Statute of Limitations in New Jersey
| Claim Type | Deadline | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | Date of diagnosis |
| Wrongful Death | 2 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
New Jersey has significant asbestos exposure from chemical plants (Dupont, Hoechst-Celanese), oil refineries, Port Newark and Port Elizabeth operations, and construction throughout the state. The Jersey Shore shipyards and Naval Weapons Station Earle are also exposure sources.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- Middlesex County Superior Court
- Hudson County Superior Court
Filing Considerations
New Jersey courts have experienced asbestos litigation and typically handle cases efficiently. Middlesex County has been a central venue for asbestos cases.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in New Jersey
- 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 New Jersey statute of limitations: In New Jersey, you have 2 years from diagnosis for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims have 2 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 New Jersey court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.