Time limits on asbestos claims

March 31, 2015

Once, asbestos was a substance commonly encountered in a wide range of occupations. It was used to insulate pipes and boilers; as fireproofing; in ship construction, cement making, automotive brake manufacture, and others. This changed in the 1970s, when exposure to asbestos fibers was found to cause mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer) and other lung-related diseases. Although asbestos is banned from use in new products, asbestos can still be encountered in products and situations in every day situations.

People who have suffered illness as a result of asbestos exposure—and their families—may be entitled to compensation for personal injury and wrongful death. But they have a short time in which to file.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the deadline for filing claims is just two years from the date of diagnosis. A recent wrongful death case in Pennsylvania attempted to establish that the deadline clock should begin running at the time of death, rather than the date of diagnosis, but the claim was turned down by the State Supreme Court.

For over 40 years, our personal injuries lawyers have been helping victims of personal injury and wrongful death—and their families —get the compensation they deserve. If you or someone close to you has suffered an asbestos-related illness (or may be at risk of developing one), please contact us for a free initial consultation.