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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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Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

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New Orleans

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

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Marksville

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

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Megan C.

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...

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. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie M.

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. She is a true gem! To know her is to love her!! Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Toni in their corner.

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Marksville

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

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New Iberia

Eryn Laughlin is a good employee, we love her!

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anonymous

Car Accident

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

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New Orleans

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

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Lafayette

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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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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Alexandria

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
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Marksville

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306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
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New Iberia

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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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