West Virginia is among the top states in the nation for asbestos-related deaths, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Contact an experienced West Virginia mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal options if you received a cancer diagnosis after asbestos exposure.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be eligible for significant financial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in West Virginia, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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
We are happy to offer assistance in all cities and towns in West Virginia, such as:
Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown, Wheeling, Weirton, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, Teays Valley, South Charleston, St. Albans, Vienna, Bluefield, Cross Lanes, Cheat Lake, Moundsville, Bridgeport, Oak Hill, Dunbar, Elkins, Nitro, Pea Ridge, Princeton, Hurricane, Buckhannon, Charles Town, Keyser, New Martinsville, Sissonville, Brookhaven, Grafton, Ranson Point, Pleasant, Westover, Weston, Barboursville, Lewisburg, Ravenswood, Summersville, Ripley, Philippi, Pleasant Valley, Shannondale, Shady Spring, Kenova, Blennerhassett, Williamson, Madison, Crab Orchard, Kingwood, Pinch, Follansbee, Williamstown, Fayetteville, Culloden, Wellsburg, Bluewell, Hinton, Hooverson Heights, Paden City, Chester, Milton, Moorefield, Inwood, Granville, White Sulphur Springs, Bethlehem, Petersburg, Winfield, Spencer, Welch, Shinnston, Shepherdstown, Mannington, Richwood, Daniels, Belington, Star City, McMechen, St. Marys, Bradley, Craigsville, Harrisville, Romney, Fairlea, Stonewood, Ronceverte, Coal City, West Liberty, Alum Creek, Logan, MacArthur, Washington, Prosperity, Montgomery, Boaz, Mount Gay-Shamrock, Nutter Fort, Mineral Wells, and more.
West Virginia Mesothelioma and Asbestos Statistics
- According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), West Virginia ranks number seven in the nation for asbestos-related fatalities, per capita, of 15.9 per million population.
- West Virginia saw 3,072 deaths related to asbestos between 1999 and 2017, with 519 of those being mesothelioma deaths.
- The majority of victims lived in Kanawha and Wood Counties.
- In the 2011 national lawsuit rankings for asbestos-related claims, West Virginia was third in the nation for the highest amount of lawsuits. Many of these cases involved multiple plaintiffs against one company.
- According to a study performed by the RAND Corporation, West Virginia is one of the top five states with the most mesothelioma lawsuits.
How the History of Asbestos Litigation in West Virginia Benefits Affected Workers and Their Families
The longstanding history of asbestos litigation in West Virginia offers significant advantages to workers and their families impacted by asbestos exposure. This experience provides a deeply-rooted understanding of the intricate legal landscape surrounding asbestos cases, ensuring that affected individuals receive knowledgeable representation.
Extensive Experience
- In-depth Knowledge: Years of handling asbestos cases equip legal professionals with unparalleled insights into navigating complex court procedures and securing favorable outcomes.
- Skillful Strategy: Experienced attorneys craft strategic approaches tailored specifically to the nuances of each case, bolstering the chances of success.
National Resources and Expertise
Leveraging national resources allows West Virginia legal teams to draw from a broader pool of expertise and evidence. This includes access to groundbreaking research, expert witnesses, and comprehensive databases that may not be accessible to less experienced law firms.
Collaborative Efforts
Collaboration with seasoned attorneys across the country enhances the effectiveness of legal teams in West Virginia. By joining forces with other experts in the field, affected workers and families benefit from a collective wealth of knowledge and a unified front poised to challenge even the most formidable opponents.
Community Support
Having a historical foundation in asbestos litigation fosters a powerful network of community support for affected families. This solidarity ensures that clients receive not just legal aid, but also a connection to others who have walked the same path, offering empathy and understanding in difficult times.
By capitalizing on this rich history, asbestos litigation in West Virginia extends a lifeline to those who need it most, driving toward justice and compensation for affected workers and their families.
About Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a natural mineral that sheds small fibers. If you work with or around asbestos without proper safety gear, you can inhale or ingest those fibers. This is what happened to thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers in the body cause inflammation and damage. This leads to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or other illnesses in some people.
The most common form of mesothelioma affects the tissue around the lungs and is called pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and chest pains.
Less commonly, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen after ingestion of asbestos fibers. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, and swelling.
Why is Early Detection Important for Asbestos-Related Diseases?
Detecting asbestos-related diseases early is crucial due to the nature of these illnesses. Here’s why it matters:
- Long Latency Period: Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, often take years—even decades—to manifest. This lengthy latency period means symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Early screening can identify problems long before symptoms develop, providing a critical head start in management and treatment.
- Improved Prognosis: Identifying these diseases early can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. When detected at an earlier stage, there are typically more treatment options available, potentially leading to better survival rates and improved quality of life.
- Timely Intervention: Early detection allows for prompt medical intervention. With asbestos-related diseases, time is of the essence. Treatments initiated earlier can help slow disease progression and may alleviate symptoms more effectively.
- Monitoring and Prevention: Regular screening enables ongoing monitoring, which is essential for those at risk. It not only helps prevent the disease from advancing but also facilitates lifestyle or environmental adjustments to reduce further exposure.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing one’s health status can offer psychological benefits. Regular check-ups and early detections alleviate the anxiety of the unknown, empowering individuals to take informed action regarding their health.
In summary, early detection of asbestos-related diseases provides a pivotal advantage in maximizing treatment efficacy and enhancing the overall health trajectory of individuals at risk.
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in West Virginia
If you have mesothelioma, you have a right to seek compensation. Mesothelioma is caused by negligent workplace asbestos exopsure. Asbestos companies can be held accountable. There are a few ways to seek compensation through a claim or lawsuit:
- Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. You can sue asbestos companies to seek a settlement or jury award. Mesothelioma is considered a personal injury because it is caused by negligence.
- Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. The same holds true for the loss of a loved one due to negligent asbestos exposure. You can sue for damages.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. You cannot sue asbestos companies that went bankrupt. You could, however, be eligible to make a claim with an asbestos trust fund. Companies set up these trusts as part of bankruptcy proceedings to compensate future claimants.
- Veterans Benefits Claim. If you served in the military and have mesothelioma, there is a good chance you were exposed to asbestos during service. If so, you could qualify for VA benefits and compensation.
The Benefits of Hiring a West Virginia Mesothelioma Lawyer
Top-rated West Virginia mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers help victims of asbestos exposure take legal action to seek compensation. Asbestos cases are complicated and require the expertise and resources of experienced asbestos attorneys and law firms.
Embark on Your Legal Journey with Confidence
Begin your path to justice with a straightforward, supportive process designed to make your experience as seamless as possible. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring clarity and compassion throughout.
- Submit Your Information
- Reach out to us by phone or complete our online form with the details of your potential asbestos-related case. This is your first step towards expert legal guidance.
- Comprehensive Case Review
- Our team will meticulously review your information to assess your potential case. Benefit from a detailed evaluation leveraging our network of investigators, medical experts, and other resources aimed at uncovering evidence vital to your case.
- Personalized Case Consultation
- Engage in a one-on-one conversation with our experienced professionals to discuss the next steps. We focus on understanding your unique circumstances, ensuring we’re equipped to maximize the compensation you receive in a settlement.
What You Can Expect from Our Services
- Get a free initial consultation to review your case and answer questions
- Benefit from investigators, medical experts, and other resources to find evidence and prove your case
- An experienced negotiator who can maximize the compensation you get in a settlement
- An experienced litigator who will take your case to court if settlement negotiations fail
- A compassionate lawyer who has worked with sick clients and understands their needs
- Home visits if you are unable to travel
- Contingency payment, so you pay nothing until you win compensation.
We are committed to providing a compassionate and comprehensive legal experience that respects your needs and works tirelessly towards your financial and emotional recovery. Start your consultation today and take the first step towards achieving the justice you deserve.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in West Virginia?
Mining is a major industry in West Virginia. Coal mining poses numerous risks for workers, including asbestos exposure. Many other industrial workplaces in the state also used asbestos and put workers at risk.
Asbestos in Mining
Mining has always been an important industry in West Virginia. With over 100 coal beds, the state has employed thousands of coal miners. These miners were at high risk for developing malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos fibers lodged in rock and dirt can become airborne during mining and can easily be inhaled or ingested by miners.
Workers were also at risk for asbestos exposure from machinery. Mining equipment, panels, welding blankets, and many other types of equipment contained asbestos.
In Nitro, West Virginia, Fike Chemical, Inc. was designated a Superfund in the 1980s. It has several asbestos hazards along with other toxins. Several parts of the facility that was once Fike Chemical, Inc. contained a massive amount of asbestos.
The Impact of Industrial Activities on Asbestos Exposure in West Virginia
West Virginia’s industrial landscape has played a pivotal role in the state’s history, but it has also had health repercussions for its residents. The state’s numerous factories and plants, known for their production capabilities, have been key sites for asbestos exposure.
The Health Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos, a once-popular industrial material due to its heat-resistant properties, poses severe health risks. Chronic exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases often take years to manifest, making early detection challenging.
Occupational and Secondhand Exposure
A significant number of individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses are current or former industrial workers. These workers, often unknowingly, carried asbestos fibers on their clothing or body, inadvertently exposing their families to these hazardous fibers at home. This secondary exposure has rendered even non-workers vulnerable to the same health risks.
Chemical Plants
Most industrial plants used asbestos in the past, including the chemical plants that employed many people in West Virginia. Many of these plants in the state used asbestos and exposed workers.
One example is Union Carbide, which was owned by Dow Chemical. Union Carbide was found liable for asbestos exposure and related diseases in thousands of West Virginia workers in 2002. The case involved more than 2,000 plaintiffs exposed to asbestos insulation in Union Carbide plants and their products.
Additional West Virginia Workplaces Affected by Asbestos
Other workplaces in West Virginia also posed hazards because of asbestos:
- Steel mills
- Railroad companies
- Oil refineries
- Power companies
- Public schools
There are several specific companies and workplaces that are now known to have contained asbestos and put workers at risk of exposure and illness:
Power Companies
- Albright Power Station
- Monongahela Power Company
- Beech Bottom Power Company
- Ohio Power Company
- Aep Cabin Creek Power Station
- Appalachian Electric Power Company
- Cresap Powerhouse
- Mitchell Powerhouse
- Appalachian Electric Power Company
- Glasgow Powerhouse
- Consolidated Light, Heat, and Power Company
- Fort Martin Power Station
- West Penn Power Station
- Mount Storm Power Company
- Virginia Electric Power & Light
- Rivesville Power Plant
- Allegheny Power Company
- Pleasants Power House
- Willow Island Power House
Industrial Plants
- Point Pleasant Plant
- Cabin Creek Power Plant
- Kammer Plant
- Allegheny Veneer Plant
- Steubenville Plant
- Alpheus Preparation Plant
- Kanawha River Plant
- Philip Sporn Plant
- Natrium Plant
Additional Companies
- Potomac Edison
- Electro Metallurgical Company
- Elkem Metals
- Shell Chemicals
- Beckley National Bank
- Pinecrest Hospital
- United Mine Workers Hospital
- Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel
- Belle Alkali Company
- Belle Works
- E.I. Dupont De Nemours
- Sharples Solvents Corporation
- Wheeling Coke Ovens
- Hudson Paper Company
- West Virginia Glass
- Louis Glass Company
Could I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos in West Virginia?
Asbestos exposure was a much bigger problem in the past when it was actively in use, but the danger is far from over. Today, most of the risk of exposure comes from asbestos materials in older West Virginia buildings.
Asbestos materials in buildings can cause harm as they deteriorate and shed fibers. Any renovation or demolition work can also disperse fibers if not done properly.
South Charleston began an ambitious project in 2019 to demolish multiple abandoned homes along Jefferson Road. Before bringing them down, the city had to carefully abate the asbestos lingering in the buildings.
College buildings often contain asbestos and put students and staff at risk of exposure. In 2019, West Virginia University began abating asbestos at Stansbury Hall before demolishing the old building.
When abatement professionals or contractors take shortcuts, workers and residents can be harmed by asbestos. In 2020, West Virginia Natural Resources Police found an illegal asbestos dump site in Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County.
The site included large quantities of asbestos-containing shingles and siding from older homes. According to state regulations, Asbestos should be disposed of in designated dumps to keep people safe.
Asbestos Laws in West Virginia
Asbestos laws in West Virginia affect how asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits proceed. Safety guidelines protect workers and residents today from ongoing asbestos exposure.
West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Asbestos Lawsuits
WV Code § 55-2-1 et seq. mandates that asbestos-related lawsuits must be filed within the state of West Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury:
- The lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the discovery of the asbestos-related illness or within two years from the date that the illness should have been reasonably discovered.
- In addition, the two-year statute also applies to wrongful death lawsuits, and the time period starts from the date of the victim’s death.
Asbestos Trust Transparency
Like many other states, West Virginia passed a law that requires plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits to be transparent about asbestos trust fund claims. Before beginning the suit, they must disclose all information about claims they have made or plan to make.
If you get compensation from an asbestos trust, any jury award you receive can be reduced by that amount. The law limits how much asbestos victims can recover in damages.
Asbestos Safety Regulations
The West Virginia Division of Air Quality governs asbestos removal and disposal.
- Before there is any removal or demolition of a building, an inspection must be done to identify potential asbestos material.
- Prior to the removal of asbestos from a proposed demolition or renovation, the state requires written notice to the state division of air quality at least ten days in advance.
- Before disposal of asbestos products, the state requires a “wetted” process, where the asbestos is damp, and then sealed in an airtight container prior to disposal.
- After the asbestos products are secured, the state requires that the asbestos containers are transported to a state-approved asbestos disposal site.
- The State Bureau of Public Health’s Environmental Services has rules and regulations that require licensing and training for people involved in the inspection and removal process for asbestos.
For further information and more details regarding asbestos inspections and removal, contact the West Virginia DEP at:
- (304) 926-0499 Phone
- (304) 926-0479 Fax
Mesothelioma Treatment in West Virginia
Asbestos-related diseases are rare. Find a treatment center that specializes in these types of conditions and can offer the best treatment options.
The University of Virginia Cancer Center in the nearby state of Virginia is backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer treatment center. The center is recognized for its high-quality cancer care.
If you’re seeking treatment for asbestos-related diseases, there are several renowned facilities in the region:
- Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, known for its cutting-edge medical research and patient care.
- Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, offering extensive cancer treatment programs and specialized care.
- The King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY, providing a range of oncology services with a patient-focused approach.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, OH, which is also NCI-designated and known for advanced cancer treatments.
Veterans and their families should consider consulting the closest Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for additional resources and support.
These options ensure that those affected by asbestos-related diseases can find the care they need from some of the most respected facilities in the surrounding states.
Always get medical checkups if you’ve ever worked around asbestos, whether you’re feeling ill or not.
In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms mimic the common cold, and victims brush it off as a minor ailment. If you’ve encountered asbestos, pay close attention to your body, and look for the following symptoms.
People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.
– Jingjing Z.
Getting Legal Help in West Virginia
Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
