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Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer

In the 20th century, Washington shipyards and other job sites heavily relied on asbestos, which put workers at risk of mesothelioma and other deadly asbestos-related diseases. With the help of a Washington mesothelioma lawyer, asbestos victims can pursue compensation and justice.

Recommended Washington Lawyer Simmons Hanly Conroy

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Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Washington

Washington residents with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases deserve financial compensation. Manufacturers knew the dangers of asbestos-containing products but chose not to warn their workers, the public, or the U.S. military.

According to data from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state of Washington saw 9,200 asbestos-related deaths between 1999-2017. Of those, more than 1,600 deaths were from mesothelioma.

For decades, Washington mesothelioma lawyers have been working alongside families impacted by asbestos-related diseases. A Washington mesothelioma lawyer can determine whether you may be eligible for compensation.

Asbestos claims have been filed by mesothelioma victims who lived or worked in these Washington locations:

  • Bainbridge Island
  • Bellevue
  • Everett
  • Fort Lewis
  • Kent
  • Longview
  • Oak Harbor
  • Port Townsend
  • Renton
  • Seattle
  • Shelton
  • Spokane
  • Tacoma
  • Vancouver
  • Wenatchee
  • Yakima
  • And more

When looking for a Washington mesothelioma lawyer, it’s important to select a firm with the experience, reputation, and resources to advocate for you. Thankfully, Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with an experienced mesothelioma law firm that can help patients like you: Simmons Hanly Conroy.

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  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

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Washington Mesothelioma Law Firm

As one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and other personal injuries find justice and hope.

The attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy have centuries of combined experience, and they aim to provide their clients with first-class legal services.

Our sponsor firm has recovered over $59 million on behalf of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease victims in Washington alone. A few of the firm’s recent mesothelioma settlement amounts are highlighted below.

Washington Mesothelioma Settlements Recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • $3.64 millionWelder
  • $2.5 millionMechanic
  • $2.36 millionX-ray tech
  • $2.25 millionU.S. Army veteran

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Fact-Checked

All Simmons Hanly Conroy settlement amounts have been fact-checked and verified by our editorial team.

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Washington

When asbestos use was at its peak, it was widely used throughout Washington industries, most notably shipbuilding.

At Washington’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard drydocks, workers built Navy escort vessels and repaired battleships damaged overseas.

All of these ships were constructed with tons of asbestos-containing products. Exposure to these products led to thousands of asbestos-related deaths in Washington decades later.

Shipyards were not the only work sites with a high risk of asbestos exposure, however.

Other examples of asbestos sites in Washington include:

  • Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) Oil Refinery, Blaine
  • Boeing Aircraft Assembly Plant, Everett
  • Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton
  • Chevron Chemical Company, Kennewick
  • Columbia River Paper Mill, Vancouver
  • Dow Chemical Plant, Elma
  • Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane
  • Hanford Nuclear Site, Hanford
  • Kaiser Aluminum Plant, Tacoma
  • Lake Union Shipyard, Seattle
  • Lockheed Shipyard (Harbor Island), Seattle
  • Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, Tacoma
  • Todd Shipyard, Everett
  • Vermiculite NW, Inc., Spokane
  • Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill, Longview

Asbestos use was common across all of America in the 20th century. Like any other state, Washington is home to hundreds of confirmed and unconfirmed asbestos sites — many of them former or current workplaces.

To find out whether your past or present work site has a history of asbestos exposure, get a free case review from a Washington mesothelioma lawyer today.

Washington Counties With the Highest Number of Asbestos-Related Deaths

Asbestos affects families and communities in every state and county in the U.S. Along with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has caused thousands of deaths in Washington from related diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer. Five counties were hit particularly hard in recent years.

Asbestos-Related Deaths Between 1999-2017
CountyEstimated DeathsAverage Deaths Per Year
King County1,89199
Pierce County1,08256
Kitsap County1,04254
Snohomish County66434
Spokane County61032

Know Your Rights: Washington Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Finding a top mesothelioma law firm in Washington can make all the difference in your lawsuit. Through a mesothelioma lawsuit, victims of asbestos-related diseases may be able to access financial compensation from the manufacturers responsible.

These manufacturers knew that people who were exposed to asbestos could get sick and die, but they chose to keep making and selling their products — putting profits ahead of people.

Successful mesothelioma lawsuits force manufacturers to pay for the harm they’ve caused victims and their families.

If you or a loved one were injured by wrongful asbestos exposure, you have the legal right to file a claim.

Compensation from a lawsuit can be used to:

  • Cover funeral and burial costs
  • Offer longer-term financial security for surviving family members
  • Pay for expensive medical costs, including travel
  • Save money for the future

Filing a lawsuit with a top Washington mesothelioma lawyer is the best way for eligible residents to access these helpful funds.

Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Washington?

In addition to Washington residents, mesothelioma patients who may have been exposed to asbestos while working in, living in, or visiting the state might qualify to file a claim for financial compensation.

Additionally, anyone who’s been diagnosed with other serious asbestos-related diseases — such as lung cancer or asbestosis — may also qualify to file a claim with the help of a Washington mesothelioma attorney.

Even those who develop an asbestos-related disease later in life, such as mesothelioma, may be eligible to file a claim. Surviving family members may also be able to file a claim on behalf of a mesothelioma victim.

A Washington mesothelioma lawyer can explain how the state’s laws and regulations impact someone’s eligibility for different types of asbestos claims.

Mesothelioma Attorney Questions Checklist
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Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in Washington

The vast majority of mesothelioma lawsuits reach settlements instead of going to trial before a judge and jury.

When an out-of-court mesothelioma settlement is reached, the victim receives financial compensation from the manufacturers being sued.

Mesothelioma victims receive an average of $1-$1.4 million from settlements, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Reports.

In the rare event a case does not reach a settlement, it may go to trial.

The average mesothelioma trial verdict is between $5 million and $11.4 million.

In some trials, the judge or jury does not side with the asbestos victim but instead rules in favor of the asbestos product manufacturer. If this happens, the asbestos victim may not receive any compensation.

Connect with a Washington mesothelioma lawyer to see if a settlement or trial is best for your case.

Asbestos Laws and Regulations in Washington

Washington follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations.

Washington also has its own state regulations for asbestos, which include the Asbestos Worker Protection Act, Asbestos Abrasive Blasting Regulation, and Asbestos Certification Regulation. These regulations address the use and disposal of asbestos, as well as the requirements for training and certification of asbestos workers.

Speak to a Washington mesothelioma lawyer to see how these laws may affect your case.

Statutes of Limitations in Washington

A Washington mesothelioma lawyer goes over paperwork with a man and a woman

A statute of limitations (SOL) is a law that establishes the maximum amount of time a victim has to file a claim for an offense.

In the case of mesothelioma, the SOL begins immediately after a person is diagnosed or after they die.

Every state has different SOLs, but very rarely do these laws extend beyond 1-3 years.

Unfortunately, this short window of time puts pressure on some families to file a lawsuit right away when they are struggling to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

State SOLs can also be extremely difficult for the average person to figure out on their own — let alone when a loved one is sick, injured, or dying.

An experienced Washington mesothelioma lawyer can make sure lawsuits are filed within the state’s time limit.

Asbestos Trust Funds in Washington

Victims and their families sometimes miss their SOL window to file a lawsuit. However, a Washington mesothelioma lawyer can see if families can still access compensation from asbestos trust funds.

The federal court ordered bankrupt companies involved in the manufacture of asbestos-related products to set aside asbestos trust funds to support all of their victims. As such, trust funds do not follow state SOLs.

The total combined value of all asbestos trust funds is currently estimated at over $30 billion.

Contact a Washington mesothelioma lawyer to see if you’re eligible to asbestos file trust fund claims.

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  • More than $30 billion available
  • $300K-$400K average compensation
  • Get money in 90 days or less

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Washington VA Information for Mesothelioma Victims

The manufacturers of asbestos-containing products took advantage of the American public, including the U.S. military, by not sharing critical information about the health risks of asbestos exposure.

Until the early 1980s, all military ships, bases, barracks, and family housing were constructed with asbestos-containing building materials and products.

Examples of military bases in Washington that used asbestos include:

  • Camp Murray
  • Fairchild Air Force Base
  • Fort Lewis
  • Larson Air Force Base (AKA Moses Lake Army Air Base)
  • McChord Air Force Base
  • Othello Air Force Station
  • Yakima Training Center

The military’s widespread use of asbestos means veterans consistently suffer from mesothelioma at a much higher rate.

33% of all mesothelioma patients are military veterans.

Washington VA Benefits

Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has many benefits available for veterans with mesothelioma.

Common VA benefits include:

  • Aid & attendance
  • Disability compensation
  • Health care
  • Survivors benefits

Veterans who qualify may also receive health care from top mesothelioma doctors who work with the VA.

Two well-known VA mesothelioma doctors include:

Disclaimer

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.

There are many VA facilities throughout Washington, including:

Veterans Benefits Administration

  • VA Puget Sound Health Care System – American Lake Division, Lakewood
  • VA Puget Sound Health Care System – Seattle Division, Seattle

VA Medical Centers

  • Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, Walla Walla
  • Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane
  • VA Portland Health Care System – Vancouver Campus, Vancouver

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

  • Bellevue Valor CBOC
  • Bremerton CBOC
  • Chehalis – South Sound CBOC
  • Mount Vernon CBOC
  • Port Angeles – North Olympic Peninsula
  • Richland (WA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic
  • Valor CBOC Federal Way
  • Valor CBOC North Seattle
  • Wenatchee CBOC
  • Yakima (WA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic

VA Veterans Centers

  • Bellingham Veterans Center
  • Everett Veterans Center
  • Federal Way Veterans Center
  • Lacey Outstation
  • Seattle Veterans Center
  • Spokane Veterans Center
  • Tacoma Veterans Center
  • Walla Walla Veterans Center
  • Yakima Valley Veterans Center

In addition to federal VA services, Washington veterans can also seek help for service-related injuries through Washington mesothelioma lawyers and veterans service offers.

AML and VFW Service Officers in Washington

Two essential veterans organizations — the American Legion (AML) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — operate within Washington state, helping veterans apply for federal and state benefits.

Each organization employs Veterans Service Officers (VSO) who work directly with veterans.

In Washington, there are hundreds of accredited VSOs across dozens of the state’s cities and towns, from Aberdeen to Yakima. VSOs are found in every country in Washington.

Veterans can connect with a VSO and file for VA benefits by contacting these offices. Download your Free Veterans Compensation Guide today to learn if and how you can access financial assistance for an asbestos-related illness.

Connect With a Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should work with a Washington mesothelioma lawyer.

Bear in mind that the statutes of limitation in Washington determine the limited amount of time that a mesothelioma victim and/or their family has to file a claim.

An experienced Washington mesothelioma attorney can help you:

  1. Identify the Washington work sites or locations where you were exposed to asbestos
  2. Obtain medical and military records
  3. Build an asbestos claim that maximizes your chances of securing compensation
  4. File your claim within the proper Washington statute of limitations

To find out if you may be eligible for compensation, get a free case review today.

Find more information by your state below
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Melissa Crowe Schopfer, Simmons Hanly Conroy AttorneyReviewed by:Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Legal Editor

Melissa Crowe Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. Over the past 10 years, Melissa has worked on over 500 cases and recovered more than $100 million in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of her clients. She has represented families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in almost every state.

  • Asbestos Trial Team Leader
  • Practicing Attorney for 15+ Years
  • Has Recovered Over $100 Million
Jenna TozziWritten by:

Director of Patient Advocacy

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

Our Promise to You
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References
  1. Bureau of Economic Analysis. “News Release: Gross Domestic Product by State, Fourth Quarter and Annual.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2019-04/qgdpstate0519_4.pdf

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2018). Underlying cause of death 1999-2017 on CDC WONDER online database. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html

  3. Henley, S. Jane, et al. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. “Mesothelioma incidence in 50 states and the District of Columbia, United States, 2003–2008.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406225/

  4. Mealey’s. (2021, July 30). Mealey’s litigation report: asbestos. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/65302/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2020-december-2020

  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Directory: Find a VA Location.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

  6. U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. “VA Benefits and Health Care: Washington Locations.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=WA&dnum=ALL

  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Search for Superfund Sites Where You Live.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-sites-where-you-live

  8. U.S. Geological Survey. “Worldwide Asbestos Supply and Consumption Trends from 1900 through 2003.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2006/1298/c1298.pdf

  9. Washington State Department of Health. “Asbestos.” Retrieved on December 8, 2022, from https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/Asbestos

How We Can Help

Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

(866) 608-8933
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