Statute of Limitations in Missouri
| Claim Type | Deadline | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 5 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
Missouri has asbestos exposure from St. Louis-area industry (refineries, manufacturing), Kansas City manufacturing, and regional construction. The St. Louis docket is one of the most active asbestos litigation venues in the United States.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- City of St. Louis Circuit Court
- Jackson County Circuit Court (Kansas City)
Filing Considerations
Missouri has the LONGEST statute of limitations for personal injury asbestos cases — 5 years from diagnosis. St. Louis Circuit Court is considered a plaintiff-friendly venue and handles thousands of asbestos cases.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Missouri
- 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 Missouri statute of limitations: In Missouri, you have 5 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 Missouri court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.