Oregon Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to Find and Choose an Oregon Mesothelioma Lawyer

When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer in Oregon, look for attorneys with a proven track record handling cases under Oregon’s unique laws. Key factors include licensing to practice in Oregon, knowledge of local asbestos sources and strong experience managing claims within the state’s statute of limitations. Compassionate, detail-oriented lawyers who work on contingency are also important, as they focus on getting you results without upfront costs.

Oregon ranks among the states where asbestos exposure has caused serious health issues, including mesothelioma. The state is No. 22 in mesothelioma deaths and No. 29 in the nation for mesothelioma cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those diagnosed were exposed at work in shipyards and manufacturing in counties like Multnomah and Clackamas. Mesothelioma incidence rates highlight the importance of knowledgeable asbestos attorneys for Oregonians. 

Experienced national law firms will come to you and provide personalized legal help throughout the state. Skilled mesothelioma attorneys navigate Oregon’s legal standards and filing deadlines, help gather the necessary medical and exposure evidence and work to maximize compensation for your treatment and losses. National law firms like Simmons Hanly Conroy have helped Oregonians secure more than $105 million in compensation.

Weitz & Luxenberg

• $8.5 Billion Recovered
• Serves Clients Nationwide
• Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022

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Simmons Hanly Conroy

• $8.9 Billion Recovered
• Serves Clients Nationwide
• Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report

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Compensation From Asbestos Filings in Oregon

Courts in Oregon have ruled in favor of asbestos plaintiffs in several high-profile cases. Many cases have resulted in millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation. 

For example, a Multnomah County circuit court jury awarded $5.7 million to Robert and Bonnie Sprague in 2017. Robert Sprague developed mesothelioma. His lawsuit claimed his disease was the result of exposure to asbestos products while serving in the U.S. Navy and working as a pipefitter. 

Notable Oregon Settlements, Verdicts or Trust Funds

• $260 million: In 2024, an Oregon jury awarded a woman these damages following claims Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder caused her mesothelioma. Kyung Lee of Beaverton says she has used the product for more than 30 years. 
• $8.75 million: A Portland jury awarded these damages to David and Patricia Hoff in 2016. Their suit claimed Hoff, a carpenter, developed mesothelioma from Kaiser Gypsum’s asbestos-containing spackle product. Union Carbide and Georgia Pacific, other defendants in the case, reached confidential settlements with the Hoffs during the trial.
• $6.2 million: An Oregon jury awarded these damages to Donald and Linda Miller in 2020, whose suit claimed exposure to one of Kaiser Gypsum Co.’s asbestos-containing products caused Miller to develop mesothelioma.

Charles and Pat Eastridge were awarded $5 million in 2016 following Charles’ mesothelioma diagnosis. The couple claims he was exposed to asbestos while working at a mill where he maintained dry kilns and boilers.

Several factors will affect a verdict and settlement amount. Mesothelioma settlement amounts range from $1 million to $2 million. Mesothelioma verdicts average higher. The national average asbestos lawsuit trial verdict hit $20.7 million in 2024, according to Mealey’s. Speak with your lawyer about possible factors that may affect the amount of your claim. 

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Over $30 billion has been set aside to support those diagnosed with mesothelioma. We’ll help you explore your options and introduce you to the nation’s leading mesothelioma law firms.

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How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in Oregon

When you work with an asbestos lawyer in Oregon, the mesothelioma claims process is carefully managed from start to finish to protect your rights and secure compensation. Your attorney will handle complex paperwork, meet deadlines and gather evidence so you can focus on your health and family.

Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim

1. Free case evaluation: Your mesothelioma lawyer reviews your diagnosis and exposure history to assess your eligibility and legal options.
2. Exposure investigation: Your attorney investigates your work, military or environmental exposure to asbestos in Oregon, including sites like the former Burns Air Force Station Radar Base where asbestos insulation, pipe wrap, broken tile and wallboard exposed personnel to toxic fibers, and identifies all responsible parties.
3. Claim filing: Your asbestos lawyer files the lawsuit or trust fund claim in the appropriate jurisdiction while ensuring compliance with Oregon’s 2-year statute of limitations from diagnosis for personal injury or 3 years from the loss of a loved one for wrongful death claims.
4. Discovery and evidence gathering: Both sides exchange documents, take depositions and collect testimony to build a strong case.
5. Settlement negotiations and trial preparation: Most claims resolve through settlements, but if necessary, your legal team prepares for trial.
6. Compensation award: If successful, compensation is sent to your asbestos lawyer, who deposits it into a trust account. Your attorney deducts legal fees, court costs and any outstanding liens such as medical bills, then issues your payment as a lump sum or structured settlement. You receive a detailed statement showing all deductions before payment is distributed.

Your attorney keeps you informed and explains each legal step in clear terms. They manage the legal work so you can direct your energy toward your health and family while they pursue the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Exposure in Oregon

Shipyards along Oregon’s coastline were primary sources of asbestos exposure for thousands of workers. During World War II, when shipyards peaked in production, the U.S. Navy mandated asbestos use because of its ability to insulate and fireproof materials aboard ships. 

While several occupations in Oregon led to asbestos exposure, the state is also home to natural asbestos deposits. These deposits can put residents at risk of environmental asbestos exposure. 

Sites in Oregon Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Albina Engine & Machine Works Shipyard: The Portland shipyards were vital to World War II shipbuilding. Workers at Albina Shipyard, Swan Island Shipyard and Astoria Voyage Repair Station were exposed to asbestos.
• Burns Air Force Station: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality asked the EPA to conduct a time-critical removal action for the former Burns Air Force Station Radar Base site. Asbestos insulation, pipe wrap, broken tile and wallboard were found at the site. 
• Chiloquin Lumber & Box Company: A box factory and lumber mill in Klamath County opened in 1918. The box factory burned down in 1947, and the lumber mill remained operational until 1988. In 2005, the ODEQ performed cleanup activities involving removing asbestos-containing materials from a boiler house and later demolishing the boiler. 
• Martin-Marietta Aluminum Company: In 1984, the EPA and the ODEQ designated the Martin-Marietta Aluminum plant as hazardous. It was later declared a Superfund site on the National Priorities List. A lot of the waste from the site was sent to a landfill on the property, which the EPA said was contaminated with asbestos insulation.
• North Ridge Estates: The residential community in Klamath Falls is a former Marine Recuperation Barracks in the 1940s. The site is contaminated with asbestos following an improper demolition of approximately 80 buildings.
• Portland State University: The university conducted a campus-wide survey in 2008 to identify locations where asbestos may exist. PSU identified wall texture, ceiling texture, vinyl flooring, insulation and window putty in campus buildings as all containing asbestos. 
• Swan Island Shipyard: The Portland shipyard used asbestos heavily from World War II until the 1980s, exposing thousands of workers who built and repaired ships. The toxic mineral was used for its fire and heat resistance in many components, leading to high rates of asbestos-related diseases among workers in various trades.

In August 2024, the auditorium at Bend Senior High School was demolished after asbestos was found inside. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality confirms that friable asbestos was discovered in the auditorium’s floor tiles, hard fittings, roofing, windows and different caulking types. Officials say 10,000 to 25,999 linear feet of asbestos-containing material was in the building.

According to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, all Oregon schools must be inspected for asbestos-containing materials. Schools must also perform re-inspections every 3 years with an AHERA-accredited inspector. Many schools and other structures built before 1980 contained some form of asbestos. 

North Ridge Estates Superfund Site

The North Ridge Estates Superfund Site in Klamath Falls, Oregon, was contaminated with asbestos as a result of the improper demolition of military barracks constructed in the 1940s. The asbestos-containing materials, including siding, roofing and insulation, spread through the soil, exposing residents to serious health risks. The site was added to the Superfund list in 2011, triggering a major cleanup effort to protect the community.

From 2016 to 2018, the EPA and Oregon DEQ removed about 360,000 cubic yards of asbestos-contaminated soil and materials, restored homes and infrastructure and replanted vegetation. Residents were temporarily relocated during cleanups to reduce asbestos exposure. The project successfully returned the site to safe residential use with ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent future exposure.​

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Oregon

People in Oregon have been exposed to asbestos in the environment and the workplace. Many occupations, including shipyards, mills, mines, factories, power plants and farms, exposed workers to asbestos. Statewide, between 150 and 200 facilities were a source of exposure for employees.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Oregon

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Lumber production
• Manufacturing
• Military personnel
• Mining
• Paper production
• Power generation
• Shipbuilding
• Teacher

Asbestos exposure in the military has caused thousands of veterans to develop mesothelioma after their retirement. The military commonly used asbestos for fireproofing and insulation. Oregon military bases known for asbestos-containing materials include Kingsley Field, Umatilla Army Depot and AIRSTA North Bend Coast Guard base.

If secondhand exposure caused your illness, you can file a claim in Oregon. The state holds companies responsible for secondary exposure, which is just as dangerous as primary exposure. It can happen when someone working with asbestos unintentionally brings home toxic fibers on their clothing, hair or skin.

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

Oregon’s asbestos litigation landscape is evolving with new laws, regulatory changes and ongoing legal battles that affect mesothelioma claims. Experienced lawyers track these developments closely to protect your rights and help you navigate an increasingly complex system. They ensure critical deadlines are met and evidence meets legal standards amid shifting requirements.

Oregon Legislative Changes

• New regulations mandate asbestos surveys before any demolition to identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure proper abatement, safeguarding workers and the public.
• Recent rule changes allow homeowners to remove asbestos from residential properties of up to 4 units, but they remain responsible for properly handling, transporting and disposing of asbestos according to state laws.
• The state increased asbestos program fees in 2025 by 3% to cover rising operational costs related to inspection, enforcement and technical support.
• To expedite wildfire debris cleanup, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality temporarily relaxed some rules, including fees, notifications and mechanical equipment restrictions. However, homeowners removing asbestos themselves must still comply fully with all handling and disposal regulations.

Your attorney will guide you on how these changes might influence your case, recommend the best jurisdiction for filing and adjust strategies to meet new legal conditions. Their proactive support reduces stress and maximizes your chances for a fair settlement or verdict in this dynamic legal environment.