Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations Filing Deadlines
The Statute of Limitations is a critical deadline for individuals diagnosed with Mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases to file a lawsuit. This legal time frame determines the period within which a victim can take action after being diagnosed or after a loved one has passed away from the disease. Below is important information about the statute of limitations for Mesothelioma claims:
⏱️ Mesothelioma Deadlines – What You’ll Learn From This Page:
📅 Important filing windows: Most U.S. states set deadlines for mesothelioma lawsuits at 1–3 years from diagnosis or death. Some states extend up to 5–6 years, but states like California, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee limit you to just 1 year.
🧠 Discovery rule applies: Because mesothelioma can take decades to appear, the clock typically starts at the time of diagnosis (for living patients) or death (for wrongful-death claims), not when exposure occurred.
⚖️ Deadlines vary by case type: Personal injury vs. wrongful death claims can have different limits—typically the wrongful death statute begins at the date of death, which may restart the clock.
🌎 Where you file matters: Depending on where you lived, worked, or where exposure occurred, you might pick a state with a longer deadline. Filing in another state may still qualify.
✔️ Trust funds and VA claims have separate timelines: Asbestos trust fund claims usually have a ~3‑year deadline from diagnosis or death—not tied to state court statutes—and VA benefit claims generally don’t expire
What is the Statute of Limitations?
The Statute of Limitations refers to the time limit in which you can file a lawsuit or claim for compensation after a Mesothelioma diagnosis or the death of a loved one due to asbestos exposure. If the deadline is missed, you may be unable to pursue legal action or receive compensation.
Key Points About the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma:
- Varying Deadlines by State: The statute of limitations for Mesothelioma claims can differ depending on the state in which the lawsuit is filed. Each state has its own set of rules and deadlines, which can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
- Starts After Diagnosis or Death: The time limit typically begins when you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma or, in cases of wrongful death, when a loved one passes away. It does not start from the date of exposure to asbestos.
- Asbestos Trust Funds Have Strict Deadlines: Asbestos Trust Funds, which are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies, also have their own strict deadlines. Filing for compensation from these funds is subject to the statute of limitations specific to each trust fund.
- Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights: Since Mesothelioma often develops many years after asbestos exposure, the window for filing a claim may be shorter than expected. It’s critical to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure you don’t miss the filing deadline.
Why Consulting a Mesothelioma Lawyer is Crucial:
- Expert Guidance: An experienced Mesothelioma lawyer understands the nuances of statute of limitations laws and can help ensure you file your claim on time.
- State-Specific Knowledge: With varying deadlines in each state, a lawyer familiar with your state’s laws can guide you through the process and make sure you meet all the necessary legal requirements.
- Avoid Missed Opportunities: A skilled Mesothelioma law firm can help you take the right steps before the statute of limitations expires, maximizing your chances of securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The statute of limitations is a crucial factor in Mesothelioma claims. Failing to file before the deadline can prevent you from obtaining compensation. Make sure to act quickly and consult with a Mesothelioma lawyer who can navigate these legal complexities and protect your rights.
💰 Asbestos Claims Paid Over $18 Billion Since the 1980s
Since the late 1980s, asbestos claims have resulted in more than $18 billion paid out to individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. These claims represent compensation for victims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos. Understanding the timelines and statutes of limitations by state is crucial to ensure you or your loved ones can access the compensation owed. This guide outlines the key filing deadlines across all states to help you take timely action.
⏳ Statutes of Limitations by State
(How long you have to file a mesothelioma claim after diagnosis or death)
U.S. States & Deadlines
| State | Diagnosis Limit | Death Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Alabama | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Alaska | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Arizona | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Arkansas | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🔴 California | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| 🟢 Colorado | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Connecticut | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟢 Delaware | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟡 Florida | 4 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Georgia | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Hawaii | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Idaho | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Illinois | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Indiana | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Iowa | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Kansas | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🔴 Kentucky | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| 🔴 Louisiana | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| 🟠 Maine | 6 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Maryland | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 Massachusetts | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 Michigan | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟡 Minnesota | 4 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 Mississippi | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟡 Missouri | 5 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 Montana | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟡 Nebraska | 4 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Nevada | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 New Hampshire | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟢 New Jersey | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 New Mexico | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 New York | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 North Carolina | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 North Dakota | 6 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Ohio | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Oklahoma | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Oregon | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟢 Pennsylvania | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Rhode Island | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 South Carolina | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟠 South Dakota | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🔴 Tennessee | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| 🟢 Texas | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Utah | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Vermont | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟢 Virginia | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Washington | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟢 West Virginia | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| 🟠 Wisconsin | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| 🟡 Wyoming | 4 Years | 2 Years |
🎖️ Veteran Stats
Most mesothelioma diagnoses occur in veterans aged 55-75.
⚠️ Disclaimer
-
Statutes vary by state and may change over time.
-
Deadlines may start from diagnosis or death, depending on the state.
-
Laws differ for personal injury claims vs. wrongful death claims.
-
Some states have special exemptions or extensions, especially for veterans or certain workers.
📞 Get Help
Always consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information on your state’s laws and filing deadlines.
⚖️ Asbestos Trust Funds and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos manufacturers have acknowledged their role in exposing workers to harmful asbestos fibers and have established trust funds to compensate individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. These trust funds hold over $30 billion to help victims of asbestos exposure.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the potential for compensation through these funds.
💰 Can You Get Compensation from Asbestos Trust Funds?
If diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, you may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds. These funds were created by companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
➡️ Contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal options and eligibility.
📞 Free Consultation with a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Get a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. It costs nothing to ask, and you’ll receive expert guidance on your case.
🎖️ Veterans and Asbestos Trust Fund Settlements
Veterans, especially those who served on U.S. Navy ships, are at high risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Many veterans are eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and lawsuits against negligent companies.
🚢 U.S. Navy Exposure
Between 1930 and 1980, U.S. Navy ships contained 300+ asbestos-containing products, including:
-
Insulation
-
Pipes
-
Boilers
-
Cement
-
Gaskets
-
Electrical fixtures
Military personnel working with these materials were exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers that can cause mesothelioma and other illnesses.
👷 Who is Most at Risk?
Military roles with high asbestos exposure risk include:
-
Machinist Mates
-
Welders
-
Electricians
-
Mechanics
-
Pipefitters
-
Shipfitters
-
Civilian Contractors
These workers frequently worked in engine rooms, sleeping quarters, mess halls, and ship hulls, where asbestos was prevalent.
⚠️ Veterans’ Risk
Approximately 1 in 3 veterans will develop an asbestos-related disease during their lifetime. If you’re a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation from asbestos trust funds.
If you are a veteran or family member impacted by asbestos exposure, contact a qualified mesothelioma lawyer to explore your options and protect your rights.
🎖️ Veteran Mesothelioma Cases by State
| State | Veteran Cases Level | Places of Asbestos Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Alabama | Moderate | Redstone Arsenal, Army Ammunition Plant |
| 🟢 Alaska | Moderate | Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage Naval Complex |
| 🟢 Arizona | Moderate | Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base |
| 🟠 Arkansas | High | Pine Bluff Arsenal, Fort Chaffee |
| 🔴 California | Very High | Naval Base San Diego, Mare Island Naval Shipyard |
| 🟢 Colorado | Moderate | Peterson Air Force Base, Buckley Space Force Base |
| 🟠 Connecticut | High | Electric Boat Corporation, Naval Submarine Base New London |
| 🟢 Delaware | Moderate | Dover Air Force Base |
| 🟡 Florida | Elevated | Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Eglin Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Georgia | Moderate | Fort Benning, Robins Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Hawaii | Moderate | Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard |
| 🟢 Idaho | Moderate | Mountain Home Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Illinois | Moderate | Scott Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Indiana | Moderate | Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center |
| 🟢 Iowa | Moderate | Iowa Army Ammunition Plant |
| 🟢 Kansas | Moderate | Fort Leavenworth |
| 🔴 Kentucky | Very High | Fort Campbell, Bluegrass Army Depot |
| 🔴 Louisiana | Very High | Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans |
| 🟠 Maine | High | Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (nearby NH), Bath Iron Works |
| 🟠 Maryland | High | Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade |
| 🟠 Massachusetts | High | Boston Naval Shipyard, Hanscom Air Force Base |
| 🟠 Michigan | High | Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit Arsenal |
| 🟡 Minnesota | Elevated | Minneapolis Naval Reserve Center |
| 🟠 Mississippi | High | Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport |
| 🟡 Missouri | Elevated | Whiteman Air Force Base |
| 🟠 Montana | High | Malmstrom Air Force Base |
| 🟡 Nebraska | Elevated | Offutt Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Nevada | Moderate | Nellis Air Force Base |
| 🟠 New Hampshire | High | Pease Air National Guard Base |
| 🟢 New Jersey | Moderate | Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst |
| 🟠 New Mexico | High | Kirtland Air Force Base |
| 🟠 New York | High | Naval Station Great Lakes, Fort Drum |
| 🟠 North Carolina | High | Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune |
| 🟠 North Dakota | High | Minot Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Ohio | Moderate | Wright-Patterson Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Oklahoma | Moderate | Tinker Air Force Base |
| 🟠 Oregon | High | Portland Naval Shipyard |
| 🟢 Pennsylvania | Moderate | Tobyhanna Army Depot, Naval Support Activity Philadelphia |
| 🟠 Rhode Island | High | Naval Station Newport |
| 🟠 South Carolina | High | Charleston Naval Base |
| 🟠 South Dakota | High | Ellsworth Air Force Base |
| 🔴 Tennessee | Very High | Arnold Air Force Base |
| 🟢 Texas | Moderate | Fort Hood, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth |
| 🟠 Utah | High | Hill Air Force Base |
| 🟠 Vermont | High | Burlington Air National Guard Base |
| 🟢 Virginia | Moderate | Naval Station Norfolk, Marine Corps Base Quantico |
| 🟠 Washington | High | Naval Base Kitsap, McChord Air Force Base |
| 🟢 West Virginia | Moderate | Defense Depot Cumberland |
| 🟠 Wisconsin | High | Fort McCoy, Naval Reserve Center Milwaukee |
| 🟡 Wyoming | Elevated | F.E. Warren Air Force Base |
Asbestos Exposure:
🟢 Moderate Cases: Hundreds of veteran mesothelioma diagnoses
🟡 Elevated Cases: Over a thousand veteran cases
🟠 High Cases: Several hundred to over a thousand veteran cases
🔴 Very High Cases: Thousands of veteran mesothelioma diagnoses
📞 Talk to a Live Person Now!
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may qualify for compensation.
☎️ Call 800.291.0963 today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
👩⚖️ Speak with a dedicated mesothelioma lawyer who will:
-
✅ Guide you through every step of the legal process
-
🤝 Fight to get you the compensation and support you deserve
-
🕒 Provide personalized, compassionate help — no pressure, just answers
Don’t wait — help is just a phone call away!