North Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to Choose the Best Mesothelioma Attorney in North Carolina

Choosing the right mesothelioma attorney in North Carolina involves research and consultations with prospective asbestos law firms. The first step is to look for an attorney who is familiar with North Carolina’s asbestos laws, including laws impacting asbestos trust fund claims. Exposure to the mineral asbestos is a primary cause of mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that most often forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. 

It is important to choose an attorney whose experience is the right fit for your case. They should work at a mesothelioma law firm that handles cases throughout the country. Nationwide experience matters because North Carolina might not be the right jurisdiction for your claim. An attorney at a nationwide firm can file your claim in the right state for your unique case.

Top mesothelioma law firms offer free initial consultations. Take time to meet with potential lawyers and see if you feel comfortable working with them. Ask about their success rate and if they work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay for their services only if they win your case.

Take time to research the top attorneys who may be the ideal fit for your specific case and needs. You want to choose an attorney who communicates clearly, offers compassion for your situation and instills confidence in their ability to represent you in legal matters.

Benefits of Working With a Mesothelioma Lawyer 

The benefits of working with a mesothelioma lawyer include expert legal guidance, reduced stress throughout the legal process and maximization of potential compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex, involving multiple parties and legal rules that differ in each state. A mesothelioma lawyer specializes in this area of law. They know the ins and outs of the legal system and can reduce your stress by guiding you through the process.

Dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult for families. A skilled lawyer can help gather evidence to support your case, including medical records, work history and witness testimonies. Hiring a lawyer means you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in securing the maximum compensation possible in asbestos claims. They work diligently to secure the financial damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress and more. 

Working with a mesothelioma lawyer can make a big difference in your case, ensuring you receive fair compensation while allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

Filing a Claim in North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, a mesothelioma attorney can trace your asbestos exposure and determine your eligibility to file a claim. This may include a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim. 

Keep in mind that North Carolina and other states limit the amount of time you have to file an asbestos lawsuit, which is known as a statute of limitations. While not always the case, some lawsuits filed in the state have led to multimillion-dollar verdicts. Veterans who develop mesothelioma may file a VA claim for benefits and they have access to VA health care in the state.

Asbestos Exposure in North Carolina 

North Carolina has a long history of asbestos and talc mining, which exposed miners to asbestos and associated health risks. It is also home to several large military bases. The U.S. armed forces used asbestos products widely throughout military bases, including bases in North Carolina. 

The state’s naturally occurring asbestos is located in the west near the Appalachian Mountains. Deposits can be found in eight counties. Some deposits were former asbestos mines.

In Davidson, an asbestos product manufacturing plant operated from the 1930s through the 1960s. High Point was home to a vermiculite processing plant that used asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana. Operations at these facilities exposed many workers and nearby residents to asbestos.

How Exposure to Asbestos Can Cause Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a decades-long process that involves inflammation and genetic damage. Inhaled or ingested microscopic asbestos fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs and stomach. The body can’t get rid of every asbestos fiber, and they start to cause inflammation and damage cells. 

Over several decades, the DNA inside cells becomes damaged, and this damage leads to uncontrollable cell growth. Mesothelioma tumors begin to form as a result of this uncontrolled growth.

If you live or work in an old building or have a job that involves asbestos, make sure to use protective gear and follow safety guidelines. If you were exposed in the past, tell your doctor and closely monitor your health.

Some of the state’s talc mines were contaminated with asbestos, which led to talc miners developing asbestos-related diseases. In addition to mining operations, many people in North Carolina have been exposed to asbestos at job sites such as military bases, manufacturing plants, power plants and schools.

Learn More About Asbestos Exposure in North Carolina

Asbestos Law Firms Practicing in North Carolina 

North Carolina residents should consider a nationwide mesothelioma law firm because they have handled many different types of cases in states throughout the nation. They have the experience to assess your case and determine the best state in which to file your claim.

While these firms don’t have law offices in North Carolina, working with one of the nation’s top asbestos law firms can help you get the compensation you deserve. They have a long track record of holding negligent corporations accountable and they can help you secure compensation for your family.

One of the benefits of working with a nationwide mesothelioma law firm is that they will come to you. Representatives from the firms travel across the country to meet with clients on a regular basis because they’re aware of the travel limitations mesothelioma imposes on plaintiffs.

According to a 2019 KCIC industry report, approximately 54% of mesothelioma plaintiffs in the U.S. file their claim outside of the state in which they live.

Proposed J&J Settlement in North Carolina 

North Carolina is one of 42 U.S. states along with Washington, D.C. that launched an investigation against Johnson & Johnson’s marketing of its baby powder and other talc-based products. In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson offered to pay $700 million to settle the investigation. If approved, the agreement would resolve accusations that J&J misled consumers to believe its talc-products were safe. 

While J&J offered the settlement, the pharmaceutical company admits no wrongdoing and denies violating the law. Johnson & Johnson faces more than 60,000 lawsuits over claims its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos, leading to cases of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Record Asbestos Verdict Awarded to North Carolina Worker

While this is one of the highest asbestos verdicts ever awarded in North Carolina courts, most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled before going to trial.

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers are known to secure settlements ranging from $1 million to $2 million. Additionally, they can recover six-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds.

It’s important to work with an attorney who is familiar with the legal steps of filing lawsuits and trust fund claims in North Carolina.

Seeking Financial Compensation in North Carolina Through Asbestos Trust Funds 

In addition to lawsuits, another way to seek mesothelioma compensation is through asbestos trust funds. Asbestos trust funds are like savings accounts set up by companies that used asbestos in the past. Asbestos companies created these funds through bankruptcy reorganization because they couldn’t afford the mountain of mesothelioma lawsuits they faced. 

You may be eligible to file a trust fund claim if you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Those who lost a loved one to mesothelioma may file a trust fund claim as well.

North Carolina has specific rules and procedures for filing claims with these trusts. It’s important to gather all the necessary documents and medical records to prove your case. You should hire a lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation to assist you with this process. Trust fund compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and more.

North Carolina Asbestos Laws and Regulations 

A combination of federal and state laws regulates asbestos throughout North Carolina.

Asbestos Litigation Trends in North Carolina 

North Carolina lawmakers and state courts have enforced specific rules and procedures to manage asbestos claims, including transparency and standards legislation.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claim Transparency

North Carolina legislators passed a bill that requires plaintiffs to file asbestos trust fund claims prior to filing a lawsuit. The law became effective in June 2018. North Carolina is the 15th state to enact this type of law.

Exposure Standard

This standard, often referred to as the “Lohrmann test,” requires mesothelioma plaintiffs to prove that a defendant’s asbestos product was a substantial factor in the causation of their cancer.

Recommended Reading