Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing an Asbestos Claim in Louisiana

Workers have been subjected to asbestos exposure in both small and large cities in Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Slidell. Those who develop mesothelioma and other diseases may be eligible to seek compensation through personal injury lawsuits and trust fund claims. Families who lost a loved one to mesothelioma may qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Veterans of the U.S. armed forces have been exposed to asbestos at Louisiana shipyards and military bases. For example, veterans may have been exposed at NSA New Orleans Navy Base, Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans and Camp Beauregard Army Base in Pineville, Louisiana.

Unlike most other states, which tend to offer a two-year statute of limitations for asbestos claims, Louisiana offers just one year from the time of diagnosis to file a claim for both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. This means you may have less time to file a claim in Louisiana. 

But don’t be discouraged if you’ve already passed that time frame, because an experienced mesothelioma attorney may be able to file your claim in another state.

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 Louisiana

With no naturally occurring asbestos within the state, occupational exposure is likely the main source of asbestos exposure in Louisiana. 

The industries in Louisiana most known for asbestos exposure include oil refining and shipbuilding. Workers have also been exposed in power plants, chemical plants and schools. 

Demolition crews who worked on homes and buildings damaged by Hurricane Katrina were exposed to asbestos through cleanup efforts. First responders, firefighters and police were also exposed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Law Firms Practicing in Louisiana

Lawyers at national mesothelioma law firms are licensed to practice throughout the U.S., and at least one of them has an office in Louisiana. Nemeroff Law has an office in New Orleans, and the firm has a reputation for securing some of the highest verdicts and settlements in Louisiana. 

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

If you are unable to travel, one of the perks of selecting a national law firm is they will typically travel to you. They regularly travel long distances to meet with clients and record depositions, and generally don’t charge clients for these travel expenses.

Notable Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to Louisiana Workers

Louisiana Asbestos Laws and Regulations

Louisiana employs federal and state laws to regulate asbestos and prevent exposure among residents. It also takes federal regulations around asbestos in schools a step further with its own regulations, including provisions for training and accreditation. The state has set a statute of limitations for asbestos lawsuits at one year from the date of diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, which is shorter than the two-year national average.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality oversees asbestos regulations in the state, including regulations that apply to school and state buildings. It also oversees training and accreditation of abatement workers. Louisiana is unique in that it requires an additional two-hour asbestos regulations course in order to become an accredited asbestos abatement worker in the state.

Louisiana’s workers’ compensation laws may impact your case depending on when you were exposed to asbestos. Make sure you find a Louisiana-licensed mesothelioma attorney with experience applying these laws to asbestos claims.