Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Lawyer | Asbestos Lawsuit Help

Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Lawyers

Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation for annual mesothelioma diagnoses, with 165 new cases and 280 deaths each year. Between 1999 and 2021, more than 4,330 people in the state were diagnosed with the disease. That toll reflects Pennsylvania's position at the center of American heavy industry for more than a century, from steel production in the west to shipbuilding in the east.

The Delaware River shipyard corridor stretching from Philadelphia through Chester was one of the most concentrated sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the country. Chester alone housed six major shipyards, including Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and the Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and William Cramp and Sons employed tens of thousands of workers over decades. In western Pennsylvania, the steel industry in Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County exposed generations of workers to asbestos in blast furnaces, rolling mills, and coke ovens. Bethlehem Steel's operations in the Lehigh Valley created another significant exposure corridor.

Documented asbestos exposure sites span 57 cities across 25 counties, reaching from Erie in the northwest to Philadelphia in the southeast. The state's 117 known exposure sites include steel mills, power plants, locomotive factories, chemical plants, and construction operations. Many of those facilities used asbestos products from the early 1900s through the late 1970s, and the long latency period of mesothelioma means people exposed decades ago continue to receive diagnoses today.

Filing Deadlines in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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

2 Years from Diagnosis

For claims filed by mesothelioma patients

Wrongful Death

2 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows 2 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 57 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 117 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.

Pittsburgh 24 sites Philadelphia 18 sites Reading 8 sites Pittsburg 4 sites Easton 3 sites Lancaster 3 sites Sharon 3 sites Franklin 2 sites Hamburg 2 sites Johnstown 2 sites Warren 2 sites

Pennsylvania has 8 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in Pennsylvania, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in Pennsylvania

Mesothelioma patients in Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania 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 →

VA Benefits

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma typically qualify for VA disability benefits, often at the 100% rating. These benefits can be received alongside lawsuit settlements and trust fund payments.

Learn about VA benefits →

Choosing a Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Lawyer

When selecting legal representation for a mesothelioma case in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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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