West Virginia Mesothelioma LawyersWest Virginia’s mining, manufacturing and industrial sectors exposed workers to a wide range of asbestos-containing products. This led to high rates of asbestos-related diseases, making the state a hot spot for mesothelioma lawsuits.Filing a Claim in West VirginiaExposure to asbestos at West Virginia’s many coal mines and processing facilities has led to serious health conditions for workers.In the past, asbestos use was also widespread in West Virginia’s power plants, oil refineries, railroads, steel mills and other industries.West Virginia’s asbestos-related death rate was nine deaths per 100,000 people between 1999 and 2013. That is almost twice the nationwide average, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.In several West Virginia counties, the asbestos-related death rate is more than three times the national average. This includes Kanawha County, the state’s center of industry.These sobering statistics — combined with West Virginia’s reputation for plaintiff-friendly courts — has made the state a top jurisdiction for mesothelioma lawsuits.A KCIC industry report included Kanawha County among the top 15 counties in the nation for asbestos litigation in 2018 and 2019. Though there is a national downward trend in asbestos claim filings, Kanawha County actually showed an increase in claims from 2016 to 2017.West Virginia’s statutes of limitations are in line with most other state laws for filing mesothelioma claims, which include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and trust fund claims.Many veterans in West Virginia are coping with asbestos-related diseases because they were exposed to asbestos in the U.S. armed forces. These veterans may file a VA claim for benefits and they have access to VA health care in the state.You should not rely on any information herein to make a determination about your legal rights. Please speak to an attorney licensed to practice law in your area to best understand your legal options.West Virginia Mesothelioma LawyersFind a Mesothelioma Attorney in West VirginiaGet help finding an attorney who knows the process and can get you and your family the compensation you deserve. GET HELP NOWAsbestos Exposure in West VirginiaThe vast majority of asbestos exposure in West Virginia happened in occupational settings. West Virginian workers have been exposed in coal mines, refineries, manufacturing plants, chemical plants, power generation facilities and U.S. military bases.Many workers who used asbestos products unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home, which led to secondary asbestos exposure among family members.According to a KCIC industry report, Kanawha, West Virginia, was among the top jurisdictions for nonoccupational asbestos exposure lawsuit filings in 2018. That’s because juries in West Virginia have held companies liable for secondary asbestos exposure.West Virginia Industries Known for Asbestos ExposureMiningManufacturingMilitary operationsPower generationOil refiningShipbuildingMetal worksConstructionRailway operationsLaw Firms Practicing in West VirginiaWest Virginia residents with asbestos-related diseases should choose a nationwide mesothelioma law firm because they have experience a local firm can’t match.Nationwide Mesothelioma Law FirmsWeitz & LuxenbergCooney & ConwaySimmons Hanly ConroyNemeroff LawGaliher DeRobertis & WaxmanThree of these firms have offices within driving distance of West Virginia:Cooney & Conway has an office in Washington, D.C.Weitz & Luxenberg has an office in New York City.Simmons Hanly Conroy has an office in New York City.According to a KCIC industry report, Kanawha, West Virginia, was the 11th most popular jurisdiction in the U.S. for mesothelioma lawsuit filings in 2018. Additionally, it was among the top 10 jurisdictions for asbestos-related lung cancer lawsuit filings.West Virginia residents don’t have to drive to Washington, D.C., or New York City to meet with a reputable firm. A benefit of going with a nationwide firm is that they will come to you. They travel to clients coping with mesothelioma regularly, and they won’t charge you for their travel expenses.Firms that practice nationwide have success securing compensation with many different types of cases. They have the knowledge and resources required to take on large corporations that acted negligently in exposing you or a loved one to asbestos.Hiring one the nation’s best mesothelioma attorneys to get the compensation your family needs will bring you peace of mind. You will know that you did everything you could do to stand up to the negligent asbestos manufacturers who exposed you or your loved one to asbestos.Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to West Virginia Workers$6.4 Million: In 2002, a West Virginia jury ordered DuPont to pay $6.4 million in damages to the family of Leonard Cox, who died two years prior from malignant mesothelioma. Experts traced the cancer back to asbestos dust brought home on his father’s work clothes when Cox was a child. His father, who died of asbestosis, installed asbestos insulation at DuPont’s chemical plant in Belle, West Virginia. It remains the highest asbestos verdict ever awarded in West Virginia.$4.57 Million: A West Virginia jury awarded $4.57 million to a boilermaker who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos in power plants and chemical plants.$4.2 Million: A man who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos in shipyards was awarded $4.2 million by a West Virginia jury.These represent some of the highest verdicts awarded to mesothelioma plaintiffs in West Virginia courts. However, most mesothelioma claims are settled before trial.Generally, out-of-court settlement amounts are less than verdict awards, and they are kept confidential. Experienced asbestos lawyers are known to secure mesothelioma settlements worth more than $1 million for their clients.They are also known to recover six-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds. A West Virginia mesothelioma attorney can help you file both types of claims in the state without violating laws that promote transparency in asbestos litigation.West Virginia Asbestos Laws and RegulationsWest Virginia has a mix of federal and state laws that regulate asbestos and work together to protect the public from exposure.West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection enforces the federal National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The state Bureau for Public Health sets licensing requirements for professionals who inspect and remove asbestos-containing materials.Buildings must be inspected for asbestos before renovation or demolition operations begin. In cases where regulated asbestos-containing materials will be disturbed, the state’s Division of Air Quality must be notified in advance.The state government requires special training for asbestos-abatement professionals so they understand how to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.
California Mesothelioma LawyersMany of the top national mesothelioma law firms have offices in California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, Pasadena and San Francisco. California is a leading state for asbestos litigation. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help California residents receive compensation for asbestos exposure.Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in CaliforniaCalifornia has long been one of the leading jurisdictions for asbestos lawsuit filings, which include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.The state is generally considered favorable for asbestos lawsuits. This has led to yearly increases in the number of asbestos claims by in-state and out-of-state claimants.In response, California’s courts have taken measures to manage large asbestos caseloads and expedite claims. For example, “fast-track” scheduling allows mesothelioma cases to go to trial within 120 days. Some California judges encourage parties to resolve cases quickly through settlement.The statute of limitations in California sets a deadline for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. A California mesothelioma attorney can determine how these deadlines apply to your mesothelioma case.California residents diagnosed with mesothelioma should speak with a qualified mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you file a claim for compensation in California or another state, depending upon what is best for your individual case.You should not rely on any information herein to make a determination about your legal rights. Please speak to an attorney licensed to practice law in your area to best understand your legal options.California Mesothelioma LawyersFind a Mesothelioma Attorney in CaliforniaGet help finding an attorney who knows the process and can get you and your family the compensation you deserve. GET HELP NOWAsbestos Exposure in California Among Highest in USCalifornia ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. It has the most naturally occurring asbestos of any state in the country. California also led the nation in shipyard asbestos exposure during WWII and beyond.During the peak of U.S. asbestos use, many mines and processing plants developed around California’s countless asbestos deposits. Most of these locations closed down in the 1990s or early 2000s.Many veterans have been exposed to asbestos in the California’s shipyards and military bases. Veterans who develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, may file a VA claim for benefits and have access to VA health care throughout California.Mesothelioma lawyers have helped people in California get compensation for many types of asbestos exposure. Most cases are based on occupational asbestos exposure or exposure that happened when veterans served in the armed forces.California Industries Known for Asbestos ExposureShipbuildingMiningManufacturingConstructionPower GenerationFormer construction workers, shipyard workers and veterans are particularly at risk. Children and spouses may also be able to file a lawsuit if they develop mesothelioma because of secondary asbestos exposure.Companies that sell dangerous consumer products have been held liable for mesothelioma claims. Recent cases involve asbestos-contaminated talcum powder.Mesothelioma Law Firms Practicing in CaliforniaLawyers at a national mesothelioma law firm like Weitz & Luxenberg or Simmons Hanly Conroy specialize in asbestos litigation and have offices in California. These mesothelioma attorneys understand federal asbestos regulations and California state statutes.NATIONWIDE MESOTHELIOMA LAW FIRMSWeitz & LuxenbergCooney & ConwaySimmons Hanly ConroyNemeroff LawGaliher DeRobertis & WaxmanCalifornia residents with asbestos-related diseases should choose a nationwide asbestos law firm because they have the experience and reach that local law firms can’t match. Firms that practice nationwide have the knowledge and resources necessary to take on large corporations that acted negligently in exposing you or a loved one to asbestos.Most nationwide mesothelioma law firms have office locations in California. For example, Weitz & Luxenberg has an office in Los Angeles. Cooney & Conway has several offices in central and Southern California, including Pasadena and San Diego. Additionally, Simmons Hanly Conroy has offices in San Francisco and El Segundo, California.A benefit of choosing a nationwide firm is that they will come to you if you don’t happen to live near an office. They travel to their clients regularly to conduct depositions and they won’t charge you for such travel expenses.Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to California Workers$11 Million in 2018: A Los Angeles jury decided in favor of Alfred Mata and his wife in a lawsuit against Liberty Utilities Corp. Mata developed mesothelioma from secondary asbestos exposure. His father had worked with Liberty’s asbestos-containing pipes and brought toxic dust home on his clothes.$18 Million in 2016: Philip Depoian won a mesothelioma lawsuit against talc supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels. The company sold the asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products used at the barbershop where Depoian’s father worked.$13 Million in 2015: Colgate-Palmolive and four other companies were ordered to pay damages to Judith Winkel and her husband. Winkel developed mesothelioma because of asbestos contamination in Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder.$48 Million in 2012: The Los Angeles Superior Court awarded damages to the family of Bobbie Izell. He had been exposed to asbestos in construction products while working as a contractor. Major defendants in the mesothelioma lawsuit included CalPortland, Riverside Cement and Union Carbide.$208 Million in 2010: Rhoda Evans won a mesothelioma lawsuit based on secondary exposure. Her husband worked with asbestos cement pipes made by CertainTeed Corporation.$17 million in 2008: Dennis Woodard and his wife filed a lawsuit against several manufacturers that sold asbestos-containing products to the U.S. Navy. Woodard developed mesothelioma because of exposure he suffered as a machinist’s mate and electrician’s mate.$11 Million in 2006: Asbestos Corporation Limited was ordered to pay damages to Joseph Garza and his wife. Garza used the company’s products to repair ship boilers at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and other shipyards. The asbestos in the products caused Garza to develop asbestosis.$33 Million in 2002: A San Francisco jury decided in favor of Alfred Todak, a former shipyard worker. He developed mesothelioma from exposure to several asbestos-containing products.These verdicts represent some of the highest compensation awarded at trial, but most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court. Law firms specializing in asbestos cases are known to secure mesothelioma settlements worth over a million dollars for clients.These law firms are also known to secure six-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds.Certain jurisdictions in California require plaintiffs to disclose trust fund claims when they file a lawsuit. An experienced California mesothelioma lawyer can offer guidance on what trust funds a patient may be eligible for.California Asbestos Laws and RegulationsA mix of federal and state laws regulates asbestos in California. Over the past few decades, California lawmakers responded to asbestos risks with laws, regulations, safety standards and programs aimed at reducing exposure.Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations requires employers to take specific steps to ensure proper air quality and document all levels of potential exposure. Title 8 also governs registration and certification of asbestos contractors and consultants.Title 8 Regulations Governing Asbestos in California8 CCR §1529: Regulates asbestos in construction8 CCR §5208: Regulates asbestos in general industry8 CCR §8358: Regulates asbestos in shipyards8 CCR §341.15: Regulates certification of asbestos consultants and site-surveillance techniciansState Departments Overseeing California’s Asbestos LawsDepartment of Public HealthDepartment of Industrial RelationsDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthCal/OSHA’s Asbestos and Carcinogen UnitCalifornia Environmental Protection AgencyAir Resources BoardAnyone who needs to remove asbestos from a building in California should contact a Cal/OSHA-Certified Asbestos Consultant. These consultants are the only professionals in the state who are qualified to advise on asbestos abatement.California Laws Affecting Asbestos LawsuitsCalifornia Code of Civil Procedure Sections 312-366: Outlines statutes of limitations in CaliforniaCalifornia Civil Code Section 1714: Defines California’s negligence lawsA California mesothelioma attorney with a nationwide firm has the background to explain how these laws affect your case.They also have the experience necessary to secure the maximum value of your individual case in California. It’s in your best interest to hire a top mesothelioma attorney to stand up to greedy and negligent companies that caused you or your loved one to develop mesothelioma.desclemer:only prouse in information and orignallink in up
