When it comes to asbestos and mesothelioma litigation, no two states are exactly alike. Each has its own legal deadlines, court systems, and procedures that can dramatically affect how and how quickly victims receive justice. For individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania, understanding how the Commonwealth compares to nearby states such as New Jersey, New York, and Ohio can make a critical difference in choosing where and how to file a claim.
At the Halpern Law Firm, we’ve spent more than 35 years helping Pennsylvanians navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation. Our in-depth knowledge of local industries, job sites, and court systems gives our clients a distinct advantage when pursuing compensation.
Pennsylvania’s Approach: A History of Protecting Workers
Pennsylvania’s strong industrial history, steel mills, power plants, railroads, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities has unfortunately left a long legacy of asbestos exposure. Because of this, Pennsylvania’s courts have developed significant experience in handling asbestos-related claims.
Key Features of Pennsylvania Asbestos Litigation:
- Dedicated asbestos dockets: Courts like those in Philadelphia and Allegheny County maintain specialized asbestos case tracks, allowing for more efficient resolution of claims.
- Two-year statute of limitations: In Pennsylvania, victims generally have two years from diagnosis (or from the discovery of asbestos-related illness) to file a lawsuit.
- Favorable case law for workers: Pennsylvania courts have consistently recognized the rights of workers and families exposed to asbestos, even in complex secondhand or take-home exposure cases.
Because the Halpern Law Firm has handled hundreds of asbestos cases across Pennsylvania, our attorneys understand how to navigate these systems effectively and fight for fair compensation.
Comparing Neighboring States
New Jersey
New Jersey’s asbestos litigation system is centralized through Middlesex County, where most asbestos claims are coordinated. While this can streamline certain aspects of the process, it may also result in slower timelines due to the high case volume. The state also has a two-year statute of limitations, similar to Pennsylvania.
However, Pennsylvania law often provides greater flexibility when determining the start of the limitations period, which can benefit clients whose exposure occurred decades ago.
New York
New York handles asbestos litigation primarily through New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL), one of the busiest asbestos court systems in the country. While NYCAL has experience and resources, the process can be more bureaucratic and time-consuming.
In contrast, Pennsylvania’s court system allows for more personalized case handling, a strength the Halpern Law Firm leverages to keep clients informed and involved every step of the way.
Ohio
Ohio’s asbestos laws differ significantly. The state requires medical criteria to be met before filing certain asbestos claims and has enacted tort reform laws that can make recovery more challenging. Additionally, Ohio’s courts have stricter requirements for proving exposure sources.
For workers who may have been exposed in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, the Halpern Law Firm carefully evaluates where filing will provide the best legal advantage, ensuring clients receive the maximum possible recovery under the law.
Why Pennsylvania Often Offers a Stronger Path to Justice
Pennsylvania’s legal system has shown consistent empathy toward asbestos victims and their families. The state’s case law acknowledges the decades-long latency period of diseases like mesothelioma and the unique challenges victims face when tracing their exposure history.
Because of this, Pennsylvania remains one of the most favorable jurisdictions for asbestos and mesothelioma litigation in the country, especially for those who worked in the state’s industrial heartlands.
The Halpern Law Firm: Pennsylvania’s Asbestos Law Leaders
At the Halpern Law Firm, our team focuses exclusively on asbestos and mesothelioma litigation, giving us unmatched expertise in Pennsylvania’s court systems. We’ve represented workers and families from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, and our results speak for themselves.
We also collaborate with trusted co-counsel in neighboring states to ensure that clients with out-of-state exposure get the representation they deserve—wherever their case is strongest.
When you choose the Halpern Law Firm, you’re choosing a firm that knows Pennsylvania’s industries, understands its courts, and fights relentlessly for your rights.
Contact The Halpern Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, our attorneys can help you understand your legal options, both in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Call us today at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form to get started. Someone from our team will reach out promptly.
