01. Maine Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Maine
Maine residents affected by asbestos exposure can work with qualified mesothelioma law firms to file lawsuits and other mesothelioma claims. Lawyers at these firms understand local asbestos laws and how they may affect Mainers’ cases. They can explain compensation options and provide comprehensive legal services throughout the entire lawsuit process.
The following law firm can help people living in Maine seek compensation:
Asbestos law firms have the resources and experience to find the best possible options for asbestos victims. With an in-depth knowledge of asbestos laws, mesothelioma lawyers know where to file a case, even if it is out of state. These lawyers can handle cases on behalf of their clients. This helps patients and family members focus on treatment and time with their loved ones.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Maine
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Maine
Specialized attorneys work with people exposed to asbestos who develop related illnesses, such as mesothelioma. In Maine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 537 residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1999 and 2019. Between 1999 and 2020, about 490 Maine residents died from mesothelioma. Though this may seem like a low number, Maine had the highest mesothelioma mortality rate in the country during this time period.
Mesothelioma lawyers have helped individuals in nearly 50 towns and cities in Maine file lawsuits. Many of these lawsuits have led to financial compensation. One successful case resulted in a $2.5 million settlement for a Maine resident.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Maine?
With a rich history of forestry and shipbuilding, Maine’s industries potentially put many workers at risk of asbestos exposure at jobsites. Workers in these and other industries who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation from lawsuits.
Asbestos victims who experienced occupational exposure may seek compensation from responsible companies. Many companies in Maine knew the dangers of asbestos and continued to use the mineral. These companies may be liable for injuries caused by their actions.
For example, Bath Iron Works, located in Bath, Maine, used asbestos during shipbuilding until the late 1980s. Thousands of workers may have been exposed to asbestos. The company has faced many lawsuits and claims from victims who later developed mesothelioma.
Additionally, military veterans faced asbestos exposure during their daily duties. These veterans may have compensation options, including benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mesothelioma law firms can help veterans and their families file lawsuits and benefits claims.
Maine residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Acton, ME
- Albion, ME
- Alexander, ME
- Auburn, ME
- Augusta, ME
- Bangor, ME
- Bass Harbor, ME
- Bath, ME
- Belfast, ME
- Berwick, ME
- Biddeford, ME
- Boothbay, ME
- Boothbay Harbor, ME
- Brooks, ME
- Brunswick, ME
- Cape Neddick, ME
- Caribou, ME
- Chesterville, ME
- Ellsworth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Greenville Junction, ME
- Hampden, ME
- Harpswell, ME
- Jay, ME
- Kennebunk, ME
- Kittery, ME
- Lewiston, ME
- Limerick, ME
- Lincolnville, ME
- Machias, ME
- Millinocket, ME
- Monmouth, ME
- Mount Desert, ME
- Old Town, ME
- Phippsburg, ME
- Portland, ME
- Roxbury, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Sherman Station, ME
- Skowhegan, ME
- Swanville, ME
- Van Buren, ME
- Warren, ME
- Washington, ME
- Whitefield, ME
- Windham, ME
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Maine
A mesothelioma patient or their family must file lawsuits before the timeline expires. These time frames are established in laws known as the statutes of limitations.
People with asbestos-related diseases may be able to file personal injury lawsuits. Family members may be able to bring wrongful death lawsuits, which are filed after the death of a mesothelioma patient.
People exposed to asbestos should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their options. These attorneys can answer questions about the statutes of limitations. They may also be able to offer additional options, like asbestos trust fund claims, to seek compensation to help cover medical expenses.
03. Maine Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Maine
Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in out-of-court settlements. In some cases, lawsuits that go to trial may result in jury awards.
Asbestos companies have paid millions in mesothelioma compensation to Maine residents affected by asbestos-related diseases. Compensation from settlements or jury awards may help asbestos victims pay for treatment, travel costs and other expenses.
Some details from Maine mesothelioma settlements include:
- $2.5 million for an 80-year-old Army veteran and electrician
- $2.2 million for a 79-year-old shipyard worker (Bath Iron Works)
- $2.1 million for a 53-year-old household worker with secondary exposure
- $2.1 million for a 78-year-old Navy electrician’s mate and Merchant Marine
- $1.8 million for a 74-year-old Navy boiler tender and mechanical insulator
- $1.8 million for a 64-year-old Navy and Coast Guard veteran
- $1.7 million for a 59-year-old shipyard worker (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard)
- $1.5 million for an 85-year-old union electrician
- $1.5 million for a 64-year-old plumbing business owner
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Maine mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Maine
Maine Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Maine follows federal asbestos laws and has established some of its own state laws. The state laws cover the handling, removal and disposal of asbestos.
The Maine Code of Laws sets the requirements for inspection. The law says buildings must be inspected for asbestos-containing materials before any renovations or demolitions. There may be exceptions to this rule, such as for single-family homes built after 1980.
Two specific agencies handle different aspects of asbestos in Maine. First, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) licenses people who inspect, remove, transport or dispose of asbestos. The Bureau of General Services (BGS) provides asbestos oversight to public schools and facilities owned or leased by the state.
These laws help prevent exposure, striving to keep workers and the general public safe. Maine workers and residents who have gotten sick from asbestos can contact mesothelioma law firms to learn about their legal options.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
