Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Ohio

One of the states ranking highest statistically for number of mesothelioma cases and related lawsuits is Ohio. There are billions of dollars set aside by companies and industries in anticipation for the incoming mesothelioma claims for individuals and their families.

People who were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma are eligible for disability benefits and compensation as determined by state and federal laws. 

Ohio Industries With The Highest Cases of Mesothelioma

Because of Ohio’s history of manufacturing, many who worked in industrial settings or live in manufacturing towns have suffered from the effects of asbestos poisoning. Mesothelioma lawyers help victims file claims with asbestos trust funds, the Veteran’s Association, or directly against the company/organization responsible for the asbestos exposure. 

Being a state that historically had some of the biggest industrial and manufacturing plants, led Ohio to now have some of the highest rates of mesothelioma lawsuits.

There are even many instances of family members of those who worked in the plants and factories being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma second hand.  

Ohio State Asbestos Laws

There were such a high number of lawsuits filed in Ohio that the state government decided to remand the laws in 2004 to limit the number of incoming claims. One of the ways that they did this is by limiting claims to those who either died or had serious health effects from asbestos. It is very important to the success of a mesothelioma claim that the victim be properly diagnosed by a medical doctor as having developed mesothelioma from the exposure to asbestos.

VA Benefits

Even though the state of Ohio has tried to reduce the number of asbestos-related claims through law reforms, those who served in the military have their disability benefits protected by the Veteran’s Association. Veterans are statistically a group that have some of the highest numbers of successful claims for mesothelioma.  

Veterans can receive benefits such as having their healthcare paid for, long term disability benefits, and their families/estates can receive compensation in the case of a wrongful death claim as a result of mesothelioma. 

Asbestos Trusts

Asbestos trust funds do not operate out of a particular state but are national and worldwide funds. However, that does not mean that the state legislation does not affect who can and cannot file a trust claim in the state of Ohio. It can be a complicated matter to file a claim in the state of Ohio because of the remanded state laws which are aimed at reducing the number of successful claims, which is why it is important for victims to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. 

There are ten main financial trusts that have been formed to protect organizations and companies from bankruptcy due to a high number of asbestos lawsuits. Average payouts from the trusts can vary from between six figures up to millions of dollars in some cases. 

Manufacturing and Mesothelioma 

The primary reason why mesothelioma and other asbestos related illness cases are so prevalent in the state of Ohio is because of the extensive history of manufacturing jobs in the state.

Car manufacturing, power plants, and chemical plants are among some of the industries that have resulted in a high number of asbestos poisoning related cases of mesothelioma. 

There were a high number of paper mills and general manufacturing plants in Ohio historically which is part of the reason why the state has had such a prevalent problem with asbestos poisoning. Other causes of mesothelioma are from asbestos mines, asbestos product manufacturing, and construction jobs including the installation of insulation. 

Highest Payouts For Asbestos Verdicts In Ohio 

While the average compensation for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Ohio are between six figures and a million dollars, there is one lawsuit that paid over 25 million dollars to a man who suffered from secondary exposure to asbestos. This is one of the highest payouts ever for a victim of asbestos exposure. 

Another victim won 8 million dollars after being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma. These are among the highest dollar amounts awarded in the state, with the majority being around a million dollars or less. An Ohio mesothelioma attorney will work to get the victim the most appropriate possible payout.  

Secondary Exposure to Asbestos 

The majority of mesothelioma and asbestos poisoning cases come from workers in the mines and factories. Many of those workers brought asbestos home with them and their children and family members suffered from secondary exposure. Victims of secondary exposure to asbestos are also eligible to receive benefits through filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. 

Ohio has a history of being a manufacturing capital of the country which has the unfortunate downside of many workers and their families being unwittingly exposed to asbestos which causes serious health problems which often do not develop until years, or in some cases, decades after the initial exposure. 

Wrongful Death Lawsuits 

The family members of those who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company or organization which exposed their family member to asbestos. These lawsuits deliver compensation to those who lost family wrongfully because of their workplace putting them in unsafe environments. 

How To File A Mesothelioma Lawsuit In Ohio 

Because of the remanded state laws in Ohio aimed at reducing the number of claims, over half of all lawsuits are filed outside of the state. Nationwide law firms are best for advising on how to file an out of state lawsuit because they are knowledgeable and experienced in the state codes nationwide as well as having the ability to travel out of state. There are also law firms in the state of Ohio that work with Ohio residents on how to successfully file a claim. 

Ohio has a high number of mesothelioma lawsuits and as a result, the state legislature has sought to reduce these through law reforms. For this reason, it may be beneficial to file your claim out of state even if it is through an asbestos trust.