For decades, asbestos was used in shipyards, refineries, construction sites, and industrial plants across Louisiana. Workers and their families were often exposed without being warned of the dangers. Today, asbestos exposure has left thousands of Louisiana residents facing life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer.
In New Orleans, many cases trace back to historic industries along the Mississippi River, shipyards in Jefferson Parish, and refineries in Plaquemines Parish. Victims often seek treatment at leading facilities such as Ochsner Cancer Institute, Tulane Cancer Center, and LSU Health New Orleans.
At the Gertler Law Firm, we have more than 50 years of experience representing asbestos and mesothelioma victims. We know the industries, the job sites, and the corporations that put profits ahead of worker safety. Our attorneys fight to secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and the profound toll of asbestos-related disease.
What Is Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used for insulation, fireproofing, and industrial applications. It was common in:
- Shipyards and shipbuilding materials
- Refineries, power plants, and industrial facilities
- Construction materials, including insulation, flooring, and roofing
- Automotive parts such as brake pads and clutches
Exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested. Over time, these microscopic fibers cause scarring and inflammation, leading to serious illnesses such as:
- Asbestosis (lung scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
In Louisiana, workers at shipyards in Avondale, refineries in Belle Chasse, and plants along the river parishes faced some of the highest risks. Family members were also exposed when asbestos fibers were carried home on clothing, furniture, or even children’s hair.
Asbestos exposure was not limited to workplaces. Older homes, schools, and public buildings built before the 1980s often contained asbestos insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling materials, placing entire communities at risk.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. It develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and it can take decades after exposure to appear.
Symptoms often include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Abdominal swelling or pain
By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is often advanced, requiring aggressive treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Facilities like Ochsner Cancer Institute and Tulane Cancer Center provide specialized care for mesothelioma patients in New Orleans.
Doctors may diagnose either pleural mesothelioma (lungs) or peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen). Both conditions are devastating and require intensive medical care.
Industries Linked to Asbestos in Louisiana
Asbestos exposure in New Orleans and surrounding parishes is often tied to Louisiana’s industrial economy, including:
- Shipbuilding: Avondale Shipyards, Higgins Industries, and other facilities along the river.
- Oil Refineries and Petrochemical Plants: Major employers in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes.
- Power Plants and Factories: Facilities requiring insulation and fireproofing.
- Construction Sites: Homes, schools, and office buildings built before the 1980s often contain asbestos.
Because asbestos use was so widespread, exposure often spanned decades and affected multiple generations of Louisiana families.
Louisiana Jobsites and Locations with Known Asbestos Exposure
Many Louisiana residents were exposed while working at well-known sites. Some of the highest risk locations include:
Shipyards
- Avondale Shipyards (New Orleans, Westwego, Avondale, Algiers)
- Higgins Shipyard – New Orleans
- Bollinger Shipyard – Lockport
- Conrad Industries – Morgan City
Refineries and Chemical Plants
- ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery
- Valero Meraux Refinery
- Marathon Garyville Refinery
- Motiva Enterprises Norco Refinery
- Chalmette Refinery (ExxonMobil/PDVSA)
- Condea Vista Chemical – Lake Charles
- Olin Corporation – Lake Charles
- W.R. Grace & Company – Jefferson Parish
Power Plants
- Waterford Nuclear Power Plant – St. Charles Parish
- River Bend Power Plant – St. Francisville
- R.S. Nelson Station – Lake Charles
- Cajun Electric Power Coop – Baton Rouge
Construction and Public Landmarks
- Louisiana Superdome – New Orleans
- Schools and universities built before the 1980s across New Orleans and Baton Rouge
Military Bases
- Barksdale Air Force Base – Bossier Parish
- Naval and Coast Guard facilities along the Gulf Coast
Workers and their families from these sites continue to face the long-term effects of asbestos exposure.
The Impact of Asbestos Diseases on Victims and Families
Asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma do more than affect physical health; they change every part of a person’s life. Victims often face:
- Severe Physical Limitations: Shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain that make daily tasks difficult.
- Financial Strain: Medical bills, treatment costs, and lost wages quickly overwhelm families.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of a life-threatening diagnosis.
But it isn’t only patients who suffer. Family members and caregivers often carry a heavy burden as well:
- Caregiving Responsibilities: Spouses and children may become full-time caregivers, leaving jobs or rearranging their lives.
- Financial Pressure: Lost household income combined with rising medical expenses can destabilize a family.
- Emotional Loss: Watching a loved one decline is emotionally devastating and creates grief even before death occurs.
- Future Uncertainty: Families struggle with questions about long-term care, stability, and planning for life after a loved one’s passing.
At the Gertler Law Firm, we recognize that asbestos and mesothelioma cases are about more than financial compensation; they are about protecting families during the most difficult chapters of their lives. Many of our clients share that the hardest part is not the diagnosis itself, but the worry about their children’s and grandchildren’s future.
Louisiana Law and Asbestos/Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos and mesothelioma cases are governed by Louisiana personal injury and wrongful death laws. Key points include:
- One-Year Deadline: Claims must typically be filed within one year of diagnosis or discovery.
- Long Latency Period: Courts recognize that mesothelioma can take decades to develop, and deadlines often run from diagnosis rather than exposure.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Surviving family members may pursue compensation if a loved one passes away due to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness.
- Corporate Accountability: Many cases involve large corporations, shipyards, and manufacturers with a long history of asbestos use.
Additional options may also be available:
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies filed for bankruptcy but established trust funds to compensate victims.
- Military and VA Claims: Veterans who were exposed during service may qualify for both VA benefits and civil claims against manufacturers.
The Gertler Law Firm has decades of experience litigating asbestos cases in Louisiana courts, and we know the local industries and job sites where exposure occurred.
Mesothelioma Settlements and Compensation in Louisiana
Every case is unique, but compensation often includes payment for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. In Louisiana:
- Mesothelioma settlements typically range between $1 million and $1.4 million.
- Trial verdicts may exceed $2.4 million when successful.
- Related asbestos diseases, such as lung cancer or asbestosis, often settle between $100,000 and $600,000.
- Asbestos trust funds generally pay 5%–25% of claim value, depending on the fund’s resources.
These figures highlight the importance of working with attorneys who understand how to identify liable parties, navigate trust fund processes, and pursue every avenue of compensation available.
Filing a Claim in Louisiana
The process of filing a mesothelioma claim begins with gathering medical records, confirming an asbestos-related diagnosis, and identifying the companies or job sites responsible for exposure. An attorney can help determine whether to file a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim, or trust fund claim.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Many Louisiana residents were exposed during military service, especially in the Navy and at Gulf Coast shipyards. Veterans may face asbestos-related illnesses decades after leaving service.
- Navy veterans are particularly at risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in ships and submarines.
- VA benefits may cover medical treatment and disability, but these do not prevent veterans from filing lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.
- Families of veterans who passed away from mesothelioma may also pursue wrongful death claims.
The Gertler Law Firm is familiar with the unique issues that veterans and their families face when asbestos exposure is tied to military service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations on asbestos claims in Louisiana?
Most claims must be filed within one year of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within one year of death.
How long does it take to get a mesothelioma settlement?
Timelines vary, but many cases resolve within 6–18 months. Complex litigation may take longer if a trial is necessary.
How do I get compensation for asbestos in New Orleans?
Compensation may come from lawsuits, settlements, asbestos trust funds, or VA benefits for veterans. An attorney helps identify the best path.
How do you prove asbestos exposure?
Evidence may include work records, witness statements, corporate documents, and medical expert testimony linking exposure to illness.
What kind of compensation can I expect?
Typical mesothelioma settlements range from $1M–$1.4M, with higher amounts possible at trial. Trust fund claims and related diseases may result in lower payouts.
What is an asbestos trust fund, and how does it work?
Trust funds were created when asbestos companies declared bankruptcy. They pay claims based on exposure evidence and disease type, usually a percentage of the total claim value.
Can veterans or their families file claims?
Yes. Veterans may pursue VA benefits and also file claims against asbestos product manufacturers. Families can file wrongful death claims.
What if my family member passed away years after exposure?
You may still have a valid claim if the diagnosis or death occurred within the legal filing deadlines.
Can I still file if I don’t remember where I was exposed?
Yes. Experienced attorneys investigate work history, job sites, and industry records to identify likely sources of exposure.
How Gertler Law Firm Fights for Asbestos and Mesothelioma Victims
Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of experience to these complex cases. We:
- Investigate work histories, job sites, and corporate records to identify exposure sources.
- Partner with medical experts to connect asbestos exposure to mesothelioma or other illnesses.
- Pursue compensation for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
- Represent clients in both individual lawsuits and large-scale asbestos litigation.
We have stood with families across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Chalmette, Belle Chasse, and St. Rose, fighting to hold corporations accountable for decades of negligence. Families can trust that when they reach out, their questions will be answered promptly and without pressure.
Contact a New Orleans Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness in Louisiana, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 581-6411 or toll-free at 1-877-581-6411 for a free consultation.
We handle these types of cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win. With nearly five decades of experience, including landmark victories in asbestos and toxic exposure litigation, our attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
We welcome your call, will return messages promptly, and if, for some reason, we cannot help, we will do our best to connect you with someone who can.