Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire | Legally Reviewed By Daniel Wasserberg | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: March 5, 2024

Filing a Claim in Arizona

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are at least 103 naturally occurring asbestos deposits in Arizona, and 46 chrysotile mines once operated in the state. Former miners and residents in these areas have an increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Outside of the mining industry, Arizona workers have been exposed to asbestos products at work sites such as power plants, copper mills and military bases.

Those who develop asbestos-related diseases are eligible to file a claim in Arizona, and many are eligible to file in another state. Asbestos claims include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Veterans in Arizona who develop mesothelioma may be eligible for VA benefits and VA health care in the state.

Arizona sets a time limit for filing claims, which is known as the statute of limitations. An Arizona mesothelioma lawyer has the training and experience to interpret how this law may affect your claim.

Where Arizona Asbestos Exposure Occurred

Arizona’s naturally occurring asbestos deposits are primarily located in Gila and Pinal counties. Asbestos mining operations began in 1872 and ended in 1982.

Vermiculite mineral ore from Libby, Montana.

Vermiculite that was contaminated with asbestos was shipped from Libby, Montana, to two vermiculite processing plants in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, between 1951 and 1992. The soil around these sites became contaminated with asbestos.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted cleanup efforts, and most residents living around these two sites are not currently at risk of asbestos exposure, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Arizona workers have been occupationally exposed at a number of job sites throughout the state, including asbestos mines, mineral processing plants, power plants, manufacturing sites, construction sites and public schools.

Arizona Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure

  • Asbestos mining
  • Vermiculite processing
  • Power generation
  • Copper milling
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Oil refining
  • Military operations
  • Teaching

Asbestos Law Firms Practicing in Arizona

Depending upon the facts and circumstances of each individual case, it is often advisable to file an asbestos claim outside of the state where one lives. About 54% of mesothelioma plaintiffs file asbestos claims outside of the state they live in, according to a 2019 KCIC industry report. The majority of mesothelioma plaintiffs do this because many states have enacted laws that favor asbestos defendants.

Weitz and Luxenburg
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
  • $8.5 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
Simmons Hanly Conroy Logo
1 Court Street
Alton, Illinois 62002
  • $8.9 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
meirowitz & wasserberg logo
1040 Sixth Avenue 12B
New York, NY 10018
  • $200 Million Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
Nemeroff Law Firm Logo
8226 Douglas Avenue Suite 740
Dallas, TX 75225
  • $500 Million Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a “Hall of Fame” law firm by The Legal 500
Cooney & Conway Logo
120 N Lasalle Street Suite 3000
Chicago, IL 60602
  • $7 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a National Tier 1 Firm by U.S. News & World Report in 2022
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman
820 Mililani Street Suite 505
Honolulu, HI 96813
  • $600 Million Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • 30+ Years Experience

Arizona residents with mesothelioma should consider a nationwide mesothelioma law firm because they have the expertise to file your claim in the best state for your type of lawsuit. They have experience working many different types of cases across the country, and they’ll know which state is best for your type of claim.

One of the perks of selecting a nationwide firm is that you won’t have to travel to their office.

Nationwide mesothelioma law firms know their clients are coping with a debilitating cancer that makes it difficult to travel. They will travel to you for interviews and depositions, and they won’t charge you for their travel expenses.

It is in your best interest to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn if you are eligible for compensation that could help your family cover medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

In 2022, asbestos law firm Weitz & Luxenburg secured $43 million for a mesothelioma patient after a jury found Algoma Hardwoods, Inc. responsible for asbestos exposure.

The biggest cities in Arizona with asbestos law firms include:
  • Chandler
  • Gilbert
  • Glendale
  • Mesa
  • Peoria
  • Phoenix
  • Scottsdale
  • Surprise
  • Tempe
  • Tucson

Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to Arizona Workers

  • $17 Million in 2016: An Arizona federal jury awarded $17 million to the family of a man who died of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos at a U.S. Navy shipyard.
  • $4.5 Million in 1998: A jury awarded $4.5 million to a machinist who developed mesothelioma after working with asbestos products at Arizona Public Service power plants.

While these are jury verdicts, most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled before they reach trial.

Arizona mesothelioma attorneys have a track record of securing multimillion-dollar mesothelioma settlements in addition to six-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds. Just make sure you hire a lawyer who is familiar with Arizona’s mesothelioma and asbestos trust fund transparency laws.

Arizona Asbestos Laws and Regulations

A combination of federal and state laws regulates asbestos throughout Arizona. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality enforces Arizona’s asbestos laws and the federal Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants program.

In 2004, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the state’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Honeywell International Inc. for environmental pollution that included asbestos. In 2008, Honeywell settled the lawsuit for $6 million.

Regulations Governing Asbestos in Arizona

  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 49, Section 421: Defines Arizona’s asbestos regulations and provides definitions of important terms.

Departments Overseeing Arizona’s Asbestos Laws

  • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: Oversees and enforces Arizona’s asbestos regulations, including abatement rules and disposal laws.
  • Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health: Oversees asbestos exposure issues at job sites in Arizona.

Arizona Laws Affecting Asbestos Lawsuits

  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 542: Defines Arizona’s statutes of limitations.
  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 2501 and 2505: Defines Arizona’s negligence laws.
  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 782: Describes Arizona’s asbestos trust transparency law.

Asbestos Litigation Trends in Arizona

Arizona lawmakers and state courts have established certain rules and procedures to manage asbestos claims in the state.

  • Medical Criteria: Arizona courts have barred cases filed by plaintiffs who cannot prove their asbestos-related condition has resulted in significant impairment. For example, asbestos-related pleural plaques do not result in significant impairment, so a patient with this condition is not eligible to file a claim in Arizona.
  • Right of Contribution: If two or more asbestos manufacturers are both liable for a patient’s asbestos-related disease, there is a right of contribution, which means the responsibility for paying the plaintiff’s damages is shared among all those responsible for the injury.
  • No Duty of Care for Secondary Exposure: Arizona is among the states that ruled asbestos manufacturers are not responsible for asbestos-related diseases caused by secondary asbestos exposure.
  • Trust Transparency: In 2015, Arizona lawmakers enacted legislation that requires plaintiffs to disclose asbestos trust claims within 45 days of filing a lawsuit.
Recommended Reading
  •  
  •  
  •  
Tell us what you think

Did this article help you?

Connect with Our Community

Get in Touch

Have questions? Call or chat with our Patient Advocates for answers.

Join Our Support Group

Join our support groups to connect and learn from others with mesothelioma.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events: Check the calendar for dates and details.