01. Alabama Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Alabama
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible to file for compensation in Alabama. Mesothelioma law firms can explain eligibility, filing options and how state laws may impact an individual’s case.
Asbestos lawyers can assist with all aspects of the filing process, including investigating cases and gathering documentation. They can also handle the litigation process on behalf of their clients, from negotiating settlements to presenting the case at trial.
The following law firms can help people receive mesothelioma compensation in Alabama:
Mesothelioma lawyers help make the process as easy as possible for asbestos victims. For example, lawyers often travel to their clients so they can stay focused on treatment and family.
Mesothelioma law firms have decades of experience in the specialized field of asbestos litigation. These firms have access to many resources for building successful mesothelioma cases. Their lawyers are dedicated to getting their clients compensation and justice. They have proven histories of holding asbestos companies accountable.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Alabama
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Alabama
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help Alabama residents file lawsuits, litigate asbestos-related claims and negotiate settlements. An asbestos victim’s lawyer will handle the entire legal process. This includes discussing filing options, gathering all required information and filing and litigating the case.
Individuals living and working in Alabama were exposed to asbestos and developed related diseases, such as mesothelioma. From 1999 to 2019, about 850 Alabama residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma. In about the same timeframe, 668 Alabama residents died of the cancer.
Many Alabama mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have taken legal action to hold responsible parties accountable. Patients have filed successful mesothelioma lawsuits in the state.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama asbestos exposure victims may be eligible for compensation if they develop asbestos-related diseases. Spouses and other family members may also be able to file lawsuits.
Mesothelioma lawyers have filed successful lawsuits and claims for Alabama asbestos victims. This includes workers in various industries who were exposed to the mineral at asbestos jobsites. Alabama workplaces with documented occupational asbestos exposure include:
- Chemical plants
- Manufacturing plants
- Military bases
- Oil refineries
- Paper mills
- Power plants
- Shipyards
- Steel mills
Any amount of asbestos exposure can lead to the development of an asbestos disease. However, more frequent exposure may increase risk. For example, shipyard workers are considered high risk for asbestos diseases due to the mineral’s frequent use in shipbuilding. Shipyard companies in Alabama that used asbestos include:
- Alabama Drydock and Shipping Company (ADDSCO)
- Alabama Steel & Shipbuilding Company
- Gulf Shipbuilding Company
- Waterman Steamship Corporation
Alabama residents may encounter asbestos in areas besides their workplaces. The mineral can be found in many homes, schools and other structures built before 1980. Disturbing asbestos-containing construction materials on purpose or by accident can release asbestos dust.
Alabama also has recorded natural asbestos deposits in the eastern part of the state. This can lead to exposure when disturbing the environment, which can happen during mining, building and natural disasters.
Many people have filed lawsuits in Alabama against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos. Filing can help secure the compensation victims deserve. Clients in the following towns and cities in Alabama have filed asbestos lawsuits:
- Addison, AL
- Birmingham, AL
- Centre, AL
- Cullman, AL
- Dothan, AL
- Eight Mile, AL
- Eufaula, AL
- Florence, AL
- Gadsden, AL
- Gardendale, AL
- Hillsboro, AL
- Huntsville, AL
- Jasper, AL
- Madison, AL
- Margaret, AL
- Mobile, AL
- Montgomery, AL
- Muscle Shoals, AL
- Northport, AL
- Pine Hill, AL
- Snead, AL
- Theodore, AL
- Toney, AL
- Town Creek, AL
- Tuscaloosa, AL
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Alabama
Asbestos attorneys understand relevant laws when filing asbestos lawsuits. They can ensure mesothelioma lawsuits follow the appropriate filing time frames like those found in laws known as statutes of limitations.
Applicable statutes of limitations include those for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Mesothelioma patients can file personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation for their own exposures and diseases. If a patient passes away, their loved ones may choose to file a case after death, called a wrongful death lawsuit.
Asbestos victims may be able to recover compensation in additional ways. For example, an individual may be eligible to file a claim with an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos companies have established these funds during bankruptcy proceedings to handle current and future asbestos claims.
Alabama patients should contact an attorney to determine which types of claims are right for their situation.
Filing VA Claims in Alabama
Alabama is home to five active military bases, including three Army bases and one base each for the Air Force and Coast Guard. Asbestos exposure was a frequent occurrence on bases due to high levels of asbestos use in military buildings and equipment.
Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos in buildings constructed before 1980, including barracks. Veterans and military workers who were often around heavy machinery, ships, airplanes or other vehicles may also have been exposed to the mineral.
Veterans may be entitled to various benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes compensation for asbestos-related diseases and access to treatment at VA medical centers. Lawyers can help veterans access these benefits and file additional lawsuits.
03. Alabama Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Alabama
Alabama workers and residents have recovered compensation from dozens of parties that used, sold and distributed asbestos-containing materials. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against these parties can help asbestos victims receive compensation to cover medical expenses and lost income.
A lawsuit may result in a jury verdict against a company (defendant). Other cases may result in a settlement. A settlement is a legal agreement reached between a victim (plaintiff) and defendant to end a lawsuit in exchange for compensation.
Examples of settlements for Alabama asbestos victims include:
- $3.2 million for a 69-year-old hairdresser with secondary exposure
- $2.6 million for a 64-year-old Air Force aircraft mechanic
- $2.1 million for a 54-year-old foundry worker and pipefitter
- $1.9 million for a 49-year-old Army veteran and home renovator
- $1.6 million for a 69-year-old pipefitter and farm worker
- $1.5 million for a 79-year-old Air Force aircraft mechanic
- $1.4 million for a 72-year-old Army veteran and union welder
- $1.3 million for a 65-year-old foundry worker and home renovator
- $1.1 million for a 77-year-old millwright and machinist
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Alabama
Lawsuits have been decided in favor of Alabama asbestos victims. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help ensure the best outcome. In some cases, this may mean filing in states other than Alabama. Lawyers can help determine the most advantageous place to file.
In 2001, a jury awarded five Alabama men a total of $130 million for their asbestos-related diseases. Though the case was filed and decided in Texas, all five plaintiffs lived in Alabama and worked at the U.S. Pipe plant in Birmingham. Two of the men passed away before the verdict was reached, so their families received the verdict award. The awards included:
- $14 million for each of the plaintiffs, awarded to either them or their estates
- $2 million for the widows of the deceased plaintiffs
These awards were assessed against the defendant, Dresser Industries Inc. The company manufactured asbestos equipment used at the U.S. Pipe plant, exposing the workers to asbestos. At the time, Halliburton Company owned Dresser.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Alabama mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Alabama
Alabama Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Certain Alabama agencies have enacted state-specific asbestos regulations for safety. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) oversees and administers most of the state’s asbestos rules.
Alabama regulations related to asbestos exposure and handling in the state include:
- Alabama Asbestos Contractor Accreditation Program: This program sets requirements for contractors to follow for proper asbestos licensing. These requirements must be followed by all training providers, training courses, firms and asbestos professionals in Alabama.
- Asbestos Abatement Regulations: These regulations include the requirements for asbestos abatement certifications, including those for notification and waste disposal.
Alabama Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Certain laws may affect mesothelioma lawsuits filed in Alabama. Relevant legislation and legal precedent affecting Alabama asbestos litigation include:
- Contributory negligence: Contributory negligence refers to a victim’s own fault for acting with disregard to their safety. Alabama is a pure contributory negligence state. In general, this means asbestos victims found to be even 1% at fault for their exposure cannot receive compensation. These laws do not apply to asbestos victims under the age of 14. These laws may be applied to asbestos cases.
- Secondary exposure: Secondary exposure occurs when asbestos fibers settle onto personal effects and are carried to a new location, where someone else comes into contact with the fibers. Alabama state laws place a “duty of care” on employers to protect workers’ family members from secondary exposure.
Experienced attorneys stay up to date on these and other regulatory matters. They can help Alabama residents with mesothelioma choose the best course of action for their cases.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
