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Asbestos Litigation Trends Reveal Ongoing Health Crisis, Study Finds

epa asbestos litigation report

Asbestos was considered “A Wonder Material” as it can avoid heat; Still, it leaves in its wake a lethal trouble. It was banned in many countries including the United States but still causes serious health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis—impacting thousands of human lives every year.

This article sheds light on data that illustrates the continuing dangers of asbestos, the status of active lawsuits, trends, and what steps are being taken internationally to mitigate these effects.

Asbestos Exposure and Its Devastating Health Impacts

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. Half the complaints related to asbestos were because of mesothelioma. Furthermore, victims failed a staggering 1,910 new cases in 2023 alone.

Over the last year, it could suggest that Asbestos regulations fail to repair health risks associated with asbestos.

Lung cancer was responsible for 37.6% of all asbestos litigations in 2019-2023. A new wave of asbestos lung cancer lawsuits rose by close to 9 percent in 2023.

Donut chart displaying the number of asbestos-related disease filings between 2014 and 2023, categorized into mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non-malignant cases.
Asbestos-Related Disease Filings (2014–2023): Breakdown of Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Non-Malignant Claims

Historical Usage and Persistent Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos has a long legacy and an everlasting danger. Most industries — construction, shipbuilding, motor vehicle manufacturing — used asbestos. Its impacts continue to lurk in the walls of far older infrastructures and industrial sites, endangering thousands more during construction or the demolition of a building.

Asbestos lawsuits are more prevalent in areas that use asbestos heavily, like Madison County, IL, and St. Clair County, IL. This shows a correlation between the high usage of asbestos and legal activity, not to mention that their courts are viewed as favorable to those filing suits.

Top litigation hotposts chart displaying visual hot spots by filings 2023
Top litigation hot spots bubble chart displaying visual locations by filings 2023

Lawsuits remain one of the most important ways for victims to obtain compensation for asbestos-related conditions. The way these lawsuits play out has evolved reflecting the new legal strategies, and changes across jurisdictions and how courts are treating them.

From 2014 to 2020, filings involving asbestos fell another ten percent before finally hitting a plateau through the end of last year. Meanwhile, Madison County, IL., still leads the way in terms of lawsuits hinting at both an aggregation of asbestos exposure as well as a welcoming system for plaintiffs.

High-Profile Verdicts and Settlements:

A huge 2018 case ended with a jury in St. Louis ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.69 billion to 22 women who said talcum powder led them to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Donut chart showing trends in asbestos-related lawsuits, comparing filings across 2014-2016, 2017-2019, and 2020-2023.
A visual summary of litigation trends across three periods shows fluctuations in asbestos-related lawsuit filings between 2014 and 2023.

High-Risk Populations and Demographics

Determining who is at risk of developing mesothelioma following asbestos exposure is central for directing public health efforts and informing legal strategies.

Gender Breakdown:

By 2023, 82% of people filing lawsuits were men. This is a clear sign that exposure was more common in men-dominated industries such as construction and shipbuilding. Still, there’s growing recognition of secondary exposure risks, especially among women who might have been exposed indirectly by washing clothes with asbestos dust.

Donut chart showing the breakdown of asbestos-related filings by gender in 2023. Males represent 82%, and females account for 18%.
This donut chart visualizes the gender distribution of asbestos-related filings in 2023, showing the significant proportion of claims made by males compared to females.

Age Distribution:

Most asbestos plaintiffs are between 70 and 79 years old, with the next largest group being 80 and older. This shows the long delay between asbestos exposure and when diseases appear, which often takes decades.

A vertical segmented bar chart showing the distribution of asbestos plaintiffs by age group in 2023, highlighting that the highest percentage of cases occurred among individuals aged 75-79 years.
Age Distribution of Asbestos Plaintiffs in 2023, highlighting the delayed impact of asbestos exposure.

U.S. Asbestos Filings in Context: A Look at Key Jurisdictions

The KCIC report’s findings on asbestos-related filings by top U.S. jurisdictions show clear trends over time, with certain regions emerging as consistent leaders in the volume of litigation.

Madison County, IL, held onto its long-standing title as the busiest jurisdiction for asbestos filings, with more than 900 annual filings virtually every year from 2014 through 2023.

That trend matches previous research that showed Madison County to be one of the nation’s best places for asbestos plaintiffs. Additionally, St. Clair County, IL has been significantly less active than Madison but serves as a notable example of how litigation trends have proceeded over the years, while also suggesting that Illinois is a preferred jurisdiction for asbestos exposure claims going forward.

By comparison, jurisdictions such as New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Wayne County, MI have seen fewer filings but continue to see regular asbestos litigation activity. The colored regions show the impact of legal strategies and court access on filing volumes over time.

Comparative Insights:

Due to the US-specific regions that KCIC represents, these numbers may not account for international trends in areas with much stronger asbestos regulations than in the U.S., which could result in significantly lower filing volumes outside the country.

Bar chart illustrating asbestos-related filings by top jurisdictions from 2014 to 2022. Madison County leads with 8,668 filings, followed by St. Clair County with 4,343, New York with 1,853, Philadelphia with 1,930, and Wayne County with 1,535.
Top Asbestos-Related Filings by U.S. Jurisdictions (2014–2022) – Madison County, St. Clair County, New York, Philadelphia, and Wayne County lead the nation in asbestos lawsuit filings.

Exposure Type Breakdown

We need to appreciate that principled differentiation into exposure types (primary, secondary, and combined) is essential for examining the impact of asbestos on distinct populations.

Primary exposure is those who were exposed to asbestos at work. Secondary exposure occurs when people are exposed indirectly: for example, through contaminated clothing or environments. Mixed exposure is a combination of the two, and has become more prevalent with increased awareness of asbestos hazards.

Donut chart showing exposure types with values: 3110 for primary exposure, 1030 for secondary exposure, and 1050 for combined exposure.
Exposure Type Breakdown Over Time (2014–2023) — Visualizing the distribution of primary, secondary, and combined asbestos exposure cases over the past decade.

FAQs 

Here are the most common questions about asbestos litigation trends:

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that have been widely used for fire and heat resistance. Asbestos fibers can become airborne if disturbed, which you can easily inhale and develop life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

How can I determine if I’ve been exposed to asbestos?

Many people who develop pleural mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while working in an industrial setting or in older buildings that are chock-filled with toxic material.

What diseases are caused by asbestos exposure?

Diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis are caused largely by asbestos exposure. These diseases are typically serious and have latency periods that might not catch up on a victim until years after the exposure.

Can I file a lawsuit if I’ve been exposed to asbestos?

Indeed, those who have contracted an asbestos-related disease after exposure to the product may always be able to look at their legal alternatives. Some of the most effective ways to pursue compensation for your asbestos exposure are by filing a lawsuit or a claim.

Is asbestos still used today?

Though asbestos has been banned or regulated in most countries, it can be found in aging structures and products. Asbestos must be identified and managed safely in particular when homes are renovated or demolished.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or ovarian cancer, Mesowatch has a nationwide network of asbestos litigators ready to fight for your rights.

Our skilled attorneys are familiar with the asbestos litigation process, and we are determined to help you in recovering what you deserve. You do not have to go through this all alone; contact our team for a consultation for free today. Get on the path of justice and support.

Jared Reagan

Reading Time: 1 mins

Published On: October 26, 2024

Jared Reagan - administrator

Jared Reagan is a data journalist specializing in public health and environmental issues. He has been with Mesowatch since 2016, where he analyzes and reports on mesothelioma and lung cancer cancer incidence rates, environmental exposure risks, and health-related legal developments. Jared's data-driven approach brings clarity to complex issues, helping readers understand the broader implications of health and environmental policies.

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