For decades, many industries in Delaware used harmful asbestos in products, machinery, equipment, and buildings. If you’re a victim of asbestos exposure, an experienced Delaware mesothelioma lawyer may be able to assist you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be able to qualify for substantial compensation. Over $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to compensate people injured by asbestos exposure. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Delaware, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is life-altering, bringing emotional and financial challenges. While it’s impossible to erase the pain caused by this illness, getting the right legal assistance can ease the financial burden. Our dedicated mesothelioma law firm is here to file lawsuits on your behalf, offering not just legal support but peace of mind. This allows you to focus on what truly matters: your health and spending precious time with loved ones.
- Comprehensive Support: Our team handles every detail, from paperwork to negotiations, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve without added stress.
- Guidance Through the Process: We provide clear, step-by-step guidance, so you know what to expect at each stage of your claim.
By combining legal expertise with genuine care, we aim to provide a supportive experience during this challenging time. Let us help you navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation while you concentrate on healing.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
What Types of Compensation Can Mesothelioma Victims and Their Families Pursue?
Mesothelioma victims and their families have several avenues to seek compensation, each tailored to different circumstances and needs.
1. Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that produced or used asbestos have established trust funds to compensate those affected by mesothelioma. Remarkably, these funds together hold over $30 billion. Accessing this compensation can be a relatively streamlined process because it typically doesn’t require going to court.
2. Legal Action through Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Filing a lawsuit may be a powerful step for those who wish to hold negligent companies accountable for asbestos exposure. This legal route can lead to substantial compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. A lawsuit involves a process where evidence is presented, but victims often receive settlements before going to trial.
3. Veterans Benefits
Mesothelioma disproportionately affects veterans, comprising about one-third of all cases. Asbestos was extensively used in military settings, leading to exposure among service members. Veterans can access specific benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides healthcare services and monthly compensatory support designed to assist with the expenses stemming from this illness.
Each of these options offers victims different forms of support, allowing them to choose the path that best suits their circumstances while seeking justice and financial relief.
We are happy to offer assistance to all cities and towns in Delaware, such as:
Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Bear, Middletown, Glasgow, Brookside, Hockessin, Pike Creek Valley, Smyrna, Milford, Claymont, Wilmington, Manor, Pike Creek, North Star, Seaford, Georgetown, Elsmere, Edgemoor, New Castle, Millsboro, Laurel Highland Acres, Harrington, Camden, Dover Base Housing, Rising Sun-Lebanon, Clayton, Lewes, Milton, Riverview, Selbyville, Greenville, Woodside East, Bridgeville, Townsend, Ocean View, Kent Acres, Delaware City, Long Neck, Delmar, Cheswold, Wyoming, Rodney Village, Rehoboth Beach, Felton, Blades, St. Georges, Bellefonte, Bethany Beach, Newport, Greenwood, Frankford, Dagsboro, Frederica, Millville, South Bethany, Arden, Fenwick Island, Ellendale, Houston, Odessa, Dewey Beach, Bowers, Kenton, Ardentown, Magnolia, Little Creek, Ardencroft, Slaughter Beach, Leipsic, Woodside, Bethel, Viola, Henlopen Acres, Farmington, Hartly, and more.
Delaware Asbestos Statistics
Several industries exposed residents and workers in the state to asbestos over decades, resulting in hundreds of deaths:
- Nearly 1,300 deaths related to asbestos from 1999 to 2017.
- 211 deaths from mesothelioma, 844 from lung cancer, and 211 from asbestosis.
- The highest asbestos death rate is in New Castle County.
Am I Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Delaware?
If you have mesothelioma, it was likely caused by negligent asbestos exposure. This means you are eligible to file a claim or lawsuit for compensation.
Most asbestos exposure occurs on the job. Many companies knew about the risks of using asbestos but continued to use it and failed to warn workers.
With the help of a Delaware asbestos law firm, you can hold these companies accountable and seek compensation through one or more of the following:
How to Find a Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you’re ready to take legal action over asbestos exposure, start with a lawyer who specializes in asbestos and mesothelioma cases. Asbestos lawsuits can be very complicated, so you need an expert with experience winning for similar clients.
Your lawyer should also be part of a large asbestos firm. They will need the resources of a big firm to investigate your past asbestos exposure and build a strong case that proves the defendants were negligent.
Look for a local lawyer or firm who can help you where you live, but that has a nationwide reach. Asbestos cases often include multiple defendants and stretch across state borders.
Past Mesothelioma Settlement and Verdict Amounts in Delaware
When it comes to mesothelioma cases in Delaware, several notable settlements and verdicts have been achieved. Here’s a glimpse into some of the compensation amounts secured for victims and their families:
Significant Settlements:
- $3.15 Million: Awarded to a boilerman in Rehoboth Beach.
- $2.86 Million: Secured for a factory worker in New Castle.
- $2.56 Million: Granted to a boatswain’s mate and shipwright from Wilmington.
Other Settlements:
- $1.5 Million: Compensated to a materials tester in Seaford.
- $1.38 Million: Awarded to a construction worker and parts runner in Newark.
- $1.32 Million: For a U.S. Marine Corps veteran based in Milton.
- $1.26 Million: Received by a Wilmington mechanic and U.S. Army veteran.
- $1.15 Million: For an auto parts worker in New Castle diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Over $1 Million: Provided to a laborer in Greenville.
Each case is unique, and settlement amounts can vary significantly based on factors like exposure history, age, and specific diagnosis. The figures above highlight the potential for substantial compensation in mesothelioma cases within Delaware.
What Are the Costs Associated with Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney in Delaware?
When considering the financial implications of hiring a mesothelioma attorney in Delaware, many clients are concerned about upfront fees and ongoing legal expenses. Fortunately, the process is generally more accessible than one might think.
No Upfront Costs
Most Delaware mesothelioma attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to worry about paying any initial fees when you hire them. Essentially, you can begin your claim without dipping into your own pocket.
Payment Only Upon Success
With the contingency arrangement, attorneys only receive payment if they successfully secure compensation for you. Their fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or award, aligning their success with yours. This ensures that your legal team is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Free Consultations
Before committing, many law firms offer complimentary consultations. This allows you to discuss your case specifics without any financial commitment. During this session, you can assess whether the attorney is the right fit for you and understand the potential value of your claim.
Additional Benefits
By choosing a mesothelioma attorney on a contingency plan, you align the financial risk with the legal team. This can also make legal services more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
In summary, hiring a mesothelioma attorney in Delaware often involves no initial costs, and payments are contingent on winning your case, which provides a risk-free path to seeking justice and compensation.
Will Mesothelioma Claimants Need to Travel During the Legal Process?
For those pursuing a mesothelioma claim, one common concern is the necessity of traveling during legal proceedings. Fortunately, claimants can usually expect a process that minimizes travel.
Personal Visits by Legal Representatives
Experienced asbestos lawyers prioritize the convenience of their clients. They often travel to meet claimants wherever they are most comfortable, whether that’s at home or another preferred location. This commitment ensures that you can focus on your health and well-being without the added stress of travel.
Remote Communication Options
Thanks to technology, much of the documentation and communication can be handled remotely. Lawyers utilize phone calls, video conferences, and emails to keep clients informed and involved every step of the way.
Occasional Travel Situations
While it’s generally rare, there may be specific occasions where travel could be necessary. However, such instances are uncommon, and efforts are always made to minimize any inconvenience. The legal team will provide clear guidance and support to ensure that any required travel is as limited and stress-free as possible.
In summary, mesothelioma claimants can typically pursue their cases with minimal, if any, travel, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Delaware?
You most likely encountered asbestos on the job, even if you were unaware of it. Companies used asbestos for decades, putting workers at risk of exposure and illness. Some of the industries in Delaware and elsewhere that most heavily used asbestos include:
- Construction
- Chemical manufacturing
- Industrial manufacturing
- Mineral processing
- Shipyards and shipbuilding
- Steel mills
Many industries and workplaces specific to Delaware are known to have exposed workers to asbestos.
Delaware’s Chemical Industry
Chemical companies played a major part in asbestos use in Delaware. DuPont Chemical, one of the nation’s largest chemical and paint companies, exposed numerous people to asbestos in several states, including its Seaford and Wilmington locations in Delaware.
Although the company knew about the hazards of using asbestos in the 1930s, they continued using it in pipes, boilers, machinery, and equipment for decades. DuPont has faced numerous lawsuits because of its negligence.
Other chemical companies in Delaware that put workers at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- General Chemical Corporation (also known as Delaware Valley Works: DVW), Claymont
- Atlas Chemical Industries, Wilmington
- Dow Chemical, Newark
- Helix Associates Inc., Newark
- Croda Inc. New Castle
W.R. Grace in Delaware
W.R. Grace, a chemical and materials company, has faced many mesothelioma lawsuits across the nation for putting workers in harm’s way daily for several years.
In fact, over 200,000 total lawsuits have been filed against W.R. Grace.
In Delaware, a small vermiculite processing plant in Wilmington received several hundred tons of asbestos between the 1940s and the early 1990s.
The asbestos was processed and then shipped to W.R. Grace’s headquarters in Libby, Montana. Both workers and nearby residents were at risk of exposure.
What Other Job Sites in Delaware Used Asbestos?
- Atlantic Oil
- Dover Air Force Base
- Chrysler Plant
- Getty Oil Company/Refinery
- Sun Oil Company
- Texaco Refinery
- Evraz Claymont Steel Holdings
- Standard Chlorine of Delaware
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church
- Tidewater Refinery
- Motiva Enterprises
- Atlas Chemical Industries
- General Chemical Company
- DuPont Chemical
- Helix Associates Inc.
- Atlas Chemical Industries
- Standard Chlorine of Delaware
- Haveg Industrial Plant
Are There Any Schools in Delaware Built with Asbestos?
Many buildings constructed when asbestos-containing materials were heavily used are still standing and being used in Delaware today.
In 1999, the following schools were found to be in direct violation of federal laws when they failed to inspect and report each building properly:
- Albert Einstein Academy
- Hockessin Montessori School
- John Dickinson High School
- Tall Oaks Classical School
- William Penn High School
Because they failed to maintain the mandated maintenance plans, these schools risked putting thousands of students and staff members in danger. Each school received a fine between $3,000 and $5,500.
Is There Any Naturally-Occurring Asbestos in Delaware?
There is only one area in Delaware that contains a natural asbestos source. Situated in New Castle County in the northern portion of the state, the Mount Serpentine body covers 1.5 miles, and it’s littered with natural asbestos.
No asbestos in the area has been recorded as ever being commercially mined.
Delaware Laws That Affect Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Each state regulates personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, including those that involve asbestos. A couple of important laws in Delaware could impact your case.
A Deadline for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Delaware
The most important law to be aware of is the statute of limitations. This sets a deadline for when you can file a lawsuit. If you miss it, you forfeit your chance to seek justice and recover damages.
For mesothelioma, the clock starts when you discover you have an illness caused by asbestos or when your loved one passes away:
- The statute of limitations for mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits in Delaware is two years.
- The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is also two years.
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in Delaware
Secondhand asbestos exposure occurs when someone brings asbestos fibers home from work, exposing members of the household. There are many cases of family members of workers developing mesothelioma after secondhand exposure. The law has not always supported the right of these victims to seek compensation.
Delaware recognizes take-home duty regarding asbestos. This means that companies and employers have a duty to warn workers of the risks of carrying home asbestos and harming family members.
The Delaware Supreme Court recognized this duty when it ruled on a case in 2018. Dorothy Ramsey died from lung cancer. Her husband worked at Haveg Industrial Plant, where he handled asbestos paper. Dorothy washed his clothing for decades and developed asbestos cancer as a result.
What Are Delaware’s Asbestos Safety Laws?
Under Title 16, Chapter 78, of the Delaware General Assembly, several asbestos regulations must be adhered to at all times, including the following:
- No one can carry about the duties of handling, working around, or removing asbestos without first being certified by the state.
- No one, by state law, may hire a worker for asbestos abatement unless the worker is certified by the state.
- Asbestos abatement in Delaware consists of the demolition, encapsulation, removal, and salvage of asbestos, as well as transportation and disposal of asbestos to the proper landfill.
- Before being certified, those who choose to work around asbestos must be in good health and free of any respiratory problems.
- Strict training, courses, and guidelines must be met for the state of Delaware will grant official licensing and credentials to work around asbestos.
These regulations only cover the basic details of asbestos laws in Delaware. Contact the Delaware General Assembly or the Delaware Solid Waste Authority for more detailed information on asbestos laws and regulations.
-Natalie F.
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice
Getting Medical Help for Asbestos-Related Diseases in Delaware
- St. Francis Hospital: 701 North Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE, 19805 (302-421-4100)
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center: 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE, 19713 (302-623-4500)
If you need mesothelioma treatment or help with any other type of asbestos-related illness, look for physicians and centers specifically specializing in asbestos diseases.
Many physicians and clinics may not be able to diagnose and treat you, as well as those who are specialists in these rare illnesses.
Delaware Legal Help
If you or a family member was diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that, as mentioned earlier, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.
