Washington Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing Deadlines in Washington

Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington

Washington 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 Washington

Washington 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 Washington

Washington has 37 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 77 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.

Washington has 3 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in Washington, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in Washington

Families in Washington 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. Washington 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 Washington

Shipbuilding was a major exposure driver. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton began naval ship construction during World War I and continued building and repairing asbestos-filled vessels for decades. Both military veterans and civilian workers were exposed. The state's aluminum industry relied on asbestos for fire protection from the 1950s through the 1970s. The ALCOA Aluminum Smelter in Wenatchee used asbestos in building materials, machinery, and protective clothing.

Timber and paper industries also contributed. Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, Scott Paper Company, and E. K. Wood Lumber Company used asbestos-containing materials in machinery, drying felts, and adhesives. Five major asbestos mines operated in the Cascade, Okanogan, and Rocky Mountain ranges, extracting from serpentine rock formations.

Documented exposure sites span eight cities across five counties. Environmental contamination extended beyond workplaces. The Sumas River and Swift Creek in Whatcom County contained naturally occurring asbestos, with sediment reaching up to 37% chrysotile asbestos. When water levels dropped, harmful fibers became airborne.

Between 1999 and 2017, Washington recorded 9,200 asbestos-related deaths: 1,262 people with asbestosis, 1,604 with mesothelioma, and an estimated 6,416 with non-mesothelioma lung cancer. Pierce County, Clark County, and Spokane County had the highest death rates. Workers at Centralia Power Plant, Hanford Nuclear Site, Skagit Oil Refineries, and paper mills including Crown Zellerbach in Camas faced regular exposure through maintenance of asbestos-insulated systems.

Choosing a Washington 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
• Washington 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.