Mesothelioma in Washington

Asbestos Exposure in Washington

Asbestos is lightweight and flexible, making it an exceptional choice for ships of all sizes. People who worked in or around shipyards in Washington, especially in the Seattle area, may have been exposed to asbestos at work. 

Other Washington industries, including tire manufacturing and energy production, involved potential exposure to asbestos. People working in these industries may also have health concerns due to their time at work. 

Victims have three years from the formal date of diagnosis to file a claim for benefits. People with direct and secondhand exposure can file in the state, as can the people they leave behind if they die from the disease. 

On average, 98 people in Washington are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, making this state rank #11 for age-adjusted mesothelioma rates. About 165 deaths in the state are tied to mesothelioma each year.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Washington

Compensation is available to the victims of asbestos exposure through lawsuits, victims’ trust funds, and VA benefits. The average compensation from a lawsuit is $1 million, but amounts can vary widely depending on the specifics of your situation. 

Most victims in the state apply for multiple forms of compensation to ensure they get the help they need when they need it. We can help you determine which options are available to you, given your unique situation.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Washington

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Washington

In Washington, victims generally have three years from the date of formal diagnosis to file for compensation. Symptoms may start earlier, but the clock only starts ticking when the testing is complete, and a diagnosis is confirmed. 

Survivors of people who died due to exposure can also file claims. They have three years from the date of the victim’s death to do so. 

Items typically required for a successful suit include the following:

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

Experts in asbestos litigation can help you find the necessary information. If you’re not sure if you have the right documents or where to get those that are missing, reach out. We can help determine your eligibility.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Washington

An average settlement for a mesothelioma claim in Washington is $1 million to $1.4 million, per Mealey’s Litigation Report. High-value settlements in Washington include the following:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Washington

Several occupations in Washington are connected with high asbestos exposure risks. People who worked in these industries or lived with someone who did could be eligible for compensation. 

Ship Building

People who worked in places like Todd Pacific Shipyards could have been exposed, as could people who worked for places that supplied shipyards, such as J-M Manufacturing. 

Energy

Asbestos makes an exceptional insulator, and it is used throughout power plants and nuclear facilities because of its heat resistance. People who worked in places like the Hanford Nuclear Reservation could have been exposed while on the job. 

Aerospace

Workers involved in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, insulation, boiler work, or older industrial facilities may have been exposed to asbestos used in manufacturing equipment, insulation, and building materials.

Family Members & Loved Ones

Asbestos can stick to clothing and shoes. People who lived with those who worked with asbestos could face secondhand exposure risks. 

Top Exposure Sites in Washington

Some of the most common companies in Washington associated with asbestos include Todd Pacific Shipyards, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and Boeing Aerospace Manufacturing.

There are more than 1,700 verified asbestos exposure sites in the state, so others may be responsible for health impacts. 

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Washington

Many companies in Washington have been sued for asbestos exposure and remain open to this day. Those companies include Boeing, Todd Pacific, Goodyear, and General Electric. 

Compensation for exposure typically involves a lawsuit. The payouts tend to be higher than those seen in companies that pay claims via trusts. 

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Washington

Numerous manufacturers whose asbestos-containing products were used throughout Washington later established bankruptcy trust funds, including Johns Manville and Fibreboard.  

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Washington

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 Washington

In 2025, the Washington Supreme Court lowered the hurdle for latent disease claims. Now, victims only need to show “virtual certainty” that harm would occur to file a claim. In the past, the certainty benchmark was higher and harder for victims to prove. 

This change is new, and it’s not certain how it might apply to asbestos litigation in Washington. Hiring an expert is important, as professionals can guide your case through these new rules. 

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Washington?

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle delivers world-class care to people with mesothelioma. Other options include the University of Washington Medical Center and the Swedish Cancer Institute. 

Compensation can help cover treatment costs, lost income, and other financial burdens associated with mesothelioma. You can also use your funds to pay for frequent trips to Seattle for care, which could be vital for people living far from that city.

How We Can Help

We’ve helped victims in Washington get the compassionate care they need. We can help you gather documents for your case, help connect you with experienced mesothelioma specialists, and so much more. 

We’re licensed to operate in Washington and ready to work on your case. Contact us to determine your eligibility with a free case review.

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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