Mesothelioma in Ohio

Asbestos Exposure in Ohio

Ohio has no naturally occurring asbestos, but many of the state’s most important industries used asbestos in their products and processes for decades.

Workers in steel mills, factories, automotive plants, and shipyards all face high risks of asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

This long history of asbestos use still has serious consequences for residents. Ohio currently ranks 8th in the nation for mesothelioma deaths, averaging 122 each year. Additionally, residents account for 145 new mesothelioma diagnoses annually. 

Ohio has never enacted a statewide asbestos ban. Instead, it followed federal regulations that began to curb asbestos use in the late 1970s, though a comprehensive federal ban was not established until 2024.

If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis that you believe is connected to asbestos exposure in Ohio, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Ohio

In many cases, the challenges of navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis are significantly compounded by the high cost of treatment. Compensation is available to help eligible patients and their loved ones pay for medical care, make up for lost income, and more. 

Average compensation for qualified claimants exceeds $1 million, though the final amount varies by each claimant’s circumstances and the type of compensation pursued. For example, the average mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million, while the average mesothelioma trial verdict is $5 million to $11.4 million. 

Most victims of asbestos exposure in Ohio apply for multiple forms of financial support. Pursuing all available compensation options is the best way to maximize your potential award amount.

We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and identify the options available to you, given your unique situation and exposure history.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation

Compensation Types	Time to File in Ohio	Average Amount	Time to Compensation
Personal Injury Lawsuit	2 years from diagnosis	Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million. Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million.	6-24 months
Wrongful Death Lawsuit	2 years from diagnosis	Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million. Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million.	6-24 months
Secondhand Exposure	2 years from diagnosis	Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million. Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million.	6-24 months
Asbestos Trust Fund Claim	1-2 years, depending on the trust	Average claim: $180,000 (for a single trust before application of payment percenrtage)	As little as 90 days
VA Benefits/Workers’ Compensation	No time limit	Average mesothelioma payment: Over $4,000 per month.	As little as 90 days
Multiple Forms of Compensation	1-2 years, depending on the options you pursue	Average combined compensation: Over $1 million	As little as 90 days

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Ohio

Victims seeking asbestos compensation in Ohio must establish their eligibility through specific evidence.

While requirements vary by the type of claim, several core criteria typically apply across various compensation avenues, such as:

• 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 both personal injury and wrongful death claims in Ohio is 2 years following the date of diagnosis or death.

The burden of proof in asbestos claims is on the victim, and proving eligibility often requires significant evidence and documentation, including:

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

Gathering all the necessary documents and information may seem challenging, but working with an experienced asbestos lawyer means you have a seasoned expert in your corner fighting on your behalf.

These attorneys have specialized resources to build a strong claim and secure the maximum potential compensation.

Even if you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements listed above, we can help determine your eligibility with a free, no-obligation case review. All you have to do is reach out.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Ohio

Out-of-court settlements offer claimants a quicker route to compensation without the stress of a trial. Ohio mesothelioma settlements fall within the national average, which, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report, ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. 

Your settlement may be greater or less than this amount depending on the specifics of your claim. 

Top Mesothelioma settlements in Ohio:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Ohio

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. That said, workers who were routinely exposed to asbestos on the job face the highest risk for asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

Ohio’s industrial sector was inextricably linked to asbestos use throughout most of the 1900s. This left thousands of employees across the automotive, shipbuilding, metal production, and manufacturing industries especially vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

Steel Mill Workers

Cleveland, Youngstown, and other cities in Northeast Ohio were home to major steel manufacturers, including J&L Steel Corporation, Midland Steel, and the Carnegie Steel Company.

Steel mills used asbestos primarily as a form of heat-resistant insulation in facilities and equipment. Anyone who worked in a steel mill was likely exposed to asbestos, but machinists, maintenance workers, and boiler workers faced particularly high risks. 

Manufacturing

Workers in plants and factories often encountered asbestos through the facilities and equipment in their workplace, as well as through the products they manufactured.

Ohio was home to many major asbestos manufacturers, including:

• Goodyear Tire & Rubber, which had a mixing center in Akron 
• Flintkote, which manufactured asbestos cement pipes in Ravenna 
• W.R. Grace, which shipped more than 430,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite to a Marysville exfoliation plant run by Scott and Sons Company (later the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company)

Automotive 

Many car and car part manufacturers used asbestos not only in their facilities but also extensively in brake and clutch systems.

Ohio was home to multiple major automotive manufacturers affiliated with asbestos use, including:

• General Motors in Defiance
• Delphi Corporation in Rootstown
• Dana Corporation in Maumee

The individuals who handled these components, including factory workers during manufacturing and auto mechanics during repairs, face an elevated risk of asbestos-related illnesses.

Asbestos Shipyards

Ohio’s shipbuilding industry hinged on its access to the Great Lakes and nearby rivers and watersheds. The industry clustered around cities like Cleveland, Lorain, and Toledo, which all had large industrial waterfronts. 

Companies like the American Shipbuilding Company used asbestos when constructing and repairing ships because of its heat- and fire-resistant properties. It was also included in products like insulation and gaskets, exposing countless workers to the dangerous carcinogen.

Superfund Sites

In March 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to review ongoing cleanup efforts at 11 Superfund Sites.  Among these, several locations, including the Chem-Dyne site situated in Hamilton, are contaminated with asbestos.

Chemical processors and manufacturers valued asbestos for its heat-resistant and anti-corrosive properties. As in many other industries, asbestos was primarily used by chemical manufacturers in the construction of facilities and equipment.

Family Members & Loved Ones

Any city with high occupational asbestos exposure rates is also likely to have a high rate of secondary exposure. Secondhand asbestos exposure endangers the families of workers, who often unknowingly brought toxic fibers home on their hair, skin, and clothing.

Loved ones who came in regular contact with asbestos fibers during household chores like laundry may now develop related illnesses decades later.

Top Exposure Sites in Ohio

Large companies like Goodyear, General Motors, and Flintkote are frequently named in Ohio asbestos claims.

In total, there are more than 7,487 verified asbestos exposure sites in Ohio, each of which is affiliated with a company or companies that you may be able to hold accountable for your exposure. The type of compensation you can pursue depends on the status of the company.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Ohio

Despite decades of litigation, many of the asbestos companies with operations in Ohio are still active and solvent. Because these companies have never filed for bankruptcy, they have not established asbestos trust funds.

Victims and their families who want to pursue compensation from a solvent asbestos company must file a lawsuit. Although this form of compensation may take longer to resolve than trust funds, it generally offers higher payouts.

Examples of solvent asbestos companies in Ohio include:

• Carnegie Steel Company (through successor U.S. Steel)
• Dana Corporation
• Delphi Corporation
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Ohio

Due to mounting asbestos litigation, many manufacturers were unable to meet their legal and financial obligations. Rather than continue to handle their liabilities through lawsuits, these companies declared bankruptcy and established trust funds to compensate victims. 

Asbestos trust funds offer compensation without the need to go to trial and may begin issuing payments in as few as 90 days. There are over 60 active asbestos trusts in the U.S., which have paid victims a combined total of $20 billion. 

Over $30 billion remains to be paid to current and future victims and their loved ones. 

Examples of companies with asbestos trust funds in Ohio include:

• Flintkote
• General Motors
• WR Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Ohio

Most people choose to work with an experienced asbestos litigation team rather than navigate the claims process alone. Professional guidance not only reduces the burden of filing but can also help maximize the compensation available to victims and their families.

Our team manages every step of the process, from determining eligibility and gathering documentation to identifying sources of exposure and building a strong claim.

With knowledgeable support, pursuing mesothelioma compensation becomes far more straightforward.

We follow a proven process for every client, providing clear guidance, minimizing uncertainty, and helping ensure a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.

1. Meet With a Mesothelioma Attorney
   • Your initial consultation allows you 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
   • If you choose to move forward, your legal team will handle the work of 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
   • Next, your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court, asbestos trust fund, or other compensation programs. 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
   • 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
   • 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.

Asbestos trusts offer claimants a quicker and more straightforward way to secure critical compensation. The claims process for trusts is simple, and many claimants are eligible for compensation from multiple trusts. Trusts often start paying claimants within 90 days of the filing date.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Ohio

While Ohio never enacted state-specific bans on asbestos use, it has established laws and regulations that affect asbestos litigation and a victim’s ability to pursue compensation.

Because these legal requirements can change over time, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who stays current on evolving regulations. Your lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensure your claim complies with all applicable requirements, and protect your right to seek compensation.

Examples of state-specific restrictions include:

• Causation ruling: Under section 2307.96, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions and behavior were a substantial factor in causing their asbestos-related injuries and losses.  
• Medical criteria law: Under section 2307.92, Ohio claimants filing non-malignant claims must provide evidence in advance (prima facie) to prove that their claim is worth taking to trial. It also requires claimants to meet medical impairment criteria to make a claim.  
• Premises liability ruling: Section 2307.941 protects premises owners from most litigation unless the claimant can prove that they knowingly and intentionally violated established safety standards at the time of the exposure.

Ohio Revised Code Section 2307.931

This revision to the legal code requires all asbestos claimants to file a detailed disclosure within 60 days of filing a complaint, providing all parties with a sworn statement specifying the basis of their claim against each defendant.

Required information includes:

• Claimant details: Including name, address, birth date, marital status, occupation, smoking history, current and past worksites, and current and past employers 
• Witness details: Name and address 
• Product details: The name of the asbestos-containing product or products associated with each defendant 
• Connection: The sites of direct connection between the victim and each defendant
• Timeline: The beginning and ending dates of each instance of exposure 
• Diagnosis: The asbestos-related disease that victims are seeking compensation for
• Supporting documentation: To prove the claims above

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the case being dismissed. Working with an experienced asbestos attorney familiar with the Ohio legal landscape is the best way to protect your right to compensation. 

Ohio House Bill 380

Ohio passed HB 380 in 2013, becoming the first state in the U.S. to require plaintiffs to fully disclose all asbestos bankruptcy trust claims in asbestos litigation.

Claimants have just 30 days after discovery begins to provide all parties with a sworn statement, including:

• All asbestos trust fund claims made by or for the claimant
• All claim materials filed with each trust

Supporters of the bill maintain that it promotes transparency, helps prevent fraud, and discourages duplicate compensation.

However, opponents argue that it can place additional burdens on asbestos victims by increasing procedural complexity, delaying compensation, and limiting privacy protections.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Ohio?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that often requires highly specialized care and treatment expertise.

While local oncology services can play an important role in ongoing care, many patients benefit from treatment at a center with extensive experience in mesothelioma and other complex cancers.

Fortunately, Ohio is home to several NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers that offer advanced therapies, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to leading clinical research.

Top Treatment Centers in Ohio:

• Case Cancer Center in Cleveland
• James Cancer Hospital
• Solove Research Institute at Ohio State
• Cleveland Clinic
• UC Health/University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

Mesothelioma treatment is expensive, averaging $400,000 per year before factoring in the costs of travel and lodging. Most patients aren’t financially equipped to handle this burden alone. 

Seeking compensation helps victims and their loved ones pay for care, make up for lost income, and regain financial stability after a diagnosis. 

Our patient advocates can help you understand your options for compensation and connect with leading mesothelioma specialists through our Doctor Match program.

Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or help determining your eligibility, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

How We Can Help

The Mesothelioma Fund was established to support individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure. For more than a decade, we’ve helped victims pursue justice, hold negligent asbestos companies accountable, and secure the financial compensation they need to move forward.

Through our partnership with Meirowitz & Wasserberg, a nationally recognized asbestos litigation firm, claimants have recovered more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts. Their experienced legal team provides compassionate, knowledgeable guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.

With extensive experience handling asbestos claims in Ohio and across the country, their attorneys understand the challenges victims and families face.

From evaluating eligibility and investigating exposure history to pursuing every available source of compensation, they provide dedicated support, working to maximize recovery while minimizing stress.

Determining your eligibility takes only a few minutes and could be the first step toward securing the resources your family needs. Contact us today for a free case review.