Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer for Asbestos Claims [2026 Update]

Talk to an Attorney About Mesothelioma Claim Options

Contact Our Team

Many Washington residents were exposed to asbestos at shipyards, paper mills, aluminum plants, power stations, military facilities, and other sites. Our experienced asbestos lawyers can help people with mesothelioma in Washington file claims for compensation. Washington has some of the highest incidences of mesothelioma diagnosis in the country, and many of those diagnosed seek compensation for their losses.

Washington state residents with asbestos-related disease can benefit from the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Attorneys combine extensive knowledge of asbestos companies, job sites, and trust funds with national reach to offer mesothelioma victims the best chance of maximizing their compensation.

This page will explore what mesothelioma lawyers do and how to go about finding one if you live in Washington. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you may be able to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term care.

About the Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer Guide

Why Choose a Meso Lawyer for My Claim in Washington?

A mesothelioma lawyer is an attorney with substantial experience pursuing asbestos claims, including investigations, filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and representing their clients in court. Due to the complexity of asbestos claims, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer should offer the ability to file and investigate claims nationwide. They should also have access to exposure databases and common sources of exposure in Washington. A general practice attorney may not have the expertise needed to properly litigate an asbestos claim.

How to Choose a Lawyer to Represent My Asbestos Claim in Washington

Although any personal injury lawyer can technically represent you in an asbestos claim, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can increase your chances of maximizing your payout. Look for a lawyer with the following qualities:

• Demonstrated success in mesothelioma cases
• Stays in regular communication
• A track record of securing substantial compensation
• Access to databases to trace your asbestos exposure
• National reach to file cases in the most advantageous jurisdiction
• Is transparent about fees and sets reasonable expectations

Why Are Many Washington Mesothelioma Claims Filed Out of State?

National reach is important in mesothelioma cases because many cases end up being filed out of state, including Washington State. This is due to the complex nature of these cases. For example:

• Decades often pass between the time of exposure and the filing of the claim. Plaintiffs and defendants may have moved during that time.
• The company responsible for your exposure may be headquartered in another state.
• Laws, compensation caps, and statutes of limitations vary between states. It may be more advantageous to file in a different jurisdiction.

When looking for an attorney to represent your Washington mesothelioma claim, choose a firm that can represent your case in any jurisdiction, including federal courts.

Benefits of Working With an Experienced Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer

Working with a mesothelioma lawyer in Washington offers some distinct advantages over pursuing a claim independently or even hiring a general personal injury lawyer. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you:

• Identify potential defendants nationwide who made the asbestos products that exposed you
• Expedite trust fund claims
• Pursue your claim in the most favorable jurisdiction
• Work on a contingency basis with no upfront costs
• Leverage resources like exposure databases to help your investigation
• Maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Asbestos Exposure in Washington

Washington has some of the highest rates of mesothelioma diagnosis in the country. Washington is in the top 10th percentile for rates of mesothelioma  in the U.S., with an incidence rate of 1.43% to 1.65% per 100,000 people.

A Washington mesothelioma lawyer should be well-versed in the history of asbestos exposure within the Evergreen State. This includes awareness of exposure hotspots and asbestos companies that once operated within the state. This history can be used to build the body of evidence for your case, allowing you to identify defendants and/or trust funds after decades have passed.

Areas with high numbers of asbestos exposures in Washington include:

• King County
• Pierce County
• Kitsap County
• Snohomish County
• Spokane County

Additionally, sites like the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard have been the source of multiple asbestos exposures , as have several power plants (see below).

Although less common than occupational exposure, Washington does have naturally occurring asbestos mines that have exposed some people to asbestos. For example, asbestos mines existed in Skagit County (e.g., the Scott Mine) and Okanogan County (e.g., Alta Lake). These mines could expose area residents to asbestos exposure, especially during time periods when the mines were active.

Companies in Washington That Exposed Employees to Asbestos

Historically, asbestos was widely used by multiple industries located in Washington. In particular, industries that were heavily reliant on asbestos for fireproofing and heat resistance were the most likely to expose their employees to the substance.

Here are some of the companies that are known to have exposed Washington workers to asbestos:

• Alcoa
• Chevron
• Columbia Aluminum
• Crown Zellerbach
• Dow Chemical
• Intalco
• Kaiser Gypsum
• Lockheed Shipbuilding & Construction
• NAPA
• Reynolds Metals Aluminum Plant
• Scapa Waycross
• Seattle Asbestos
• Tacoma Dry Dock Shipyard
• Various power plants, including:
  • Centralia Washington
  • FFTF Nuclear
  • Hanford Nuclear

This is not a full list of companies that possibly exposed workers and nearby residents to asbestos. Many companies that supplied asbestos to companies located in Washington also exposed workers and residents.

Occupations in Washington Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will also have a strong understanding of which occupations run the highest risk of asbestos exposure. Individuals who have worked in power plants, shipyards, heavy industry, and construction run a high risk of exposure. Military occupations, particularly those in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines, also have an elevated risk.

Specific occupations that have high rates of asbestos exposure in Washington include:

• Boilermakers
• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Firefighters
• Mechanics
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Power plant workers
• Railroad workers
• Shipyard workers

This is not a full list of occupations that can expose workers to asbestos. Similarly, because asbestos fibers can travel on clothing, family members of individuals in these professions also run the risk of secondary exposure.

Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Washington?

To file a mesothelioma lawsuit in the state of Washington, you or a family member must have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. In order for a family member to file a wrongful death lawsuit related to mesothelioma, the patient must have passed away. In some cases, a family member may file a mesothelioma lawsuit if their loved one is incapacitated due to their cancer.

From the date of diagnosis or death, the statute of limitations is three years , meaning you have three years to file the claim within Washington State. Note, however, that your claim may ultimately end up being filed in another state or federal court where statutes are different.

Potential Compensation in Washington Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Washington allows mesothelioma victims to recoup damages for their bills, lost wages, and pain. These are broken down into three major categories:

• Economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, funeral costs, modifications made to dwellings to accommodate disability, and lost wages. These types of damages are uncapped in Washington.
• Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are compensation for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and/or loss of companionship. These types of damages are uncapped in Washington.

Though Washington does not have caps on the compensation that can be awarded for both economic and non-economic damages, the state does use a pure comparative fault system in personal injury cases. While uncommon in asbestos cases, if the plaintiff is found to be partially responsible for their exposure, their award may be reduced by a percentage equal to the amount they were at fault. For example, if the plaintiff is awarded $100,000 and found to be 10% liable, they would receive $90,000 instead of $100,000.

Washington Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts

Mesothelioma settlements tend to be anonymous, while awards obtained through jury verdicts are more often public. Here are some recent, notable mesothelioma settlements and verdicts:

• December 26, 2022 – Sorrentino v. Volkswagen. A jury awarded the family of Thomas Sorrentino $5 million for his wrongful death due to asbestos exposure at his former job with Volkswagen.
• March 17, 2022 – Budd v. Kaiser Gypsum. A jury upheld the $13.5 million verdict awarded to the family of Raymond Budd after the decision was appealed.
• June 27, 2021 – Holdsworth v. Scapa. The family of a former paper mill worker was awarded $16.67 million by a Washington jury. Kevan Holdsworth passed away after contracting mesothelioma due to being exposed to dryer felts made by Scapa Waycross. The dryer felts contained asbestos.
• November 18, 2020 – Budd v. Kaiser Gypsum. Kaiser Gypsum appeals the verdict of a wrongful death case handed down in September 2020. The jury had awarded the family of Raymond Budd $15 million.
• April 20, 2017 – Gerri Coogan, et al. v. Genuine Parts Co. et al. A Washington jury awarded the family of Jerry Coogan $81.5 million in a wrongful death verdict. Coogan was exposed to asbestos-laden parts sourced from NAPA. The verdict is among the largest mesothelioma awards to date.

How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Washington

A local attorney may be valuable if you strongly prefer to meet in person, but they may not be the best lawyer for your case. Due to the interstate nature of mesothelioma cases, your mesothelioma lawyer does not have to be based in Washington to effectively pursue your claim. Prioritize finding an asbestos lawyer with the skill set and experience you require, along with a compatible communication style.

How to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Washington to File An Asbestos Claim

When you’re ready to begin your search for a mesothelioma lawyer in Washington and beyond, consider taking the following steps to choose the best mesothelioma lawyer:

1. Look for lawyers with a track record of securing compensation in mesothelioma cases.
2. Make sure the lawyer has the ability to pursue your case across state lines if necessary.
3. Make sure the lawyer has trial experience.
4. Look for lawyers who work on a contingency basis.
5. Look for lawyers who offer free consultations. This provides you an opportunity to ask further questions.

Ultimately, you could benefit from a lawyer who makes you feel respected and is willing to put in the work to obtain the best compensation possible.

What Is the Cost to Hire a Washington Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee structure. In other words, payment is contingent upon that attorney securing you compensation. In this case, that means if you receive compensation for your injuries, your lawyer will collect a percentage of your award.

This model ensures that your lawyer will work hard to secure your compensation and allows families of any income level to pursue a claim. Your case-specific contingency fee will be listed in your retainer agreement.

Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Washington

Use your free consultation to ask your prospective mesothelioma lawyer some important questions about your Washington mesothelioma claim. Their answers will give you a better sense of whether they’re a good fit for your case. While every case is unique, here are some general questions to ask.

How do your fees work?

As noted above, your mesothelioma lawyer should work on contingency, but you will still want to define the exact terms of your contract. Ask what percentage they’ll collect in the event of a favorable outcome. Additionally, inquire as to whether you’ll owe any money in the event of an unfavorable outcome, and whether they’ll advance court and investigation-related expenses.

How strong does my case look?

A good mesothelioma lawyer should set reasonable expectations for your Washington mesothelioma case and be able to estimate your odds of success. Ask what evidence you’d need to gather to make your case stronger.

Are you prepared to go to trial?

Although many cases are settled out of court, you want your lawyer to be able to competently take the case to trial if necessary.

How many mesothelioma cases have you won?

The lawyer’s record of success is generally a good measure of their abilities and experience. You can also follow this question up by asking about cases similar to your own.

How often will I receive updates?

A mesothelioma claim can take months to years, so you will want regular updates about the progress being made.

Washington’s Deadlines to File Asbestos Claims

Though the statute of limitations for asbestos cases filed in Washington is three years, remember that your case may ultimately be filed in another state. Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful cases, some of which are shorter than Washington’s. For this reason, it is important to act quickly after you receive a diagnosis (or after a family member dies) to make sure you don’t miss a critical deadline. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can inform you of relevant deadlines.

Contact a Washington Lawyer Today

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Washington, call (585) 496-2648 or fill out a form on this site to schedule a free case review with King Law today. Our team and legal partners have decades of experience holding asbestos companies accountable through mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims. Talk with our team about filing options. We only take payment if we secure compensation for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)