Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations

The mesothelioma statute of limitations is a law that determines the amount of time a patient or their family member has to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. These laws vary by state and range from 1 to 6 years after a diagnosis or death. A mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help you take legal action before this deadline passes. Call our team at (888) 726-9160 right now to get started.

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Amy Garrett

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About the Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Claims

The statutes of limitations on mesothelioma claims are state laws that specify how much time someone has to file a lawsuit after a mesothelioma diagnosis or death.

Mesothelioma claims are impacted by something called the “discovery rule.” Under this rule, the statute of limitations on a mesothelioma claim starts running on the date you are diagnosed with this cancer or the date a loved one passes away, instead of when the exposure to asbestos took place.

This is because mesothelioma and other illnesses caused by asbestos have a latency period of 10-50 years, meaning it can take decades for the first symptoms to show up.

Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations at a Glance

  • The mesothelioma statute of limitations applies to claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
  • Each state has its own statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims.
  • This time limit ranges from 1 to 6 years and may be different for personal injury lawsuits and asbestos claims after death.
  • If the deadline in your state has passed, a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to file your lawsuit in a state with a longer statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims.

It’s important to contact an asbestos attorney as soon as possible so you don’t miss your chance to pursue compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit.

LawFirm.com works with top mesothelioma attorneys who can file mesothelioma claims quickly in all 50 states to protect their clients’ legal rights. Together, they’ve recovered over $9 billion for mesothelioma victims and their families.

Get a free case review now to see if they may be able to help your family secure compensation and justice.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Statute of Limitations by Case Type

The mesothelioma statute of limitations may vary depending on whether you are filing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. Find out about the deadlines related to these two types of mesothelioma claims below.

1. Mesothelioma Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits are filed by people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. The mesothelioma statute of limitations in these cases starts to run on the date the person receives their diagnosis.

In most states, mesothelioma patients have 2-3 years to take legal action.

2. Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Mesothelioma lawsuits after death are filed by family members or estate representatives of those who have passed away from an asbestos-related illness. The mesothelioma lawsuit deadline in these cases begins on the date of the person’s death.

The mesothelioma statute of limitations for wrongful death is often shorter than the filing deadline for personal injury cases. In some states, families may only have 1 year to file a lawsuit after the death of a loved one.

Mesothelioma personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are both filed against the companies that caused you or a loved one to be exposed to asbestos. Many manufacturers knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn the public to keep making money.

For both types of lawsuits, it’s crucial to reach out to a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. They can act quickly to file a claim before the mesothelioma statute of limitations has expired.

Asbestos Statute of Limitations by State

The most important factor affecting the statute of limitations in an asbestos case is the state where the lawsuit is filed. The asbestos claims statute of limitations is as short as 1 year in some states and as long as 6 years in others.

Use our drop-down menu to find your state’s mesothelioma statute of limitations.

Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations by State
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Alabama Flag Alabama *2 years

Recent Alabama Settlement Amounts
  • $4.8 million - Navy Veteran
  • $3.54 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $2.7 million - Plasterer

Alaska Flag Alaska *2 years

Recent Alaska Settlement Amounts
  • $3.5 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $3.2 million - Laborer
  • $3.69 million - Navy Veteran

Arizona Flag Arizona *2 years

Recent Arizona Settlement Amounts
  • $4 million - Teacher
  • $2.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $2.9 million - Pipefitter

Arkansas Flag Arkansas *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

California Flag California *1 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Colorado Flag Colorado *2 years

Recent Colorado Settlement Amounts
  • $3.7 million - Truck Driver
  • $1.1 million - Laborer
  • $3.8 million - Navy Veteran

Connecticut Flag Connecticut *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Delaware Flag Delaware *2 years

Recent Delaware Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1.48 million - Pipefitter
  • $2.6 million - Bricklayer

Florida Flag Florida *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Georgia Flag Georgia *2 years

Recent Georgia Settlement Amounts
  • $4.8 million - U.S. Navy veteran
  • $3.7 million - Truck driver
  • $1.5 million - Laborer

Hawaii Flag Hawaii *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Idaho Flag Idaho *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Illinois Flag Illinois *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Indiana Flag Indiana *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Iowa Flag Iowa *2 years

Recent Iowa Settlement Amounts
  • $4.8 million - Navy Veteran
  • $2.53 million - Laborer
  • $1.8 million - Mechanic

Kansas Flag Kansas *2 years

Recent Kansas Settlement Amounts
  • $3.64 million - Welder
  • $1.8 million - Truck Driver
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic

Kentucky Flag Kentucky *1 years

Recent Kentucky Settlement Amounts
  • $3.69 million - Navy Veteran
  • $2.82 million - Truck Driver
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic

Louisiana Flag Louisiana *1 years

Recent Louisiana Settlement Amounts
  • $10.3 million - Stevedore
  • $8.3 million - Serviceman's family
  • $6.5 million - Derrickhand

Maine Flag Maine *6 years

Recent Maine Settlement Amounts
  • $1.48 million - Pipefitter
  • $1.5 million - Electrician
  • $3 million - Navy Veteran

Maryland Flag Maryland *3 years

Recent Maryland Settlement Amounts
  • $3.9 million - Army Veteran
  • $5.2 million - Welder
  • $2.9 million - Secondary Exposure

Massachusetts Flag Massachusetts *3 years

Recent Massachusetts Settlement Amounts
  • $3.8 million - Navy Veteran
  • $2.4 million - Construction Worker
  • $3.6 million - Factory Worker

Michigan Flag Michigan *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Minnesota Flag Minnesota *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Mississippi Flag Mississippi *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Missouri Flag Missouri *5 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Montana Flag Montana *3 years

Recent Montana Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $2 million - Laborer

Nebraska Flag Nebraska *4 years

Recent Nebraska Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $3.26 million - Pipefitter
  • $1.37 million - Truck Driver

Nevada Flag Nevada *2 years

Recent Nevada Settlement Amounts
  • $1.5 million - Mechanic
  • $1.46 million - Army Veteran
  • $2.4 million - Navy Veteran

New Hampshire Flag New Hampshire *3 years

Recent New Hampshire Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1.5 million - Mechanic
  • $3.2 million - Army Veteran

New Jersey Flag New Jersey *2 years

Recent New Jersey Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Mechanic
  • $1.75 million - Navy Veteran
  • $2.1 million - Carpenter

New Mexico Flag New Mexico *3 years

Recent New Mexico Settlement Amounts
  • $3.3 million - Navy veteran
  • $1.5 million - Mechanic
  • $2.73 million - Air Force Veteran

New York Flag New York *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

North Carolina Flag North Carolina *3 years

Recent North Carolina Settlement Amounts
  • $4.6 million - Welder
  • $1.77 million - Electrician
  • $2.73 million - Air Force Veteran

North Dakota Flag North Dakota *6 years

Recent North Dakota Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $1.48 million - Pipefitter

Ohio Flag Ohio *2 years

Recent Ohio Settlement Amounts
  • $3.3 million - Pipefitter
  • $2.95 million - Army Veteran
  • $1.4 million - Boilermaker

Oklahoma Flag Oklahoma *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Oregon Flag Oregon *2 years

Recent Oregon Settlement Amounts
  • $3.69 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1.56 million - Army Veteran
  • $1.6 million - Electrician

Pennsylvania Flag Pennsylvania *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Rhode Island Flag Rhode Island *3 years

Recent Rhode Island Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1.5 million - Mechanic
  • $2.1 million - Carpenter

South Carolina Flag South Carolina *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

South Dakota Flag South Dakota *3 years

Recent South Dakota Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $1.57 million - Mechanic
  • $2 million - Laborer

Tennessee Flag Tennessee *1 years

Recent Tennessee Settlement Amounts
  • $1.48 million - Pipefitter
  • $2.35 million - Navy veteran
  • $1.57 million - Mechanic

Texas Flag Texas *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Utah Flag Utah *4 years

Recent Utah Settlement Amounts
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $1.54 million - Custodian
  • $2.56 million - Navy Veteran

Vermont Flag Vermont *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Virginia Flag Virginia *2 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Washington Flag Washington *3 years

Recent Washington Settlement Amounts
  • $3.64 million - Welder
  • $2.5 million - Mechanic
  • $2.36 million - X-ray tech

Washington, D.C. Flag Washington, D.C. *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

West Virginia Flag West Virginia *2 years

Recent West Virginia Settlement Amounts
  • $1.48 million - Pipefitter
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic

Wisconsin Flag Wisconsin *3 years

The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.

Wyoming Flag Wyoming *4 years

Recent Wyoming Settlement Amounts
  • $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
  • $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
  • $2.73 million - Air Force Veteran

See if we can connect you to a top mesothelioma lawyer. Get Connected

Keep in mind that the mesothelioma statutes of limitations are subject to change. It’s best to work with an asbestos attorney who can meet the requirements in your state to ensure a successful outcome.

Even if you believe the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims has expired in your case, it’s still a good idea to contact an asbestos attorney. They may be able to file your claim in another state or help you access other sources of mesothelioma compensation.

Contact us at (888) 726-9160 right now to see if we can connect you with a top mesothelioma lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Factors That Impact the Mesothelioma Lawsuit Deadline

There are several factors that can affect the mesothelioma statute of limitations that apply to your case.

These factors include:

  • Date of mesothelioma diagnosis or death: The clock generally starts running on the date of a mesothelioma diagnosis or death.
  • Where you currently live: The laws in your state may affect how long you have to file a claim.
  • Where you were exposed to asbestos: In some cases, you may be able to file your mesothelioma lawsuit in the state(s) where you were exposed to asbestos. For example, you may be able to file a claim in a state where you worked or served in the military.
  • Where the asbestos companies responsible for your illness are located: Some mesothelioma lawsuits are filed in the state in which a negligent asbestos company is based or has conducted business. This may extend the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims in your case.
  • Whether you’re filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim: The mesothelioma statute of limitations for these two types of lawsuits may differ, potentially affecting the amount of time you have to file a claim.

In some cases, the mesothelioma statute of limitations time frame may be extended due to special circumstances.

An experienced lawyer can help you understand the mesothelioma claims time limit in your case and work quickly to file your lawsuit before any deadlines.

Where Should I File My Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have multiple options regarding where you can file your mesothelioma lawsuit.

You may be able to file your lawsuit in the state(s) where:

  • You currently live or lived in the past
  • You were exposed to asbestos
  • The companies responsible for your asbestos exposure are located
  • Those asbestos companies conducted business in the past

A mesothelioma lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine the state most likely to result in a successful outcome.

What to Do If the Mesothelioma Claims Time Limit Has Expired

If the mesothelioma statute of limitations in your state has passed, you may still have options to pursue financial compensation.

You may be able to:

  • Access payouts from asbestos trust funds, which currently contain over $30 billion and have their own filing deadlines
  • File an asbestos lawsuit in another state
  • Pursue VA benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, if your asbestos exposure is connected to military service
  • Take advantage of mesothelioma statute of limitations exceptions

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you explore all possible avenues for compensation to maximize your potential payout.

Get started now by seeing if you qualify for asbestos trust fund compensation.

Get Helping Filing Your Mesothelioma Claim in Time

LawFirm.com has partnered with top mesothelioma law firms that have successfully navigated the mesothelioma statute of limitations for thousands of clients.

Our legal partners have the ability to file mesothelioma claims in all 50 states, potentially extending the mesothelioma lawsuit deadline in your case.

Together, these firms have secured over $9 billion for mesothelioma victims and their families nationwide.

They handle all aspects of the legal process and never charge any upfront or out-of-pocket fees.

Contact our team at (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our form to get started. Don’t miss your chance for justice.

Asbestos Claims Statute of Limitations FAQs

What is the statute of limitations on asbestos claims?

In most states, the statute of limitations on asbestos claims is 2-3 years from the date a person was diagnosed with or passed away from an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

The asbestos statute of limitations differs from state to state and is often impacted by the type of claim being filed.

An asbestos lawyer can tell you the deadline that applies in your case and take legal action on your behalf to get compensation and justice.

What is the limitation period for mesothelioma?

The limitation period for mesothelioma is the amount of time you have to file a claim for damages related to a mesothelioma diagnosis or wrongful death case. In most states, people have 2-3 years to take legal action.

However, the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims varies from state to state, so it’s important to talk to an experienced mesothelioma attorney to find out the deadlines that apply in your case.

Is there a time limitation for mesothelioma cases?

Yes, mesothelioma cases have a time limitation known as the mesothelioma statute of limitations. This deadline, which varies by state, sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you wait too long to file a mesothelioma claim, you will lose your chance to pursue compensation.

Don’t miss out on your window of opportunity: Get a free consultation now.

Amy Garrett

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed: Amy E. GarrettPartner

  • Lawyer
  • Editor

Amy Garrett is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy with more than 22 years of litigation experience. Amy has helped the firm secure billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Over the past two decades, she has gained a reputation as a litigator who advocates for her asbestos and complex litigation clients both inside and outside the courtroom.

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Written by: LawFirm.com

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  1. Cornell Law School. “Amdt14.S1.5.4.8 Statutes of Limitations and Procedural Due Process.” Retrieved April 23, 2024, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/amendment-14/statutes-of-limitations-and-procedural-due-process
  2. Cornell Law School. “statute of limitations.” Retrieved April 23, 2024, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/statute_of_limitations
  3. Sokolove Law. (2024, April 1). “Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations.” Retrieved April 23, 2024, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/mesothelioma/legal/mesothelioma-lawsuit/statute-of-limitations/
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