Louisiana Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorneys
Aggressive Representation for Victims of Toxic Exposure
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and devastating form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It has one primary cause: asbestos exposure.
When microscopic asbestos fibers are mishandled or disturbed, they become airborne. Once inhaled, these fibers can remain in the body for decades before causing disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, it is not just bad luck—it is likely the result of corporate negligence.
At the Berniard Law Firm, we know that no amount of money can restore your health, but we fight to ensure you have the financial resources to cover medical treatments and provide for your family’s future.
The Post-Katrina Asbestos Crisis
In Louisiana, asbestos exposure is not just a historical problem; it is a modern crisis.
The exposure rate skyrocketed following Hurricane Katrina. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned that special care must be taken when removing debris from structures built before the 1970s. Unfortunately, in the rush to rebuild, these safety precautions were often ignored by corporations and contractors.
Countless workers and residents were exposed to dangerous fibers during the demolition and cleanup phases. Since then, there have been numerous suits involving the negligence of employers—including major corporations like Dow Chemical—for exposing people to asbestos without proper protection.
Why Berniard Law Firm is Different
If you watch TV, you have likely seen commercials for law firms representing mesothelioma victims. Be careful. Most of these ads are paid for by national, out-of-state “marketing firms” that simply shop your case to other lawyers for a referral fee. They don’t know you, and they don’t know Louisiana courts.
Jeff Berniard is different. We are a local firm that actually litigates these cases.
1. Local Expertise
With deep roots in Louisiana, Jeffrey Berniard understands exactly how state laws apply to your claim. We are familiar with the specific local industries, refineries, and job sites where Louisiana workers were exposed. We don’t need a map to find the courthouse; we are there every day.
2. Personal Attention
Mesothelioma victims deserve more than a call center. You deserve a reliable ally. At Berniard Law Firm, your phone calls are returned promptly. We offer personal follow-ups and 24/7 accessibility because nothing is more important than our relationship with you.
3. Litigation Experience
We are 100% dedicated to litigation. Our firm’s experience with complex class actions—including the BP Oil Spill and Dow Chemical leaks—demonstrates our ability to stand up to the largest corporations in the world and get results.
Identify Where You Were at Risk: Louisiana Asbestos Exposure Sites
Identifying exactly where you were exposed to asbestos is a critical step in building a successful mesothelioma claim. Louisiana’s industrial history—spanning shipyards, oil refineries, power plants, and chemical facilities—unfortunately means that countless workers were subjected to dangerous levels of asbestos for decades. Many employees went to work every day trusting their safety to their employers, unaware that the insulation, piping, and machinery they worked around contained deadly fibers.
To help you determine if your employment history put you at risk, we have compiled a resource of known job sites across the state linked to asbestos usage. View Our List of Asbestos Exposure Locations in Louisiana. Please review this list carefully. If you see a former employer, or even if you worked at a similar industrial site that is not listed, contact the Berniard Law Firm immediately to discuss your potential rights to compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Time is critical in mesothelioma cases. Louisiana has strict statutes of limitations, meaning you have a limited window to file a claim after a diagnosis.
You have nothing to lose. All initial consultations are free, and we handle cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no costs unless we win a settlement or court award for you.
Call (504) 521-6000 today or fill out our contact form. Let a local attorney who cares about your family begin working on your case immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Mesothelioma Claims
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of your Mesothelioma diagnosis to file a claim. If a loved one has passed away, the family has one year from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Because this timeline is strictly enforced, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately after a diagnosis.
While every case is different, many asbestos claims can begin awarding compensation in as little as 90 days through asbestos trust funds. Full lawsuits typically take 12 to 18 months to resolve. We prioritize these cases because we know medical costs cannot wait.
Yes. Mesothelioma has a long "latency period," meaning it can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. As long as you file within one year of your diagnosis (not the exposure), you are eligible to make a claim.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs to you. We only get paid if we successfully recover a settlement or verdict for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.