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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Kentucky

Kentucky's coal mines, the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, TVA power plants, and auto manufacturing facilities exposed thousands of workers to asbestos for decades. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these industries created significant asbestos exposure corridors across the state. Kentucky has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country — just 1 year from diagnosis. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, immediate legal action is critical to protect your rights.

1 Year Kentucky Filing Deadline
$30B+ In Trust Funds Available
Paducah DOE Plant Workers Eligible
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Mesothelioma Compensation for Kentucky Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Kentucky, you are not alone — and compensation may be available. Below are actual amounts received by real clients of our firm, after attorneys’ fees and expenses, in mesothelioma cases involving asbestos exposure. Our attorneys represent families nationwide, including in Kentucky.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$6,142,500 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 68, who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos through assisting her husband in his general contracting work and through contact with asbestos fibers on her husband's clothes.

$5,939,010 Construction / Demolition

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 46, who was exposed to asbestos while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding.

$4,750,000 U.S. Navy Veteran

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 49, who was exposed to asbestos through his career in the Navy.

$3,600,450 Navy / Contractor

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 67, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a construction contractor on commercial and residential projects.

$3,403,890 Navy / HVAC Mechanic

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 57, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.

$3,185,280 Paper Mill / Carpenter

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at a paper mill and as a carpenter.

$2,727,900 Navy / Telecom

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 61, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman.

$1,988,910 Oil Field Worker

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 50, who was exposed as an oil field worker.

$1,886,580 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 62, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her husband, who worked as an electrician at a shipyard.

$1,181,250 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 33, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her father, who worked at an auto plant.

All amounts shown are received by clients after attorneys’ fees and expenses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and compensation depends on individual circumstances including exposure history, diagnosis, and jurisdiction.

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What Could Your Mesothelioma Case Be Worth?

Every case is different, but understanding the factors that affect compensation can help you make informed decisions. Three quick questions — no obligation.

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Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: Industrial records, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports, DOE records

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Kentucky

Kentucky's industrial economy was built on coal mining, power generation, uranium enrichment, and manufacturing — industries where asbestos was used extensively for decades. The state's coal fields in eastern and western Kentucky employed hundreds of thousands of miners who encountered asbestos in equipment insulation, brake systems, and facility construction. The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a U.S. Department of Energy facility that enriched uranium for over 60 years, exposed workers to asbestos in addition to radioactive materials — creating uniquely complex health and legal situations.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Kentucky's combination of coal mining, nuclear processing, power generation, and automotive manufacturing created extensive asbestos exposure pathways that affected workers across the state. Workers who built, maintained, and operated these facilities inhaled microscopic asbestos fibers daily, often without any protective equipment or warning about the dangers.

The peak period of asbestos use in Kentucky industry spanned from the 1940s through the early 1980s. During the postwar industrial boom, Kentucky's coal production surged to supply power plants across the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system, and manufacturing expanded with Ford opening its Louisville Assembly Plant and Toyota building its Georgetown facility. Asbestos was standard in all of these operations — in mining equipment, power plant boilers, factory insulation, and vehicle brake components.

The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period

Mesothelioma does not appear immediately after asbestos exposure. The disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning workers exposed in Kentucky's coal mines, power plants, and factories during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. A coal miner who worked with asbestos-insulated equipment in eastern Kentucky in 1970 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This long latency period is why Kentucky continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was curtailed.

URGENT: Kentucky's 1-Year Statute of Limitations

Kentucky has one of the shortest statutes of limitations for mesothelioma claims in the entire country. You have only 1 year from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 1 year from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This extremely tight deadline means that every week matters. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in Kentucky, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. Waiting even a few months can permanently eliminate your legal options. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a free, urgent case review.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Kentucky

Asbestos was embedded in Kentucky's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure across the state.

Coal Mining Operations

Kentucky was one of the top coal-producing states in the nation for decades. Coal miners encountered asbestos in multiple ways: equipment insulation on conveyors, crushers, and processing machinery; brake linings on mining equipment and transport vehicles; insulation in mine heating and ventilation systems; and in some cases naturally occurring asbestos in geological formations adjacent to coal seams.

  • Eastern Kentucky coal fields — Thousands of underground and surface mines in Pike, Floyd, Harlan, Perry, and Letcher counties where asbestos-insulated equipment was standard
  • Western Kentucky coal fields — Mining operations in Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Henderson counties with similar asbestos exposure risks in equipment and facilities

Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (DOE)

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in McCracken County, western Kentucky, operated from 1952 to 2013 as a U.S. Department of Energy uranium enrichment facility. Asbestos was used throughout the plant in pipe insulation, gaskets, valve packing, building materials, and equipment insulation. Workers at the Paducah plant faced dual hazards: asbestos exposure combined with potential radioactive contamination, creating complex health conditions and unique legal compensation pathways.

  • Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant — DOE uranium enrichment facility; asbestos in pipe insulation, building materials, and process equipment throughout the massive complex
  • EEOICPA Coverage — Paducah plant workers may qualify for compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, providing up to $250,000 plus medical expenses

Power Plants

Kentucky's power generation infrastructure relied heavily on coal-fired plants, many operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) or Kentucky Utilities. These facilities used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical components throughout their operations.

  • TVA Paradise Fossil Plant (Muhlenberg County) — One of TVA's largest coal-fired plants; asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, and piping systems
  • TVA Shawnee Fossil Plant (McCracken County) — Coal-fired power plant near Paducah with extensive asbestos use in all thermal insulation systems
  • Kentucky Utilities power plants — Multiple generating stations across the state with asbestos in boilers, steam pipes, and electrical insulation

Automobile Manufacturing

Kentucky became a major automobile manufacturing state with the opening of Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant and Toyota's Georgetown facility. Workers in these plants encountered asbestos in brake linings, clutch facings, gaskets, and facility insulation materials.

  • Ford Louisville Assembly Plant — Major vehicle manufacturing facility; asbestos in brake component assembly, facility insulation, and plant construction materials
  • Ford Kentucky Truck Plant (Louisville) — Heavy vehicle manufacturing with asbestos exposure in brake systems, facility construction, and maintenance
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Georgetown — Large auto manufacturing plant built in the 1980s on land with prior industrial use; early operations involved asbestos-containing materials in facility systems
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Eastern KY Coal Mines Coal Mining Equipment insulation, brakes, facility materials 1940s–1980s
Paducah GDP DOE Uranium Enrichment Pipe insulation, gaskets, building materials 1952–2000s
TVA Paradise Plant Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbines, steam pipes 1960s–1980s
TVA Shawnee Plant Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbines, piping 1950s–1980s
Ford Louisville Assembly Auto Manufacturing Brake linings, clutch facings, facility insulation 1950s–1980s
Ford KY Truck Plant Auto Manufacturing Brake systems, facility construction materials 1960s–1980s
Western KY Coal Mines Coal Mining Equipment insulation, brakes, ventilation 1940s–1980s
Toyota Georgetown Auto Manufacturing Facility systems, maintenance materials 1980s–1990s

This is not an exhaustive list. Dozens of additional coal operations, power plants, chemical facilities, and manufacturing sites across Kentucky used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any mining, power generation, or manufacturing facility in Kentucky before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Kentucky exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Kentucky Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Kentucky carried a dramatically higher risk of asbestos exposure. Workers in these trades handled asbestos-containing materials directly, worked in environments where asbestos fibers accumulated, or were present during activities that disturbed existing asbestos insulation. If you or a family member held any of these positions at a Kentucky facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Coal Miners

Kentucky coal miners were exposed to asbestos through mining equipment insulation, brake linings on shuttle cars and conveyors, and insulation in mine heating and ventilation systems. Underground miners in confined spaces faced the highest cumulative exposure. Surface mining operations also used asbestos-containing equipment and materials in processing facilities.

Paducah Plant Workers

Workers at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant handled asbestos-containing pipe insulation, gaskets, valve packing, and building materials throughout the uranium enrichment facility. Maintenance workers, pipefitters, and insulators who performed repairs and upgrades to the aging plant infrastructure faced the most intense asbestos exposure, often combined with potential radioactive contamination.

Power Plant Workers

Employees at TVA and Kentucky Utilities power plants worked in environments saturated with asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical equipment. Boiler operators, maintenance mechanics, and electricians who maintained and repaired these facilities faced daily asbestos exposure, particularly during scheduled maintenance and equipment overhauls.

Auto Manufacturing Workers

Workers at Ford's Louisville plants and Toyota's Georgetown facility handled asbestos-containing brake linings, clutch facings, gaskets, and facility insulation. Assembly line workers, brake department employees, and maintenance crews who worked with these components created airborne asbestos dust during cutting, grinding, and installation processes.

Pipefitters & Insulators

Pipefitters and insulators working across Kentucky's industrial facilities installed, maintained, and removed asbestos-containing insulation from pipes, boilers, and equipment. At power plants, refineries, and the Paducah plant, these tradespeople had the most direct and sustained contact with asbestos materials of any occupation in the state.

Construction Tradespeople

Construction workers who built and expanded Kentucky's industrial facilities, power plants, and commercial buildings handled asbestos-containing floor tiles, roofing materials, cement board, joint compound, and fireproofing spray. Demolition and renovation of older structures across Louisville, Lexington, and other cities released accumulated asbestos fibers from decades of material deterioration.

Documenting Your Kentucky Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Kentucky facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. Remember: Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations means you must act quickly. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct their employment timeline, identify every facility where exposure occurred, and connect that exposure history to specific asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. Even if your records are incomplete, we can use union records, Social Security earnings statements, coworker testimony, and facility records to build your case.

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Based on your Kentucky work history, you may be connected to multiple asbestos trust funds and legal claims.

Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations makes immediate action critical. Coal mining, Paducah plant, and power plant exposure cases often involve multiple trust funds. Complete the form below for an urgent, free, confidential case review.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Kentucky

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in the lining of internal organs, causing cellular damage that leads to malignant tumor growth over decades. Kentucky's industrial exposure profile — dominated by coal mining, nuclear processing, and power generation — produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis that reflect the types and duration of asbestos contact these workers experienced.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Kentucky patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs — when inhaled asbestos fibers migrate to the pleural lining and cause chronic inflammation and eventual malignancy. Kentucky coal miners, power plant workers, and Paducah plant employees who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years of occupational exposure are at the highest risk. Symptoms typically include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs.

Early detection significantly affects treatment options and prognosis. If you worked in a Kentucky coal mine, power plant, or industrial facility and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity — and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum through ingestion or through the lymphatic system. Symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma has advanced significantly, with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showing improved survival rates. Regardless of the type of mesothelioma diagnosed, the same legal options — personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, EEOICPA benefits for Paducah workers, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Kentucky patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Kentucky

While Kentucky does not currently have NCI-designated mesothelioma specialty centers, patients have access to the nation’s top treatment programs. Many of these leading cancer centers accept out-of-state patients and can coordinate care with local oncologists. Below are nationally recognized mesothelioma treatment centers that serve patients from Kentucky and across the country.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Ranked #1 for cancer care nationwide, MD Anderson treats mesothelioma patients from all 50 states and offers the most comprehensive mesothelioma treatment program in the country.

Brigham and Women's Hospital / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

The Brigham and Dana-Farber alliance is one of the nation's leading mesothelioma treatment programs, known for pioneering surgical techniques and multimodal therapy protocols.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York City, NY NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

One of the world's most experienced cancer centers, MSK operates a dedicated mesothelioma program and extensive clinical trial portfolio for patients nationwide.

Need Help Finding a Specialist?

Our attorneys work with leading mesothelioma specialists nationwide and can help connect you with the right treatment team. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a referral.

Kentucky Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Kentucky has a substantial veteran population, and many of these veterans carry asbestos exposure histories that combine military service with post-service industrial employment in the state's coal, power, and manufacturing sectors.

Fort Knox and Fort Campbell

Fort Knox and Fort Campbell are major Army installations in Kentucky where barracks, motor pools, maintenance facilities, and utility buildings constructed from the 1940s through the 1970s contained asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and pipe coverings. Soldiers and civilian workers who lived and worked in these buildings were exposed to asbestos, particularly during renovation and maintenance activities.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Kentucky Industrial Work

A pattern seen frequently in Kentucky mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took jobs in Kentucky's coal mines, power plants, or manufacturing facilities after discharge. The skills gained in the military were directly transferable to industrial employment, resulting in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure.

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers at no cost for service-connected conditions
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against trust funds of companies whose asbestos products were used at military bases and Kentucky facilities
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers and employers

Veterans: Filing VA Claims Does Not Affect Civil Claims

VA disability claims and civil mesothelioma lawsuits are separate legal processes. Filing for VA benefits does not reduce or prevent compensation from asbestos trust funds or personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys help Kentucky veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously. Remember: Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations applies regardless of veteran status. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us immediately at 1-800-400-1805.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Kentucky

Asbestos exposure in Kentucky did not stop at the mine entrance or the factory gate. For decades, workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families to the same deadly material they encountered at work. This pattern, known as secondary or take-home exposure, has been documented extensively in Kentucky's coal mining and industrial communities.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Kentucky coal miners, power plant workers, and factory employees typically arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos fibers. Spouses who shook out, brushed off, and laundered contaminated work clothes released asbestos fibers into the household air, where family members inhaled them. Children who greeted parents at the door, sat in their laps, or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In coal mining communities across eastern and western Kentucky, this pattern was especially prevalent.

Legal Rights of Kentucky Families

Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the legal right to pursue compensation. These claims can be filed against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products, the employers who failed to prevent fibers from leaving the workplace, and the asbestos trust funds established through bankruptcy proceedings.

The same 1-year Kentucky statute of limitations applies to secondary exposure claims. If a family member of a Kentucky worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

Support Groups & Resources for Kentucky Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. These organizations provide support, education, counseling, and practical assistance for patients and caregivers.

National Organizations

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Research & Patient Support

Leading mesothelioma research foundation providing patient support, education, and peer-to-peer networking for patients and families.

Visit Website →

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Advocacy & Education

National advocacy organization dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, providing support for those affected, and driving a global ban on asbestos.

Visit Website →

American Cancer Society

Patient Services

Comprehensive cancer support including patient navigation, local support groups, transportation assistance, lodging programs, and 24/7 helpline.

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CancerCare

Counseling & Support

Free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance programs for cancer patients and caregivers.

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Kentucky Resources

Kentucky Cancer Consortium

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Kentucky families with local support services, financial assistance, and treatment information.

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Personalized Resource Recommendations

Our team can connect your family with support resources tailored to your specific situation — including local support groups, financial assistance programs, and caregiver resources. Call 1-800-400-1805.

Filing Deadline Check

Is Your Family Still Eligible to File?

Statutes of limitations can be as short as 1 year. Find out if your family’s filing window is still open.

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Don’t Let the Filing Window Close on Your Family

Every state has strict deadlines for filing mesothelioma claims. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Answer three quick questions to understand where your family stands.

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Free Guide: Kentucky Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked in Kentucky's coal mines, the Paducah plant, TVA power plants, or manufacturing facilities, this guide explains the legal options available and the critical 1-year filing deadline.

  • Kentucky coal mining and industrial exposure sites
  • Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations and what it means for your claim
  • Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers and EEOICPA benefits
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Kentucky cases
  • How to document your Kentucky work history for a legal claim
  • Secondary exposure rights for Kentucky workers' families

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Steps Kentucky Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. There is a great deal to process emotionally and medically, and legal considerations add another layer of urgency — especially in Kentucky, where the 1-year statute of limitations demands immediate action. The following steps provide a clear path forward.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center offer specialized oncology resources.
  2. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations is among the shortest in the nation. You have only 12 months from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. Do not wait — contact a mesothelioma attorney the same week you receive your diagnosis. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis. Call 1-800-400-1805.
  3. Document your Kentucky work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at coal mines, the Paducah plant, power plants, or manufacturing facilities. Include dates, job titles, employer names, and coworker names.
  4. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact. If you worked at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, document your employment dates and job duties for potential EEOICPA claims.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather old tax returns, union cards, Social Security earnings statements, military records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Kentucky mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, VA benefits for veterans, and EEOICPA benefits for Paducah plant workers.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped hundreds of families across the country through the legal process after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We handle every aspect of the legal case so you can focus on your health and your family. The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Request a free case review or call 1-800-400-1805.

Portrait of Paul Danziger, Co-Founder and Lead Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Lead Attorney

Paul Danziger

Texas Bar #00788880 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Paul Danziger has spent over 30 years representing mesothelioma patients and their families across the United States. He co-founded Danziger & De Llano, LLP with the mission of providing personal attention and aggressive advocacy that asbestos victims deserve.

Before law school, Paul earned his B.B.A. and a Master's degree in Tax Accounting from the University of Texas and worked as a CPA and tax consultant in New York. His financial and legal background gives him a distinctive ability to evaluate complex mesothelioma cases and maximize compensation for his clients.

Paul has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times (2006–2009, 2014–2016, 2024) and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He is also the executive producer and co-writer of the film Puncture (starring Chris Evans), based on a real product liability case.

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Super Lawyers Multiple Years
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers
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Portrait of Rod De Llano, Co-Founder and Senior Trial Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Senior Trial Attorney

Rod De Llano

Texas Bar #00786666 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Rod De Llano brings over 30 years of complex litigation experience to every mesothelioma case he handles. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in economics, Rod combines analytical rigor with a deep commitment to justice for asbestos victims and their families.

Rod and Paul Danziger have worked together since law school at Northwestern, building one of the most experienced mesothelioma practices in the country. Rod's expertise in complex litigation — including multi-district asbestos cases, trust fund claims, and trial proceedings — ensures that every client receives the strongest possible representation.

30+ Years in Practice
Princeton University Graduate
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
Speak with Rod About Your Kentucky Case

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Find Out What Your Kentucky Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at a Kentucky coal mine, the Paducah plant, a power plant, or a manufacturing facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations demands immediate action. Our attorneys will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Representation Our attorneys represent Kentucky families and handle mesothelioma cases across the country.
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Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Cities & Towns in Kentucky

Select a city below for detailed local asbestos exposure site information, affected job sites, and legal resources available to residents.

Paducah

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant exposed thousands of workers to asbestos over 60 years of uranium enrichment. DOE workers may qualify for $150,000–$250,000+ in EEOICPA federal benefits plus asbestos trust fund claims.

View Paducah Resources
FAQ answers reviewed by legal team:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Kentucky

Why does Kentucky have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Kentucky has a significant history of asbestos exposure driven by its coal mining industry, the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, TVA power plants, and automobile manufacturing facilities. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these industrial operations exposed thousands of Kentucky workers to deadly asbestos fibers over several decades. Coal miners encountered asbestos in equipment insulation, brake systems, and facility materials. The 20-to-50-year latency period means these historical exposures continue to produce new diagnoses today.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Kentucky?

Kentucky has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country: only 1 year from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 1 year from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This extremely tight deadline makes it critical to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately after diagnosis. Waiting even a few months can permanently eliminate your legal options.

What was the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant?

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant was a U.S. Department of Energy uranium enrichment facility in western Kentucky that operated from 1952 to 2013. Workers were exposed to asbestos in pipe insulation, gaskets, building materials, and equipment, often combined with radioactive contamination. Paducah workers may qualify for EEOICPA benefits (up to $250,000 plus medical expenses) in addition to traditional asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Can Kentucky coal miners file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Kentucky coal miners who were exposed to asbestos through mining equipment insulation, brake systems, and facility materials and later diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and potentially workers' compensation and VA benefits. The 1-year Kentucky statute of limitations makes prompt action essential.

Can family members of Kentucky workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. Kentucky coal miners and industrial workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, unknowingly exposing spouses and children. The same 1-year Kentucky statute of limitations applies to these claims.

How much compensation can Kentucky mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on the specifics of each case. Kentucky cases involving multiple exposure sources — coal mines, the Paducah plant, power plants, and manufacturing facilities — can increase total recovery through multiple trust fund claims and lawsuits. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. Paducah plant workers may also qualify for EEOICPA benefits. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families and works to maximize every claim.

This page was last reviewed and updated on by the legal team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

Sources & References

  1. NCI SEER Program — Mesothelioma Cancer Stat Facts
  2. ATSDR — Toxicological Profile for Asbestos
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Asbestos
  4. OSHA — Asbestos Standards and Regulations
  5. National Cancer Institute — Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ)
  6. American Cancer Society — Malignant Mesothelioma
  7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Asbestos Exposure
  8. RAND Corporation — Asbestos Litigation Costs and Compensation

Kentucky Families: Your 1-Year Deadline Is Ticking

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at a Kentucky coal mine, the Paducah plant, a power plant, or a manufacturing facility, do not wait. Kentucky's 1-year statute of limitations is one of the shortest in the nation. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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