Mesothelioma in Maryland

Asbestos Exposure in Maryland

Asbestos makes an excellent insulator, and it was widely used in shipbuilding.

People who developed materials, installed them, or lived with people who did could have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. 

Although many asbestos uses have been restricted, asbestos-containing materials remain present in older buildings and industrial facilities. Between 40 and 45 new cases of mesothelioma (a disease caused by asbestos) are diagnosed in Maryland each year. And up to 50 people die from that disease within the state every year. Maryland is ranked 22^nd for total mesothelioma mortality and incidence. 

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, you could be eligible for compensation to help pay for your treatment.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Maryland

People who are exposed to asbestos and develop mesothelioma are eligible for claims. The average compensation for those claims is more than $1 million if the parties settle out of court. 

Often, victims are eligible for more than one form of compensation. We can help you determine your eligibility for mesothelioma compensation and assess which options are available to you, given your particular situation.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Maryland

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Maryland

Victims of mesothelioma have three years from the date of diagnosis to file personal injury claims. Families have three years from the date of the victim’s death to file wrongful death claims in Maryland. 

A successful claim relies on good documentation. These items are typically required:

• Medical records
• Proven diagnosis
• Death certificate
• Employment records
• Eyewitness account
• Paystubs

Experts in asbestos litigation can help you identify and gather the documents you need for a successful claim. If you’re not sure where to find the proof you need, reach out, and we can help determine your eligibility for a claim.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Maryland

An average mesothelioma settlement claim in Maryland is $1 million to $1.4 million, per Mealey’s Litigation Report. Top settlements in the state include the following:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Maryland

Some occupations in Maryland come with a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Anyone who worked in these jobs, or lived with someone who did, could be at risk: 

Shipyards

Maryland’s shipyards, including Liberty Ship Construction in Baltimore, often used asbestos. The Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard is a Superfund site because of historical contamination involving multiple hazardous substances.

Its history as a shipbuilding and repair facility also makes it a site that may warrant investigation for occupational asbestos exposure.

Power Generation

Companies like Baltimore Gas & Electric and General Electric often used asbestos as insulation. People working for these organizations could have been exposed while on the job. 

Construction 

Asbestos was a common insulating material. People who made insulation, installed it, or made repairs on buildings with asbestos insulation could have been exposed while at work. 

Family Members & Loved Ones

Family members and others in the household could potentially experience secondary exposure when asbestos fibers are brought home on contaminated clothing, shoes or equipment.

If someone you lived with worked in places like the W.R. Grace Curtis Bay Facility or the Fairfield Shipyard, you could have been exposed. 

Top Exposure Sites in Maryland

There are more than 2,000 verified asbestos sites in Maryland. Some of the most serious include the W.R. Grace Curtis Bay Facility and the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard, as both are considered Superfund cleanup sites. The Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point Facility and the Fairfield Shipyard are other known exposure sites. 

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Maryland

Companies that have been sued due to asbestos in Maryland and are still in business include Baltimore Gas & Electric, General Electric, and Honeywell International.

Depending on the circumstances, individuals may pursue lawsuits, asbestos trust claims, VA benefits or other compensation.

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Maryland

Companies that have been sued for asbestos in Maryland and now use trusts due to bankruptcies include W.R. Grace & Co., Porter Hayden Company, and Wallace & Gale Company.

All of these entities have specific trust accounts to pay victims. Over $20 billion has already been paid out, and over $30 billion is still in these trust funds to pay future victims.

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Maryland

Most victims start by selecting an asbestos litigation expert. This simple choice ensures that the lawsuit moves as quickly and effectively as possible, resulting in higher winnings on average. 

Here’s how the process works: 

1. Meet with a mesothelioma attorney. You’ll ask questions and understand how your case might progress.
2. Gather evidence and documentation. Your team will review and find all evidence and documentation to use in the case.
3. File claims. Your team will start the legal process and notify the company of your claim.
4. Complete claim discovery or review. The other party will review the case and ask for more documents, if needed. 
5. Agree to settlement, trial, or liquidation. You’ll get an appropriate level of compensation based on how your claim moves forward. 

Every case is different, but most follow this basic structure. Learn more about each step of the process.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Maryland

There are various laws and regulations in Maryland that impact asbestos litigation. For example, a new law mandates accreditation for asbestos abatement handlers. These laws may help to protect current workers from future health problems. 

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Maryland?

Top treatment centers in Maryland include:

• Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University
• The University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Mercy Medical Center, the Institute for Cancer Care.

A claim could help you pay for treatment in these reputable facilities. 

How We Can Help

We’re licensed to help victims in Maryland, and we’ve helped families just like yours to fight for the compensation they deserve. We can help you gather materials, file a claim, and get the right settlement amount. Contact us to get a free case assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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