Mississippi Mesothelioma Lawyers

How Do I File a Claim in Mississippi

To begin filing an asbestos claim in Mississippi, you first need to gather your work history and medical records. Next, contact a Mississippi mesothelioma lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. They’ll help you understand your rights and options in Mississippi, which has a unique history regarding asbestos litigation. 

Key Facts About Filing Claims in Mississippi

1. Mississippi’s statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing an asbestos lawsuit, so acting promptly is crucial.
2. Mississippi has a modified comparative fault rule. This rule may affect the amount of compensation you receive if the court believes you share some responsibility for your exposure.
3. Mississippi law permits punitive damages in asbestos cases if the defendant acted with gross negligence.
4. Mississippi has setoff laws, which means money you’ve gotten from asbestos trust funds may affect the amount of compensation you can receive from your lawsuit.

Up until recently, the state was a popular place to file asbestos lawsuits. In 2002, approximately 20% of asbestos claims had been filed in Mississippi. The political climate in Mississippi has shifted in recent years, leading to a decline in asbestos case filings. Mississippi remains a favorable place to file because it has no limit on punitive damage awards, which can result in higher verdicts.

Top mesothelioma attorneys can help you navigate these complex laws. They understand how to build a strong lawsuit. They’ll gather strong evidence, file paperwork correctly, represent you well in court and work hard to secure compensation for your family.

Why Hire an Asbestos Lawyer in Mississippi?

Hiring a Mississippi mesothelioma lawyer can benefit your case, especially if they’ve handled asbestos cases like yours. A local mesothelioma lawyer knows how Mississippi’s litigation laws apply to your case. 

It’s important for your lawyer to be knowledgeable about the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Act, for example. This act impacts how workers seek benefits for asbestos-related illnesses developed on the job. 

Asbestos attorneys understand how to identify liable parties and build a case based on evidence and expert testimony. Unlike a general personal injury lawyer, a mesothelioma lawyer focuses solely on asbestos cases. They have the necessary expertise to navigate Mississippi courts.

Mississippi Mesothelioma Law Firms

A mesothelioma law firm in Mississippi offers specialized help to residents diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. These firms understand Mississippi’s specific asbestos litigation laws. They know the local courts and regulations, which can be very important when filing a lawsuit. 

It’s wise to work with Mississippi lawyers who have established records of success. They understand how to present cases effectively to Mississippi juries and judges. They often have experience gathering evidence and building strong cases for workers exposed to asbestos in Mississippi. A lawyer’s familiarity with the local legal landscape can significantly impact the outcome of a mesothelioma claim.

Nationwide Asbestos Law Firms Outside Mississippi

Sometimes, Mississippi residents need to work with a nationwide asbestos law firm. This may be the case if your exposure occurred in another state, or if the responsible company’s headquarters are located elsewhere. Laws and regulations vary from state to state. 

Nationwide mesothelioma law firms offer several advantages depending upon the facts of your case. These firms have experience handling a variety of cases across different states. They understand the specific laws and procedures in each jurisdiction. National firms also have the resources to investigate complex cases and gather evidence from different locations no matter where the exposure happened. 

Hiring a nationwide firm means you have access to specialized knowledge and support, even if your case involves exposure in multiple states. For these reasons, about 50% of asbestos plaintiffs file claims outside of their home state according to a 2019 KCIC industry report.  

Asbestos Settlements and Verdicts Awarded in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to the largest asbestos verdict awarded in U.S. history. A record $322 million was awarded in 2011 to Thomas Brown of Brookhaven, Mississippi. But the defendant, Union Carbide, got the Mississippi Supreme Court to halt proceedings and order a retrial. 

The court removed the judge because he failed to disclose that his parents received a settlement from Union Carbide. A new judge threw out the record verdict and ordered a new trial where the jury ruled in favor of Union Carbide.

Asbestos Verdict Amounts Issued in Mississippi

• $1.36 million: A Mississippi jury awarded damages to mesothelioma plaintiff James Ray McManus in 2016. The jury ordered Union Carbide to pay the damages.
• $970,750: A jury awarded damages to James L. Jackson, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuit demonstrated asbestos products at Ingalls Shipyard directly caused his illness. 
• $865,000: A Mississippi jury awarded damages to mesothelioma plaintiff Robert Overly. He spent time repairing ships in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The jury ordered $465,000 in economic damages and $400,000 in non-economic damages. 

While multimillion-dollar mesothelioma verdicts happen, they’re not common in Mississippi. Mississippi residents who develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure may receive compensation through jury verdicts or settlements. Most asbestos cases result in a mesothelioma settlement rather than a trial. A mesothelioma settlement occurs when the involved parties agree on an amount of mesothelioma compensation. These settlements provide quicker financial relief. A lawyer can explain how settlements and verdicts work, and they can help people understand their options to seek mesothelioma compensation.

Mississippi Asbestos Laws and Regulations 

Mississippi enforces asbestos regulations through a combination of state laws and federal legislation. These rules aim to protect residents from the dangers of asbestos exposure. 

Both state and federal agencies work together to make sure Mississippi companies follow safety guidelines. Mississippi’s specific laws build upon the broader federal rules to address local concerns.

Laws Governing Asbestos in Mississippi

• Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 2, Chapter 1, Rule 1.8: This rule outlines the procedures for licensing asbestos abatement contractors.
• Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Act: This act provides certain benefits to workers who develop illnesses from asbestos exposure on the job.

Several state departments help enforce asbestos regulations in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality enforces rules related to asbestos waste disposal and handling. 

The Air Division within the department controls asbestos emissions from demolition and renovation projects. The Mississippi Department of Health oversees asbestos abatement projects and handles professional licensing.

How Are People Exposed to Asbestos in Mississippi?

Asbestos exposure among Mississippi residents has primarily resulted from occupational hazards and the use of asbestos products. Industries like shipbuilding, construction and chemical manufacturing heavily used asbestos, resulting in significant exposure for workers. 

The widespread use of asbestos created many exposure sites. For example, Armstrong Cork Company has a flooring manufacturing plant in Jackson, Mississippi. This manufacturer of flooring products went into bankruptcy in 2000 over asbestos litigation. It established the Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust as part of its reorganization.

Sites Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Armstrong Cork Company: Armstrong is a flooring manufacturer that incorporated asbestos fibers into its tile products.
• Mississippi power plants: Employees faced exposure while maintaining and repairing boilers and insulation containing asbestos. Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant, Jack Watson Powerhouse and Gulf Power Plant have exposed workers.
• Pascagoula shipyards: Shipyard workers at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, frequently installed and removed asbestos products. 
• Construction sites: Construction workers used asbestos-containing cement, insulation and roofing materials. Hotels in Mississippi have a history of exposing workers and putting guests at risk during renovations.

Asbestos exposure remains a concern, with ongoing issues in older buildings and schools. Recent news highlights the need for careful asbestos abatement to protect public health. For example, asbestos contamination led to delays in the demolition of Hotel O in Jackson, Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality approved the demolition in February 2025 after an asbestos abatement project.

Workers were exposed to asbestos at a Hilton hotel in Fondren, Mississippi, in 2017. Workers weren’t properly informed of the presence of asbestos or provided protective equipment during renovation work. An asbestos inspector suspended work until proper precautions were taken. 

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Mississippi

Occupational asbestos exposure put many Mississippians at risk. Military service, shipbuilding, construction and chemical production in Mississippi used asbestos, putting workers and their families at risk. Family members who lived with asbestos workers faced secondary asbestos exposure.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Mississippi

• Boiler operators
• Carpenters
• Chemical workers
• Demolition workers
• Dock workers
• Electrical plant operators
• Electricians
• Gas fitters
• Oil refinery workers
• Shipyard workers
• Welders

Many companies in Mississippi, from flooring manufacturer Armstrong Cork Company to boat maker Ingalls Shipbuilding, used asbestos products. These companies knew asbestos was dangerous but didn’t always protect their workers. If you or a loved one worked in these industries and developed an asbestos-related disease, an asbestos lawyer can explain how to file a claim in Mississippi. 

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