Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
| 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
Pennsylvania has major asbestos exposure from Pittsburgh-area steel mills (US Steel, Jones & Laughlin), Philadelphia Navy Yard and Shipyard, Bethlehem Steel, and statewide heavy industry. Pennsylvania was one of the epicenters of American industrial asbestos use.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
- Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (Pittsburgh)
Filing Considerations
Philadelphia has a dedicated asbestos docket with experienced judges handling thousands of cases. Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) also has significant asbestos litigation experience.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
- 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 Pennsylvania statute of limitations: In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.