Tennessee Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to Find and Choose a Tennessee Mesothelioma Lawyer

Finding a qualified mesothelioma lawyer in Tennessee begins with identifying attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related claims within the state’s legal framework. Look for lawyers licensed to practice in Tennessee who understand the one-year statute of limitations and the complexities of state-specific laws like the “bare metal” defense, which allows defendants to argue they shouldn’t be held liable for asbestos replacement materials they didn’t manufacture, distribute or sell.

Many Tennessee residents benefit from national mesothelioma law firms that travel to your home for consultations, reducing the burden of travel. These firms bring extensive resources, including dedicated investigators and proven legal teams experienced in negotiating with large corporations responsible for asbestos exposure.

When choosing a lawyer, prioritize a strong track record of successful Tennessee cases, clear communication and contingency fee arrangements that require no upfront payment. Veterans should select attorneys familiar with integrating VA benefits with legal claims. Promptly connecting with a skilled Tennessee mesothelioma lawyer improves your chances of securing fair compensation and expert support through every step. With Tennessee ranking No. 13 in the nation for mesothelioma deaths and No. 14 in mesothelioma cases, the data shows that many Tennesseans require legal guidance with experience.

Compensation From Asbestos Filings in Tennessee 

In Tennessee, many verdicts and settlements in asbestos cases have resulted in millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation. The duration and intensity of asbestos exposure, the plaintiff’s age, and the liability of defendants can all affect the amount of your verdict or settlement.

Every mesothelioma case is unique. The average mesothelioma settlement ranges from $1 million to $2 million. The national average asbestos lawsuit trial verdict is $20.7 million. Discuss any important details about your case that may affect your claim with your seasoned Tennessee lawyer.

Notable Tennessee Settlements, Verdicts or Trust Funds

• $1.4 million trial verdict: A Hamilton County jury awarded this amount to the widow of Kenneth Wayne Jackson, Marian Jackson,  in 2009. Her mesothelioma wrongful-death case involved exposure at a Chattanooga Combustion Engineering plant in Chattanooga.
• $115,247.91 verdict plus settlements: A Maury County jury initially awarded $2.1 million to the estate of James William Davis in Sept. 2019, for a mesothelioma wrongful death case involving asbestos exposure. However, by the time of trial, Davis’s widow had settled with all defendants for undisclosed amounts except Ameron International Corporation. The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed in June 2020 that statutory damage caps should be applied before apportioning fault among defendants, reducing Ameron’s final liability based on its 13% share of responsibility.

A jury awarded $4.6 million to Joyce and Ronnie Stockton in 2015. Their lawsuit claimed Joyce Stockton developed mesothelioma through contact with her husband’s asbestos-contaminated work clothing. Ronnie Stockton was exposed to Ford Motor Co.’s asbestos automobile products while working as an auto mechanic. 

In 2017, a divided Tennessee appeals court panel vacated the award. It remanded the case to a lower court because the initial jury failed to go through the process of finding Ford’s product defective or unreasonably dangerous before finding them liable. The outcome of the remanded case remains unpublished. Challenges in the legal process like this underscore the importance of working with seasoned asbestos lawyers.

How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in Tennessee

Your Tennessee mesothelioma attorney guides you through the legal process while navigating the state’s evolving litigation landscape. For example, Tennessee’s Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act requires plaintiffs to disclose all pending or potential claims with asbestos trust funds early in the litigation, and your lawyer handles these disclosure requirements while building your case.

Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim

1. Initial consultation: Your attorney reviews your mesothelioma diagnosis and medical records and assesses your legal options at no cost.
2. Investigate exposure history: Your legal team investigates your connection to Tennessee asbestos exposure sites such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Franklin Mill (International Paper), Tennessee Valley Authority facilities and Arnold Air Force Base.
3. Filing your claim: Your attorney files your claim within Tennessee’s 1-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and wrongful death claims, naming all responsible parties and submitting required evidence promptly.
4. Discovery phase: Your attorney collects employment records from sites like American Smelting and Refining Company operations, paper mills or power generation facilities. Both sides exchange documents, conduct depositions and gather expert testimonies.
5. Settlement negotiations or trial: Most cases settle, but if companies won’t offer fair compensation, your attorney represents you in court. If successful, you receive financial compensation covering medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages.

Tennessee courts hold companies responsible for secondhand asbestos exposure. This occurs when workers carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin or hair, exposing family members. The 2008 Tennessee Supreme Court decision in Satterfield v. Breeding Insulation Co. expanded employer liability to include take-home asbestos exposure, strengthening protections for families.

Your attorney will investigate both workplace and take-home exposure to identify all responsible parties. Throughout the process, your lawyer will communicate with you regularly, offering compassionate support tailored to your family’s needs.

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Asbestos Exposure in Tennessee 

Many Tennesseans were exposed to asbestos through manufacturing and industrial companies while on the job. Tennessee has no naturally occurring asbestos deposits, although several deposits lie just outside its eastern border in North Carolina.

Sites in Tennessee Known for Asbestos Exposure

• American Smelting and Refining Company: ASARCO consolidated several mining, refining and smelting operations nationwide. The company began asbestos mining in the 1950s and started an asbestos pipe manufacturing business in the 1960s. Thousands of asbestos lawsuits caused the company to file for bankruptcy in 2005. An asbestos trust fund was created in 2009.
• Franklin Mill (International Paper): The International Paper Company has been included in several asbestos-related lawsuits. Former employees claim they were exposed to asbestos in the company’s paper mills. 
• Rose of Sharon Primitive Baptist Church: The Nashville church was inundated with 2 feet of water during a 2010 flood. After the waters receded, congregants began the recovery process. As they cleared away carpets, pews and drywall, they experienced respiratory and skin problems. Code enforcement discovered that the building contained asbestos and other contaminants. 
• Shelby County Juvenile Court: The building was closed for 5 months after mold, lead and asbestos were discovered inside. 
• Tennessee Valley Authority: The largest public power company in the U.S. has been involved in several asbestos exposure cases. In 2019, more than 50 tons of asbestos was found buried under TVA property at the company’s Kingston plant. 

In August 2024, several complaints were filed about the condition of Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson City. The school lacked air conditioning and had plumbing issues, mold and asbestos. Many parents of children attending the school came together to call for action. 

School leaders later said the asbestos in the school is being maintained and removed as necessary. The cafeteria tile containing asbestos was removed and remediated. Most schools and other structures built before 1980 will likely contain asbestos. The mineral was present in many products used in classrooms, school corridors and auditoriums. 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee has a history of significant asbestos exposure through the use of asbestos insulation and materials in its nuclear research facilities. Over time, asbestos in buildings like Building 7500 degraded, releasing hazardous fibers that posed serious health risks to workers. Physical asbestos abatement efforts began around 2017 to reduce these risks and protect workers and the public.

Studies on ORNL workers show elevated rates of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, linked to their occupational exposure. Despite cleanup efforts, many workers were exposed before proper safety protocols were in place, highlighting the lasting health impact of asbestos at this key facility.​

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Tennessee

Asbestos use across the state puts workers in various occupations at risk of exposure in Tennessee. Paper mills were among the most dangerous sources of asbestos exposure in the Volunteer State. Power generation was another primary source of exposure for residents. The Tennessee Valley Authority became one of the largest energy providers in the country.

Many Veterans of the U.S. armed forces were exposed to asbestos on military bases in Tennessee. Sites include Arnold Air Force Base near Tullahoma and Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Tennessee 

• Agriculture
• Carpentry
• Chemical production
• Construction
• Demolition
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Military personnel
• Oil refining
• Paper milling
• Power generation
• Teacher
• Textile worker

Tennessee courts will hold companies responsible for secondhand asbestos exposure. Sometimes referred to as “take-home exposure,” secondhand exposure can happen when a person who works with asbestos carries home fibers on their clothing, skin or hair. Similar to primary exposure, secondary exposure can also cause mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

How Your Lawyer Supports You in Tennessee’s Changing Asbestos Litigation

Tennessee’s asbestos litigation landscape is actively evolving with key court rulings, legislative updates and regulatory changes influencing how claims are handled. Your lawyer monitors these shifts closely to protect your legal rights and optimize your claim strategy.

Tennessee Legislative Changes

• Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act: This aims to increase transparency between asbestos bankruptcy trusts and civil asbestos litigation. Finalized in 2016, the Act requires plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits to disclose all pending or potential claims against asbestos bankruptcy trusts early in the litigation process. This helps prevent fraudulent or duplicate claims, ensuring courts, defendants and juries have full knowledge of claims made in both the trust and tort systems.
• Expansion of protections for employees: The Tennessee Supreme Court expanded protections for employees in 2008 with the decision in the case Satterfield v. Breeding Insulation Co. This ruling recognized employers have a duty to prevent foreseeable harm from asbestos exposure, not only to workers directly handling asbestos but also to those indirectly exposed, such as household members through take-home asbestos fibers. The Court emphasized liability arises when the risk of harm is foreseeable, even if the employee wasn’t in direct contact with the asbestos. 

Your Tennessee attorney stays informed on case law, filing deadlines and evolving evidence standards. They assess your claim for the strongest jurisdiction and ensure all filings meet updated legal requirements. With this proactive support, you receive timely guidance and advocacy to navigate challenges, whether negotiating settlements or preparing for trial. This ongoing legal assistance helps ease your burden, allowing you to focus on recovery while your lawyer works diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.

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