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.
Why Take Legal Action?
By filing a lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from the asbestos companies that caused you or a loved one harm.
Results Secured
- $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
- $15 million for a New York construction worker
- $7 million for a Pennsylvania welder
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.
- 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 *2 years
Recent Alabama Settlement Amounts- $4.8 million - Navy Veteran
- $3.54 million - Auto Mechanic
- $2.7 million - Plasterer
Alaska *2 years
Recent Alaska Settlement Amounts- $3.5 million - Auto Mechanic
- $3.2 million - Laborer
- $3.69 million - Navy Veteran
Arizona *2 years
Recent Arizona Settlement Amounts- $4 million - Teacher
- $2.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $2.9 million - Pipefitter
Arkansas *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
California *1 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Colorado *2 years
Recent Colorado Settlement Amounts- $3.7 million - Truck Driver
- $1.1 million - Laborer
- $3.8 million - Navy Veteran
Connecticut *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Delaware *2 years
Recent Delaware Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $1.48 million - Pipefitter
- $2.6 million - Bricklayer
Florida *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Georgia *2 years
Recent Georgia Settlement Amounts- $4.8 million - U.S. Navy veteran
- $3.7 million - Truck driver
- $1.5 million - Laborer
Hawaii *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Idaho *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Illinois *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Indiana *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Iowa *2 years
Recent Iowa Settlement Amounts- $4.8 million - Navy Veteran
- $2.53 million - Laborer
- $1.8 million - Mechanic
Kansas *2 years
Recent Kansas Settlement Amounts- $3.64 million - Welder
- $1.8 million - Truck Driver
- $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
Kentucky *1 years
Recent Kentucky Settlement Amounts- $3.69 million - Navy Veteran
- $2.82 million - Truck Driver
- $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
Louisiana *1 years
Recent Louisiana Settlement Amounts- $10.3 million - Stevedore
- $8.3 million - Serviceman's family
- $6.5 million - Derrickhand
Maine *6 years
Recent Maine Settlement Amounts- $1.48 million - Pipefitter
- $1.5 million - Electrician
- $3 million - Navy Veteran
Maryland *3 years
Recent Maryland Settlement Amounts- $3.9 million - Army Veteran
- $5.2 million - Welder
- $2.9 million - Secondary Exposure
Massachusetts *3 years
Recent Massachusetts Settlement Amounts- $3.8 million - Navy Veteran
- $2.4 million - Construction Worker
- $3.6 million - Factory Worker
Michigan *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Minnesota *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Mississippi *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Missouri *5 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Montana *3 years
Recent Montana Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $1 million - Auto Mechanic
- $2 million - Laborer
Nebraska *4 years
Recent Nebraska Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $3.26 million - Pipefitter
- $1.37 million - Truck Driver
Nevada *2 years
Recent Nevada Settlement Amounts- $1.5 million - Mechanic
- $1.46 million - Army Veteran
- $2.4 million - Navy Veteran
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 *2 years
Recent New Jersey Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Mechanic
- $1.75 million - Navy Veteran
- $2.1 million - Carpenter
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 *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
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 *6 years
Recent North Dakota Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
- $1.48 million - Pipefitter
Ohio *2 years
Recent Ohio Settlement Amounts- $3.3 million - Pipefitter
- $2.95 million - Army Veteran
- $1.4 million - Boilermaker
Oklahoma *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Oregon *2 years
Recent Oregon Settlement Amounts- $3.69 million - Navy Veteran
- $1.56 million - Army Veteran
- $1.6 million - Electrician
Pennsylvania *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Rhode Island *3 years
Recent Rhode Island Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $1.5 million - Mechanic
- $2.1 million - Carpenter
South Carolina *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
South Dakota *3 years
Recent South Dakota Settlement Amounts- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $1.57 million - Mechanic
- $2 million - Laborer
Tennessee *1 years
Recent Tennessee Settlement Amounts- $1.48 million - Pipefitter
- $2.35 million - Navy veteran
- $1.57 million - Mechanic
Texas *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Utah *4 years
Recent Utah Settlement Amounts- $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
- $1.54 million - Custodian
- $2.56 million - Navy Veteran
Vermont *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Virginia *2 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
Washington *3 years
Recent Washington Settlement Amounts- $3.64 million - Welder
- $2.5 million - Mechanic
- $2.36 million - X-ray tech
Washington, D.C. *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
West Virginia *2 years
Recent West Virginia Settlement Amounts- $1.48 million - Pipefitter
- $3.4 million - Navy Veteran
- $3.9 million - Auto Mechanic
Wisconsin *3 years
The average mesothelioma settlement awards around $1 million.
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.
Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: 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.
Written by: Rae Theodore
Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.
- 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
- Cornell Law School. “statute of limitations.” Retrieved April 23, 2024, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/statute_of_limitations
- 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/