Missouri industrial landscape

Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyers

Missouri ranks 19th in the nation for annual mesothelioma diagnoses, with 52 new cases and 85 deaths each year. The age-adjusted rate of 0.7 per 100,000 residents is near the national average.

Manufacturing and lead smelting dominated asbestos exposure in Missouri, particularly along industrial corridors in the eastern and southwestern regions where factories, refineries, and mines proliferated. Workers at facilities like the Saint Joseph Lead Mine in Sullivan, Eagle Picher in Joplin, Mallincrodt Chemical Works in Weldon Springs, and Amoco Oil Refinery in Sugar Creek faced heavy exposure from insulation, pipe coverings, and protective gear used in high-heat smelting and refining processes. What set this history apart was the intense overlap of heavy manufacturing with mining operations, creating dense clusters of 273 documented sites across 34 cities in 16 counties, far exceeding many other states due to the prolonged reliance on asbestos in lead processing and power plants like the Sioux Power Plant in West Alton.

Documented asbestos exposure sites span 34 cities across 16 counties. People living near or working at additional sites such as the Zonolite W.R. Grace vermiculite plant in St. Louis, Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood, and International Shoe Company in Cape Girardeau encountered risks from contaminated waste and everyday maintenance tasks. Insulation workers, miners, factory laborers, and power plant operators in cities like Joplin, St. Louis, and Sullivan bore the brunt, with family members also affected through take-home dust. Today, people with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases continue to emerge decades later, as the legacy persists in ongoing cleanups and health monitoring for those exposed in these widespread locations.

Filing Deadlines in Missouri

Missouri law sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. These deadlines, called statutes of limitations, determine how long you have to take legal action after a diagnosis.

Personal Injury
5 Years from Diagnosis
For claims filed by mesothelioma patients
Wrongful Death
3 Years from Death
For claims filed by surviving family members

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even if you believe you have time, consulting an attorney early ensures your case gets the attention it needs.

When the Clock Starts

In Missouri, the statute of limitations typically begins on the date of diagnosis, not the date of asbestos exposure. This is known as the "discovery rule."

Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, this rule is essential. Without it, most patients would be barred from filing before they even knew they were sick.

The clock starts when:

  • You receive a formal mesothelioma diagnosis from a physician
  • You reasonably should have known you had the disease based on symptoms

Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

Missouri allows 5 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim for mesothelioma. These claims are filed by the patient during their lifetime 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 Missouri

Missouri 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 Missouri

Missouri has 94 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 333 liable parties on record. Workers in these areas may have grounds for mesothelioma claims.

Map of documented asbestos exposure sites in Missouri

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

St. Louis 125 sites Kansas City 39 sites Joplin 15 sites Columbia 8 sites Fenton 6 sites Springfield 6 sites Cape Girardeau 5 sites Hazelwood 5 sites Ballwin 4 sites Festus 4 sites St. Charles 4 sites Arnold 3 sites Bridgeton 3 sites Chesterfield 3 sites Earth City 3 sites Farmington 3 sites Sugar Creek 3 sites Atlas 2 sites Bonne Terre 2 sites Brentwood 2 sites Florissant 2 sites Herman, MO 2 sites Independence 2 sites Louisiana 2 sites Marble Hill 2 sites Moberly 2 sites New Madrid 2 sites New Melle 2 sites North Kansas City 2 sites O'Fallon 2 sites
View all 34 cities
Olivette 2 sites Richmond 2 sites St. Ann 2 sites Valley Park 2 sites

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

Types of Compensation in Missouri

Mesothelioma patients in Missouri may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation. An experienced attorney can help pursue all available options.

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. Missouri 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 →

Choosing a Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyer

When selecting legal representation for a mesothelioma case in Missouri, consider these factors. Our guide to choosing a mesothelioma law firm covers this in detail:

  • Experience with asbestos cases: Look for attorneys who focus on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation
  • Track record: Ask about past settlements and verdicts in similar cases
  • Resources: Firms need databases of products, companies, and expert witnesses
  • Knowledge of Missouri courts: Familiarity with local procedures and judges matters
  • Communication: You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving updates

Most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal options.

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