Filing Deadlines in New Jersey
New Jersey 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
New Jersey allows 2 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. These claims are filed by the patient and typically seek recovery for medical expenses (past and future treatment), lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life, meaning the impact of the disease on daily activities, relationships, and ability to work.
Wrongful Death Claims in New Jersey
New Jersey allows 2 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 New Jersey
New Jersey has 36 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 46 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.
New Jersey has 1 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in New Jersey, see our exposure database.
Types of Compensation in New Jersey
Families in New Jersey 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 amounts that vary widely by case. Total compensation can be significantly higher when combining multiple sources. New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Decades of heavy industry along the state's waterways and coastline drove that toll. The Delaware River corridor anchored much of the exposure history. Camden housed the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, one of the East Coast's largest shipyards, along with the John H. Mathis Company.
In Newark, Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock employed thousands of workers who handled asbestos insulation in ship construction and repair. The state's chemical manufacturing sector, concentrated from Bayonne through Jersey City and Newark, relied on asbestos for heat resistance and fireproofing. Oil refineries along the Arthur Kill waterway and pharmaceutical plants added to the exposure burden.
Asbestos-related sites have been documented in 36 cities across 17 counties. They stretch from the Hudson River waterfront to Burlington County and south along the Delaware. Workers in construction, utilities, and public schools also faced exposure from asbestos-containing building materials that were standard through the 1980s.
Choosing a New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma litigation is a focused 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.
A few things to look at when narrowing a shortlist. Attorneys who concentrate on mesothelioma and asbestos cases typically maintain databases of products, manufacturers, and job sites that most general personal injury firms don't have. A firm's past settlements and verdicts in asbestos cases say more about depth than general trial experience. Familiarity with New Jersey procedures, judges, and filing requirements shortens the learning curve, especially in an expedited docket. And most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, so the family pays nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.
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.