Where Our Mesothelioma Lawyers Serve
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our mesothelioma lawyers are dedicated to helping victims in all 50 states pursue the justice they deserve. We can come to you, whenever and wherever it’s convenient, to offer personalized legal support and determine if you may be able to file asbestos claims for compensation.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if our mesothelioma lawyers can help your family. Speaking with us is free.
Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: Nicholas J. Angelides, Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy
Fighting for Mesothelioma Victims in All 50 States
In 1999, Simmons Hanly Conroy was founded in the small town of Alton, Illinois. Since then, we’ve expanded to a leading national mesothelioma law firm, becoming a trusted advocate for asbestos exposure victims in all 50 states.
Wherever you’re located in the United States, we can travel to meet you at a time and place of your choosing — for free. We also have virtual appointments available.
Why choose Simmons Hanly Conroy for your claim?
- More than 90 attorneys in offices across the country
- Over $9.3 billion secured for mesothelioma clients
- 6,000+ families helped across all 50 states states
- Warehouse of evidence used to prove asbestos exposure history
Our attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to hold negligent corporations accountable for the harm they’ve caused. We’re committed to getting your family meaningful results as quickly as possible.
Contact us now to see if you may be eligible for compensation during a free, no-obligation case review.
The Risk of Mesothelioma in the United States
During the 20th century, asbestos was used in thousands of products throughout the United States. Companies that made, used and sold these products knew they were putting workers in danger, but they chose to protect their profits over the health of employees and consumers.
Occupations with a high risk of asbestos exposure included:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Coal miners
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- Insulators
- Laborers
- Machinists
- Mechanics
- Military service members and veterans
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Railroad workers
- Shipbuilders and ship scrappers
- Steel workers
- Tile setters
Certain regions of the country had a higher concentration of job sites that used asbestos. For example, states along the coast often had shipyards that were notorious for exposing workers to this dangerous substance.
U.S. Navy veterans faced an especially high risk of asbestos exposure during their service, and today, around 33% of all mesothelioma cases can be linked to the U.S. Navy or shipyards.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we can help workers and their families take legal action against the asbestos companies responsible for their illnesses.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if our team may be able to fight for justice and compensation on your behalf.
“I called Simmons Hanly Conroy on a Sunday. Within 45 minutes, I got a call back. He said, ‘We want to help you. I think we can do something for you. I’ll send somebody out to see you tomorrow.’”
– Jimmy, Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
Mesothelioma Rates by State: Top 10 Asbestos Exposure Hotspots
The devastation of mesothelioma knows no bounds, impacting families in all 50 states. However, certain areas with more asbestos mines and industries that used asbestos have led to greater risks of exposure and higher rates of mesothelioma.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has collected data on each mesothelioma diagnosis in every state across the country that occurred between 1999 and 2019.
Find out more about the 10 states with the highest rate of mesothelioma and the ongoing impact of asbestos exposure in these areas.
1. Asbestos & Mesothelioma in California
Over 6,800 residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the state of California, where the local economy relied on the use of asbestos for many years. More than 9,700 job sites across the state used asbestos products.
California is home to many naturally occurring asbestos deposits, and mining has contributed to increased exposure. Some of these locations have been designated as Superfund sites by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are areas heavily polluted by hazardous substances.
Our California asbestos attorneys have recovered over $896 million in mesothelioma compensation, including:
- $60 million for a California family whose loved one passed away from mesothelioma
- $30.2 million to a construction supervisor in Southern California who was exposed to asbestos-containing pipes
- $34 million from a Los Angeles jury on behalf of a mechanic and his wife
- $7.5 million to a brick tender and laborer in Lakewood
- $5.1 million for a union HVAC worker in Sacramento
Norris, one of the many California residents we’ve helped seek justice, was exposed to asbestos while working in the construction industry. At the age of 64, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
After learning that asbestos companies knew their products were dangerous and chose to prioritize their profits over people’s health, Norris and his wife Lori decided to take legal action.
“Hiring Simmons Hanly Conroy was the smartest decision that he and I ever made together. To me, the Simmons difference is they become your family. They’re in it for all the right reasons.”
– Lori, Wife of Norris
2. Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Florida
More than 4,890 innocent victims in Florida have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and over 1,900 job sites in the state used asbestos in some way.
To support their booming construction industry, Florida imported a wide array of asbestos-containing materials, as asbestos doesn’t naturally occur in the area. This put countless workers at risk.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve secured over $530 million for Florida families impacted by mesothelioma.
Some of our past settlements and verdicts in the state include:
- $8 million for a St. Petersburg mechanic
- $5.7 million to a contractor and engineman in Marathon
- $4.3 million for a U.S. Army veteran and electrician
- $6.88 million to a Brooksville pleural mesothelioma patient
- $5.7 million to a Palatka maintenance worker
- $5.8 million for a U.S. Navy veteran and mechanic in Naples
For Larry, one of our clients in Florida, his exposure to asbestos happened when he was just a child. After being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2006, he reached out to our Florida mesothelioma lawyers for help.
Our team was able to secure compensation that helped Larry afford mesothelioma treatments, which allowed him to fight against this disease for over 6 years.
“I think one of the best things that happened for my father was having the support and legal backing of a firm with a great reach, a huge amount of understanding and the power to get things done.”
– Courtney, Daughter of Larry
3. Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, over 4,190 residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Throughout the years, more than 7,800 job sites used materials that contained asbestos.
In fact, some of the most prominent asbestos companies operated in Pennsylvania during the 20th century, including 3M, Allied Chemical Corporation, Ford Motor Company and more.
Our Pennsylvania asbestos lawyers have recovered over $300 million in the state, including:
- $7 million for a welder who worked with asbestos-containing gaskets
- $3.7 million to an Ephrata mechanic and laborer
- $2.8 million for a U.S. Navy veteran and railroad worker
- $3.8 million to the wife of a Washington Penn Plastics employee who passed away
- $4.2 million for a ship fitter and welder in Tobyhanna
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’re also committed to funding mesothelioma research in the ongoing effort to find a cure for this cancer.
Our team has donated millions to mesothelioma cancer centers across the country, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program.
4. Asbestos & New York Mesothelioma Rates
More than 4,190 mesothelioma diagnoses have been reported in New York. Over 6,460 job sites across the state used asbestos and may have put innocent residents at risk of developing mesothelioma.
When the World Trade Center collapsed in 2001, countless asbestos fibers were released into the air. First responders and anyone else in the area may have unknowingly breathed in or swallowed these fibers.
Our mesothelioma lawyers have recovered more than $300 million for families in New York, including:
- $60 million to the family of a Brooklyn laborer who passed away from mesothelioma
- $5.4 million for a New York pipefitter and mechanic
- $11.9 million to the family of a redeveloper with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $7 million for a man who worked as a welder on ships
- $3.6 million to a union sheet metal worker in Kirkwood
When a mesothelioma patient passes away, their family members or estate representatives may be able to file an asbestos claim after death.
In Gerald’s case, our New York mesothelioma attorneys were able to secure a $3 million wrongful death verdict for his wife and daughter, which provided the family with financial security after his passing.
Gerald had been exposed to valves containing asbestos for over a decade while working as a pipefitter. He was eventually diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and passed away just 12 months later at the age of 77.
5. Mesothelioma & Asbestos in Texas
Over 3,830 Texas residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. With more than 6,641 job sites using asbestos, residents face a significant risk of exposure.
Our Texas mesothelioma lawyers have secured over $420 million for families across the state, including:
- $8.3 million for an oil worker in Katy
- $6.6 million to a Houston electrician
- $8.2 million for an Austin pipefitter and plumber
- $4.6 million to a painter and mechanic’s helper in Kirbyville
- $4.5 million for a U.S. Steel worker in Houston
In the case of our client Jim, a Texas resident and proud veteran, he was exposed to asbestos while working as a boiler technician aboard U.S. Navy ships. Decades after his service, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
As medical bills began to pile up, Jim and his wife Peggy turned to our Texas mesothelioma lawyers for help. We secured compensation from a lawsuit that helped the couple afford treatments, everyday living expenses and more.
6. Illinois Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
There have been over 3,080 mesothelioma diagnoses in the state of Illinois. We’ve helped patients and grieving families pursue compensation from asbestos lawsuits, securing more than $1.4 billion for clients in Illinois alone.
Various industries across Illinois relied on heat-resistant products that contained asbestos. Oil refineries, steel mills and manufacturing facilities made up just a few of the over 5,560 job sites that used asbestos.
Some of our past results for Illinois workers with mesothelioma and their families include:
- $34.1 million for a roofer in Wood River
- $6.7 million to an Evergreen Park union electrician
- $12.4 million for a laborer in St. Charles
- $6.2 million to a victim of secondhand asbestos exposure
- $5.5 million for a Robinson pottery manufacturer
Each year, our firm hosts the annual Miles for Meso event in Illinois, bringing together countless families who have been impacted by this disease. Miles for Meso has raised over $925,000 and counting for mesothelioma research and awareness.
George, whose loved ones attend the Miles for Meso race each year in his honor, grew up around family members who handled asbestos on a daily basis. Decades later, this exposure caused George to develop pleural mesothelioma.
“Participating in the Miles for Meso race has helped very much in the healing process,” said Chris, George’s wife. “It means the world to me and reminds me how much others care.”
7. Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma in Ohio
More than 2,800 lives have been impacted by mesothelioma in Ohio, due in part to the over 7,100 job sites that used asbestos products.
Our mesothelioma lawyers have recovered more than $393 million for families in Ohio, including:
- $5 million for a clerical worker in Peninsula
- $4.4 million to a Bridgeport construction worker and crane repairman
- $5.7 million to a floor supervisor and furnace installer
- $4.3 million for a U.S. Army veteran and inspector in Cincinnati
- $4.2 million to a Canton laborer with mesothelioma
Mike, an Ohio native and civil engineer, was diagnosed with mesothelioma when he was just 29 years old.
For over a decade, Mike fought bravely against this disease. He worked with our mesothelioma lawyers to secure compensation for treatment, which allowed him to start a family with his wife and have a few precious years with his daughter.
“I can’t say enough good things about Simmons Hanly Conroy. They make you feel like you’re in good hands. And they honestly make you feel part of a family.”
– Mike, Mesothelioma Warrior
8. Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma in New Jersey
The number of victims diagnosed with mesothelioma in New Jersey is over 2,740. The state sees approximately 120 new cases of mesothelioma each year.
More than 4,020 job sites in New Jersey used asbestos over the past few decades, including Rutgers University, Sherwin-Williams, Newark Airport, Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, Todd Shipyard and Atlantic City Electric.
Our New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers have recovered over $129 million for affected families, including:
- $15 million to the family of a construction worker
- $4.7 million for an electrician in Cranford
- $3.5 million to a factory worker and truck driver in Roselle Park
- $4.5 million for a Sicklerville accountant
- $2.9 million to a union electrician in Rivervale
We’re committed to securing justice on behalf of any New Jersey resident who may have been impacted by mesothelioma, either as a patient or as the loved one of a victim.
9. Asbestos & Mesothelioma in Michigan
More than 2,460 Michigan residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The state, which is home to the majority of America’s automobile production, contains both imported and naturally occurring asbestos fibers.
With asbestos being used in brakes, clutch facings and gaskets, many workers in Michigan were exposed to asbestos in factories owned by Ford, General Motors, Chevrolet and Chrysler. Over 3,529 Michigan job sites used asbestos products.
We’ve secured more than $348 million for Michigan mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, including:
- $4.92 million for a U.S. Navy veteran and welder in Kimball
- $4.98 million to a Detroit welder
- $3.1 million for an auto worker in Prescott
- $3.7 million to a Blanchard contractor with pleural mesothelioma
- $3.5 million for a clerk in Jenison
LaTanyta, whose husband Andrew worked in Detroit, was devastated when she found out he had pleural mesothelioma.
Andrew wanted to ensure his wife and three children would be taken care of in case anything happened to him, so the couple contacted our Michigan mesothelioma attorneys for help. We were able to secure significant compensation on their behalf.
“If it had not been for Simmons Hanly Conroy, we would not have known what to do,” said LaTanyta. “Filing the lawsuit put us in a better position to fight mesothelioma.”
10. Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos in Washington
In Washington, over 1,900 residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, while thousands more have been impacted by other asbestos-related diseases.
There are more than 1,540 job sites across Washington that reportedly used asbestos, many related to the maritime industry. In fact, nearly a quarter of all shipyards in the United States are located in Washington.
Our Washington mesothelioma lawyers have secured over $200 million for residents of the state, including:
- $40.1 million for a Washington resident with pleural mesothelioma
- $10.2 million to a boiler tender in Cosmopolis
- $13 million for a Bellingham carpenter and project manager
- $2.9 million to a chemical engineer in Bellevue
- $3.64 million for a Renton millwright and welder
For Walter, a U.S. Navy veteran and one of our many clients in Washington, his illness could be traced back to local shipyards. He served in the military for over 20 years, where he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos fibers in gaskets aboard the ships.
“When I got told asbestos companies knew many years prior what asbestos would do to a human being, I got mad and said, ‘Heck with this noise, they’re gonna hear from me,’” explained Walter when discussing why he chose to take legal action.
Our Washington asbestos lawyers were able to secure justice for Walter in the form of a substantial mesothelioma verdict.
Get a free consultation now to find out if our mesothelioma attorneys may be able to fight for the compensation you deserve.
- We fight to maximize your results
- Many get results in as few as 90 days
- No out-of-pocket costs for your family
History of Asbestos in the United States
From the early 1900s until the 1970s, asbestos was considered a “miracle mineral” due to its durability and heat-resistant properties. Its versatility led to widespread use across various industries in the United States.
As the demand for products containing asbestos continued to grow, so did the profits of companies that made, distributed and sold these products.
However, asbestos companies knew their products were dangerous — but they hid this information from the public to continue making money.
Learn more about the history of asbestos in the U.S:
- 1942: After the outbreak of World War II, the asbestos market grew to shocking heights. During this time, the U.S. consumed around 60% of global asbestos production.
- 1960: An early study linking asbestos exposure to mesothelioma was published, and an increased number of medical professionals became aware of the dangers of this mineral.
- 1971: The first successful mesothelioma lawsuit was filed by an industrial insulation worker. This landmark case established the right of victims to take legal action against companies that failed to warn them about the dangers of asbestos.
- 1988: After facing thousands of lawsuits and declaring bankruptcy, the first asbestos trust fund was created by the Johns Manville Corporation to provide compensation to victims and their families.
- 1989: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all types of asbestos after a decade-long study.
- 1991: The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the EPA’s ban following industry pressure.
- 2024: The EPA announced a new ban on chrysotile asbestos, one of six types of asbestos.
Today, families nationwide may be able to file asbestos claims and secure compensation from multiple sources. Our mesothelioma lawyers can fight for justice on behalf of victims and their loved ones, regardless of where they’re located.
“Our litigation teams prosecute these cases no matter where they are, so anywhere that someone has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help that person.”
– Michael Angelides, Firm Partner
Over 6,000 Mesothelioma Patients Helped Nationwide
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve helped over 6,000 families across the country seek justice and compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
We’ve recovered more than $9.3 billion for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, providing many with compensation needed to help pay for medical care, daily living expenses and more.
There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our asbestos attorneys, and we’ll travel to meet you and listen to your story at no cost to you.
Wherever you’re located in the United States, our team is standing by to provide you with the guidance and support you deserve. Let our mesothelioma law firm fight for you.
Call (800) 326-8900 now or fill out our contact form now to get a free legal consultation.
Mesothelioma Incidence in the United States FAQs
What state has the most asbestos?
California is the state with the most asbestos, with naturally occurring asbestos deposits in 42 of the state’s 58 counties. This spurred the development of numerous mines, creating significant exposure risks for miners and their families.
Over 9,700 job sites across California used asbestos products, putting countless workers and their families in harm’s way.
Get a free legal consultation now. We may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf following a mesothelioma diagnosis, regardless of where you may be located.
How many cases of mesothelioma in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the U.S. each year. On a global scale, this number may be closer to 30,000 cases annually.
Which state has the most mesothelioma cases?
The state with the most mesothelioma cases is California, where over 6,800 residents were diagnosed with this cancer between 1999 and 2019. This is likely due to California’s widespread use of asbestos across different industries and its many coastal shipyards.
What is the asbestos capital of the world?
Ambler, Pennsylvania, located just 20 miles north of Philadelphia, is considered the asbestos capital of the world. This small town was home to the Keasbey and Mattison Company, a major manufacturer of asbestos-containing products like insulation and shingles.
Sadly, Keasbey and Mattison Company disposed of asbestos-containing materials at a site in Ambler that covered over 2.5 acres and reached 25 feet high.
The disposal site later expanded into a local park, which became known as the BoRit site. In April 2009, the EPA added BoRit to its National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites, designating the area as a Superfund site.
The industry that once brought advancements and growth to the town of Ambler has since caused many residents to develop serious asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
How many American homes have asbestos?
It’s estimated that 25 million American homes contain asbestos. Before the dangers of asbestos were known to the public, this material was used throughout homes in vinyl flooring, insulation, ceiling tiles and more.
Call (800) 326-8900 now if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have, and talking with us is free.
What percentage of U.S. buildings still have asbestos?
Approximately 20% of U.S. buildings still have asbestos, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An estimated 733,000 commercial and residential buildings nationwide may contain dangerous asbestos fibers.
Reviewed by: Nicholas J. Angelides Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy
- Fact-Checked
- Legal Reviewer
Attorney Nick Angelides is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. He joined the firm in 2003, and currently helps direct the legal strategy for all of the firm’s asbestos and mesothelioma cases. Nick has nearly 15 years of litigation experience and has handled asbestos cases throughout the country, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of individuals and families impacted by asbestos-related diseases.