Mesothelioma in Massachusetts

Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts

Companies in Massachusetts have a long history of commercial and industrial asbestos use, dating back to the early 1900s and continuing until the late 1970s, when new federal regulations restricted use.

For over 70 years, power plants, construction companies, factories, and shipyards all relied heavily on asbestos.   

Massachusetts also has deposits of naturally occurring asbestos, two of which were actively mined. Both mines produced anthophyllite asbestos, and one was located near a talc mine later noted for cross-contamination.  

Workers and residents face a high risk of asbestos-related illnesses. Massachusetts regularly ranks in the top 20 states for mesothelioma incidence, with roughly 59 new cases and 79 deaths annually. 

If you or a member of your family has received a mesothelioma diagnosis caused by asbestos exposure in Massachusetts, you may qualify for multiple forms of compensation.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts

 Asbestos exposure victims often have to bear significant financial burdens incurred by treatment, lost income, and burial costs, and more, but help is available.

Compensation from asbestos lawsuits, trust funds, VA benefits, and other sources can help injured workers and their families make ends meet and regain stability.

Qualified mesothelioma claimants receive an average of over $1 million. However, compensation varies depending on each claimant’s individual circumstances, including age, diagnosis, treatment costs, number of dependents, the companies involved, and the type of compensation they pursue.

For example, out-of-court settlements generally range from $1 to $1.4 million, while trial verdicts pay an average of $5 million to $11.4 million. Many victims are eligible to apply for multiple forms of compensation or compensation from multiple companies. 

We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and identify all available options to maximize your award.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Massachusetts

Compensation Type	Time to File in Massachusetts	Why it Matters	Time to Receive Compensation
Personal Injury Lawsuit	3 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	3 Years (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	3 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	1-3 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 Massachusetts

People seeking compensation in Massachusetts must meet strict eligibility requirements to secure funds.

Although each of the forms of compensation discussed above has its own restrictions and qualifications, several overarching requirements impact most forms of compensation, 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 and wrongful death lawsuits in Massachusetts is 3 years from the date of diagnosis or death. Claims must be filed within this deadline to retain eligibility in Massachusetts.

In civil claims, the burden of proof is on the claimant. Injured workers and their loved ones must be able to provide documentation to support their eligibility.

Common documents used to prove eligibility:

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

The latency period between exposure and diagnosis in mesothelioma cases ranges from 10 to 40 years, which can create additional challenges for mesothelioma patients or their loved ones when seeking the necessary documentation.

Asbestos litigation experts have the resources and experience to help their clients find the proof they need to build a strong claim.

If you are unsure about your qualifications or worried about a lack of documentation, don’t let it stop you from reaching out. We can help determine your eligibility for free.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Massachusetts

Because of its long history of asbestos use and high incidence rate for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, Massachusetts has become a major jurisdiction for asbestos litigation. Very few asbestos lawsuits go to trial.

Most end in out-of-court settlements, which provide claimants with a quick route to compensation without the stress of a trial.

Most mesothelioma settlements in Massachusetts fall within the national average of $1 to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report.

However, some Massachusetts claimants have received much more due to the circumstances of their claim.

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Massachusetts

Asbestos is widely recognized as a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that endangers anyone exposed to it. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), even one instance of asbestos exposure is enough to put someone at risk for illness decades later.

However, some professions face higher risks than others. In Massachusetts, workers in the shipbuilding, power generation, manufacturing, and construction industries face high risks of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Their employers did not warn them about the risks of asbestos or provide appropriate protective gear.

Power Plant Workers 

Asbestos is non-conductive in addition to being heat- and fire-resistant. These properties made it a popular material for power plants, where it was primarily used for insulation, protective clothing, and machinery.

Insulators, boiler tenders, lagers, pipefitters, steamfitters, electricians, welders, and maintenance workers face high risks. 

Known asbestos power plants in Massachusetts:

• Boston Electric Light Company
• Commonwealth Electric (New Bedford, Sandwich)
• Mantville Power Plant (Canton)
• Salem Electric Lighting Company
• Yankee Atomic Power Plant (Rowe)
• Westinghouse Electric

Shipyard Workers 

Shipyards tend to rank high on lists of dangerous asbestos job sites. Asbestos components were popular because they were durable, heat- and fire-resistant, and lightweight. Both commercial and military vessels commonly used asbestos insulation, gaskets, valves, lagging, and more. 

The workers responsible for installing, removing, repairing, and maintaining these components often inhaled or ingested dangerous particles while working, putting them at high risk for severe illnesses like mesothelioma. 

Known asbestos shipyards in Massachusetts:

• Bethlehem Steel Shipyard (East Boston, Hingham, Quincy)
• Boston Naval Shipyard
• Bromfield Shipyard
• Charleston Naval Shipyard
• Chelsea Naval Shipyard
• Fore River Shipyard (Quincy)
• Hingham Shipyard (Boston, Hingham)
• Lawley Shipyard (Neponset)
• Simpson Shipyard (East Boston)

Factory Workers 

Manufacturers used asbestos in the construction of their facilities and in their machinery. Some also added asbestos or components containing asbestos to their products.

Employees in these factories could be exposed in a variety of ways, generally through close contact with asbestos components, such as insulation, gaskets, valves, and machine brakes, or through proximity to raw asbestos as it was mixed into products.

Asbestos manufacturers in Massachusetts: 

• Armstrong World Industries (AWI)/Armstrong Cork (Needham Heights, South Boston, South Braintree
• Bay State Boiler Inc./Bay State Brick Co.
• Johns Manville (Billerica)
• W.R. Grace (Cambridge, Easthampton)

Construction Workers

Before the 1980s, most structures built in the U.S. included asbestos-containing construction materials. Anyone involved in the construction, maintenance, or repair of residential, commercial, institutional, or military buildings was likely exposed to asbestos at work. 

People like roofers, plumbers, insulators, drywallers, carpenters, and others who were present when asbestos materials were cut, mixed, or sanded are at particularly high risk. Construction workers in Massachusetts still face risks from asbestos in older structures today.

Common asbestos construction materials used in Massachusetts:

• Adhesives
• Caulk
• Ceiling tiles
• Cement
• Drywall
• Floor tiles
• Glazing compound
• HVAC components
• Insulation
• Joint compound
• Lagging
• Mastic
• Plaster
• Putty
• Roofing felt
• Shingles
• Spackling
• Transite board

Family Members & Loved Ones

While direct contact with asbestos materials at work is one of the greatest risk factors for asbestos-related illness, secondary exposure, which takes place primarily in the home, can also lead to severe illness. 

The family members of asbestos workers often came into contact with asbestos particles during normal household chores like laundry. Individuals who experience secondary exposure may also be eligible for multiple forms of compensation.

Top Exposure Sites in Massachusetts 

Massachusetts was home to multiple industries that relied on asbestos. Major asbestos companies such as Johns Manville, W.R. Grace, General Electric, and Bethlehem Steel operated in the state. There are 3,209 known asbestos job sites in Massachusetts. 

These companies, along with many others, exposed thousands of workers and residents to a carcinogenic substance. They knew their products and facilities were dangerous, but continued to use asbestos anyway, valuing profits over health and human safety.

Today, victims and their families can hold these companies accountable for their negligence.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Massachusetts

Although many asbestos companies have gone bankrupt, others remain solvent, continue to do business, and handle their asbestos liabilities through the civil court system. 

To secure compensation from these companies, victims must file an asbestos lawsuit. While pursuing this form of compensation can take time, especially if the parties cannot agree to a settlement, lawsuit compensation is generally much higher than compensation from trusts.

Solvent asbestos companies that operated in Massachusetts:

• Johnson & Johnson
• Cimbar Performance Minerals
• General Electric

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Massachusetts

While undergoing bankruptcy, companies cannot be sued for damages, and many asbestos companies eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

To emerge from bankruptcy, these companies are required to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate all their current and future claimants.

There are over 60 active asbestos trust funds holding more than $30 billion in assets for qualified claimants. Trusts have already paid injured asbestos workers and their families more than $20 billion. 

Companies with asbestos trust funds that operated in Massachusetts:

• Armstrong World Industries (AWI)
• Johns Manville (Billerica)
• W.R. Grace (Cambridge, Easthampton)

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Massachusetts

When pursuing mesothelioma compensation, there’s no substitute for experience. Most claimants choose to work with an asbestos litigation expert to give their case the best possible chance of success.

Law firms that specialize in mesothelioma cases have the expertise and resources to handle every step of the claims process for you, from identifying all available compensation options to locating critical documentation to securing higher-than-average settlements and trial verdicts.

Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been assisting mesothelioma claimants for over a decade. Their structured process allows them to give every claimant the personal attention they deserve, handling cases smoothly and efficiently. Every case follows the same process: 

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.

Many claimants are eligible to file against multiple asbestos trusts. Trust funds provide critical compensation that claimants can use to cover medical costs, lost wages, burial costs, and more. Many trusts pay claimants within 90 days of filing without ever requiring them to step into a courtroom.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Massachusetts

Asbestos law in Massachusetts is a dynamic field, with changes to state law and new precedents constantly reshaping the landscape. When pursuing compensation, it’s important to know and understand how new laws and regulations could impact your claim. 

Working with a lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation is the best way to ensure you get top-quality legal guidance and support.

Asbestos laws and regulations impacting claims in Massachusetts:

• Pre-trial Order 9: Governs Massachusetts’ consolidated Asbestos Litigation Docket to help streamline case processing and address inefficiencies. The order covers Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, and Worcester counties.
• House Bill 1746/House Bill 4361: Massachusetts currently has a 6-year statute of repose for all construction-related injury claims, beginning on the date of the injury. This law also governs construction cases involving diseases with long latency periods, such as mesothelioma. HB 1746 (later redrafted as HB 4361) seeks to amend this rule, creating an exception for latent diseases caused by toxic substances. It has not yet passed. 

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Massachusetts?

Mesothelioma is an extremely rare cancer, with only 3000 new diagnoses each year. Many excellent cancer doctors have never treated a mesothelioma patient, which can make finding care complex.

Patients often have to travel to find specialist care, which can offer additional benefits, such as access to cutting-edge treatment options and clinical trials.

Top Massachusetts mesothelioma treatment providers:

• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center
• VA Boston Healthcare System

Every treatment center and provider has different specialties, which can make choosing the right doctor and getting an appointment complicated. Our expert patient advocates can help you find the right doctor through our Doctor Match program, which connects you with over 500 top mesothelioma specialists nationwide.

We leverage our relationships with these providers to ensure you get seen quickly, creating access to care for patients who need it as soon as possible.

We also understand how quickly costs can accumulate when seeking treatment for mesothelioma. In addition to travel and lodging costs, treatment itself often averages over 400,000 out-of-pocket annually. Our patient advocates can help you determine your eligibility for compensation, which you can use to pay for care and related costs.

No matter where you are on your mesothelioma journey, we can connect you to critical resources. Whether you need help getting a diagnosis or a second opinion, or you’re ready to start exploring compensation options, we can help support you. Get started today with a free case assessment. 

How We Can Help

Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating for patients and their families. In addition to the physical and emotional hardships of illness, many people impacted are left struggling with heavy financial burdens. We can help qualified claimants jumpstart the claims process in just a  few minutes.

Not only can we help you determine your eligibility for compensation and connect you with top-quality medical providers through our Doctor Match program, but we can also connect you with asbestos litigation experts. 

Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has offices nationwide and has secured over $500 million in total compensation for clients. Their team of mesothelioma legal specialists is committed to delivering personalized service to every client while leveraging their resources to secure some of the top mesothelioma settlements in the country. 

Massachusetts mesothelioma patients and their families deserve aggressive, hands-on representation from a firm ready to provide critical support at every step of the claims process. And, all of their team members work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

If you or someone you love has been injured, reach out to us today to start your claims Journey through a free case assessment.