Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts
| Claim Type | Deadline | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Date of diagnosis |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years | Date of death |
Important: Missing the statute of limitations permanently eliminates the right to file a lawsuit. Trust fund claims generally have different (often more lenient) deadlines. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately after diagnosis to preserve all your legal options.
Industrial Exposure History
Massachusetts has significant asbestos exposure from Boston-area industry, Quincy Shipyard, and the Connecticut border industrial region. Textile mills, manufacturing plants, and construction throughout the state contributed to exposure.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- Middlesex Superior Court
- Suffolk Superior Court (Boston)
Filing Considerations
Massachusetts has a 3-year statute of limitations. Cases are typically filed in Superior Court. Boston has experienced asbestos litigation.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Massachusetts
- Confirm your diagnosis: Obtain confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis with pathology report from a qualified physician. If diagnosed at a general oncology practice, consider a second opinion at a specialized mesothelioma center.
- Document your exposure history: Gather work records, union documents, military service records, and any evidence of asbestos exposure. Make notes of products, employers, and job sites where exposure may have occurred.
- Check the Massachusetts statute of limitations: In Massachusetts, you have 3 years from diagnosis for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims have 3 years from date of death. Missing these deadlines permanently ends your right to file.
- Consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney: Free consultations are standard. Mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency — no fees unless you recover compensation. An experienced attorney identifies all eligible claims including trust funds and lawsuits.
- File claims and pursue compensation: Your attorney files the lawsuit in the appropriate Massachusetts court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.