How Often Are Mesothelioma Lawsuits Filed in Pennsylvania?

Written By Tracey Selingo

When it comes to mesothelioma, there is good news and bad news. The good news is, as time passes, fewer cases of the sickness are being discovered. The bad news is that more asbestos lawsuits may have been filed in 2017 than in 2016. Even more surprising is Pennsylvania’s role in the lawsuits filed once these cases are discovered.

HOW MANY MESOTHELIOMA LAWSUITS WERE FILED IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer that usually occurs after a person has breathed in asbestos particles. This disease can often take years to develop, and there are few treatment options available. Worse yet is the fact that asbestos was at one time a very popular heat barrier. It was used in construction, clothing and even car brake pads. However, the discovery of this mineral’s deadly effects has led to a nationwide ban and lawsuits as affected individuals try to find compensation for their damages. Apparently, Pennsylvania is at the center of these lawsuits.

According to a report compiled by Washington, D.C. consulting firm KCIC, Pennsylvania has the second highest number of asbestos related lawsuits filed nationwide. Philadelphia is a particular hotspot. In 2015, 88 mesothelioma cases were filed in Philly, and in 2016, 97 more cases found their way to court filing rooms in the city. That increase continued in 2017 as 128 cases were filed that year.

WHAT DO THESE FILINGS MEAN?

As many predicted and feared, mesothelioma cases are continuing to develop years after banning the use of asbestos in all products and construction. This is because we are still discovering new places the substance was used and never reported. Sometimes, employers will also neglect their duty to ensure that their work environments are safe from asbestos. This can lead to lawsuits, considering that these personal injury cases are often the only way for victims and their families to get compensation for their medical bills.

To learn more, keep following the Kingston personal injury law firm Selingo Guagliardo—a helping hand when you have been hurt.

Tracey Selingo

Tracey Selingo is the founder and chair of Fork Over Love, a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to increasing food security with dignity and grace. She spends her time helping people move the world they carry on their shoulders underneath their feet because she knows that when you’re standing on top of the world, everything is possible. 

Previous

Is Negligence Increasing Concussions Among Girls Playing Soccer?
Next

How Important Is Social Media to Your Personal Injury Case?