Been getting questions from other vets about this so figured I'd post it. A lot of guys don't realize there's a clock on filing and it varies depending on where you live and what kind of claim you're going after.
From what I've learned going through this myself, most states give you somewhere between two to three years from when you get diagnosed to file a lawsuit. Some states it's from when you first knew you had asbestos exposure, which is different. California where I am is three years from diagnosis. But I know other states are tighter than that.
If you're going the VA route like I am, that's separate and honestly the VA doesn't have the same time limits, but they move slower so don't let that fool you into thinking you can just sit on it. Filed mine November and still waiting, though my claim did get bumped to a higher priority after my December surgery.
The thing that gets me is nobody tells you this upfront. You get diagnosed, you're dealing with surgery or chemo, and meanwhile there's this deadline hanging over your head and you don't even know it yet. If you've been diagnosed with meso, especially if it's connected to Camp Lejeune or military service, talk to someone about the timeline in your state. Don't wait. I know guys who lost time just because they didn't know they had to move fast.
Anyone dealing with this right now should get clarity on their state's limits. It matters.