Asbestos exposure can result in devastating health consequences. However, despite knowing the health risks of asbestos as early as the 1930s, large manufacturers continued to profit from selling their asbestos-containing products for industrial use well into the early 1980s.
Some industries that exposed workers to asbestos on a daily basis include:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Mining
- Shipbuilding
- Oil drilling
Though the use of the carcinogen is less popular than it once was, asbestos still hasn’t been banned in the United States. Many Americans continue to be diagnosed with serious asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma as a result.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year.
While asbestos exposure is a nationwide problem, some states are worse off than others when it comes to the level of impact. In fact, the occurrence of mesothelioma and asbestos-related deaths is much higher in some states than in others.
Learn about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases by state below.
1. California
California is a source of naturally occurring asbestos, found in 45 counties across the state. This has made California the top state in terms of asbestos exposures, mesothelioma incidence, and asbestos-related deaths.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6,816 Californians were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2019.
Additionally, the carcinogen has caused tens of thousands of deaths as shown below:
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 5,227 |
| Asbestosis | 1,778 |
| Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer | 20,400 |
We can help you find cancer treatment centers in California.
Mesothelioma Legal Help in California
Many victims of asbestos-related illnesses and their families seek legal help after a diagnosis. Compensation from an asbestos claim can help families pay for treatment and other expenses.
Despite the high prevalence of asbestos in the state, California residents and workers who have developed an asbestos-related disease have one of the shortest statutes of limitations for receiving legal compensation. Californians have only 1 year from diagnosis to file an asbestos lawsuit.
Don’t wait to take action. Learn more about finding legal help for asbestos-related diseases in California.
2. Florida
Florida’s mesothelioma incidence rate recently rose tremendously, with more than 2,000 new diagnoses. This makes Florida the second most at-risk state for asbestos-related deaths.
An estimated 4,894 people in Florida have been diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2019.
The following asbestos-related deaths have been reported in Florida:
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 3,489 |
| Asbestosis | 1,588 |
| Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer | 13,372 |
Unlike California, there are no naturally occurring asbestos deposits in Florida. This means that all asbestos exposures in Florida were industrial, which means that asbestos victims wouldn’t have gotten sick if the proper safety precautions were taken.
We can help you find mesothelioma treatment centers in Florida.
Mesothelioma Legal Help in Florida
Florida residents who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are often entitled to compensation, as long as their claims fall within the statute of limitations.
Thankfully, Florida has one of the more generous timelines for asbestos lawsuits. The statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Florida is 4 years from diagnosis.
Learn more about asbestos-related diseases and legal compensation in Florida.
3. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has the third-highest mesothelioma death rate in the nation, with many asbestos mines and deposits throughout the state. The city of Ambler was considered the “Asbestos Capital of the World,” as one of the nation’s first asbestos product factories made its home in the city.
This has led to 4,191 people diagnosed with mesothelioma in Pennsylvania between 1999 and 2019.
Sadly, asbestos has caused even more deaths in the state:
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 3,366 |
| Asbestosis | 1,505 |
| Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer | 13,028 |
Mesothelioma Legal Help in Pennsylvania
From workers to people who lived near asbestos factories and mines, thousands of innocent people were victims of companies that profited from the products responsible for their illnesses.
These families can seek financial compensation to help cover their medical costs and emotional damages, as long as they file within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for asbestos-related illness lawsuits in Pennsylvania is 2 years from diagnosis.
Learn more about legal help for asbestos-related diseases in Pennsylvania.
4. New York
New York was one of the first states to incorporate asbestos products in large-scale construction projects. New York City remains riddled with asbestos and continues to place workers at risk every day.
Mesothelioma incidence is high in New York with 4,191 people diagnosed from 1999 through 2019.
The following asbestos-related deaths have been reported in New York:
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 2,867 |
| Asbestosis | 1,124 |
| Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer | 11,320 |
Asbestos victims may have been exposed through the construction and renovation industry, or through one of the state’s other major industries, such as mining.
Mesothelioma Legal Help in New York
Many asbestos victims in New York have successfully sued the companies that exposed them to asbestos.
Thankfully, the statute of limitations for asbestos-related disease lawsuits in New York is 3 years from diagnosis.
Read more about asbestos litigation and compensation in New York.
5. Texas
Texas ranks fifth for exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma deaths in the United States.
The CDC reports that 3,836 people in Texas were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2019.
Data estimates the following asbestos-related deaths in Texas:
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 2,761 |
| Asbestosis | 2,012 |
| Non-Mesothelioma Lung Cancer | 10,752 |
Most of Texas’ exposure to asbestos is from both natural and unnatural sources. There are 8 known asbestos mining sites in Texas, as well as many thriving industries that used notable levels of asbestos.
Mesothelioma Legal Help in Texas
People exposed to asbestos in Texas may be eligible to receive compensation if they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
The statute of limitations for asbestos lawsuits in Texas is 2 years from diagnosis.
Learn more about asbestos legal help in Texas.
Get Help for Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases
These five states aren’t the only ones with high rates of mesothelioma incidence. States like Illinois, Ohio, and New Jersey have each had between 2,000-3,000 mesothelioma diagnoses and deaths from 1999 to 2019.
This is alarming because these deaths could have been avoided if large corporations had prioritized health and safety instead of profits.
For this reason, legal advocates have fought for victims of asbestos product manufacturers to get the compensation they deserve. In fact, the average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million — which can be life-changing money for victims and their families.
Our team of Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma Hope can help connect you with treatment and legal resources. Get started by calling (866) 608-8933 today.
