Massachusetts Asbestos Lawsuit

Massachusetts ranks high in the United States for asbestos-related health effects. Between 1999 and 2017, 8,103 people died of asbestos-related deaths in Massachusetts. Middlesex County had the highest number of fatalities (1,850) during that period, followed by Norfolk County (1,222) and Plymouth County (872). 

Asbestos exposure can happen at home, at work and in nature. The Billerica and Cambridge communities once had industrial operations that manufactured or researched asbestos-containing products.

Asbestos-related health risks

Some common asbestos-related health risks include:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult and may result in death.
• Lung cancer: The most frequent asbestos-related cancer linked to breathing asbestos fibers.
• Mesothelioma: An asbestos-related cancer impacting the delicate linings of internal organs.

These conditions have an extended latency period. Symptoms typically do not appear for decades after asbestos exposure. Repeated exposure increases the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even limited or brief exposure can be harmful.
 

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos in Massachusetts and was subsequently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a Massachusetts asbestos lawsuit. An asbestos attorney can help you determine your eligibility to pursue legal action. If you are eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit, your lawyer will:

• Request proper medical documentation of your asbestos-related illness
• Build a detailed asbestos exposure history detailing how, where and when the exposure occurred
• File the asbestos lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, depending on the state

Options for legal action include personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits and asbestos bankruptcy trust claims. Individual lawsuits are filed directly against the asbestos product manufacturers. Bankruptcy trust claims are filed with asbestos trusts established to compensate exposure victims. 

In many cases, individuals exposed to asbestos products made by multiple companies may be able to bring claims with multiple trusts in addition to a lawsuit. A knowledgeable lawyer with experience litigating asbestos cases can help determine whether an individual lawsuit or a bankruptcy trust claim is better suited for your specific case. 

Injured workers diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses arising from workplace exposure may be able to pursue an asbestos workers’ compensation claim. Some occupations are at high risk for asbestos exposure. These include construction workers, factory workers and mechanics. They come into contact with the mineral during renovations, remodels, demolitions and repairs. 

Statutes of limitations for asbestos lawsuits in Massachusetts

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury asbestos exposure lawsuit in Massachusetts is three years after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. For a wrongful death lawsuit, the statute of limitations is three years after death.
 

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades to hold companies accountable for asbestos-related deaths and illnesses. We know how to navigate the medical, regulatory and legal challenges these toxic exposure claims can involve. Our attorneys will continue to fight for justice for asbestos exposure victims and their surviving loved ones.

If you or someone you love has an asbestos-related illness caused by asbestos exposure, discuss your options for seeking compensation with a Motley Rice attorney. You may qualify for damages for your medical treatment and lost wages. Complete our online contact form or call 1.800.768.4026 to connect with an asbestos lawyer today.

Read more on our asbestos exposure litigation experience.