Michael P. Thornton is the founder and chairman of Thornton Law Firm LLP in Boston, which he established in 1978 and has built into the largest toxic tort and mesothelioma plaintiff firm in the Northeast, representing asbestos victims across New England and nationally. A Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt University Law School graduate, he earned the U.S. News 'Lawyer of the Year' designation in Boston for Class Actions/Plaintiffs in 2016, 2019, and 2021, and has been a Massachusetts Super Lawyer continuously since 2007. Beyond the courtroom, Thornton has funded mesothelioma research and established the Thornton House — a Boston residence providing free lodging to out-of-town patients receiving mesothelioma treatment — a reflection of his commitment to the complete well-being of the clients his firm serves.
Why Work With Michael?
51+ YearsMesothelioma experience
Free ConsultationNo obligation to hire
No Upfront FeesContingency — no fee unless we win
Statewide CoverageServing all of Massachusetts
Experience & Credentials
Years in Practice51 yrs Senior Expert
Mesothelioma & Asbestos
Class Action
Toxic Tort
Personal Injury
Mass Tort Litigation
Massachusetts Mesothelioma Lawsuit Information
Statute of Limitations3 years from diagnosis or discovery date
Wrongful Death Deadline3 years from date of death
Filing LocationMassachusetts Superior Court (county of exposure or residence)
Average Settlement$1.1M–$1.5M (varies by case factors)
Massachusetts allows mesothelioma victims to file personal injury lawsuits against responsible asbestos manufacturers. Many victims also receive compensation from multiple asbestos bankruptcy trust funds. Learn more about settlements →
Office Location
Thornton Law Firm LLP · 84 State Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (by appointment only)
Frequently Asked Questions
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma personal injury claims is 3 years from diagnosis or discovery date. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is 3 years from date of death. Acting quickly is important — evidence and witness availability can diminish over time. Michael offers free consultations to help you understand your timeline.
Michael P. Thornton works on a contingency fee basis — Contingency — no fee unless we win. This means you pay nothing out of pocket to get started. Legal fees are only collected if your case is resolved successfully through a settlement or verdict.
Michael P. Thornton handles cases involving Mesothelioma & Asbestos, Class Action, Toxic Tort, Personal Injury, Mass Tort Litigation. Michael P. Thornton is the founder and chairman of Thornton Law Firm LLP in Boston, which he established in 1978 and has built into the largest toxic tort and mesothelioma plaintiff firm in the Northeast, representing asbestos victims across New England and nationally. A Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt University Law School graduate, he earned the U.S. News 'Lawyer of the Year' designation in Boston for Class Actions/Plaintiffs in 2016, 2019, and 2021, and has been a Massachusetts Super Lawyer continuously since 2007. Beyond the courtroom, Thornton has funded mesothelioma research and established the Thornton House — a Boston residence providing free lodging to out-of-town patients receiving mesothelioma treatment — a reflection of his commitment to the complete well-being of the clients his firm serves.
Mesothelioma lawsuits in Massachusetts are typically filed in the Massachusetts Superior Court (county of exposure or residence). Michael can advise on the best venue for your specific circumstances based on where the asbestos exposure occurred.
Average mesothelioma settlements in Massachusetts range from $1.1M–$1.5M (varies by case factors). The actual value of your case depends on factors such as the extent of asbestos exposure, the severity of your diagnosis, the number of liable parties, and available bankruptcy trust fund claims. Michael can provide a case-specific evaluation at no cost.
Ready to Speak With Michael?
Free consultations available. No upfront fees — contingency only. Get the help you deserve today.
