01. New Mexico Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in New Mexico
New Mexico residents diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible to seek compensation. Lawyers at mesothelioma law firms can explain eligibility, filing options and how state laws may impact cases. Asbestos lawyers can handle all parts of the legal process, including filing a lawsuit and negotiating settlements.
The following law firms can help people living in New Mexico seek compensation:
Choosing a mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation has multiple advantages. Lawyers at these firms are skilled in knowing exactly where to file a case to achieve the most favorable financial outcome for each client. They are knowledgeable about the nuances of asbestos laws and have access to resources to help them build successful cases.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in New Mexico
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in New Mexico
New Mexicans affected by asbestos illnesses may be eligible to file a claim or lawsuit to hold asbestos companies accountable. Residents and workers may have been exposed to asbestos and developed an asbestos disease, like mesothelioma. New Mexicans have received compensation from successful lawsuits.
Between 1999 and 2020, approximately 387 New Mexico residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma. In that same period, the state reported 294 mesothelioma deaths. Due to mesothelioma’s long latency period, many of these people were likely exposed to asbestos decades ago. Residents may also still be at risk of exposure from asbestos used in old equipment or buildings.
Asbestos victims in New Mexico may have been exposed on the job or in homes, schools and other buildings. New Mexicans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can seek legal advice from an asbestos attorney to determine their best options for compensation. These lawyers have won compensation for asbestos victims through mesothelioma settlements and verdicts.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in New Mexico?
New Mexicans with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file asbestos lawsuits or claims. Additionally, family members may seek compensation if their loved ones pass away from mesothelioma.
An asbestos victim may file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit. Patients file personal injury lawsuits, whereas relatives or loved ones of deceased patients file wrongful death lawsuits.
Asbestos was used at various jobsites in New Mexico, putting residents at risk of exposure and developing related illnesses. Common sources of asbestos exposure in New Mexico include:
- Air Force bases: Asbestos was commonly used in many military settings, including Air Force bases. At least one building at Kirtland Air Force Base has undergone asbestos clean-up. However, prior to removal, veterans and civilian employees may have been exposed at this base.
- Manufacturing plants: Several asbestos companies had manufacturing facilities located in New Mexico, including American Gypsum and Owens-Corning Fiberglas.
- Oil refineries: New Mexico has employed many oil refinery workers since the 1920s. One refinery that used asbestos is the abandoned Prewitt Refinery. The refinery is now an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund cleanup site.
Residents of New Mexico who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Albuquerque, NM
- Anthony, NM
- Belen, NM
- Cedar Crest, NM
- Chama, NM
- Elephant Butte, NM
- Farmington, NM
- Las Cruces, NM
- Rio Rancho, NM
- Roswell, NM
- San Felipe Pueblo, NM
- Santa Fe, NM
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in New Mexico
Lawsuits are subject to New Mexico’s statutes of limitations. These rules set time limits for when lawsuits may be filed. For example, a wrongful death lawsuit in New Mexico must be filed within three years of the patient’s death.
Experienced asbestos lawyers can help asbestos victims navigate these statutes.
Victims may also be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds. Asbestos companies often set up trust funds as part of their bankruptcy proceedings. These funds help provide compensation for current and future victims.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims understand their filing options, including the best state to file in.
Filing VA Claims in New Mexico
Veterans in New Mexico with service-related asbestos diseases may be eligible to receive monthly benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They may also be able to file lawsuits against asbestos companies. An asbestos law firm can help veterans and their loved ones understand their options and handle the filing process.
From the 1940s to the 1970s, asbestos was widely used throughout the military on bases, aircraft and ships. In 1986, the U.S. Air Force created guidelines to limit asbestos exposure risks throughout their bases.
Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a major employer in the state. Air Force veterans and civilian employees may have been at risk of exposure while at Kirtland Air Force Base.
03. New Mexico Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in New Mexico
Victims have won multi-million dollar settlements in New Mexico. Mesothelioma patients and their family members may be eligible to seek compensation. Compensation can help individuals pay medical bills, recover lost wages and hold accountable those responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Below are a few settlements compensating New Mexican victims of asbestos exposure:
- $3.8 million for a 78-year-old Army veteran and insulator
- $2.6 million for a 59-year-old National Guard veteran and insulator
- $2.2 million for a 60-year-old Navy veteran (Long Beach Naval Shipyard) and boiler operator
- $2 million for an 82-year-old shipyard worker and home renovator
- $1.9 million for a 59-year-old manufacturing and construction worker
- $1.6 million for a 56-year-old Air Force veteran with secondary exposure
- $1.4 million for a 72-year-old Army veteran, steamfitter and boiler worker
- $1.3 million for a 75-year-old Navy veteran and union painter
- $1.2 million for a 74-year-old Army veteran, pipefitter and copper miner
Mesothelioma Verdicts in New Mexico
New Mexico asbestos victims have succeeded at trial against asbestos companies. The average verdict amount for asbestos cases is $2.4 million, but many victims have received larger payouts.
For example, in 2018, the widow of an automotive business owner in Los Alamos, New Mexico, was awarded over $40.6 million. After his death, his wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ford Motor Company for exposure to asbestos in the company’s auto parts.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable New Mexico mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in New Mexico
New Mexico Asbestos Laws & Regulations
There are several local and federal organizations with rules to regulate asbestos use and handling. At the state level, there are a few agencies in New Mexico that regulate asbestos, including:
- New Mexico Environment Department: This department’s Air Quality Bureau is in charge of the majority of the asbestos regulations in the state.
- New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): This bureau oversees workplaces’ adherence to federal OSHA standards.
- New Mexico Solid Waste Bureau: This bureau regulates the transportation and disposal of asbestos and other hazardous materials. New Mexico has several certified landfills that can accept asbestos waste products.
Anyone handling asbestos in New Mexico must become certified in asbestos abatement. All professionals must be licensed by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division to perform any asbestos work.
New Mexico corporations and workers must also comply with all federal asbestos regulations.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in New Mexico
In recent years, many mesothelioma patients have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Reporting indicates that the company knowingly sold asbestos-contaminated baby powder and talc products.
In 2021, the state of New Mexico filed a lawsuit against J&J for failing to warn consumers about the potential link between talc powder use and cancer. These lawsuits were put on hold because of J&J’s multiple bankruptcy attempts.
In May 2023, New Mexico officials publicly opposed the most recent bankruptcy attempt. As of July 2023, a judge has dismissed J&J’s bankruptcy filing. New Mexican cases related to J&J may be able to move forward again soon.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
