Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers

How To Find and Choose an Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer

Finding the right Arizona mesothelioma lawyer starts with looking for a personal injury attorney with documented experience handling asbestos exposure cases under Arizona law. The strongest qualifications include at least 10 years of asbestos-specific litigation, verdicts and settlements above $1 million, willingness to travel to you and contingency-fee billing with no upfront cost.

Arizona Key Facts

• Mesothelioma compensation options include VA benefits, asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuit settlements or verdicts, and workers’ compensation.
• Arizona Senate Bill 1157 and House Bill 2253, both passed in 2015, added trust-fund disclosure and product-identification requirements to Arizona asbestos lawsuits.
• Nationally, trial verdicts can exceed $10 million. In Arizona, a federal jury awarded $17 million to the family of a former Navy shipyard worker in their wrongful death lawsuit.
• Lawsuit settlements typically range from $1 million to $2 million, and asbestos trust funds hold more than $30 billion for eligible filers.
• The Salt River Canyon mines produced more than 70,000 tons of asbestos between 1913 and the late 1970s. It’s the state’s largest documented exposure source.

The most qualified asbestos attorneys know the litigation landscape in the state and that mesothelioma cases involve exposure from decades ago because of its 20 to 60 year latency period. They’re familiar with exposure sites and responsible companies. Your mesothelioma lawyer can determine the correct jurisdiction for your case, gather strong evidence and make the process as easy as possible on you and your family.

Compensation From Asbestos Filings in Arizona

Arizona mesothelioma patients typically recover $1 million to $2 million through settlements and may receive $10 million or more through jury verdicts, with additional payouts available from asbestos trust funds. Compensation varies depending on the circumstances of your asbestos exposure. Trials can result in higher compensation amounts, but favorable verdicts aren’t guaranteed outcomes.

Notable Asbestos Settlements and Verdicts in Arizona

• $17.4 million: A mesothelioma settlement involving a medical technologist in Phoenix.
• $17 million: An Arizona federal jury awarded this verdict to a family in 2016. Their loved one died of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos at a U.S. Navy shipyard.
• $4.5 million: A jury awarded this amount to a machinist in 1998. He worked with asbestos products at Arizona Public Service power plants and later developed mesothelioma.
• $4.3 million: The claimant worked as a truck driver in Prescott, Arizona and received this negotiated settlement amount.
• $4.1 million: A welder and U.S. Army veteran from Winkelman, Arizona received this negotiated settlement amount.
• Asarco Asbestos Trust: Qualifying mesothelioma patients can receive up to $170,000 from this trust.
• W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust: This trust pays 30% of the gross settlement value for mesothelioma claims. 

Arizona has a strong history of significant mesothelioma verdicts and settlements, though 2018’s Quiroz v. Alcoa decision narrowed secondhand-exposure liability. Settlement value remains highest for direct-exposure plaintiffs.

Many Arizona families have used mesothelioma settlements and verdicts to cover medical expenses, ongoing care and lost wages. Many survivors tell us they feel relieved knowing settlements can help provide for their loved ones.

How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in Arizona?

An Arizona asbestos lawyer handles a mesothelioma claim through 6 phases: case evaluation, evidence gathering, defendant identification, complaint filing, discovery and settlement negotiation or trial. Each phase builds toward the strongest possible outcome for your lawsuit, whether that ends in a settlement or a verdict at trial.

Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim

1. Meet and review: An experienced attorney speaks with you in person, whether at home or at a medical care facility. You can discuss your case, ask questions and get reliable guidance.
2. Evaluate the strength of your case: To file a lawsuit in Arizona, you need sufficient evidence of asbestos exposure, your medical diagnosis and the connection to the defendant. 
3. Offer recommendations: Next, your mesothelioma attorney offers professional advice. Some cases have a good chance of settling quickly, and sometimes there are asbestos trust funds you can apply to.
4. File a claim: The law firm takes care of filing your claim and the required documentation. They can also help you follow Arizona’s filing timeline.
5. Handle the discovery process: During discovery, your lawyer looks for additional proof to make your case stronger, such as interviewing witnesses or requesting company records. 
6. Manage your case completely: Arizona legal teams with experience in asbestos lawsuits can handle the claims process, negotiate settlements, and assist you with trust fund claims. 

Arizona residents can file a mesothelioma claim in Maricopa County Superior Court, Pima County Superior Court or the federal District of Arizona. The right venue depends on where your exposure occurred and where the defendant operates. House Bill 2253 also requires you to name all product manufacturers you plan to sue at the start of the trial, so early preparation with your attorney matters.

Your mesothelioma lawyer handles the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your health and time with loved ones. From filing paperwork to negotiating with defendants, they manage every aspect of your case while keeping you informed throughout the process.

$30B+ IN TRUST FUNDS AVAILABLE

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Asbestos Exposure in Arizona

Asbestos mines in Arizona were directly responsible for the asbestos exposure of workers and residents. Mining in the state dates back to 1872. Miners were in direct contact with raw asbestos, presenting significant health risks.

Sites Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Abril Mine in Southern Arizona
• Apache Mine in Gila County
• Cemetery Ridge mine in Yuma County
• Kyle Asbestos Mines in Globe, AZ
• Putman Wash in Mohave County
• Solomon’s Mines in Phoenix

In Phoenix, the W.R. Grace vermiculite plant exposed workers to asbestos during processing and waste disposal activities. The plant operated near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road in Phoenix. For nearly 30 years, the facility received contaminated minerals from Libby, Montana. This plant is primarily why Phoenix is the largest asbestos-exposure cluster in Arizona.

Construction sites and commercial buildings throughout Maricopa County used asbestos-containing materials through the 1970s, putting construction workers and tradespeople at risk. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson also has a documented history of asbestos use in aircraft and facility construction.

Salt River Canyon Asbestos Mines

Arizona’s Salt River Canyon mines produced more than 70,000 tons of toxic asbestos from 1913 to the late 1970s. Mines near Gila had particularly high asbestos exposure, and workers breathed in the harmful dust and fibers. Hundreds of miners and laborers developed asbestos-related illnesses as a result.

In Gila County, a development called Mountain View Mobile Home Estates was built near an old asbestos mill Metate Asbestos Corporation owned. EPA cleanup operations involved relocating residents, demolishing and burying homes, as well as covering the ground with clay and fresh soil. Cleanup finished in 1988, but the EPA checks the site every 5 years. 

Asbestos mines weren’t the only sources of exposure. Limestone deposits in Gila and Pinal County were also contaminated with toxic asbestos.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Arizona

Arizona’s long history with this toxic mineral exposed many workers in a number of industries to illnesses related to asbestos. Exposure at work is the No. 1 cause of mesothelioma.

Arizona Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure

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

Many veterans experienced asbestos exposure in the military during the course of their jobs in all branches of service. Arizona is home to a number of military bases where asbestos was used in machinery and construction materials.

Veterans and Mesothelioma in Arizona 

Arizona is home to several military installations where veterans were exposed to asbestos, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, Luke Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation, asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuit compensation simultaneously.

Arizona Military Bases With Documented Asbestos Use

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Tucson)
• Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista)
• Luke Air Force Base (Glendale)
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
• Yuma Proving Ground

Veterans can file a VA disability claim and an Arizona civil lawsuit simultaneously. These compensation options don’t conflict and pursuing one doesn’t prevent you from pursuing the other. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help veterans navigate both processes at the same time.

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

Legal changes in Arizona make it challenging to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, but asbestos law firms have experience with state challenges and defense tactics. Your attorney can avoid many issues with careful preparation.

Arizona Legislative Changes

• Quiroz v. Alcoa Inc. 2018: Determined business owners aren’t responsible for secondhand asbestos exposure in Arizona that happened before 1970. The Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling effectively prevents survivors from suing negligent employers unless the mesothelioma patient was an employee.
• Senate Bill 1157: Requires any asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuits to include a detailed list of any trust fund payments you’ve received or qualify for. 
• House Bill 2253: Sets strict requirements for filing an asbestos liability claim, including proof of exposure with start and ending dates. Mesothelioma patients also have to name any product manufacturers they plan on suing from the start of the trial.

Your attorney will help you navigate Arizona’s litigation landscape. If you don’t qualify to file in Arizona based on your specific circumstances, your lawyer will evaluate whether another jurisdiction is appropriate based on factors such as where you were exposed, where you lived or where the defendant is located. Asbestos law firms assess all applicable legal avenues to help you pursue fair compensation.

Common Questions About Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers

How long does an Arizona mesothelioma lawsuit take?

Most Arizona mesothelioma lawsuits settle within 12 to 18 months. Trust fund claims typically pay within 3 to 6 months. Trial verdicts can take 2 years or longer.

Who is eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Arizona?

Anyone with a confirmed mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer diagnosis may file a personal injury claim. Family members who lost a loved one may file a wrongful death lawsuit. You may be eligible to file in Arizona if you’re a state resident, if your asbestos exposure occurred in Arizona or if the defendant is located in the state. Your lawyer will identify the correct jurisdiction for your case.

What is the average mesothelioma compensation in Arizona?

Arizona mesothelioma settlements typically range from $1 million to $2 million. Verdicts in Arizona have reached $17.4 million for individual plaintiffs, and asbestos trust-fund payouts are available in addition to any lawsuit recovery.

Do I have to pay an Arizona mesothelioma lawyer upfront?

No. Reputable Arizona mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency. They’re paid only if you receive compensation, typically 30% to 40% of the recovery.

Can Arizona veterans file a VA claim and a lawsuit at the same time?

Yes. Filing a VA disability claim doesn’t prevent a veteran from filing a separate civil lawsuit or asbestos trust-fund claim. These compensation options are independent of one another.

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