01. Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Virginia
Mesothelioma law firms can help asbestos victims in Virginia seek compensation through lawsuits. First, experienced lawyers at these firms determine eligibility and filing options for clients. Then, they manage the entire legal process, including case building, filing and resolution.
Virginia residents can contact the following law firms for legal help:
Mesothelioma lawyers have experience with successful asbestos lawsuits. They understand the best options for filing and have access to invaluable resources. This knowledge helps them pursue the most beneficial outcomes for their clients.
Dedicated attorneys can determine details like how and where asbestos exposure may have occurred. They can use this information to select the most advantageous filing location for asbestos victims. These lawyers are skilled at holding asbestos companies accountable for their clients’ injuries.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Virginia
Patients may file lawsuits against companies for causing the asbestos exposure that led to their mesothelioma. Virginia mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have received millions of dollars from lawsuits. Residents may also seek compensation from other sources, like mesothelioma claims and asbestos trust fund claims.
Virginia has hundreds of asbestos jobsites that caused exposure for many people. This asbestos exposure may lead to the development of mesothelioma. From 1999 to 2021, approximately 1,936 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Virginia. Victims from more than 50 cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits in the state.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Virginia?
Eligibility for filing asbestos lawsuits includes Virginia residents and workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. Their loved ones may also be able to file wrongful death lawsuits. Mesothelioma attorneys can help determine eligibility and the best filing venues for clients. Even if a client is no longer living in Virginia, a history of their exposure in the state may also qualify for lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Virginia
Industries most likely to cause asbestos exposure in Virginia include chemical plants, shipbuilding and mining. Virginia was once home to several asbestos mines, which posed risks to mine workers and the people in surrounding areas. Two once-prominent asbestos mines in the state are:
- Bedford County Mine: Near Chestnut Ford, 12 miles south of Bedford
- Franklin County Mine: 2 miles east of Rocky Mount
Asbestos mine workers may have inhaled asbestos while mining or packaging the mineral. Secondary asbestos exposure is also a risk for family members and residents of the surrounding community.
Asbestos also occurs alongside other minerals and can be disturbed while mining. As a result, mining for other minerals can be a high-risk occupation for asbestos exposure. Notable mines in Virginia with known asbestos contamination are located in:
- Hanover County: Mica mine
- Louisa County: Vermiculite mine
- Page County: Copper mine
- Wythe County: Lead and zinc mine
Virginia residents have filed mesothelioma lawsuits in many different cities and towns, including:
- Alexandria, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Ashland, VA
- Barren Springs, VA
- Burke, VA
- Charlottesville, VA
- Chesapeake, VA
- Chester, VA
- Chesterfield, VA
- Clifton Forge, VA
- Colonial Beach, VA
- Dante, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Falls Church, VA
- Fincastle, VA
- Franklin, VA
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Front Royal, VA
- Gladstone, VA
- Gladys, VA
- Glasgow, VA
- Hague, VA
- Hampton, VA
- Hardy, VA
- Haymarket, VA
- Henrico, VA
- Herndon, VA
- Kenbridge, VA
- Leesburg, VA
- Locust Grove, VA
- Louisa, VA
- Madison Heights, VA
- Marshall, VA
- Mechanicsville, VA
- Newport News, VA
- Nickelsville, VA
- Norfolk, VA
- North Chesterfield, VA
- Norton, VA
- Oakton, VA
- Penhook, VA
- Portsmouth, VA
- Quinby, VA
- Reston, VA
- Richmond, VA
- Roanoke, VA
- Saltville, VA
- Springfield, VA
- Strasburg, VA
- Tasley, VA
- Unionville, VA
- Verona, VA
- Viewtown, VA
- Vinton, VA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Wicomico Church, VA
- Williamsburg, VA
- Winchester, VA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Virginia
Like many other types of legal action, mesothelioma cases have filing windows. Statutes of limitations specify how long asbestos victims have to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Victims may have additional paths to compensation besides lawsuits. Asbestos lawyers can help patients and their families understand filing guidelines and their options. No matter the timing, these knowledgeable attorneys can review cases and determine the best way forward.
Filing VA Claims in Virginia
Virginia has historically had one of the highest veteran populations in the country. Statistics show more than 614,000 veterans were living there in 2022.
Veterans have faced asbestos exposure risks from many sources in the state. Virginia’s numerous U.S. Naval bases and shipyards put Navy veterans and civilian employees at risk of exposure. Veterans who served on ships also faced asbestos risks on the vessels. Other military branches also used asbestos, putting their service members at risk of exposure.
In 2021, nearly 5% of all exposure allegations from Navy veterans came from Virginia residents. Of the state’s 27 military bases, 10 belong to the U.S. Navy. Many veterans and others who worked at places like Newport News Shipbuilding and Norfolk Naval Shipyard were exposed to asbestos.
Veterans from the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps also faced exposure risks from equipment used on and off base. Veterans who develop asbestos-related diseases may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Asbestos attorneys can help veterans and their families understand what benefits are available to them. Then they can help file VA claims for them.
03. Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Virginia
Mesothelioma patients and their families in Virginia have received millions of dollars in asbestos compensation. This compensation may come from mesothelioma settlements or verdicts. People may use this compensation to pay medical bills and to cover lost income. It can also offer long-term financial support for patients and their loved ones.
Some of the settlements Virginia mesothelioma patients have received include:
- $9.2 million for a 57-year-old Navy veteran and boilermaker
- $4 million for a 54-year-old machinist (Johns-Manville)
- $2.6 million for a 59-year-old Navy veteran (Norfolk Naval Shipyard) and engineer
- $2.3 million for a 71-year-old Marine veteran
- $2.3 million for a 73-year-old auto mechanic
- $2 million for a 57-year-old furnace installer and technician
- $2 million for a 69-year-old shipyard worker and veterinarian
- $1.8 million for a 73-year-old Army veteran, mechanic and carpenter
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Virginia
Mesothelioma patients may also receive compensation from lawsuits resulting in a verdict. A judge or jury may award a verdict if asbestos companies are found liable for asbestos exposure that led to mesothelioma.
In one Virginia case, a machinist at Newport News Shipbuilding developed pleural mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos products made by John Crane Inc. He passed away before the resolution of his case. In 2007, a jury awarded his wife and his estate $10.4 million.
Another asbestos case involved a different machinist who developed mesothelioma after working with asbestos products at Newport News Shipyard for 31 years. He had used asbestos products manufactured by John Crane Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies. A jury awarded his estate $9.25 million.
Beyond these examples, mesothelioma law firms have successfully pursued compensation for many other asbestos victims in Virginia.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Virginia mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws
Virginia Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Virginia enforces federal regulations for asbestos, including processes for inspection, handling and demolition. Asbestos regulations and guidelines in the state are overseen by:
- The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
The Code of Virginia sets the state’s regulations covering asbestos. It covers licensing, inspections and remediation. It also establishes penalties for contractors who do not follow these regulations.
Other parts of the Code of Virginia establish additional asbestos rules, like legal requirements for asbestos inspections on buildings being renovated.
Virginia Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Virginia has specific laws and past rulings that may impact asbestos cases. Virginia laws that may affect asbestos litigation include:
- No trust transparency: Virginia does not require plaintiffs to disclose trust claims during legal proceedings with an asbestos company. Plaintiffs may even be able to defer trust claims until after litigation has ended.
- “One disease” rule: Virginia has adopted the “one disease” rule in asbestos cases. This rule does not separate liability for different malignant diseases. Asbestos exposure victims should speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to understand how this may impact them.
Additional laws may affect asbestos lawsuits in Virginia. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain how different laws may affect an individual’s case and help determine the best options for seeking compensation.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
