Massachusetts Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing Deadlines in Massachusetts

Massachusetts sets a statute of limitations on mesothelioma lawsuits. The clock starts at diagnosis, not exposure.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar a family's right to compensation.

When the Clock Starts

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations begins on the date of diagnosis, not the date of asbestos exposure. This is called the "discovery rule."

Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. Without the discovery rule, most patients would lose their right to file before they even knew they were sick.

The clock starts when:

• A physician provides a formal mesothelioma diagnosis
• Symptoms reasonably indicated the disease was present

Personal Injury Claims in Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows 3 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. These claims are filed by the patient and can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost wages: Income lost due to illness
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life: Impact on daily activities and relationships

Wrongful Death Claims in Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can be filed by:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (including adult children)
• Parents (in some cases)
• Estate representative

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 38 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 76 liable parties on record. Workers in these areas may have grounds for mesothelioma claims.

Select a city to view specific exposure sites, companies, and facilities with known asbestos exposure history.

Massachusetts has 4 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in Massachusetts, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in Massachusetts

Families in Massachusetts affected by mesothelioma may qualify for multiple forms of compensation. Most cases involve a combination of trust fund claims and litigation.

Lawsuits and Settlements

Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Most cases settle before trial, with average mesothelioma settlements ranging from $1 million to $2.4 million. Total compensation can be significantly higher when combining multiple sources. Massachusetts courts generally allow expedited scheduling for mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over 60 bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion for asbestos victims. These claims are separate from lawsuits and can be filed regardless of whether a company is still operating. Trust fund claims have their own deadlines and requirements.

Learn about trust fund claims →

Asbestos Exposure History in Massachusetts

Shipyards and manufacturing drove much of the state's exposure history. Key facilities clustered along coastal corridors from Boston to New Bedford. The Boston Navy Yard, W. A. Robinson, James O. Curtis, George Lawley & Sons, Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, and General Dynamics all used asbestos for insulation, fireproofing, and pipe lagging. Ship construction and repair work ran from the early 1900s through mid-century.

Manufacturing plants like Zecco, Inc. in Northboro and the former Multibestos site, originally run by Standard Woven Fabric Co., processed asbestos into brake linings and fabrics. Those operations contaminated soil and water over decades.

Dense shipbuilding activity during both World Wars drove exposure, combined with widespread asbestos use in textiles and construction. The state has 55 documented sites across 17 cities in six counties.

People also faced risks in pre-1980s schools, homes, and vermiculite-contaminated sites linked to ore from Libby, Montana. Communities like Hingham and Westminster were affected. Insulators, machinists, textile mill employees, and teachers in Middlesex, Norfolk, and Essex counties bore the brunt.

Over 8,000 asbestos-related deaths were recorded from 1999 to 2017, including 1,505 from mesothelioma. EPA cleanups at Superfund sites like Multibestos continue to address contamination risks.

Choosing a Massachusetts Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma litigation is a specialized practice area. Not every personal injury attorney has the exposure databases, product identification resources, or trial experience these cases require. Our guide to choosing a mesothelioma law firm covers this in detail.

• Asbestos case focus: Attorneys who concentrate on mesothelioma and asbestos cases maintain databases of products, manufacturers, and job sites
• Trial record: Past settlements and verdicts in mesothelioma cases indicate a firm's depth
• Massachusetts court experience: Familiarity with local procedures, judges, and filing requirements matters
• Contingency fee structure: Most mesothelioma attorneys charge no fee unless the family receives compensation

Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.