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What to Know About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer most often caused by asbestos exposure that occurred decades ago. For many Louisiana workers, that exposure happened on job sites, in shipyards, industrial facilities, refineries, or older buildings—long before the dangers were fully disclosed.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), approximately 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and the disease is overwhelmingly linked to occupational asbestos exposure.

How Our Firm Helps Louisiana Families

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys help individuals and families pursue compensation from the companies responsible for exposing them to asbestos. Whether you are living with a diagnosis or grieving the loss of a loved one, we are here to help you understand your legal options and protect your future.

Legal Options for Louisiana Families Impacted by Mesothelioma

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can lodge in the lungs or abdomen and remain there for years, eventually causing inflammation, scarring, and cancer. Despite knowing the risks, many manufacturers continued to use asbestos in products and materials, putting workers at risk.

Because asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, Louisiana mesothelioma claims often rely on work history, product identification, and medical evidence rather than recent events. Even if your exposure occurred decades ago, you may still have valid legal options.

Compensation Available in Mesothelioma Claims

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for:

  • Past and future medical treatment
  • Specialized cancer care and medications
  • Hospice and end-of-life care
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Our attorneys handle mesothelioma claims involving lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and mass tort litigation. We focus on holding negligent manufacturers, contractors, and employers accountable.

How a Louisiana Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help You

A mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. Legal action may be the last thing on your mind, but having the right legal team can make a meaningful difference for you and your family. When you contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we provide a free, confidential case evaluation. Our mesothelioma attorneys will listen to your story, review your work and exposure history, and explain your legal rights clearly and honestly.

What Our Legal Team Does for You

We assist our clients by:

  • Tracing when and where asbestos exposure occurred
  • Identifying responsible companies and manufacturers
  • Gathering employment records and medical documentation
  • Working with medical and occupational experts
  • Handling all legal filings and negotiations
  • Keeping families informed at every stage
  • Fighting aggressively for full and fair compensation
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Insight on Mesothelioma From Attorney Digger Earles

Attorney Digger Earles has spoken publicly about mesothelioma, asbestos exposure, and the long-term impact on Louisiana workers and families. In a televised interview, he discusses why many mesothelioma diagnoses occur decades after exposure and what legal options may be available to those affected.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

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Louisiana Mesothelioma Filing Deadlines

Louisiana law places strict limits on how long you have to file an asbestos-related claim. In many cases, product liability claims must be filed within two years under Louisiana Civil Code 3493.1. However, because mesothelioma has a long latency period, the timeline may begin when the disease is diagnosed, not when exposure occurred.

Every case is different. Our attorneys will evaluate all applicable deadlines during your free consultation to ensure your rights are protected.

Mesothelioma Treatment Requires an Aggressive Approach

Mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms—such as fatigue, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath—can resemble common illnesses. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. 

Common mesothelioma treatments may include:

  • Procedures to drain fluid around the lungs
  • Surgery to reduce tumor size
  • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Pain management and palliative care

These treatments can be physically and financially exhausting. A successful mesothelioma claim can help cover the cost of care, travel expenses, follow-up visits, and supportive therapies, easing the burden on your family.

Asbestos Exposure and Louisiana Worksites

Asbestos was widely used throughout the 20th century due to its heat resistance and durability. Louisiana workers faced especially high exposure risks in industries such as:

  • Oil and gas refining
  • Shipbuilding and ship repair
  • Construction and demolition
  • Manufacturing and industrial plants
  • Power generation facilities

Many workers were never warned about asbestos hazards and were not provided protective equipment, even after medical research confirmed the risks.

When Did Companies Know Asbestos Was Dangerous?

Medical literature began documenting asbestos-related disease as early as the 1920s. Research on asbestos exposure was published in journals such as the British Medical Journal (BMJ), with later studies appearing in publications including the Postgraduate Medical Journal (PMJ). By the mid-20th century, the connection between asbestos inhalation and cancer was well established within the medical community.

Despite this knowledge, many companies continued using asbestos without warning workers. Mesothelioma develops when inhaled fibers embed in lung tissue, triggering cellular damage over time.

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Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

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Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

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New Iberia

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

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Alexandria

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

Wesley’s professionalism and compassion truly set him apart. He made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of his hard work. I highly recommend Wesley and the entire Laborde Earles team. They really do put their clients first.

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Lafayette

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Speak With a Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you do not have to face this alone. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers proudly represents asbestos victims and families throughout Louisiana. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Call today to learn how we can help.

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Lafayette

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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508

 (337) 777-7777
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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
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306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
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230 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

 (337) 547-2777
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530 E. College St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605

 (337) 612-6909
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660 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 (225) 777-7777
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821 Baronne St. Suite D.
New Orleans, LA 70113

 (504) 777-7777
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