Mesothelioma in Louisiana

Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana

Over 50 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed, and roughly 100 people die from mesothelioma in Louisiana every year. It consistently ranks among the top 10 states for mesothelioma nationwide due to its long history of asbestos use in the state’s thriving manufacturing, shipbuilding, power generation, chemical processing, and paper industries. 

Workers in these industries came into frequent contact with asbestos in the workplace, putting them at high risk for developing dangerous asbestos-related diseases decades later.

Use of asbestos peaked in Louisiana between the 1930s and the late 1970s, when new federal regulations and increasing litigation made it a less popular option. 

If you or a member of your family has received a mesothelioma diagnosis following asbestos exposure in Louisiana, you may be entitled to multiple forms of compensation to help cover the costs of your care and other crucial expenses.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana

Mesothelioma is an expensive and disabling disease. Patients cannot work and often require caregiver support during treatment, which can create serious financial strain. However, compensation is available for victims and their loved ones.

On average, qualified claimants may receive over $1 million in total compensation. However, the exact award amount varies depending on the unique circumstances of each claim, such as whether the claimant chooses to settle or go to court. 

Claimants who settle out of court may generally expect $1 million to $1.4 million, secured without the stress of a trial. Claimants who pursue a trial verdict typically recover $5 million to $11.4 million, but often have to wait years for compensation as the case moves through the courts. 

The Mesothelioma Fund can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and identify the options available to you, given your unique situation. Contact us to get your free case evaluation.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compennsation in Louisiana

Compensation Type	Time to File in Louisiana	Why it Matters	Time to Receive Compensation
Personal Injury Lawsuit	2 Years (from diagnosis)	Allows asbestos exposure victims to seek compensation from solvent asbestos companies.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Wrongful Death Lawsuit	1 Year (from passing)	Allows surviving family members to pursue compensation from solvent asbestos companies for losses related to the death of a loved one.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Secondhand Exposure	2 Years (from diagnosis)	Allows the loved ones of asbestos workers to pursue justice and compensation if they’ve been injured by secondary asbestos exposure.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Asbestos Trust Fund Claim	1-2 Years (Depending on the specific trust)	Allows both injured workers and surviving dependents to seek compensation from bankrupt asbestos companies.	As little as 90 days Average claim: $180,000 (for a single trust before application of payment percentage)
VA Benefits/Workers’ Compensation	Provides an alternative compensation path that does not require a lawsuit.	Provides veterans and families with monthly payments and other forms of support. Applying for other types of compensation will not put your VA benefits at risk.	As little as 90 days Average payout: Over $4,000 per month
Multiple Forms of Compensation	1-2 Years (Depending on which options you pursue)	Gives claimants a combination of trust fund compensation, lawsuit settlements, VA benefits, and more to create a compensation package that best meets their current and future needs.	As little as 90 days Average combined compensation: Over $1 million

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Louisiana

When pursuing compensation for asbestos injuries, the burden of proof is on the patient and their family, who must show that they meet all eligibility requirements for the chosen forms of compensation. 

These requirements vary depending on the type of compensation pursued, but there are some overarching requirements that most forms have in common, including:

• Proof of Exposure: Documentation showing exposure to specific asbestos-containing products or presence at work sites where asbestos was used.
• Medical Eligibility: Diagnosis with an asbestos-related illness backed by documentation and testing that links the condition to the patient’s exposure history.
• Statute of Limitations: The deadline to file personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana is 2 years from the date of diagnosis, while the deadline to file a wrongful death claim is just 1 year from the date of death. Claims must be filed within these deadlines for a client to remain eligible for compensation in Louisiana. 

To meet these requirements, claimants must provide significant documentation and evidence to support their claim.

Common forms of documentation to help prove eligibility:

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

The latency for most mesothelioma cases is 10 to 40 years, which can make it difficult for claimants and their loved ones to find the evidence they need to support their case. 

Experts in asbestos litigation, such as those working with our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, can help identify the documentation needed to build a strong claim.

If you think you or a loved one may be eligible, but you’re unsure if you qualify, don’t wait to reach out. We can help you determine your eligibility for free through a confidential case consultation, no stress or guesswork required.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Louisiana 

Louisiana is a major venue for mesothelioma litigation in the US due to its high incidence rate and long history of asbestos use. The legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for victims and their families when pursuing compensation.

The national average for mesothelioma settlements ranges from $1 to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report. Average settlement compensation in Louisiana falls within this range, although some claimants receive significantly more.

Top mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in Louisiana:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Louisiana

Louisiana has no history of mining asbestos. Instead, historical asbestos exposure risks in the state are tied to industrial use, manufacturing, and processing. Power plants, refineries, shipyards, and paper mills all used asbestos. 

Other businesses manufactured products containing asbestos, and the CDC knows of at least six facilities that processed asbestos-contaminated vermiculite shipped from the W.R. Grace mine in Libby, Montana. 

The heavy use of asbestos between the 1930s and the late 1970s injured thousands of workers and residents, leaving them at risk for severe asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and more. 

Power Plant Workers

Power plants throughout Louisiana Incorporated asbestos materials in their facilities and equipment due to its non-conductivity and resistance to heat and fire. 

When these materials are damaged or handled during repairs and maintenance, workers are exposed to dangerous airborne asbestos fibers.

Asbestos power plants in Louisiana:

• Big Cajun (Baton Rouge, New Roads)
• Central Louisiana Electric Company (Franklin, Baldwin, St. Landry, Lena, Mansfield, Pineville)
• Gulf States Utilities (St. Gabriel, Westlake)
• Louisiana Power & Light Co (Good Hope, Laplace, Monroe, New Orleans,  Oretna, Sterling, Thibodaux, Westwego)

Factory workers

People who worked in manufacturing plants may have been exposed to asbestos incorporated into the products they manufactured or through asbestos materials used in the facilities and machinery at the site. 

The risks for factory workers vary depending on the type of product being manufactured, but those who worked most directly with asbestos face the highest risks.

Asbestos manufacturers in Louisiana:

• Johns Manville
• W.R. Grace
• Kaiser Aluminum
• National Gypsum

Shipyard Workers

Asbestos materials were popular in the shipbuilding industry because they were lightweight and resistant to heat and fire. Welders, pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, and many other shipyard employees faced high risks of asbestos exposure during the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships.

Louisiana shipyards known to have used asbestos:

• Avondale Shipyards
• Dixie Shipyards
• S.B.A. Shipyards
• Todd Shipyards

Paper Mill Workers

Due to the high concentration of flammable materials, paper mills valued asbestos-containing materials for their resistance to heat and fire, commonly using them to build their facilities and in their machinery. 

Some companies also produced asbestos-containing paper products. Regular occupational exposure to asbestos created serious risks for workers. 

Louisiana paper mills with known asbestos exposure:

• Bogalusa Paper Mill
• Brown Paper Mill Co
• International Paper Company
• Olin Mathieson

Family Members & Loved Ones

The loved ones and family members of asbestos workers also face significant risks for asbestos illnesses. Asbestos clings to hair, skin, and clothing, and many workers brought it home without knowing it was dangerous. 

When other residents of the home encountered asbestos particles during regular chores like laundry, they often inhaled or ingested them, leading to severe illness.

Top Exposure Sites in Louisiana

There are 2,845 known asbestos job sites in Louisiana, and more are discovered every year. Dozens of well-known companies, both local and national, operating in Louisiana exposed people to asbestos, putting thousands at risk for mesothelioma and other dangerous asbestos-related conditions.

These victims and their loved ones may be eligible to pursue compensation from negligent asbestos companies either through trust fund claims or asbestos lawsuits. Some victims are eligible to pursue compensation from 20 or more companies.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Louisiana

Despite the significant rise in asbestos litigation beginning in the 1980s, some companies still choose to handle their asbestos liabilities through the court system. 

Because these companies have not established asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, claimants have no choice but to file lawsuits to pursue compensation.

Mesothelioma lawsuits can yield significant compensation but can take years to resolve without a settlement. Settling out of court helps victims secure compensation from solvent companies more quickly without the stress of a trial.

Solvent asbestos companies in Louisiana:

• Dow Chemical
• ExxonMobil 
• International Paper Co

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Louisiana

Many asbestos companies sought financial protection by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Asbestos companies that choose this path must establish trust funds to compensate all their current and future victims to emerge from bankruptcy. 

There are currently over 60 active asbestos trust funds in the United States, holding over $30 billion to compensate victims. More than $20 million has already been claimed by victims and their loved ones. Many trusts pay in as few as 90 days. 

Louisiana companies with asbestos trust funds:

• Johns Manville
• Kaiser Aluminum
• National Gypsum Company
• W.R. Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Louisiana

Filing for mesothelioma compensation can feel intimidating, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Most claimants choose to work with an asbestos litigation specialist.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney helps ensure that your claim is handled as efficiently as possible, reducing stress while maximizing potential compensation. Claimants who work with an asbestos lawyer see higher average winnings and get expert support through every step of the claims process, from evidence gathering to settlement negotiation.

Our partner law firm has over 10 years of experience navigating complex asbestos litigation, enabling them to provide a predictable, low-stress experience for their clients.

1. Meet With a Mesothelioma Attorney
   1. Your initial consultation allows you the opportunity to ask your prospective lawyer questions. The goal is to help you understand your options, the potential value of your case, and what you can expect from the compensation process. 
2. Gather Evidence & Documentation
   1. If you choose to move forward, your legal team will handle gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. Even if you’re unsure where to find certain records, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help track down employment histories, medical records, and more to support your claim.
3. File Claims
   1. Next, your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court, asbestos trust fund, or other compensation program. Because many victims qualify for compensation from multiple sources, your legal team may pursue several claims at the same time to help secure the maximum recovery available.
4. Claim Discovery or Review
   1. Once your lawyer files your claim, the defendant(s) will review the information. They may conduct their own investigation or request additional supporting evidence. Your lawyer will handle all communication during this stage. 
5. Settlement, Trial, or Liquidation
   1. Often, a strong claim results in an offer of payment, either through the trust liquidation process or through a negotiated out-of-court settlement. In some cases, your claim may proceed to trial, where your attorney will represent you and your case until it is resolved.

Applying for asbestos trust fund compensation is a critical step in most claimants’ compensation journey. Trusts provide a quick route to compensation without any need to step into a courtroom, and many claimants are eligible for compensation from multiple trusts.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Louisiana

The asbestos litigation landscape is always changing. New precedents, laws, and regulations can impact your pursuit of compensation both positively and negatively. 

Working with an asbestos litigation expert ensures that your claim navigates these challenges and opportunities smoothly, protecting your right to due compensation.

Recent changes to Louisiana asbestos litigation:

• Statute of limitations: On July 1, 2024. House Bill 315 changed the statute of limitations for Louisiana personal injury claims from 1 year to 2 years. This change gives living mesothelioma claimants additional time to file, expanding access and opportunity for victims.
• Asbestos abatement: People taking legal action to recover funds for asbestos abatement work now have 5 years from the date the work was performed or from the date they discovered the manufacturer of the asbestos materials, whichever is later.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Louisiana?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Although local oncologists can be an important part of a patient’s care team, most mesothelioma patients need specialist care, including access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. 

Top mesothelioma treatment centers in Louisiana:

• Tulane Cancer Center (New Orleans)
• Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU Health (Shreveport)
• Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center (New Orleans),
• University Medical Center New Orleans
• Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (Baton Rouge)
• Willis-Knighton Cancer Center (Shreveport)

Treating mesothelioma can be expensive, with out-of-pocket care costs averaging $400,000 per year. In addition to treatment costs, many patients must travel to see a qualified provider.

Compensation from trust funds and lawsuits can cover these costs, allowing patients and their loved ones to get the care they deserve without worrying about how they’ll pay for it. 

We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and connect you with over 500 top providers nationwide through our free Doctor Match program. 

Whether you need a diagnosis or a second opinion, we can help connect you with the best specialist for your diagnosis and get you seen quickly. Reach out now for free assistance. 

How We Can Help

The Mesothelioma Fund has been helping asbestos exposure victims and their families get the justice, compensation, and care they deserve for over a decade. 

Our patient advocates are ready and waiting to help you determine your eligibility for compensation, identify and explain your options, and connect you with expert medical and legal care.

Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has helped clients all over the United States secure over $500 million in settlements and verdicts. Their dedicated asbestos specialists combine nationwide resources with deep local knowledge to provide Louisiana clients with the resources of a large law firm and the care and compassion of a local business.

As one of the premier asbestos law firms in the country, Meirowitz & Wasserberg is dedicated to providing clients with the aggressive representation and expert support mesothelioma patients and their families need to get the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos in Louisiana, we can help you no matter where you are in your legal or medical journey. All you have to do is reach out now to get a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility, learn more about the value of your claim, and connect with over 500 mesothelioma specialists.