Asbestos Exposure by State: Mesothelioma Laws & Filing Deadlines

Every state has different asbestos exposure histories, filing deadlines, and legal rules for mesothelioma cases. Find your state below to understand your specific rights and compensation options.

15 states covered with detailed guides 1–4 year filing deadlines vary by state ⚠ Louisiana: only 1 year to file

Filing Deadlines Vary Dramatically by State

The statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims ranges from 1 year in Louisiana to 4 years in Minnesota. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation. The clock starts at the date of diagnosis — not the date of exposure. Check your state below.

Select Your State

Click any state to view diagnosis rates, key exposure sites, filing deadlines, and legal rights specific to that state.

State Filing Deadlines at a Glance

State Personal Injury Deadline Wrongful Death Deadline Annual Diagnoses
California 3 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~280/year
Texas 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~220/year
Florida 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~210/year
New York 3 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~195/year
Pennsylvania 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~185/year
Ohio 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~140/year
Illinois 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~130/year
Michigan 3 years from diagnosis 3 years from date of death ~115/year
New Jersey 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~120/year
Washington 3 years from diagnosis 3 years from date of death ~100/year
Virginia 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~90/year
Louisiana 1 year from diagnosis 1 year from date of death ~80/year
Massachusetts 3 years from diagnosis 3 years from date of death ~70/year
Georgia 2 years from diagnosis 2 years from date of death ~60/year
Minnesota 4 years from diagnosis 3 years from date of death ~60/year

* Statutes of limitations are approximations based on state law at time of publication. Always verify current deadlines with a licensed mesothelioma attorney in your state.

The Statute of Limitations Clock Is Running

Every state has a hard deadline for filing a mesothelioma claim. Missing it means permanent loss of compensation rights. Understand your deadlines now.