Michigan Mesothelioma Lawyer

Automotive and other blue-collar industries put Michigan workers at risk of asbestos exposure for decades. Anyone exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma or other life-threatening asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer later in life. Michigan mesothelioma lawyers can help asbestos victims secure justice and compensation.

Legally reviewed Melissa Crowe Schopfer

on March 17, 2024

Recommended Michigan Lawyer Simmons Hanly Conroy

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Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Michigan

Those who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases in Michigan may be eligible for financial compensation. Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products knew about the dangers of asbestos but covered them up instead of warning the public.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. This cancer claimed the lives of 10,188 Michigan residents from 1999–2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mesothelioma has no cure and can cost more than $500,000 to treat. Fortunately, a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer can help secure the funds you need to fight this disease by filing lawsuits and taking other types of legal action on your behalf.

Asbestos claims have been filed by mesothelioma victims who lived or worked in these Michigan locations:

Ann Arbor
Auburn Hills
Battle Creek
Bay City
Clawson
Dearborn
Detroit
Flint
Grand Rapids
Jackson
Kalamazoo
Lansing
Midland
Pontiac
Saginaw
Traverse City
Troy
And more

When looking for a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer, it’s important to select a firm with the experience, reputation, and resources to advocate for you. Thankfully, Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with an experienced law firm that can help mesothelioma patients like you: Simmons Hanly Conroy.

Michigan Mesothelioma Law Firm

As one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and other personal injuries find justice and hope.

With centuries of combined experience and an extensive network of resources, Simmons Hanly Conroy strives to provide first-class, sophisticated counsel to its clients.

Get a free legal consultation from our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, to learn more about taking legal action against negligent asbestos companies.

Our sponsor firm has recovered over $164 million on behalf of those with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in Michigan alone. A few of the firm’s recent mesothelioma settlement amounts are highlighted below.

Michigan Mesothelioma Settlements Recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy

$4.9 millionWelder
$4.8 millionU.S. Navy veteran & welder
$3.1 millionAuto worker
$2.9 millionSecondhand exposure victim

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Asbestos Exposure Sites in Michigan

Many high-risk asbestos sites in Michigan are owned by major automotive companies like Buick, Chrysler, and Ford.

Michigan has more car manufacturing facilities than any other state, and asbestos was often used to make car parts. The state is also home to 17 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) headquarters that all produced asbestos-based car parts, putting automotive workers who handled these products in danger of developing cancers like mesothelioma.

Thousands of construction materials and work sites also relied on asbestos up through the 1980s. Many Michigan homes, buildings, and other structures still contain asbestos today.

Michigan attorneys working at top mesothelioma law firms have databases of asbestos job sites across the state and nationwide.

Some specific asbestos exposure sites in Michigan include:

American Motor Company, Evart
Bronson Public Hospital, Kalamazoo
Brown Paper Mill, Kalamazoo
Buick Motor Company, Flint
Cadillac Motor Company, Detroit
Chevrolet Motor Company, Flint
Chrysler Motors Corporation, Detroit
Defoe Shipbuilding Company, Bay City
Detroit Edison Company, China Township
Dow Corning Corporation Manufacturing Plant, Midland
Ford Motor Company, multiple Michigan locations
General Motors/Chevrolet Plant, Detroit
Grand Steel Manufacturing, Clawson
Grey Iron Foundry, Saginaw
Hudson Motor Car Company, Detroit
James River Paper Mill, Kalamazoo
Joliet Arsenal, Flint
Kaiser Aluminum Plant, Dearborn
Kellogg Company, Battle Creek
Pennsylvania Salt Mill, Detroit
Pontiac Motors, Pontiac
Post Cereal Plant, Battle Creek
Ralston Purina Company, Battle Creek
Sinai Hospital of Detroit, Detroit
St. Mary’s Church, Flint
United Machine and Manufacturing Company, Detroit
University of Michigan Northwood Apartments, Ann Arbor
Upjohn Plant, Kalamazoo

Michigan Counties With the Highest Number of Asbestos-Related Deaths

Asbestos exposure affects families and communities in every state and county in the U.S. Along with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has caused thousands of deaths in Michigan from related diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer. Five counties were hit particularly hard in recent years.

Asbestos-Related Deaths Between 1999-2017

County	Estimated Deaths	Average Deaths Per Year
Wayne County	1,342	70
Oakland County	950	50
Macomb County	872	45
Kent County	410	21
Saginaw County	319	16

Know Your Rights: Michigan Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Many mesothelioma victims choose to pursue justice and compensation by filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos-based products.

These manufacturers knew that people who were exposed to asbestos could get sick and die, but they chose to keep making and selling their products — putting profits ahead of people.

Successful mesothelioma lawsuits force manufacturers to pay for the harm they’ve caused victims and their families.

If you or a loved one were injured by wrongful asbestos exposure, you have the legal right to file a claim.

Only an experienced Michigan mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate the process and pursue financial assistance for you or a loved one.

Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Michigan?

In addition to Michigan residents, mesothelioma patients who may have been exposed to asbestos while working in, living in, or visiting the state might qualify to file a claim for financial compensation.

Additionally, anyone who’s been diagnosed with other serious asbestos-related diseases — such as lung cancer or asbestosis — may also qualify to file a claim with the help of a Michigan mesothelioma attorney.

Even those who develop an asbestos-related disease later in life, such as mesothelioma, may be eligible to file a claim. Surviving family members may also be able to file a claim on behalf of a mesothelioma victim who has passed away.

With the help of a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer, asbestos victims can see if they’re eligible to receive compensation through a lawsuit.

It will cost you nothing to file a mesothelioma lawsuit when you work with an asbestos lawyer. These lawyers also do most of the legal work so you aren’t burdened.

Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in Michigan

A mesothelioma lawsuit may end in a settlement or jury verdict.

A mesothelioma settlement may be reached if the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products being sued agree to pay the victim a lump sum of money.

Mesothelioma settlements typically pay victims between $1 million and $1.4 million on average, but some may award more or less than those amounts.

When a settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to trial. If the judge or jury finds in favor of the mesothelioma victim, a financial award is handed down. If not, the mesothelioma victim gets no money.

Mesothelioma verdicts award victims an average of between $5 million and $11.4 million.

Here are two recent Michigan mesothelioma verdicts to note:

A steelworker died from asbestos-related cancer after working at the same Detroit car plant mentioned above. His family received $1.8 million from a Michigan jury verdict.
A Michigan jury awarded a pipefitter with more than $500,000 after he developed an asbestos-related illness from work at a Detroit car plant.

Consult with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about settlements and verdicts.

Asbestos Laws and Regulations in Michigan

Michigan policies are consistent with federal asbestos laws and regulations.

These laws require certification and licensing for all individuals directly involved with asbestos abatement and demolition.These asbestos-related activities are overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Laws and regulations governing mesothelioma lawsuits in Michigan, however, are not the same as they are in the rest of the country.

A Michigan mesothelioma lawyer can explain how the state’s laws and regulations impact someone’s eligibility for different types of asbestos claims.

Statutes of Limitations in Michigan

A statute of limitations is a law that prevents lawsuits from being filed after a certain period of time.

Statutes of limitations vary by state and case type, so it is important to contact a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer right away. A Michigan lawyer can help you file a mesothelioma claim within the statute of limitations.

Asbestos Trust Funds in Michigan

If the statute of limitations on a lawsuit has passed, mesothelioma victims may still be able to access some compensation through an asbestos trust fund.

Bankrupt manufacturers of asbestos-based products set aside money in trust funds to pay mesothelioma victims and avoid lawsuits. These trusts are not required to follow normal statutes of limitations, allowing them to set their own filing deadlines.

From 1988–2011, asbestos trusts paid a total of $17.5 billion to asbestos victims. Over $30 billion is available in asbestos trust funds today.

A Michigan mesothelioma lawyer can see if you can access compensation from a trust.

Michigan VA Information for Mesothelioma Victims

Although the military stopped using asbestos around the 1980s, it was the country’s largest consumer of the toxic mineral for decades. As a result of this widespread asbestos use, roughly 33% of all mesothelioma claims in America are filed by veterans.

Examples of military bases in Michigan that used asbestos include:

Detroit Arsenal, Warren
K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette County
Selfridge Air Force Base (AKA Selfridge Air National Guard Base), Harrison Township
Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Osco

Michigan Veterans Benefits

Thankfully, veterans with mesothelioma can access benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Top VA benefits include:

Aid & attendance
Burial & funeral services
Pensions
Survivor benefits

The VA also works with some of the top mesothelioma doctors in the country to treat veterans with this deadly cancer.

Two VA mesothelioma specialists include:

Disclaimer

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.

Michigan veterans can learn more about VA benefits by contacting these offices and medical centers:

Veterans Benefits Administration

Detroit Regional Office, Detroit

VA Medical Centers

Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Battle Creek VA Medical Center
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

Bad Axe Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Benton Harbor VA Outpatient Clinic
Cadillac Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Cheboygan County Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Clare Community Outpatient Clinic
Clement C. Van Wagoner Outpatient Clinic (Alpena)
Gaylord VA Outpatient Clinic
Grayling Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Lansing VA Outpatient Clinic
Muskegon VA Outpatient Clinic
Oscoda VA Outpatient Clinic
Pontiac VA Outpatient Clinic
Saginaw VA Healthcare Annex
Traverse City VA Outpatient Clinic
VA Ann Arbor – Flint Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
VA Ann Arbor – Jackson Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (Michigan Center)
Wyoming Health Care Center
Yale VA Outpatient Clinic

Veterans Centers

Dearborn Veterans Center
Detroit Veterans Center
Escanaba Veterans Center
Grand Rapids Veterans Center
Macomb County Veterans Center (Clinton Township)
Pontiac Veterans Center
Saginaw Veterans Center
Traverse City Veterans Center

Veterans looking to file for VA benefits should work with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer.

These lawyers can gather information to support a VA claim (such as how and when a veteran was exposed to asbestos). From there, a veteran can work with a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to file their claim.

AML and VFW Service Officers in Michigan

For assistance accessing benefits, you can reach out to an American Legion (AML) service officer or VSO.

These service officers are accredited by the VA to help veterans receive the benefits they earned. They provide expert assistance to veterans and their families free of charge. Michigan is home to around 600 VSO offices across the state.

Examples of these offices include:

American Legion
American Red Cross
Catholic War Veterans of the USA
Disabled American Veterans
Fleet Reserve Association
Marine Corps League
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Military Order of the Purple Heart
National Association of County Veterans Service
Retired Enlisted Association
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Vietnam Veterans of America

Veterans can contact offices above to see how a VSO can help them access VA benefits. They can also connect with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer to access legal compensation.

Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide today to learn if and how you can access financial assistance for an asbestos-related illness.

Connect With a Michigan Mesothelioma Lawyer

Michigan mesothelioma lawyers know how mesothelioma can devastate families and are here to help. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is in your best interest to work with a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer.

Mesothelioma lawyers understand the complex laws and regulations governing asbestos lawsuits in your state and can help you file claims within the statute of limitations.

A qualified Michigan mesothelioma attorney can help you:

Identify the Michigan work sites or locations where you were exposed to asbestos
Obtain medical, work, and military records to support your case
Build an asbestos claim that maximizes your chances of securing compensation
File your claim within the proper Michigan statute of limitations

To learn more about your legal options, contact our team for a free, no-obligation case review. Our asbestos lawyers never charge upfront or out-of-pocket fees, and they get paid only if your case results in compensation. Get started with a free legal consultation.

Melissa Crowe Schopfer, Simmons Hanly Conroy Attorney

Reviewed by:Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy

Fact-Checked
Legal Editor

Melissa Crowe Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. Over the past 10 years, Melissa has worked on over 500 cases and recovered more than $100 million in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of her clients. She has represented families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in almost every state.

Asbestos Trial Team Leader
Practicing Attorney for 15+ Years
Has Recovered Over $100 Million

Written by:Jenna Tozzi, RN

Director of Patient Advocacy

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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