WV Asbestos Compensation Guide

Asbestos exposure has left many West Virginia workers and their families facing serious diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. This WV Asbestos Compensation Guide explains your rights, deadlines, and the steps to secure the financial recovery you deserve.

1. Who Can File a Claim

People exposed at steel mills, power plants, chemical facilities, and construction sites often qualify for compensation. Family members of deceased victims may also pursue wrongful-death benefits.

2. Types of Compensation Available

Victims may recover:

Medical expenses for surgery, chemo, or home care
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering damages
Funeral costs in wrongful-death cases
Trust fund payouts from bankrupt asbestos companies

3. How the Process Works

An experienced lawyer investigates your work history, jobsite exposure, and available trust funds. Your attorney files claims in the proper venue—either a WV state court or a national asbestos trust—to obtain a prompt recovery.

4. Deadlines to Act

In West Virginia, most asbestos claims must be filed within two years of diagnosis or death. Acting quickly preserves evidence and improves the chance of a successful result.

5. Why Legal Representation Matters

The claims process is complex. Insurers and trusts often undervalue settlements for unrepresented claimants. Working with a lawyer who understands WV industries and jobsite histories can make the difference between a small payout and full justice.

FAQ – WV Asbestos Compensation Guide

What if I don’t remember where I was exposed?

Your lawyer can trace exposure using employment and union records to link your job history with known asbestos sites.

👉 Search Asbestos Job Sites in West Virginia

How long does a claim take?

Many trust-fund claims resolve within 3–6 months; lawsuits can take a year or more depending on complexity. However, the West Virginia Supreme Court has instituted a relatively quick and efficient way to process asbestos claims and many lawsuits in West Virginia are resolved in less than 1 year.

Can my family file after my death?

Yes. Surviving spouses or children can pursue wrongful-death benefits within the statute of limitations.

Can family members get sick from take-home asbestos exposure?

Yes. When workers carried asbestos dust home on their clothes, shoes, or hair, family members often inhaled the fibers. This “take-home exposure” caused mesothelioma and other illnesses in many spouses and children. Victims of secondhand asbestos exposure may also qualify for compensation under West Virginia law.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease in West Virginia, call (412) 781-0525 or visit LeeWDavis.com for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Lee W. Davis, Esquire, P.L.L.C. has helped asbestos victims for over 25 years.

Michael Schumacher

22:42 02 May 23

Lee was an excellent representative of the legal profession. I have had other lawyers in the past and they did not respond to emails or return phone calls. Mr Davis was very attentive and responded to all calls and emails.
Mr Davis was a tremendous help for my situation. I was a defendant in a frivolous lawsuit. Lee was well prepared for our hearing and listened to my side of the lawsuit and represented me to the point he won the case for me.
I highly recommend Lee Davis for any legal issue you may have. He will be a tremendous asset to you!!!

Vicki Ann Korinko

23:47 13 Mar 23

If I could give 100 stars I would. When you need to contact an attorney you most likely are in a storm you never expected you would be in. From the first conversation I had with Lee I knew I would be in great hands; his professionalism is stellar. Mr. Davis let me speak and put my mind at ease that what I was dealing with was not right. Lee was empathetic through all the emotions that go along with a legal case. Lee was compassionate and knowledgeable and worked hard during the legal process to make sure I was up-to-date with the current standing of my case along with being available to communicate in a speedy time period even if it was just to say, "I will call back as soon as possible." Lee fought hard for me and I was impressed by his knowledge, strategy skills, his honesty and the education he provided as the case proceeded to the next phase and what I should expect. I highly recommend Mr. Davis!

Jack Sharbaugh

22:34 21 Jan 19

Lee is an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated attorney. A friend recommended Lee to my wife and me. He is very personable and made us feel at ease. He handled our business most professionally and with an obvious focus on our needs and best interest. We highly recommend him.

Kelly Ziencik

00:59 17 Jan 19

Lee Davis is an outstanding lawyer and a truly wonderful person! His experience, knowledge, and professionalism are unparalleled. I wouldn’t put my rights into the hands of any other lawyer. He is straightforward and gets results. I can’t say enough good things about him.

Daniel Jeffreys

19:52 10 Dec 18

I met Lee Davis several years ago. I had the privilege of witnessing his professionalism in a number of courtroom settings. Not only did he conduct himself with confidence and eloquence, he was thoroughly prepared to go up against multiple defendants of major corporations. He did his homework and did not settle for mediocrity, and won. Since then, I have called upon him whenever I needed legal advice, even when it seemed like I could have gone to some internet application and done it myself. There is nothing simplistic about the law and I thoroughly trust Lee to handle any legal situation. When it comes to legal matters, I have full confidence in Lee.

Steve Craig

00:58 07 Dec 18

Lee Davis exceeded our expectations in every way. He poured his heart and soul into our case. Everything he did showed his commitment to professionalism and the highest standards of jurisprudence. Lee was relentless in his pursuit of justice for our family. He was not content to settle for the lowball offers from just a few defendants. We had multiple defendants and Lee worked to maximize our settlement with each of them. Lee has my highest recommendation.