Michigan Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyer

By the early 1900s, Michigan was a major manufacturing hub for metals, automobiles, and chemicals. Asbestos use was rampant in these industries, causing millions of workers to develop asbestos-related illnesses. If you have contracted an asbestos-related illness, a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer at the Lanier Law Firm can help you pursue substantial compensation.

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining surrounding the lungs, stomach, or other internal organs. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, which most commonly occurs in the workplace. The Michigan companies that used asbestos often knew of its dangers but failed to warn or protect workers.

As a result, Michigan workers inhaled and ingested the deadly fibers, which would become lodged in their bodily tissues, causing damage and inflammation for decades until mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer developed.

Between 2016 and 2020, 526 new mesothelioma cases were reported in Michigan, along with 495 mesothelioma deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Eighty of these new cases and 76 deaths occurred in 2020 alone.

These large companies often refuse to take responsibility. Instead, they leverage their infinite resources to fight claims by workers who contracted mesothelioma while helping them acquire their wealth. This is why you need an experienced Michigan mesothelioma lawyer at the Lanier Law Firm to stand up to asbestos companies on your behalf.

Why Our Talented Mesothelioma Attorneys Are the Best Choice for Your Case in Michigan

Our award-winning lawyers are among the most talented and experienced mesothelioma lawyers in the world, with more than 30 years of experience helping asbestos exposure victims get justice against large companies.

Our commitment to each client and our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients have won us the respect and admiration of our peers in the legal community, who have recognized us with such accolades as the following:

  • U.S. News Best Law Firms, Tier 1 Ranking
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Super Lawyers
  • Most Impressive Plaintiff Verdict
  • Most Feared Plaintiffs Law Firms

 

While we are proud of these achievements, our most important accomplishments for which we are the proudest are the differences we make in the lives of our clients.

Our Successful Case Results

The mesothelioma settlements and verdicts we consistently achieve for our clients are life-changing for deserving people who are often experiencing the most difficult and heart-breaking challenges of their lives. Below are just a few examples of our case results on behalf of Michigan workers:

Unsolicited Client Testimonials

Our clients regularly provide us with feedback such as the following:

Accepting Cases in All 50 States

Our offices are strategically located in three locations throughout the United States: in Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. Our lawyers can travel to you at a moment’s notice, and we can file your claims in the most advantageous jurisdiction.

In some cases, it may be beneficial and feasible to file your case outside of Michigan, where the laws allow for higher compensation or longer deadlines. This is decided on an individual basis. No matter where your case is filed, our attorneys will handle everything for you and ensure you are not required to travel.

Headshot of W. Mark Lanier, Founder of The Lanier Law Firm and top civil trial lawyer in America.

Mark Lanier

Mark Lanier founded the Lanier Law Firm in 1990 with a vision to provide serious legal representation against large corporations on behalf of individuals in need. He has won more than $20 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured individuals.

The New York Times has recognized him as one of the top civil lawyers in the nation, and he is regularly invited as a guest on major television networks and in some of the most prestigious law schools in the country.

He is well-known for his ability to connect with juries through creative and sometimes unconventional litigation methods, such as the use of props. His list of awards and recognitions is extensive and includes the following:

  • Legal 500 Hall of Fame
  • America’s Top 100 Attorneys
  • Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Trial Lawyer of the Year
  • National Trial Lawyers’ 50 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S.
  • Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation
Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Case A. Dam, part of the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.

Case Dam

Case Dam is a fervent advocate and passionate litigator who has successfully litigated several mesothelioma cases to verdict. He has performed extensive research on the asbestos industry and served as a trial and appellate attorney for clients exposed to asbestos in a variety of circumstances, including automotive mechanics, shipyard workers, boiler repairmen, plumbers, doctors, teachers, and smokers of asbestos-filtered cigarettes. He is licensed to practice in Florida, California, and Illinois.

Call 800-723-3216 now to see if our Michigan mesothelioma lawyers can pursue compensation for you and your family. Consultations are free.

What Compensation Can You Recover for Mesothelioma in Michigan?

If you have developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may qualify to file a variety of mesothelioma claims against those who caused or contributed to your asbestos exposure. These parties may include the following:

Michigan Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits are most often filed against manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products. A lawsuit may be filed against an employer if you worked as an independent contractor.

Compensation in a Michigan lawsuit may include economic and non-economic damages. However, there are some limits to the amount of compensation you can receive.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are compensation for your monetary losses, such as the following:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost business opportunities
  • Medical expenses
  • Anticipated future lost wages
  • Anticipated future medical expenses

 

These damages are only limited by what you can prove. If a court finds that your total economic damages are not sufficiently provable, your economic damages will be based on the median family income as reported in the most recent census.

Our Michigan mesothelioma lawyers at the Lanier Law Firm are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the maximum compensation possible. We work with life care planners, economists, and accounting specialists to ensure every loss you have suffered or will suffer due to your diagnosis is counted.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are compensation for subjective losses that cannot be easily measured in dollars. Examples of non-economic damages include the following:

  • Pain
  • Suffering
  • Loss of bodily functions
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

 

Unfortunately, Michigan limits non-economic damages in products liability cases. Effective March of 1996, the limits were set at $280,000 except in certain cases involving the loss of major bodily functions, in which case the limit was set at $500,000. This amount is adjusted annually. As of January 31, 2023, these limits have been adjusted to the following amounts:

  • $537,900 for most cases
  • $960,500 in cases involving the loss of major bodily functions

According to Sam Taylor“The caps on damages, however, do not apply if the defendant was grossly negligent or if the court finds that the defendant knew the product was defective; knew there was a substantial likelihood that the defect would cause the injury at issue; and willfully disregarded that knowledge.”

Our law firm has collected one of the world’s most extensive asbestos databases, including an inventory of hazardous asbestos products, internal company memos, and evidence gathered through our own private investigations that are not available anywhere else.

With this evidence, we can often prove that asbestos defendants were grossly negligent and intentionally disregarded their knowledge that asbestos was harmful.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not available in Michigan. Instead, the state provides for exemplary damages. In many states, exemplary damages are synonymous with punitive damages, which are designed to punish defendants whose conduct was deliberate or grossly negligent.

In Michigan, exemplary damages are awarded to compensate plaintiffs for severe emotional damages, such as humiliation or severe emotional distress.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you are the family member of someone who has passed away from an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to pursue the following economic and non-economic damages through a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Section 600.2922 of the Michigan statutes:

  • Medical and hospital expenses of the deceased
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Your deceased family member’s pain and suffering
  • Loss of your family member’s financial support
  • Loss of companionship and society of the deceased

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims in Michigan

Many companies have filed for bankruptcy because of the large number of asbestos exposure lawsuits against them. However, these companies were required by law to establish asbestos trust funds as part of their bankruptcy reorganization.

There are roughly 60 asbestos trust funds with approximately $30 billion available to asbestos-exposure victims who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

The following Michigan Companies have declared bankruptcy and established asbestos trust funds:

  • A.P. Green Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan

 

To receive compensation from the asbestos trust fund, you must file a claim with the individual funds owned by the bankrupt companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. This is a faster process than filing a lawsuit in most cases.

The Michigan Asbestos Trust Claims Transparency Act

Michigan has passed a unique set of laws known as the Asbestos Trust Claims Transparency Act. This law gives defendants the right to require a plaintiff to file all trust fund claims for which they qualify before the trial begins.

After you file your lawsuit, the information in your trust fund claims must be made available to the defendants upon request during the discovery phase, the investigational pre-trial stage of litigation.

The Act also requires plaintiffs to provide a sworn statement no later than 180 days before the trial date stating they have filed all trust fund claims. Failure to comply with this statute can result in a dismissal of your case.

If you file a trust fund claim after the trial, the defendant can move to have your award offset by the trust fund benefit amount you receive.

Michigan Workers’ Compensation for Mesothelioma

If you were exposed to asbestos by an employer, you may qualify for mesothelioma workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation in Michigan provides weekly tax-free payments amounting to 80 percent of your after-tax weekly wage before your diagnosis. This benefit is only available if you worked during the year before your diagnosis.

Workers’ compensation in Michigan also provides free medical care for your asbestos-related illness. During the first 28 days after your file your claim, your employer has the right to choose your doctor. After those 28 days, you can change to a doctor of your choice.

If workers’ compensation covers you, you cannot sue your employer. However, if you worked as an independent contractor or your employer failed to procure workers’ compensation insurance, you are not covered and may still have the right to sue.

Even if you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you do retain the right to sue manufacturers and suppliers who provided asbestos to your employer.

If you need to appeal a denial or insufficient workers’ compensation payment, you must file Form WC-104A, an application for mediation or a hearing. You must file a claim within two years of your diagnosis date.

VA Claims for Michigan Veterans

If you are a veteran who was exposed to asbestos while serving, you have the right to file a mesothelioma VA claim through the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can apply online, by telephone, by mail, or in person at the Detroit Regional Office.

If approved, you may receive monthly disability compensation and free medical care for your asbestos-related illness. Veterans with mesothelioma generally receive a 100 percent disability rating, which provides access to the highest monthly disability benefit amount and deductible-free health care.

Female veteran on a wheelchair with the U.S. flag in the background

Is There a Deadline to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Michigan?

Michigan sets a hard deadline on lawsuits, known as a statute of limitations. This deadline is three years after your diagnosis or, in the death of a loved one, three years after the death. This deadline also applies to product liability cases. However, you should not wait to contact an attorney.

When you contact one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Michigan, you can expect us to perform a detailed investigation. Allowing sufficient time for this investigation can be crucial.

When you contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers at the Lanier Law Firm, we will perform the necessary investigations to uncover the following information:

  • A list of every source of asbestos exposure during your lifetime
  • Information about the conduct and culpability of each company that caused or contributed to your asbestos exposure
  • Irrefutable evidence against the defendants
  • The types of claims for which you qualify
  • The full extent of the harm you and your family have suffered as a result of your diagnosis

 

These investigations should be completed ahead of filing a lawsuit. The more evidence we can gather, the greater leverage we have in settlement negotiations and the stronger our case if it must go to trial.

Get a Free Legal Consultation

Where Does Asbestos Exposure Occur in Michigan?

Asbestos was used in virtually every industry from the early 1900s until approximately 1980 and, in some cases, as late as 1990. While the most common source of exposure is the workplace, asbestos exposure may also occur in the following locations:

  • In the home
  • In public buildings, such as schools
  • In transportation stations


Asbestos is often encased in concrete or other materials and may not cause a safety hazard if the containing material remains undamaged. However, as products wear down over time or become damaged through cutting, drilling, fires, or natural disasters, asbestos can be released into the environment and inhaled.

Friable asbestos is always harmful because it can easily crumble with a light touch or even a small breeze. This form of asbestos was often applied through spray applications.

If you suspect you have asbestos in a home or place of employment, it is important that you avoid disturbing it and report it to the appropriate authorities so it can be inspected and, if necessary, safely removed.

Asbestos in the Home

Asbestos was used in home construction until approximately 1980 in nearly every application from the ceiling to the floor, including the following:

  • Insulation
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Drywall
  • Plaster
  • Cement pipes
  • Pipe insulation
  • Air Duct wrapping
  • Bricks
  • Roofing felt and shingles
  • Floor tiles

 

Asbestos is also found in many consumer products used in the home.

Some asbestos in homes is friable, including pipe wrapping, popcorn ceilings, and air duct wrapping. Asbestos in drywall, insulation, and flooring can become friable if these products become worn or damaged from being cut or drilled.

Asbestos in Schools

Most school buildings in Michigan were built during the 1900s when asbestos was still in widespread use. As a result, many of these buildings still contain asbestos.

As recently as 2021, a contractor blew the whistle about asbestos in Ann Arbor Public Schools, according to a WXYZ News report. The asbestos was found inside Angell Elementary and Burns Park Elementary. The contractor reported that he observed asbestos on the lunch trays and nearly every surface at Angell Elementary. He described it as being “dispersed like flour.”

According to the report, asbestos was also found in 10 places throughout Burns Park Elementary School, including on bathroom pipes and where tiles are attached to the ceiling.

At Angell Elementary, lab tests showed that asbestos was present in ceiling plaster, ceiling tile in the computer lab, door caulk, and a light heat shield. The contractor said he experienced heavy exposure while drilling holes in the ceiling tile because he received no warning they contained asbestos.

Unfortunately, these were not isolated incidents. Reports of asbestos in schools throughout Michigan have cropped up throughout the state, including in the following schools:

Asbestos in the Workplace

Occupational asbestos exposure is by far the most common source of asbestos exposure and may occur as workers handle asbestos directly or when workers are merely present in a room or building where asbestos is handled or where damaged or friable asbestos is present in building components.

Michigan Industries with a History of Asbestos Exposure

Michigan industries that relied on asbestos from the early 1900s until the late 1970s include the following:

  • Automobile manufacturing companies
  • Aluminum companies
  • Steel companies
  • Chemical plants
  • Railroads
  • Power plants
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Public gas and electric companies
  • Asbestos companies
  • Construction companies
  • Lumber companies
  • Shipyards

The construction industry used asbestos in all types of buildings, including apartment complexes, commercial office spaces, schools, and even single-family homes. Workers most at risk of heavy asbestos exposure include the following:

  • Construction workers
  • Electrical Power Linemen
  • Engineers
  • Plumbers and pipefitters
  • Teachers
  • Railyard Workers
  • Firefighters
  • Boilermakers
  • Millwrights
  • Welders
  • Power Plant Workers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Shipyard workers

Michigan is home to numerous shipyards as a result of its location along the Great Lakes. One of Michigan’s largest and oldest shipyards is the Nicholson Terminal & Dock Company in River Rouge. Started in 1928, it repairs ships.

Older ships built before 1980 contain asbestos in nearly every component due to the mineral’s insulating and fire-resistant properties. During repairs, asbestos-containing components may be completely ripped out while being replaced, resulting in heavy exposure.

The following ship components contain asbestos:

  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • The hull
  • Pipe wrapping
  • Brakes
  • Machinery parts, such as gaskets
  • Adhesives
  • Paint and other coatings
  • Wallboards
  • Boilers
  • Engines

Who Can You Sue for Asbestos Exposure in Michigan?

Asbestos claims fall under the product liability category, which makes companies liable under the doctrine of strict liability. Strict liability applies to the following parties in the supply chain of harmful and defective products:

  • Manufacturers
  • Distributors
  • Retailers
  • Importers
  • Agents
  • Anyone else in the supply chain

 

Under the doctrine of strict liability, these parties can be held liable even if there is no evidence of negligence. You simply must prove that you used the product as intended and experienced harm because of at least one of the following:

  • The product was inherently harmful.
  • The product had a manufacturing defect making it harmful.
  • The product lacked sufficient warnings or instructions.

 

Asbestos products meet at least two of these criteria because they are inherently harmful, and the companies that manufactured, marketed, and sold asbestos products failed to provide adequate warnings.

In addition, you can sue these companies based on negligence. To establish negligence, you must prove you suffered harm from a party’s failure to exercise reasonable care. Asbestos companies were negligent in the following respects:

  • Failure to warn the public about its dangers
  • Failure to provide workers with sufficient personal protective equipment
  • Failure to implement protective policies and procedures in the handling of asbestos

 

In addition, building contractors and employers may be found negligent if they failed to follow federal and state regulations regarding asbestos in buildings. The Construction Safety and Health Division’s Asbestos Program and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration set requirements for contractors and employers who work with asbestos.

Asbestos is still found in older buildings today. These safety standards include guidelines for inspecting, monitoring, handling, and removing asbestos to ensure fibers don’t escape into the environment where they can be inhaled.

Suing the Government

Government entities in Michigan enjoy broad immunity from lawsuits unless you can prove intentional misconduct. The bar is high for proving intentional misconduct.

In 2014, employees sued the City of East Lansing Water Treatment Plant for exposure to asbestos and mercury. Supervisors threatened to fire employees who reported the presence of asbestos, and its presence was actively covered up. Employees were required to clean up and work around asbestos without protective gear or safety training.

Despite this misconduct, an appeals court ultimately dismissed the case claiming that this conduct did not meet the standard for intentional misconduct. Our law firm did not handle this case, and it is unclear whether the workers will appeal.

Michigan Companies Liable for Asbestos Exposure

The companies below have an established history of exposing workers and the general public to asbestos.

Southeastern Michigan

Adrian
  • Michigan Producers Dairy Company
  • Michigan State Girls Training School
  • University of Michigan:
    – Ears, Nose & Throat Building
    – Hospital
    – Medical Building
    – Northwood Apartments
    – Physics & Astronomy Building
    – Power plant tunnels
  • Village Plaza on Michigan Avenue and Outer Drive
  • Michigan Boiler
  • Michigan Center High School
  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
  • New York Central System – Michigan Central
  • Michigan Theatre Building
  • State of Michigan Building
  • Michigan Central Railroad
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Michigan Bell Telephone – Oakman Boulevard
  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
  • A.P Greene Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Greene Refractories Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green of Michigan
  • Michigan Lumber Company
  • Michigan Rivet Company
  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Building on Woodward Avenue
  • Michigan Shortening Company
  • Michigan Steel Foundry
  • Michigan Alkali Company
  • Michigan Brass and Iron Works
  • Michigan Carbon Works
  • Michigan Grape Sugar Company
  • Michigan Stamping Company
  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Company – Station J
  • Great Lakes Steel Company
  • Michigan Stores Division
  • Michigan Steel Corporation – Ecorse Plant
  • Ford Motor Co.- Michigan Casting Center
  • Eastern Michigan Edison Company – Power Plant
  • Michigan Steel Tube
  • Michigan Extruded Aluminum
  • Michigan State Prison
  • Michigan Central Railroad Company
  • Michigan Condensed Milk Company
  • Michigan South Central Power Agency
  • Oakland University (Michigan State University)
  • Michigan Silica Company
  • Michigan Bell Telephone Company – Northwestern Highway
  • Michigan Carbon Works
  • Michigan Alkali Company
  • Easter Michigan University

Central/Mid-Michigan

Alma
  • Michigan National Guard Armory
  • Michigan Chemical Company
  • Michigan Manufacturing Company
  • Michigan Consolidated Gas Company – Gas Distribution Station
  • Michigan Sugar Company
  • Michigan Oven Company
  • Michigan State University:

– Dorms 2 and 3
– International Center
– Library building
– Brodie Dormitory Group
– Akers-Fee Hall
– Bessey Hall
– Biology Building
– Case Hall
– Chemistry and biochemistry buildings
– Chemistry building
– Dormitory #4
– Engineering building
– Eppley Center
– Holden Hall
– Holmes Hall
– Hubbard Hall
– Kedzie Hall
– Laundry
– Library
– McDonel Hall
– Men’s Intramural Buildings
– Owen Graduate Hall
– Psychology building
– Powerhouse number 65
– Shaw Lane Power Plant
– Simon Power Plant
– South Kedzie Hall
– Spartan Village
– Sports & Recreation Building
– Steam TunnelsT.B. Simon Power Plant
– Treasury Building
– Veterinary Clinic
– Wilson Hall
– Wonders Hall
– Dorm Number 5
– Pesticide Research Center

  • Michigan Aeronautics Commission
  • Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Greene Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan
  • Michigan School for the Blind
  • Michigan School for the Deaf
  • Resurrection School
  • Michigan Home and Training School
  • Central Michigan University:

    – Anspach Hall
    – Athletic Building
    – Dormitory
    – Power House
    – Speech & Dramatic Arts
    – Phoenix Sprinkler

     

  • Michigan Condensed Milk Company

  • Michigan National Drive-In Bank
  • Michigan Sugar Company
  • Michigan Bell Telephone Building on South Washington Avenue
  • A.P. Green Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan
  • Michigan Mutual Insurance Company
  • Michigan Chemical Company

Western Michigan

Battle Creek
  • Michigan Carton Company
  • Michigan Paperboard
  • Michigan Standard Alloys
  • Michigan Fruit Canners, Incorporated
  • Michigan Fruit Canners, Incorporated
  • A.P. Green Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan
  • Eastern Michigan Power Company
  • West Michigan School Seat Company
  • West Michigan Furniture Company
  • Southwest Michigan State Sanitarium
  • Michigan Bell Telephone Building on West Lovell Street
  • A.P. Green Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan
  • Western Michigan University:


– Goldsworth Valley Hall
– Henry Hall
– Miller Auditorium
– Reed Field House

  • West Michigan Steel Foundry
  • A.P. Green Fire Brick Company of Michigan
  • A.P. Green Refractories Company of Michigan
  • CMichigan Wineries, Inc.

Northern Michigan

Boyne City
  • Northern Michigan Electric Cooperative – Advance Steam Plant
  • Michigan Limestone and Chemical Company
  • Michigan Gas Storage Company
  • Northern Michigan Hospital
  • Michigan Maple Block Company
  • Michigan Limestone and Chemical Company
  • Power Service Corporation
  • Michigan Starch Company
  • Northern Michigan Asylum

Upper Peninsula

Cole’s Creek in Houghton County
  • Michigan Smelting Company
  • Michigan College of Mining & Technology
  • Michigan Smelting Company
  • Michigan Electrochemical Company
  • Michigan Iron Company
  • Michigan Lake Superior Power Company

What Are the Treatment Options for Mesothelioma in Michigan?

Mesothelioma is a devastating illness that develops decades after initial exposure. It is aggressive and difficult to treat. It is important to select a mesothelioma doctor with experience treating this type of cancer who also has access to clinical trials. Michigan is home to several mesothelioma treatment centers.

The Rogel Cancer Center

The Rogel Cancer Center is located at the University of Michigan at the following address:

1500 East Medical Center Drive
CCGC 6-303
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0944

This facility offers hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC, a treatment that is often effective in drastically improving the life expectancy of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which impacts the lining around the stomach.

It is also home to multiple thoracic surgeons with experience treating pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, which impacts the lining surrounding the lungs.

Karmanos Cancer Institute

Karmanos Cancer Institute has multiple locations throughout the state, with three physicians who specialize in mesothelioma treatment. The mesothelioma treatment centers are located in Detroit and Farmington Hills at the addresses below:

Karmanos Cancer Institute – Detroit
4100 John R Street
Detroit, Michigan 48201

Karmanos Cancer Insitute at Weisberg Cancer Center –

Farmington Hills
31995 Northwestern Hwy
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

You can reach either of these facilities by calling their toll free number at 1 (800) 527-6266.

Van Elslander Cancer Center

Van Elslander Cancer Center is part of the Ascension Hospital group, which offers comprehensive care for asbestos lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and peritoneal mesothelioma. This facility provides Michigan’s first HIPEC program.

You can reach the Van Elslander Cancer Center by calling 313-647-3000. It is located at the following address:

19229 Mack Ave Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

How the Michigan Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawyers at the Lanier Law Firm Can Help

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you need a law firm with extensive resources and a willingness to fight for you, even if it means taking the fight into the courtroom. When you hire the Lanier Law Firm, we will spend significant time with you to obtain a full life history.

This is a crucial part of our investigation, which will help us uncover all your sources of asbestos exposure and maximize the compensation you could recover. We will then leverage our resources, experience, and talents to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement with the responsible companies.

The vast majority of our cases reach successful settlements without the necessity of a trial. However, some defendants refuse to take responsibility, and we are unafraid to take these defendants to court.

We will handle all the details so you can focus on treatment without the stress of navigating your legal case. Our lawyers are always available to answer questions and will stay in frequent contact with you while your case develops.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve justice. We do not charge any upfront fees for our services and advance all your case costs without risk to you. You will never owe us anything unless and until we successfully recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Headshot of Darron E. Berquist, Managing Attorney for the Asbestos Litigation section of the Lanier Law Firm.
Darron E. Berquist
Managing Attorney, Asbestos Litigation

Darron E. Berquist specializes in asbestos exposure and product liability. He was part of the team that secured a $4.69 billion jury verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson, linking asbestos in talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

Contact Our Firm

Schedule a FREE Consultation or Call
800-723-3216

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)

Michigan Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure FAQs

Below are answers to questions we frequently receive about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma in Michigan.

What Should I Do If I Have Worked in a Trade with Heavy Asbestos Exposure?

If you are aware of having been exposed to asbestos, it is important to inform your health care provider about your asbestos exposure. You may be able to obtain annual lung function screening to catch mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases in their early stages. This results in the best prognosis.

Legally, there is no cause of action until you have received a diagnosis. While exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, it does not guarantee that you will.

When Should I Contact a Michigan Mesothelioma Attorney?

You should contact our law firm as soon as possible after you have received a diagnosis of asbestosis, mesothelioma, or asbestos lung cancer.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos Is Present in My Home or Workplace?

The most important action you can take upon discovering suspected asbestos in your home or workplace is to avoid touching or disturbing it. You will need the assistance of a state-certified asbestos inspector to test and confirm the presence of asbestos. There is no other definitive method of determining if asbestos is present.

The state Asbestos Program enforces state and federal asbestos regulations set by the U.S. EPA and OSHA, which include the training and certification of licensed asbestos abatement professionals. These professionals can remove asbestos safely if necessary. In many cases, it is safer to leave it alone. You can obtain referrals to qualified asbestos inspectors in your area by contacting MIOSHA at 517-284-7680.

Why Should You Trust the Lanier Law Firm to Handle your Mesothelioma Case?

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Are you eligible?
What is the average settlement?
How long will it take?

Speak with an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney

States We Serve

Headshot of Lawrence P. Wilson, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney in personal injury and product liability.
Lawrence P. Wilson

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Lawrence P. Wilson specializes in personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and certain maritime matters. He recently settled a $17.5 million personal injury case and secured a favorable verdict in Schwab v. Ford Motor Company. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer (2012-2021) and named to Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers.

Headshot of Alex Abston, Senior Attorney in Pharmaceutical Liability and Product Liability.
Alex Abston

Read Bio

Attorney
Alex Abston specializes in pharmaceutical liability, product liability, and mass torts. She was part of the trial team that obtained one of the first federal jury verdicts in MDL 2804, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Honors include Lawdragon 500 Next Generation (2024) and Texas’ Top 40 Under 40 (2021-2024), among others.

Headshot of Alex Brown, Managing Attorney for the Lanier Law Firm Business Litigation practice.
Alex Brown

Read Bio

Managing Attorney, Business Litigation
Alex Brown specializes in business litigation, handling complex disputes in federal, state, and international forums. He led trial teams to secure a $9 billion jury award in the Actos case. Recent honors include Best Lawyers (2024-2025) and Lawdragon 500 (2025), among others.

Headshot of attorney Benjamin T. Major from the Lanier Law Firm's Issues and Appeals legal team.
Benjamin T. Major

Read Bio

Attorney
Benjamin T. Major specializes in issues and appeals, helping preserve multi-billion dollar judgments and secure favorable settlements. Notable achievements include preserving a tort judgment for ovarian cancer victims and defeating motions in antitrust and false claims litigation. Recognized as a Texas Rising Star (2018-2020), among others.

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Case A. Dam, part of the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.
Case A. Dam

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Case A. Dam specializes in asbestos exposure, representing clients with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and related cancers. He has served veterans, automotive mechanics, and workers in various industries. Recognized in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, among others.

Headshot of Darron E. Berquist, Managing Attorney Asbestos Litigation for the Lanier Law Firm.
Darron E. Berquist

Read Bio

Managing Attorney, Asbestos Litigation
Darron E. Berquist specializes in asbestos exposure and product liability. He was part of the team that secured a $4.69 billion jury verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson, linking asbestos in talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

Headshot of David L. Rosenband, Senior Attorney practicing Personal Injury and Pharmaceutical and Product Liability.
David L. Rosenband

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
David L. Rosenband specializes in pharmaceutical liability, personal injury, and product liability. He served as Liaison Counsel in the New York Bextra/Celebrex litigation and helped secure a $9 million verdict in the NJ Accutane case. Recognized for his work in MDLs and state court litigations.

Headshot of Evan M. Janush, Managing Attorney, New York, for Personal Injury, Pharmaceutical Liability, and Product Liability.
Evan M. Janush

Read Bio

Managing Attorney, New York
Evan M. Janush oversees the firm’s pharmaceutical and product liability mass tort litigation in New York. He served on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in MDL 2804 and was part of the trial team in the Vioxx cases. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions (2024-2025) and Lawdragon 500 (2020).

Headshot of Judson A. Waltman is a Lanier Law Firm Managing Attorney for product liability, personal injury and maritime law.
Judson A. Waltman

Read Bio

Judson A. Waltman specializes in personal injury, product liability, and maritime law. He secured one of the largest verdicts in Ward County, Texas, for an injured oilfield worker and a $2 million verdict for a Central Texas worker. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

Headshot of Kevin LaMarca, Senior Attorney in the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure, Personal Injury, and Product Liability practice.
Kevin LaMarca

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Kevin LaMarca specializes in asbestos exposure, personal injury, and product liability. He secured multiple seven-figure settlements, including $2.25 million for a deceased papermill worker’s family. Recognized as a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Kevin represents clients across the country in both state and federal courts.

Headshot of Manny Cabrera, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney for the asbestos exposure and mesothelioma practice.
Manny Cabrera

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Manny Cabrera specializes in asbestos exposure and catastrophic injury cases. He has represented clients in asbestos-related matters and personal injury, as well as trucking and premises liability cases. Honored as a National Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff Top 40 Under 40.

Headshot of Maura Kolb, Managing Attorney, Asbestos Resolution in the mesothelioma and pharmaceutical liability practice.
Maura Kolb

Read Bio

Managing Attorney, Asbestos Resolution
Maura Kolb leads the Asbestos Resolution Team, securing millions for clients annually. She was part of the team that won a $258 million Vioxx verdict and has coordinated BP Gulf Oil Spill settlements. Recognized by Lawdragon 500 (2024), Maura serves on several national asbestos trust advisory committees.

Headshot of Megan Waida, Senior Attorney in the Lanier Law Firm's Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.
Megan Waida

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Megan Waida specializes in asbestos exposure and appellate cases. Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (2018-2021), Megan advocates for asbestos victims and has a strong background in complex litigation.

Headshot of Michael A. Akselrud, Senior Attorney in our Business Litigation, Personal Injury, and Product Liability practice.
Michael A. Akselrud

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Michael A. Akselrud specializes in personal injury, business litigation, and product liability. He was part of the trial team that secured a $4.69 billion verdict in the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder case. Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star (2016) and named to LawDragon 500 (2020).

Headshot of Michelle Greene, Senior Attorney in our Pharmaceutical Liability and Product Liability practice.
Michelle Greene

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Michelle Greene specializes in pharmaceutical and product liability, with a focus on toxic torts. She represented clients in AFFF and PFAS contamination cases. Recognized by Best Lawyers as “”Ones to Watch”” (2024-2025) and listed in Lawdragon’s Next Generation (2025) for Plaintiff Litigation.

Headshot of Patrice McKinney, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney in personal injury, product liability, and FELA.
Patrice McKinney

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Patrice McKinney specializes in personal injury, product liability, and FELA cases, with a focus on railroad workers injured on the job, car and trucking collisions, and oilfield injuries. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer (2017-2024) and Best Lawyers (2024-2025) for Personal Injury.

Headshot of Rachel Lanier, Managing Attorney, Los Angeles, Product Liability and Pharmaceutical Liability
Rachel Lanier

Read Bio

Managing Attorney, Los Angeles
Rachel Lanier specializes in pharmaceutical and product liability, helping secure the $4.6 billion verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson. Recognized by Best Lawyers (2024-2025) for Mass Tort and Personal Injury, Rachel leads the firm’s social media addiction lawsuits and represents clients in high-profile MDLs.

Headshot of Rebecca Phillips, The Lanier Law Firm's Mass Torts Director.
Rebecca Phillips

Read Bio

Mass Torts Director
Rebecca Phillips specializes in pharmaceutical liability, business litigation, and appeals. Co-lead counsel in the Bard Implant litigation, she also helped secure billions in opioid recovery for Texas. Recent honors include Super Lawyers Rising Star and Lawdragon 500 (2024-2025), among others.

Headshot of Sam E. Taylor, Senior Litigation Counsel for the Lanier Law Firm Personal Injury practice.
Sam E. Taylor

Read Bio

Senior Litigation Counsel
Sam E. Taylor is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, with over 30 years of experience. He has tried over 50 civil jury trials, including mesothelioma and wrongful death cases. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2008, Sam holds an AV Preeminent Rating for 25+ years.

Headshot of Zeke DeRose, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney, Business Litigation
Zeke DeRose

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Zeke DeRose specializes in business litigation, antitrust, and product liability. He is part of the legal team in an antitrust case against Google and represents the State of Arkansas in litigation against Meta. Recognized by Lawdragon 500 (2025) and Best Lawyers (2025), Zeke is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Catherine Heacox, part of the Personal Injury, Pharmaceutical and Product Liability practice.
Catherine Heacox

Read Bio

Senior Attorney
Catherine Heacox specializes in pharmaceutical liability, personal injury, and product liability. Recognized by Super Lawyers as New York Metro Super Lawyer since 2013, Catherine has extensive experience in MDL and mass tort litigation.

Headshot of attorney Richard D. Meadow who serves as Of Counsel for the Lanier Law Firm.
Richard Meadow

Read Bio

Of Counsel
Richard Meadow’s broad legal experience spans multiple practice areas and jurisdictions. He is recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 for his work in Mass Tort Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. With over three decades of experience, Richard has dedicated his career to championing the rights of injured individuals.