Mesothelioma in Pennsylvania

Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long history of asbestos use, including 37 sites of naturally occurring asbestos, 4 of which were developed into mines, and almost 8,500 known exposure sites. Many industries in Pennsylvania relied on asbestos, including mining, steel production, shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing, resulting in thousands of injured workers and residents. 

On average, there are over 140 new incidences of mesothelioma each year and an annual asbestos death rate that is roughly twice the national average, putting Pennsylvania firmly in the top 10 states for mesothelioma incidence each year. 

The bulk of Pennsylvania asbestos exposure occurred between the 1940s and the late 1970s, before federal regulations limited use. However, people in certain high-risk professions may still face elevated exposure risks. 

You may qualify for compensation if you or a member of your family has received a mesothelioma diagnosis following documented Pennsylvania asbestos exposure.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Pennsylvania

Asbestos exposure victims and their loved ones may qualify for multiple forms of compensation, which can be a critical lifeline during the serious financial struggles that often follow a mesothelioma diagnosis.

On average, qualified claimants receive $1 million or more in total compensation, enabling families to cover lost wages and the cost of expensive treatment. 

The amount of compensation a claimant receives varies depending on factors like age, number of dependents, and the types of compensation they can pursue.

For example, claimants who settle out of court generally receive $1 million to $1.4 million, while claimants who successfully pursue a trial verdict typically recover $5 million to $11.4 million.

Most victims of asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania can apply for multiple forms of compensation. Pursuing all the types of compensation available is the best way to maximize your award amount.

The Mesothelioma Fund can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and learn more about the options available to you based on your unique situation. Contact us for a free case evaluation with an expert patient advocate.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Pennsylvania

Compensation Type	Time to File in Pennsylvania	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	2 Years (from diagnosis)	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 Pennsylvania

To secure compensation, mesothelioma patients and their families must meet specific eligibility requirements.

These standards vary depending on the type of compensation, but most varieties of compensation create requirements regarding medical criteria, exposure criteria, and time limits.

• 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 Pennsylvania is 2 years from the date of diagnosis or death. Claims must be filed within these deadlines for a client to remain eligible for compensation in Pennsylvania. 

Claimants who meet these requirements must prove it through extensive documentation because asbestos claims place the burden of proof on the claimant. 

Types of documentation that help prove eligibility

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

Mesothelioma has a long latency period. Some patients aren’t diagnosed until 50 years after exposure, leaving decades for documentation to disappear. Asbestos litigation experts can help you find the necessary information to build a strong claim. If you are unsure of your eligibility, reach out to us today.

Our patient advocates can help determine your eligibility for free.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Pennsylvania

Due to its long history of exposure, Pennsylvania faces a heavy caseload of mesothelioma lawsuits. The vast majority of asbestos claims end in out-of-court settlements, which offer claimants a relatively quick route to compensation without the stress of a trial.

According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, the national average for mesothelioma settlements is $1 to $1.4 million, although some sources report Pennsylvania’s average as $1.1 to $2.2 million.

Top mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in Pennsylvania:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Pennsylvania

There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), even one exposure to asbestos is enough to cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma decades later.

However, people who were regularly exposed to asbestos at their jobs face the highest risks of asbestos-related diseases.

In Pennsylvania, miners, steelworkers, shipbuilders, manufacturing workers, and construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to their employers’ reliance on asbestos. 

Steel Mill Employees

Steel mills primarily used asbestos for fireproofing and heat resistance in their facilities and machinery. Common forms of asbestos included insulation, refractory materials, gaskets, valves, furnace and boiler components, and protective clothing.

Any employee working in a steel mill may have been exposed to asbestos, but furnace crews, maintenance workers, welders, and pipefitters face particularly high risks.

Pennsylvania steel mills with known asbestos exposure:

• Babcock & Wilcox (Beaver Falls)
• Bethlehem Steel Corporation (Ellsworth, Johnstown, Bethlehem, Pittsburgh)
• U.S. Steel (McKees Rocks, Morrisville, Rankin, Titusville)

Shipyard Workers

In addition to being heat- and fire-resistant, asbestos was also incredibly lightweight and durable, making it a popular option for shipboard components.

Asbestos materials were commonly found aboard ships as insulation, lagging, gaskets, and valves. Those who worked to build, repair, and maintain ships often inhaled or ingested dangerous asbestos particles.

Pennsylvania asbestos shipyards:

• Bethlehem Steel Shipyard (Bethlehem)
• Hog Island Shipyard (Philadelphia)
• Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (Philadelphia)
• William Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company (Philadelphia)

The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard turned out multiple vessels later cited as places of exposure for U.S. Navy veterans, including:

• USS Chicago
• USS Los Angeles
• USS New Jersey
• USS Valley Forge
• USS Washington

Construction Workers

From the 1920s until the late 1970s, most commercial, residential, military, and institutional structures were constructed using asbestos-containing materials.

The workers responsible for installing, removing, or repairing these materials face serious health risks from inhalation, particularly those required to cut, sand, drill, or mix materials that release significant dust.

Construction workers still face risks of exposure to old materials installed in buildings constructed before the 1980s.

Common asbestos-containing construction products:

• 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

The family members and loved ones of asbestos workers also faced significant risks for asbestos-related illness. Many workers unintentionally brought dangerous asbestos particles home on their hair, skin, and clothing, exposing other residents during everyday household chores like laundry. 

Top Exposure Sites in Pennsylvania

Companies used asbestos across Pennsylvania, with particularly large clusters in towns and cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Ambler, which is home to one of the state’s largest Superfund sites and is known as the town asbestos built. There are 8,497 known asbestos work sites in Pennsylvania.

The companies responsible for these sites knew that asbestos was dangerous and continued to use it anyway, exposing thousands of workers to cancer-causing materials. Today, injured workers and their loved ones may qualify for multiple forms of compensation from these negligent companies.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Pennsylvania

Victims of solvent companies have no choice but to file lawsuits to pursue compensation. These companies have not filed for bankruptcy or established asbestos trust funds; instead, they have handled their asbestos liabilities through the civil court system.

Asbestos lawsuit claimants often secure high compensation, but lawsuits can take years to resolve. Many asbestos lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements, eliminating the need for a trial and offering a faster route to compensation.

Solvent asbestos companies in Pennsylvania:

• Certainteed Corporation
• Crane Co
• Johnson & Johnson
• U.S. Steel

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Pennsylvania

When asbestos liabilities become unmanageable, many companies seek the protection of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. To emerge from bankruptcy, these companies must present a plan to establish an asbestos trust fund with sufficient funds to compensate all current and future victims of their negligence.

There are over 60 active trust funds in the United States today, holding over $30 billion to compensate victims. Over $20 billion has already been distributed. Trust funds enable victims to secure the compensation they need quickly, without ever setting foot in a courtroom.

 Pennsylvania asbestos companies with established trust funds:

• DII industries
• Garlock Sealing Technologies
• Johns Manville
• Pittsburgh Corning
• W.R. Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Pennsylvania

Navigating the complexities of mesothelioma compensation on your own can be stressful, but many people don’t realize they have other options. However, most eligible claimants choose to work with law firms that specialize in asbestos exposure cases. 

Claimants who work with a legal expert see higher average winnings and get the security of knowing every detail of their case is being handled by an expert who is working to build the strongest possible case. Many of these firms also work on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the firm helps them secure compensation. 

Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been providing its clients with individualized claim support for more than a decade. Their straightforward process ensures a smooth, low-stress experience from your very first meeting.

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.

Filing an asbestos trust fund claim doesn’t have to be hard. Trust fund claims often pay out within 90 days, making them a valuable option for qualifying claimants who need compensation quickly and want to avoid the stress of a trial. Your lawyer can help you navigate the application process.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Pennsylvania

Every state has unique walls and regulations that impact asbestos litigation within its borders, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Every year, new findings and verdicts create a constantly shifting legal landscape that can be challenging for claimants to navigate on their own. 

Asbestos litigation experts specialize in managing the unique challenges of mesothelioma lawsuits, ensuring their clients get the support they deserve and the maximum potential compensation.

Pennsylvania asbestos laws and regulations:

• Successor liability: Recent years have seen discussions about limits on successor liability in Pennsylvania, with Section 8368.3 of the 2025 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes placing limits on the asbestos liability of successor companies. Product-line exceptions can reduce these limits for successor companies that continue manufacturing product lines associated with asbestos.
• Rule 1041.1: Initially adopted in 1990 and amended several times afterward, this rule is meant to reduce delays and keep asbestos dockets moving by limiting pleadings, setting time limits on defendants’ initial appearance, and making it easier to add additional defendants after the usual joinder deadline.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Pennsylvania?

While local cancer doctors can be an important part of a mesothelioma patient’s care team, specialist care can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Specialized mesothelioma providers offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and other critical support. 

Pennsylvania has multiple in-state options for top-quality mesothelioma care. 

Top mesothelioma treatment centers in Pennsylvania:

• Penn Medical Abramson Cancer Center (Philadelphia)
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
• Hillman Cancer Center (Pittsburgh)
• Allegheny Health Network (AHN)
• Cancer Institute (Pittsburgh)
• Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia)

Deciding on a provider can be challenging. Our Doctor Match program connects you with over 500 of the best mesothelioma treatment providers nationwide, helping you get the care you need quickly. Our patient advocates can help you find the right provider and secure faster access for your first appointment. 

Unfortunately, mesothelioma treatment is expensive, often costing patients over $400,000 annually out of pocket. Many patients struggle to meet these costs, but compensation from lawsuits, trust funds, and other sources can help pay for care, travel, lodging, and other expenses. 

No matter where you are in your mesothelioma journey, whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or help paying for care, we can help connect you with the resources you need.

How We Can Help

For over a decade, the Mesothelioma Fund has worked with victims and their families to help them get the justice, compensation, and support they need. Our expert patient advocates can help you determine your eligibility, understand your options, find top-quality care quickly, and secure specialized legal representation. 

The team at our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has decades of combined experience navigating the complexities of asbestos litigation in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., combining deep knowledge of local regulations with a broad understanding of the asbestos litigation landscape.

Their lawyers leverage this knowledge and experience to help clients get the maximum possible compensation, resulting in over $500 million secured for mesothelioma patients and their families. These funds can help patients and families cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens caused by mesothelioma. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, we can help you start your compensation journey in just a few minutes with a free, no-obligation case assessment.