Maine Mesothelioma Lawsuits
If you or a loved one in Maine has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you may qualify to file a Maine mesothelioma lawsuit. Our experienced legal team helps Maine workers, veterans, and families pursue financial compensation by identifying the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure—often due to negligent practices and a failure to provide proper safety warnings. We work closely with clients to build strong legal cases based on their occupational and environmental exposure history, including asbestos exposure at Bath Iron Works shipyard, paper mills, power plants, construction sites, oil refineries, and military bases across Maine.
Through Maine mesothelioma lawsuits, victims may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care, and wrongful death. At Mesothelioma Help Center, we guide Maine families through every step of the legal process—with no upfront fees, and no payment unless we win. Our attorneys have decades of experience securing asbestos verdicts and asbestos trust fund claims, helping victims hold negligent corporations accountable and obtain the justice they deserve.
Here’s What You’ll Learn When You Read This Page:
-
🧱 Maine mesothelioma lawsuits help workers exposed in shipbuilding, paper mills, and power plants.
-
🔎 Attorneys identify exposure sites from naval yards, insulation work, and industrial maintenance.
-
🏞️ High-risk cities include Portland, Bangor, Bath, and Augusta.
-
💵 Maine residents with asbestos diseases may qualify for compensation through lawsuits and trust funds.
Asbestos Exposure History in Maine
Maine’s powerful shipbuilding industry, paper mills, and manufacturing plants were major sources of asbestos exposure from the 1940s to the 1980s. Workers in Bath, Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and Augusta were regularly exposed to asbestos through pipe insulation, boiler systems, machinery gaskets, and construction materials. Veterans stationed at military bases or naval shipyards also experienced significant exposure, as did family members through secondhand contact.
Asbestos Exposure Across Maine: Where and How It Happened
Asbestos was heavily used in Maine industries, shipyards, and public facilities throughout much of the 20th century.
🚗 Automotive Garages (Portland, Bangor, Lewiston)
Asbestos brake pads, clutches, and gaskets released dust during auto repairs. Mechanics inhaled fibers while grinding brakes, replacing clutches, and cleaning automotive parts in Maine garages.
🏗️ Construction Sites (Statewide)
Maine homes, schools, and commercial buildings used asbestos cement board, roofing, and floor tiles. Carpenters, roofers, and electricians were exposed while cutting, sanding, and installing these materials.
🏚️ Demolition Projects (Portland, Augusta, Bangor)
Demolishing older Maine buildings released asbestos dust from ceilings, insulation, and flooring. Crews and nearby residents often inhaled fibers when containment practices were inadequate.
🏭 Industrial Manufacturing (Portland, Auburn, Biddeford)
Maine factories used asbestos in ovens, furnaces, and machinery. Industrial workers faced exposure while insulating equipment, repairing high-heat systems, and producing consumer and defense goods.
🎖️ Military Installations (Brunswick Naval Air Station, Loring AFB)
Asbestos insulated aircraft engines, hangars, and barracks. Servicemembers and civilian staff encountered fibers during aircraft maintenance, vehicle repairs, and base housing upkeep.
📰 Paper Mills (Jay, Rumford, Bucksport)
Paper mills relied on asbestos-lined digesters, boilers, and turbines. Mill workers inhaled fibers while repairing high-heat machinery, maintaining drying systems, and handling insulation materials.
⚡ Power Plants (Mason Station, Wyman Station, Bangor Hydro)
Maine power stations used asbestos for boilers, turbines, and steam systems. Plant workers inhaled fibers during equipment maintenance, pipe lagging, and high-temperature insulation work.
🚂 Railroad Yards (Portland, Waterville, Bangor)
Locomotives and railcars contained asbestos in brakes, gaskets, and engine insulation. Railroad crews were exposed during brake repairs, engine overhauls, and removal of lagging materials.
⚓ Shipyards (Bath Iron Works, South Portland Shipyards)
Maine shipyards relied heavily on asbestos for boilers, pipes, and gaskets. Shipbuilders, welders, and mechanics inhaled fibers while constructing and repairing military and commercial vessels.
🏥 Hospitals & Medical Centers (Portland, Bangor, Augusta)
Asbestos was found in boiler rooms, ceilings, and mechanical spaces of Maine hospitals. Doctors, nurses, janitors, and patients were exposed when infrastructure aged or during renovations.
🏢 Public Schools & Universities (Statewide)
Asbestos ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and pipe insulation were common in Maine classrooms. Teachers, students, and custodians risked exposure during normal use and facility upgrades.
🛢️ Refineries & Chemical Facilities (South Portland, Searsport)
Maine fuel terminals and chemical plants used asbestos to insulate tanks, pipes, and pumps. Workers inhaled fibers while repairing heated equipment and replacing seals or gaskets.
Health Impacts: Asbestos-Related Diseases and Latency Period
Maine workers often went decades without symptoms, as asbestos-related diseases take years to develop. Common illnesses include:
-
Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lung, abdomen, or heart lining
-
Lung Cancer: Strong link between asbestos exposure and smoking
-
Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue from fiber inhalation
-
Pleural Thickening: Stiffening of the lungs, limiting breathing
Symptoms to watch for:
-
Shortness of breath
-
Persistent chest or abdominal pain
-
Chronic cough or wheezing
-
Fatigue or unintentional weight loss
Common Asbestos Products Used in Maine
| Product | Typical Locations | Workers Exposed |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Insulation | Shipyards, paper mills, power plants | Pipefitters, millwrights, mechanics |
| Boiler Insulation | Schools, factories, energy facilities | Boiler operators, engineers |
| Gaskets & Packing | Industrial equipment, Navy ships | Mechanics, shipfitters |
| Spray-On Fireproofing | Industrial buildings, naval ship construction | Ironworkers, sprayers |
| Floor & Ceiling Tiles | Public buildings, schools, homes | Custodians, maintenance crews |
| Asbestos Cement Board | Mills, housing, insulation panels | Carpenters, contractors |
| Brake Linings | Rail yards, auto garages | Mechanics, brake techs |
| Roofing Felt | Statewide home and business roofs | Roofers, remodelers |
| Joint Compound & Plaster | Schools, offices, older buildings | Drywallers, painters |
| Turbine Insulation | Power plants, pulp mills | Turbine operators, plant techs |
Why File a Maine Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
-
Hold negligent manufacturers accountable for endangering workers and families
-
Recover compensation for:
-
Medical costs and treatment
-
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
-
Pain and long-term care expenses
-
Funeral costs and survivor benefits
-
-
Access asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies
Maine Settlements: Many Maine victims have received six- and seven-figure settlements.
According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, average mesothelioma settlements range from $1 million to $1.4 million, while trial verdicts often reach $2.4 million or more.
Maine Veterans & Asbestos Exposure
Thousands of Maine veterans were exposed to asbestos during military service—especially in shipyards, naval bases, and aircraft facilities.
Key Sites of Exposure:
-
Bath Iron Works (BIW): Shipbuilding, repair, boiler rooms
-
Brunswick Naval Air Station: Aircraft repair, insulation, barracks
-
Loring Air Force Base (Limestone): Hangars, engine rooms, pipe insulation
-
VA Hospitals & Housing: Maintenance work in aging facilities
Eligible VA Benefits:
-
100% disability for mesothelioma
-
Tax-free monthly compensation
-
Full VA medical care and treatment
-
Survivor compensation for spouses and children
-
VA claims can be filed alongside legal claims
High-Risk Occupations & Industries in Maine
| Industry | Commonly Exposed Workers |
|---|---|
| Shipbuilding | Pipefitters, welders, machinists, insulators |
| Paper Mills | Maintenance workers, turbine techs |
| Power Plants | Boiler operators, electricians, engineers |
| Construction | Drywallers, roofers, painters, demolition crews |
| Auto Repair | Mechanics, brake techs, transmission shops |
| Military Base Operations | Aircraft mechanics, plumbers, electricians |
| HVAC & Mechanical Trades | HVAC techs, pipe installers, insulation crews |
| Railroad Work | Brake workers, welders, engine room staff |
| School Maintenance | Janitors, custodians, boiler operators |
| Home Renovation | Contractors, plumbers, general laborers |
| Utility Services | Plant workers, line techs, electrical staff |
| Public Sector Laborers | Maintenance teams, transport mechanics |
Asbestos Companies Named in Maine Lawsuits
| Company | Products & Exposure Sites | Affected Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville | Boiler insulation, pipe lagging | Power plant workers, shipbuilders |
| Owens Corning | Industrial pipe wrap | Mill techs, plant workers |
| Georgia-Pacific | Joint compound, construction supplies | Carpenters, drywallers |
| Armstrong World Industries | Floor tiles, ceiling boards | School custodians, building crews |
| Raybestos-Manhattan | Brake linings, clutch parts | Mechanics, railroad crews |
| Eagle-Picher | Industrial insulation, turbine covers | Millwrights, utility workers |
| Babcock & Wilcox | Boilers and refractory linings | Boiler techs, welders |
| U.S. Gypsum (USG) | Drywall products, joint compound | Remodelers, construction crews |
| Garlock Sealing Technologies | Gaskets and pump packing | Maintenance staff, naval engineers |
| CertainTeed | Roofing, siding, asbestos pipe | Roofers, plumbers |
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos in Maine and now has a related illness, you may be entitled to compensation.
📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for a free case evaluation
✅ No fees unless we win your case
✅ Fast filing for both lawsuits and trust claims
✅ Proven experience with Maine job sites and industries
Maine Asbestos Oversight & Regulations
-
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Enforces abatement rules and air safety
-
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Manages asbestos training and removal certifications
-
State law requires notification and safety procedures during demolition or remodeling of asbestos-containing structures
Maine Cities with the Most Asbestos Exposure
1. Portland, ME Asbestos Exposure
Shipyards, schools, and hospitals contained asbestos insulation. Shipbuilders, teachers, and medical staff inhaled fibers during ship repair, boiler maintenance, and classroom renovations across Maine’s largest city and port.
2. Bath, ME Asbestos Exposure
Bath Iron Works shipyard relied heavily on asbestos in vessels. Shipyard workers and Navy personnel were exposed during boiler work, pipe lagging, and ship construction projects.
3. Bangor, ME Asbestos Exposure
Power plants, paper mills, and schools used asbestos products. Engineers, mill workers, and teachers inhaled fibers during turbine repairs, flooring projects, and boiler room work.
4. Lewiston, ME Asbestos Exposure
Textile mills, schools, and hospitals contained asbestos insulation. Mill workers, teachers, and patients faced risks during machinery maintenance, flooring replacements, and hospital renovations.
5. Auburn, ME Asbestos Exposure
Factories, schools, and municipal buildings relied on asbestos. Employees, teachers, and residents were exposed during equipment repairs, ceiling tile removal, and heating system maintenance.
6. Augusta, ME Asbestos Exposure
State government buildings, schools, and hospitals contained asbestos materials. Employees, teachers, and medical staff inhaled fibers during boiler maintenance, flooring work, and building renovations.
7. South Portland, ME Asbestos Exposure
Ship repair yards, schools, and housing relied on asbestos. Shipbuilders, teachers, and residents were exposed during insulation removal, ceiling work, and home renovations.
8. Biddeford, ME Asbestos Exposure
Textile mills, schools, and municipal facilities contained asbestos insulation. Mill workers, teachers, and city employees faced exposure during machinery repairs, flooring jobs, and boiler maintenance.
9. Sanford, ME Asbestos Exposure
Textile operations, schools, and housing used asbestos products. Workers, teachers, and residents inhaled fibers during equipment repairs, roofing projects, and home renovations.
10. Waterville, ME Asbestos Exposure
Factories, schools, and Colby College facilities contained asbestos. Factory workers, students, and faculty were exposed during laboratory renovations, boiler room work, and building upgrades.
11. Rockland, ME Asbestos Exposure
Shipbuilding, schools, and municipal buildings used asbestos extensively. Shipyard crews, teachers, and city workers inhaled fibers during ship repairs, boiler maintenance, and classroom renovations.
12. Presque Isle, ME Asbestos Exposure
Schools, municipal facilities, and residential housing relied on asbestos insulation. Teachers, contractors, and residents were exposed during flooring projects, heating system repairs, and roofing work.
Veterans in Maine: Asbestos Exposure Risks
⚓ Bath Iron Works (Bath)
One of the Navy’s most important shipyards, Bath Iron Works used asbestos in boilers, turbines, and insulation. Sailors and shipbuilders were heavily exposed during ship construction and repair.
⚓ Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, near Portsmouth, NH)
Though located on the Maine-New Hampshire border, this facility exposed thousands of Navy personnel to asbestos in submarine repair, boiler work, and ship construction projects.
✈️ Brunswick Naval Air Station (Brunswick)
Hangars, barracks, and mechanical shops contained asbestos. Sailors, Marines, and airmen inhaled fibers during aircraft maintenance, boiler room work, and housing renovations.
🏥 Togus VA Medical Center (Augusta)
The oldest VA hospital in the nation contained asbestos in ceilings, boiler rooms, and labs. Veterans, nurses, and staff faced exposure during renovations and facility upgrades.
🏢 Maine National Guard Armories (Statewide)
Older armories used asbestos insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling materials. Guard members and maintenance crews inhaled fibers during training, building repairs, and construction projects.
⚓ Maine Mesothelioma Cases
Maine has one of the highest mesothelioma burdens in New England. Shipyards, paper mills, power plants, and construction sites relied heavily on asbestos, leaving thousands of workers and residents exposed before strict regulations took effect in the late 1970s.
👥 Who Qualifies
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in high-risk industries — including shipbuilding, paper production, power generation, construction, and military service — may qualify for claims. Veterans and family members exposed secondhand may also be eligible for compensation.
📊 Statistics
Maine has recorded more than 1,000 mesothelioma cases in recent decades.
Each year, the state averages around 55 new diagnoses.
Bath, Portland, and Millinocket report the highest case numbers due to shipyards, paper mills, and power facilities.
Settlements in Maine often exceed $1 million, with some jury verdicts reaching multi-million-dollar awards.
⚓ Maine Asbestos Lung Cancer Cases
Maine also has elevated rates of asbestos-related lung cancer in the U.S. Due to its shipyards, paper mills, construction projects, and power plants, thousands of workers were exposed for decades before regulations began in the late 1970s.
👥 Who Qualifies
Individuals diagnosed with lung cancer who worked in asbestos industries — including shipbuilding, paper production, construction, refineries, and power generation — may qualify for claims. Family members exposed through contaminated clothing may also be eligible.
📊 Statistics
Maine reports nearly 400 new asbestos-related lung cancer cases each year.
Bath, Bangor, and Portland record the most cases due to shipyard, paper, and industrial activity.
Thousands of asbestos lung cancer lawsuits have been filed in Maine courts, often leading to six-figure settlements or asbestos trust fund claims.
📜 History of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer in Maine
1940s–1970s: Maine’s shipyards, paper mills, and power plants used asbestos in boilers, turbines, and insulation.
1980s: Regulations reduced use, but workers exposed decades earlier began developing asbestos diseases.
Today: Many cases involve Navy veterans, shipyard workers, paper mill employees, and construction tradesmen exposed on the job.
Asbestos Trust Funds Available
-
Over $30 billion available in U.S. asbestos trust funds
-
Claims are processed without going to court
-
You may qualify for multiple trust fund payouts
-
Our attorneys file every eligible claim on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Mesothelioma Lawsuits
👥 Who qualifies?
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-caused lung cancer in Maine from workplace, military, or secondhand exposure may qualify for legal claims and asbestos trust fund compensation.
🏭 What industries caused exposure?
Shipyards, paper mills, power plants, construction sites, textile factories, and military bases across Maine used asbestos, exposing thousands of workers, veterans, and residents to harmful airborne fibers.
🎖️ Are veterans eligible?
Yes. Maine veterans exposed during service—particularly at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, or Loring Air Force Base—may qualify for VA benefits plus legal compensation against negligent asbestos product manufacturers.
📅 What’s the filing deadline?
Maine law generally allows six years from diagnosis or death to file lawsuits, offering a longer window but still requiring timely legal action to preserve rights and compensation eligibility.
💵 Do I pay anything upfront?
No. Our Maine mesothelioma attorneys operate strictly on contingency. Clients pay nothing upfront, and fees are only collected if financial compensation is successfully recovered.
How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help in Maine
If you or a loved one in Maine has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis, a skilled asbestos attorney can help secure justice and compensation. Maine’s economy — including shipbuilding, paper mills, power plants, and construction — relied on asbestos for decades. Workers, veterans, and families in Portland, Bath, Bangor, and Lewiston were exposed in industrial facilities, naval bases, and schools.
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
🔍 Investigate Job Sites and Exposure Records
Attorneys investigate asbestos exposure across Maine, including Bath Iron Works in Bath, paper mills in Rumford and Millinocket, Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Wiscasset, and aging school buildings statewide, building strong legal claims.
📝 File Trust Fund Claims and Lawsuits
Lawyers file asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits in Maine courts to help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, long-term treatment costs, and financial support for their families.
👨👩👧 Represent Families of Deceased Workers
Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed by surviving spouses, children, or estates for loved ones who died from asbestos-related illnesses connected to Maine industries.
💼 Work on a No-Win, No-Fee Basis
Maine asbestos attorneys typically work on contingency — no upfront costs are required, and fees are collected only if financial recovery is successfully secured.
🎖️ Assist Veterans with Military-Related Exposure
Maine veterans faced asbestos exposure at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Brunswick Naval Air Station, and Coast Guard facilities along the Maine coast. Lawyers assist veterans with VA benefits claims and lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.
Free Maine Mesothelioma Case Review
📞 Call 800.291.0963 or complete the form below
✅ Personalized legal guidance
✅ Exposure analysis and claim preparation
✅ Fast action to meet state filing deadlines
✅ No payment unless you receive compensation