has laws in place to regulate the abatement of asbestos and keep current workers and residents safe. Other laws affect how asbestos lawsuits proceed.

Rhode Island Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits

• R. I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-12 et seq. provides the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Rhode Island, and asbestos-related cases must follow the same statute as personal injury lawsuits.
• The plaintiffs must file within three years from the date of the victim’s death for a wrongful death lawsuit.
• For asbestos-related illnesses, plaintiffs must file their lawsuit within three years from the time the disease was diagnosed or within three years from the date the illness should have been reasonably discovered.

Asbestos Safety Regulations

Rhode Island maintains its asbestos removal programs through the state’s Department of Health, setting the standards for removal and certifications for those involved in the asbestos abatement process.

• Rhode Island maintains an “Asbestos Control Program” that approves the certification of inspectors and contractors.
• Notification of any work to remove asbestos material must be sent to the state at least ten days in advance.
• Rhode Island also has strict regulations on how asbestos material is removed; for example, certain materials must be removed via a HEPA vacuum or filter. Friable material must be removed by the “wetting” process, meaning to dampen the material and secured in an approved container.
• The state, through its Asbestos Control Program, is aggressive in locating and, when necessary, removing the hazardous material from public property and schools.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Rhode Island

Currently, there are no cancer centers backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Rhode Island.

However, the Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center in the nearby state of Maine is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer treatment center, meaning top-notch doctors who specialize in cancer treatment are available.

Time is a critical factor in getting expert care. Once victims are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, they are usually already in the latest stages of cancer, as the symptoms of mesothelioma typically lie dormant for up to 50 years.

A small clinic or a general practice physician may not have the kind of experience and medical equipment needed to give you the best possible options and mesothelioma treatments.

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.

Getting Legal Help in Rhode Island

Remember, 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 need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.