Tennessee Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing an Asbestos Claim in Tennessee

Tennessee residents who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file a personal injury claim, and family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Workers in Tennessee have been exposed to asbestos in small and large cities throughout the state, including Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Kingsport and Oak Ridge. Paper mills were among the most dangerous sources of asbestos exposure in Tennessee. Power generation was another primary source of exposure for residents. The Tennessee Valley Authority was so successful in the state that it became one of the largest energy providers in the country, with locations throughout the U.S.

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

Tennessee’s statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits gives just one year from the time of diagnosis to file personal injury claims and one year from the time of death for wrongful death claims. This is a departure from most other states typically offering longer statutes of limitations for asbestos claims.

Residents diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease should hire a Tennessee mesothelioma lawyer to handle their claim.

Industries in Tennessee Known for Asbestos Exposure

Tennessee residents have been occupationally exposed to asbestos at construction sites, power plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, paper mills and on farms.

There are no naturally occurring asbestos deposits in Tennessee, although several deposits lie just outside its eastern border in North Carolina.

Mesothelioma Law Firms Practicing in Tennessee

National asbestos law firms are licensed to practice in Tennessee, and they have the expertise to determine the best jurisdictions in which to file your mesothelioma cancer claim for the maximum reward. In 2022, Weitz & Luxenburg secured $43 million for a mesothelioma patient after a jury found Algoma Hardwoods, Inc. responsible for asbestos exposure.

One of the perks of working with a national mesothelioma law firm is that they travel to you. Tennessee residents can interview attorneys working at national firms from the comfort of their home. National asbestos law firms will also often travel to your home to conduct depositions.

Notable Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to Tennessee Workers

Tennessee Asbestos Laws and Regulations

The state uses a blend of state and federal laws to regulate asbestos and prevent exposure among Tennessee residents.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation oversees the state’s asbestos program. It’s Air Pollution Control Division handles permits for asbestos demolition and renovation projects. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Division of Occupational Safety and Health enforces asbestos exposure protections in the workplace.

Asbestos Litigation Trends in Tennessee

In May 2021, Tennessee passed legislation giving asbestos plaintiffs 30 days to submit evidence to serve as the basis for including each defendant named in a lawsuit. The legislation allows Tennessee courts to dismiss lawsuits that don’t provide sufficient evidence within 30 days of filing.

In January 2021, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the “bare metal” defense applies under Tennessee law. Under the bare metal defense, defendants contend that they should not be held liable for asbestos replacement parts that cause disease. The Tennessee Supreme Court agreed, stating the bare metal defense is consistent with the Tennessee Products Liability Act.

Tennessee is a state that uses a modified comparative negligence law for personal injury claims and wrongful death claims. In Tennessee, plaintiffs found 50% or more at fault for the injury cannot collect damages.

A Tennessee mesothelioma lawyer can review your case and advise whether these laws apply to your claim.