Connecticut Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Connecticut

Many residents of Connecticut who develop mesothelioma decide to file their claim in another state because Connecticut law is more favorable to asbestos defendants. Those who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file asbestos trust fund claims in addition to personal injury claims. Family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Workers in Connecticut have been occupationally exposed to asbestos on job sites in locations such as Bridgeport, Granby, Hartford, New Haven and New London. Industries known for asbestos exposure in Connecticut include power generation, chemical production, manufacturing and shipbuilding.

Many veterans of the U.S. armed forces have been exposed to asbestos while serving in Connecticut. Those enlisted in the U.S. Navy were exposed in shipyards while constructing ships and submarines. Veterans in other branches of the military were exposed on bases in Connecticut, including the Bradley Air National Guard Base and New London Naval Submarine Base.

The statute of limitations to file an asbestos claim in Connecticut is three years for both personal injury and wrongful death claims. An experienced mesothelioma attorney who is licensed to practice in Connecticut can review your case to determine if you qualify to file a claim. 

You should not rely on any information herein to make a determination about your legal rights. Please speak to an attorney licensed to practice law in your area to best understand your legal options.

Asbestos Exposure in Connecticut

Residents of Connecticut have faced asbestos exposure risks from environmental and occupational sources. Among the environmental exposures faced by Connecticut residents, those living around the former anthophyllite asbestos mine near Nepaug in Litchfield County may have been exposed to airborne asbestos generated from mining operations.

Occupationally, workers have been exposed at many different job sites in a variety of industries. The state is known for its history of building ships and submarines, which are notorious for containing significant amounts of asbestos. This work exposed civilians and veterans of the U.S. armed forces to asbestos, particularly those in the Navy.

Industries in Connecticut Known for Asbestos Exposure

Law Firms Practicing in Connecticut

Attorneys at national mesothelioma law firms are licensed to practice throughout the U.S., and some of them have offices just outside of Connecticut in New York City. For example, the law firms Weitz & Luxenberg and Simmons Hanly Conroy have offices in New York City.

Connecticut law tends to favor asbestos defendants, which is one of the reasons why residents often choose to file their claims in another state. In 2022, Weitz & Luxenburg secured $43 million for a mesothelioma patient after a jury found Algoma Hardwoods, Inc. responsible for asbestos exposure.

This fact also highlights the importance of selecting a national firm that can file your claim in the best state for your case. A national mesothelioma law firm can review your case and advise you on the best states and jurisdictions in which to file your claim.

National law firms regularly travel to meet with clients and conduct depositions. They are willing to travel to meet with you, and you won’t be charged for their travel expenses.  

Notable Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to Connecticut Workers

Connecticut Asbestos Laws and Regulations

Connecticut residents are protected by federal and state laws that regulate asbestos in the state to prevent exposure. Connecticut’s asbestos regulations oversee licensing of abatement workers and define the fines and punishments for ignoring asbestos abatement laws.

State Departments Overseeing Connecticut’s Asbestos Laws

• Connecticut Department of Public Health
• Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection oversees hazardous waste management of asbestos and sets regulations for proper disposal. The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees the state’s asbestos program, and it works with the Environmental Practitioner Licensing Program to license and regulate asbestos abatement contractors and consultants.

Connecticut Laws Affecting Asbestos Lawsuits

• Connecticut Code, Title 52, Sections 52-577 and 52-584: Defines the statutes of limitations for personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits in Indiana.
• Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-572h: Defines Connecticut’s negligence laws.

A mesothelioma attorney licensed to practice in Connecticut has the expertise to interpret how these laws apply to your case. 

Asbestos Litigation Trends in Connecticut

According to an industry report from KCIC, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., that manages asbestos product liabilities, there was an increase in asbestos case filings in New London, Connecticut, in 2017. The trend has flattened out according to subsequent reports.

Connecticut is among the states that has refused to force plaintiffs to disclose whether they plan to file asbestos trust fund claims when filing an asbestos lawsuit. In a 2012 ruling, a Connecticut Superior Court judge stated, “You could find out, in my courtroom anyway, whether the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos in connection with other entities which are now in bankruptcy, but beyond that, I don’t think I can force them to say whether they contemplate making a claim, and in fact, they may not know.”

Connecticut also has a special rule for asbestos lawsuits when it comes to statutes of limitations. It makes an exception to the state’s 10-year limit to file a claim after a product causes injury because asbestos injuries often take 20 to 60 years to develop after exposure. The special rule for asbestos claims stipulates that a plaintiff has 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure to file a claim, and it must be within three years of diagnosis with an asbestos-related disease.