Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers can help U.S. veterans and civilians with asbestos-related cancer take legal action to get financial aid. Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys don’t file lawsuits against the military or the U.S. government, and veterans can still get VA benefits if they work with an attorney. Find a top Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer now.
How Can a Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?
Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers specialize in helping veterans and their families get compensation for asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are worth over $1 million on average, with many U.S. veterans receiving much more.
Top mesothelioma lawyers in Louisiana are experienced in filing these lawsuits, providing essential legal support to those affected.
Here are key benefits of hiring a skilled Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer:
- Advocating on your behalf: They will collect evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if needed. Your lawyer will be your advocate, fighting to get the compensation you deserve.
- Doing in-depth research: They work with experts to thoroughly review your asbestos exposure and medical history. This is vital to understanding the full impact of your illness for a fair settlement.
- Communicating clearly: They will keep you informed about your mesothelioma claim, making sure you understand every step of the legal process while providing regular updates.
- Eliminating financial risk: They work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover money for you. If they don't secure compensation on your behalf, you owe them nothing.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center partners with a veteran-founded law firm with experienced Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers on staff.
Get started finding a skilled mesothelioma lawyer near you. Get a Free Case Review right now.
What Areas of Louisiana Do Mesothelioma Lawyers Serve?
The Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers in our network may be able to help you no matter where you live in the state.
Cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Lake Charles are known for high rates of asbestos exposure in industries such as shipbuilding, oil, and chemicals. However, these are not the only locations known for asbestos.
Mesothelioma attorneys in Louisiana serve veterans and civilians in all areas, including:
- Alexandria
- Avondale
- Baton Rouge
- Bossier City
- Central
- Chalmette
- Covington
- Gretna
- Hammond
- Houma
- Kenner
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Luling
- Monroe
- Morgan City
- Natchitoches
- New Iberia
- New Orleans
- Opelousas
- Ruston
- Shreveport
- Slidell
- Sulphur
- Thibodaux
- Youngsville
- Zachary
- Other LA cities and towns not listed
Our partner Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers can help veterans navigate the complex legal process involved with asbestos cases.
Eligibility to Work With Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a veteran you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to work with a mesothelioma lawyer to file a claim.
You may be able to work with a Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer if you were:
- Exposed to asbestos (typically by working with asbestos-containing products on military or job sites 10-50 years ago)
- Later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
If you lost a loved one due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Asbestos Statute of Limitations
Strict deadlines called statutes of limitations apply to taking legal action. These laws vary by state and must be taken very seriously.
You may be forever barred from pursuing justice if you miss your window.
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims is generally 1 year from the date of diagnosis or the date of death.
Types of Compensation for Mesothelioma in Louisiana
Veterans and nonmilitary personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma in Louisiana may be eligible for various types of compensation.
Depending on the individual case, financial aid in mesothelioma lawsuits is awarded for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer can assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Learn more about mesothelioma compensation options below.
Asbestos Trust Funds for Louisiana Residents
Louisiana residents affected by asbestos-related diseases may be able to get payouts through asbestos trust funds. These funds were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to ensure current and future victims receive the compensation they deserve.
There is more than $30 billion in over 60 asbestos trust funds.
Your Louisiana mesothelioma attorney can determine if you qualify to file a trust fund claim and file claims with as many trusts as possible on your behalf.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Louisiana
Mesothelioma lawsuits allow veterans and civilians to take legal action against the companies that caused their asbestos exposure and health issue.
Working with a skilled mesothelioma lawyer means they will guide you through the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Louisiana.
It is essential that you work with an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases to ensure the best possible outcome for your lawsuit.
VA Benefits
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service and developed a medical condition as a result may be eligible for VA benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
These benefits include:
- Disability compensation
- Medical care
- Pensions
The 2024 VA monthly disability rate for veterans with mesothelioma is almost $4,000, with a 100% disability rating in most cases. A mesothelioma diagnosis usually means receiving the highest possible rating.
A mesothelioma lawyer experienced in handling veteran cases can help you navigate the VA system to maximize your benefits.
The Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers in our network can even help you increase current VA benefits following a mesothelioma diagnosis or reapply if you were denied.
Mesothelioma Claim Filing Process in Louisiana
The mesothelioma claim filing process in Louisiana can vary depending on your claim type. However, cases tend to follow the same general path.
Learn more about the mesothelioma claim filing process below.
1. Consult a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Louisiana
Call (877) 450-8973 or fill out our online form right now to see if we can connect you with a top Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer. The mesothelioma lawyers in our network offer free consultations to help determine your eligibility.
2. Gather Documentation
Your Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer will gather evidence to build a strong case. This may include doctor reports, military documentation, and employment records.
3. File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Next, your lawyer will file the lawsuit on your behalf. The lawsuit will be filed against the companies that made and sold the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to. It will not be filed against the government.
4. Negotiate a Mesothelioma Settlement
From there, your lawyer will negotiate with the legal teams of the asbestos companies, aiming to secure compensation for you.
Your lawyer will try to reach an out-of-court settlement with all the asbestos companies named in your lawsuit. However, they will also be prepared to fight for you in court if a settlement can't be reached.
Louisiana Asbestos Settlement Amounts
Asbestos settlement amounts in Louisiana can vary since they are based on the individual circumstances of each case.
Factors such as the severity of the illness, the extent and frequency of asbestos exposure, and the overall impact on the victim's life all influence the final settlement amount.
That said, mesothelioma lawsuits have average payouts of $1 million or more.
Louisiana mesothelioma settlements and verdicts secured by our legal partners include:
An experienced Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer will work diligently to maximize the settlement award or verdict you or a loved one receives.
Louisiana Residents and Asbestos Exposure
With its history in industries that heavily relied on asbestos, exposure in Louisiana is unfortunately common, causing a high number of mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos was widely used in various industries across the state of Louisiana, including in:
- Chemical plants
- Construction
- Oil refineries
- Shipbuilding
Learn more about how and where exposure to asbestos occurs across Louisiana below.
Asbestos Job Sites in Louisiana
Louisiana job sites linked to asbestos exposure include shipyards, refineries, petrochemical plants, and power plants.
Workers in these industries were exposed to asbestos by handling asbestos-containing materials or working in environments where asbestos fibers became airborne.
Here are some worksites In Louisiana that used asbestos:
- Avondale Shipyard in Bridge City
- Citgo Oil Refinery in Lake Charles
- Conoco Oil Refinery in Westlake
- Entergy Center Building in New Orleans
- Exxon Refinery in Baton Rouge
- General Motors Plant in Shreveport
- Main Iron Works Shipyard in Houma
- Procter & Gamble Plant in Alexandria
- Shell Oil Refinery in Chalmette
- Sterlington Ammonia Plant in Sterlington
Military Bases in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to several military bases that used asbestos products in the past, putting military service members at risk of exposure.
These bases include:
- Barksdale Air Force Base
- Fort Polk
- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos at these bases and later developed mesothelioma or other health conditions may be able to work with a top Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer for help taking legal action.
Areas of Louisiana Linked to Asbestos-Related Deaths
Several areas in Louisiana have been linked to higher rates of asbestos-related deaths, including deaths linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
From 1965 to 1985, W.R. Grace's New Orleans facility processed vermiculite from Libby, Montana. This led to significant asbestos exposure, contributing to Jefferson Parish becoming one of the top U.S. counties in mesothelioma deaths.
From 1999 to 2017, the state of Louisiana had more than 5,000 asbestos-related deaths.
Areas with the highest rates of asbestos-linked deaths include:
- Jefferson Parish: 1,277 total deaths; 67 deaths on average per year
- East Baton Rouge Parish: 395 total deaths, 20 deaths on average per year
- St. Tammany Parish: 344 total deaths, 18 deaths on average per year
- Orleans Parish: 319 total deaths, 16 deaths on average per year
- Tangipahoa Parish: 183 total deaths, 9 deaths on average per year
If you lost a loved one due to an asbestos-related illness, get a free consultation with a Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer to learn your legal options.
Find a Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
Veterans and civilians diagnosed with mesothelioma in Louisiana have legal options. Top mesothelioma lawyers in Louisiana have the experience to get you justice and the payout your family deserves.
Skilled lawyers may be able to help you pursue compensation, often worth over $1 million — without suing the military.
Additionally, the team at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you file for continued or increased VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Rest assured, our VA-accredited attorneys will help you pursue the maximum benefits and compensation possible.
Find a top Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer near you right now.
Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to work with a mesothelioma attorney in Louisiana?
Working with the Louisiana asbestos lawyers in our network won't cost you anything upfront.
The best mesothelioma law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take a percentage of the compensation they secure in your case only if it is successful.
Will Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys sue the U.S. military?
No. The Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers we work with only take legal action against companies that made and sold asbestos-containing products — they do not sue the U.S. military or government.
Can I still get VA benefits if I file a mesothelioma claim in Louisiana?
Yes. Our team can help you file a mesothelioma lawsuit while ensuring you still get all of the VA benefits you’re entitled to.
We can even help you increase existing VA disability compensation or reapply after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Call (877) 450-8973 to find out your eligibility.
