New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers

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 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 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 $1 million to $2.4 million. 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 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
• New Jersey 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.