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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis built its industrial identity on aerospace manufacturing, chemical processing, and heavy industry — sectors where asbestos use was pervasive for decades. From the McDonnell Douglas aircraft assembly lines to the Mallinckrodt uranium processing plant, thousands of St. Louis workers inhaled asbestos fibers without warning or protection. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, St. Louis ranks among Missouri's highest-risk areas for occupational asbestos exposure. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, new mesothelioma diagnoses continue to emerge from exposures that occurred decades ago.

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Mesothelioma Compensation for St. Louis Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis.

$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.

$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.

$3,921,750 Navy / Construction

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a man, age 68, who was exposed through his service in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction.

$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.

$3,310,650 Industrial / HVAC

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 62, who was exposed while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units.

$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.

$2,082,780 Oil Refinery / Drywaller

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at an oil refinery and as a drywaller.

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

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in St. Louis

St. Louis occupies a unique position in America's industrial history — a city where aerospace manufacturing, nuclear weapons production, chemical processing, and heavy industry converged to create one of the Midwest's most significant asbestos exposure corridors. For much of the 20th century, St. Louis was home to major employers whose operations depended heavily on asbestos-containing materials, and tens of thousands of workers were exposed without any warning about the deadly consequences.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, the St. Louis metropolitan area has a documented pattern of elevated mesothelioma incidence linked to its aerospace, chemical, and manufacturing industries. The concentration of asbestos-using employers in the region means that many workers accumulated exposure from multiple job sites over the course of careers spanning decades.

The McDonnell Douglas Corporation (now Boeing) operated one of America's largest aerospace manufacturing complexes in St. Louis, employing tens of thousands of workers who built military and commercial aircraft in facilities where asbestos was used in insulation, brake linings, heat shields, and building materials. At the same time, Mallinckrodt Chemical Works processed uranium for the Manhattan Project and the Cold War nuclear weapons program in a downtown St. Louis facility insulated with asbestos throughout. Monsanto, headquartered in Creve Coeur, operated chemical plants where asbestos-containing equipment was standard. Anheuser-Busch, the nation's largest brewer, used asbestos insulation in its brewing equipment and power systems. Laclede Gas and Union Electric (now Ameren) maintained gas distribution and power generation facilities insulated with asbestos materials throughout the St. Louis area.

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 at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, or other St. Louis facilities during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. An assembler who worked on the F-15 Eagle production line in 1975 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This long latency period is why St. Louis continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was curtailed.

The diversity of St. Louis's industrial base means that many workers accumulated asbestos exposure from multiple employers. A machinist might have worked at McDonnell Douglas for 15 years, then moved to a maintenance position at a Laclede Gas facility for another decade — each employment adding to the cumulative asbestos burden. This multi-employer exposure history is critical for legal claims because it can connect a patient to multiple asbestos trust funds and multiple defendants, increasing total available compensation.

St. Louis's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

The St. Louis metropolitan area was home to hundreds of industrial facilities that used asbestos-containing materials. During peak operations, McDonnell Douglas alone employed over 40,000 workers in St. Louis County. Mallinckrodt processed over 50,000 tons of uranium using asbestos-insulated equipment. Missouri consistently records significant mesothelioma mortality, and the St. Louis region is a primary contributor. If you worked at any major industrial facility in the St. Louis area, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step toward understanding your legal options.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in St. Louis

Asbestos was deeply embedded in St. Louis's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Aerospace Manufacturing

St. Louis was one of America's premier aerospace manufacturing centers, and the production of military and commercial aircraft created widespread asbestos exposure for the workers involved. Asbestos was used in heat shields, brake linings, gaskets, insulation, and fireproofing throughout aircraft manufacturing facilities.

  • McDonnell Douglas / Boeing (St. Louis County) — One of the largest aerospace employers in the nation; produced the F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier, and numerous other military and commercial aircraft. Asbestos was present in manufacturing facilities, aircraft components, and building infrastructure across the sprawling complex.

Chemical & Uranium Processing

St. Louis played a critical role in America's nuclear weapons program, and the chemical processing industry in the region relied on asbestos-insulated equipment to handle extreme temperatures and corrosive materials.

  • Mallinckrodt Chemical Works (Downtown St. Louis) — Processed uranium ore for the Manhattan Project and Cold War nuclear weapons program from the 1940s through the 1960s. Asbestos insulation was used extensively on pipes, processing equipment, and throughout the facility. Workers faced dual hazards of radiation and asbestos exposure.
  • Monsanto (Creve Coeur / various locations) — Chemical manufacturing operations used asbestos in processing equipment insulation, gaskets, and building materials throughout multiple St. Louis-area facilities.

Brewing & Food Processing

The brewing industry in St. Louis used asbestos insulation in brewing equipment, pasteurization systems, power plants, and refrigeration infrastructure. Workers who maintained these systems were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers.

  • Anheuser-Busch (Soulard) — The flagship brewery used asbestos insulation in boilers, steam pipes, brewing kettles, pasteurization equipment, and the facility's power plant. Maintenance workers, pipefitters, and boiler operators were among the most heavily exposed.

Utilities & Power Generation

Gas distribution and power generation facilities across the St. Louis area relied on asbestos insulation for pipes, boilers, turbines, and electrical components. Workers who maintained these systems faced occupational asbestos exposure spanning decades.

  • Union Electric / Ameren Missouri — Operated multiple power generation stations in the St. Louis area with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, pipe covering, and electrical wiring insulation.
  • Laclede Gas Company — Gas distribution infrastructure used asbestos in pipe insulation, gaskets, and facility building materials throughout the St. Louis service area.
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Aerospace Manufacturing Heat shields, brakes, insulation, gaskets 1940s–1990s
Mallinckrodt Chemical Uranium & Chemical Processing Pipe insulation, processing equipment, facility insulation 1940s–1960s
Monsanto Chemical Manufacturing Processing equipment insulation, gaskets, building materials 1940s–1980s
Anheuser-Busch Brewing & Manufacturing Boiler insulation, steam pipes, brewing equipment 1940s–1980s
Union Electric / Ameren Power Generation Boilers, turbines, pipe insulation, electrical components 1940s–1980s
Laclede Gas Gas Distribution Pipe insulation, gaskets, facility materials 1940s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of additional industrial, commercial, and construction sites across the greater St. Louis area used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any industrial, manufacturing, or construction site in St. Louis before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of St. Louis-area exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in St. Louis Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in St. Louis's industrial sector carried a dramatically higher risk of asbestos exposure. Workers in these trades handled asbestos-containing materials directly, worked in environments where asbestos fibers were constantly present, or performed tasks that disturbed existing asbestos insulation. If you or a family member held any of these positions at a St. Louis-area facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Aerospace Assembly & Manufacturing Workers

Workers at McDonnell Douglas and related aerospace facilities handled asbestos-containing brake components, heat shields, insulation blankets, and gaskets during the assembly of military and commercial aircraft. Machine operators, assemblers, and technicians worked in facilities where asbestos dust was generated during cutting, drilling, and shaping operations. The F-15 and F/A-18 production lines exposed thousands of St. Louis workers to asbestos over multiple decades.

Chemical Plant & Uranium Processing Workers

Workers at Mallinckrodt and Monsanto operated equipment insulated with asbestos, maintained piping systems wrapped in asbestos lagging, and worked in facilities where asbestos building materials deteriorated over time. At Mallinckrodt, workers faced the combined hazards of uranium processing and asbestos exposure, creating uniquely dangerous working conditions that persisted for decades.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers at St. Louis breweries, power plants, and manufacturing facilities installed, maintained, and repaired piping systems and boilers insulated with asbestos-containing materials. At Anheuser-Busch, pipefitters maintained the brewery's extensive steam distribution system. At Union Electric power stations, boilermakers worked directly with asbestos-lagged boilers and heat exchangers.

Electricians & Maintenance Workers

Electricians and general maintenance workers at St. Louis industrial facilities worked near and around asbestos-insulated equipment daily. Running wiring through areas with deteriorating asbestos insulation released fibers into the breathing zone. Maintenance crews performed repairs that frequently disturbed asbestos-containing materials in walls, ceilings, pipe insulation, and equipment housings across the region's factories and power plants.

Utility & Power Plant Workers

Workers at Union Electric and Laclede Gas facilities operated and maintained equipment surrounded by asbestos insulation. Power plant operators spent shifts in generating stations where boilers, turbines, and steam pipes were all insulated with asbestos-containing materials. Gas utility workers encountered asbestos in pipe insulation and facility infrastructure throughout the St. Louis distribution network.

Construction & Demolition Tradespeople

Construction workers who built and renovated St. Louis's industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and older residential structures handled asbestos-containing floor tiles, roofing materials, cement board, joint compound, and fireproofing spray. Demolition and renovation of older structures released accumulated asbestos fibers from decades of material deterioration. Drywall workers, roofers, and general laborers were all at elevated risk.

Documenting Your St. Louis Work History

If you held any of these positions at a St. Louis-area facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. 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 St. Louis work history, you may be connected to multiple asbestos trust funds and legal claims.

St. Louis exposure cases often involve multiple employers and industries — aerospace, chemical, utility, and manufacturing — which can significantly increase total compensation. Complete the form below for a free, confidential case review with attorneys experienced in St. Louis asbestos exposure cases.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in St. Louis

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. St. Louis's diverse industrial exposure profile — spanning aerospace, chemical processing, brewing, and power generation — produces patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis that reflect the breadth of occupational asbestos contact workers experienced across the region.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in St. Louis 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. St. Louis aerospace workers, chemical plant operators, and utility maintenance crews who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years of occupational exposure are at the highest risk for pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms typically include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion).

Early detection significantly affects treatment options and prognosis. If you worked at a St. Louis-area industrial facility and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. The Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis provides specialized oncology care. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information about the diagnostic process and available treatment approaches.

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, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to St. Louis patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Near St. Louis, Missouri

While Missouri does not currently have NCI-designated mesothelioma specialty centers, patients from St. Louis have access to the nation’s top treatment programs. Many of these leading centers accept out-of-state patients and offer travel assistance programs. Below are nationally recognized mesothelioma treatment centers that serve patients from St. Louis 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.

St. Louis Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

St. Louis has a significant veteran population, and many of these veterans carry asbestos exposure histories that combine military service with post-service industrial employment in the St. Louis area. The presence of major defense contractors — particularly McDonnell Douglas — created a natural pipeline for veterans transitioning into civilian aerospace manufacturing careers where asbestos exposure continued.

Defense Industry Veterans

Many veterans who served in the military returned to St. Louis and took jobs at McDonnell Douglas, where their technical skills were directly applicable to aircraft manufacturing. These veterans experienced asbestos exposure during military service — in shipboard environments, aircraft maintenance facilities, barracks, and military vehicles — and then accumulated additional exposure during decades of civilian employment in St. Louis aerospace manufacturing.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Industrial Work

A pattern seen frequently in St. Louis mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took jobs at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, Union Electric, or other industrial employers. This resulted in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure spanning both military and civilian careers.

The legal significance of dual exposure is substantial. Veterans with this history may be entitled to multiple sources of compensation:

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers, including the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against the trust funds of companies whose products were used in both military facilities and St. Louis industrial plants
  • 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 St. Louis-area veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously, maximizing total recovery while ensuring no filing deadlines are missed. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, time is critical — both the Missouri statute of limitations and VA filing processes have specific requirements that should be addressed promptly.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in St. Louis

Asbestos exposure in St. Louis extended far beyond the factory floor and the manufacturing plant. 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 St. Louis's industrial community and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never worked at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, or any other asbestos-using facility.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

St. Louis industrial workers — aerospace assemblers, chemical plant operators, brewery maintenance crews, and utility workers — typically arrived home carrying dust that included asbestos fibers. Before the dangers were widely understood, spouses routinely shook out, brushed off, and laundered contaminated work clothes at home. This process released asbestos fibers into the household air, where family members inhaled them. Children who greeted parents at the door or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed.

Legal Rights of St. Louis Families

Missouri courts recognize secondary asbestos exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims. Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the same legal right to pursue compensation as the workers themselves. 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.

If a spouse, child, or other family member of a St. Louis industrial worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have handled numerous secondary exposure cases and understand the specific evidence required to establish the connection between a worker's occupational exposure and a family member's diagnosis.

Support Groups & Resources for St. Louis 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.

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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.

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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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Missouri Resources

Missouri Cancer Consortium

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Missouri 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.

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Don’t Let the Filing Window Close on Your Family

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Free Guide: St. Louis Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, Anheuser-Busch, or other St. Louis industrial facilities, this guide explains the legal options available to you and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • St. Louis aerospace, chemical, and industrial exposure sites
  • Missouri statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to St. Louis cases
  • How to document your St. Louis work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases
  • Secondary exposure rights for St. Louis workers' families

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Steps St. Louis 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. The following steps provide a clear, measured path forward for St. Louis families facing this diagnosis. None of these steps require you to have all the answers right away — an experienced mesothelioma attorney can guide you through each one.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. The Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis is a nationally recognized cancer treatment center with expertise in mesothelioma care. Your treatment plan should be established before anything else.
  2. Document your St. Louis work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, Anheuser-Busch, Union Electric, Laclede Gas, Monsanto, or other industrial sites. Include dates, job titles, the names of employers and contractors, and the names of coworkers who can confirm your presence at these sites.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note the specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact: aircraft assembly, chemical processing, insulation work, boiler maintenance, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating. This timeline will be used to identify which companies and trust funds are connected to your exposure.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. The Missouri statute of limitations gives you 5 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. While 5 years provides more time than many states, building a strong case requires identifying asbestos product manufacturers, gathering employment records, and filing trust fund claims — processes that benefit from starting early. Choose an attorney who focuses specifically on mesothelioma cases. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard any records that support your exposure history: old tax returns showing employers, union membership cards, Social Security earnings statements, military service records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites. These documents strengthen your case and help your attorney identify every applicable source of compensation.
  6. Understand your compensation options. St. Louis mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources, including personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, and VA benefits for veterans. Your attorney should evaluate every option and pursue all applicable claims simultaneously.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped families across the country through the legal process after a mesothelioma diagnosis, including many cases involving St. Louis industrial exposure. 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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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.

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$2B+ Recovered for Clients
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Find Out What Your St. Louis Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, Anheuser-Busch, a St. Louis power plant, or any other industrial facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with industrial asbestos exposure cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in St. Louis

Why does St. Louis have elevated mesothelioma risk?

St. Louis has a deeply industrial history that created widespread asbestos exposure across multiple sectors. McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) operated one of the nation's largest aerospace manufacturing complexes in St. Louis, where asbestos was used in aircraft components, insulation, and facility infrastructure. Mallinckrodt Chemical Works processed uranium for the Manhattan Project and used asbestos throughout its downtown facility. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these industrial operations placed St. Louis among Missouri's highest-risk areas for occupational asbestos exposure. Monsanto, Anheuser-Busch, Laclede Gas, and Union Electric also exposed workers to asbestos for decades. 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 Missouri?

Missouri allows 5 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missouri applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when the disease is diagnosed, not when the asbestos exposure occurred. While 5 years is more time than many states allow, patients should not delay — building a strong case requires identifying exposure sources, locating records, and filing trust fund claims, all of which benefit from early action.

Did McDonnell Douglas use asbestos in St. Louis?

Yes. McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) operated major aerospace manufacturing facilities in St. Louis where asbestos was used extensively. Asbestos-containing materials were present in brake linings, heat shields, insulation, gaskets, and building materials throughout the manufacturing complex. Workers who built military aircraft including the F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, and various other aircraft were exposed to asbestos during manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance operations.

What was the Mallinckrodt uranium connection to asbestos?

Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in downtown St. Louis processed uranium for the Manhattan Project and Cold War nuclear weapons program from the 1940s through the 1960s. The facility used asbestos insulation extensively in processing equipment, pipes, and building infrastructure. Workers faced dual hazards of radiation and asbestos exposure. Some former Mallinckrodt workers may also qualify for compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) in addition to standard mesothelioma claims.

Can family members of St. Louis workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. St. Louis industrial workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing spouses and children. Missouri courts recognize these secondary exposure claims, and compensation is available through lawsuits, trust funds, and settlements.

How much compensation can St. Louis mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on the specifics of each case, including exposure history, the number of responsible parties, severity of illness, and applicable trust funds. St. Louis cases frequently involve multiple employers — aerospace, chemical, utility, and manufacturing — which can increase total recovery. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families and works to maximize every claim.

Do St. Louis veterans qualify for additional mesothelioma benefits?

Yes. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and later diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation — in addition to civil lawsuits and trust fund claims. Many St. Louis veterans experienced dual exposure: military service followed by civilian employment at McDonnell Douglas or other industrial facilities. VA claims do not reduce or prevent civil compensation.

How do I find a mesothelioma lawyer for my St. Louis case?

Look for attorneys who focus specifically on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, have experience with Missouri cases and St. Louis industrial exposure sites, and work on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing unless they recover compensation. Danziger & De Llano has over 30 years of experience handling mesothelioma cases for industrial workers, veterans, and their families. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and can begin evaluating your case immediately. Call 1-800-400-1805 or submit a form above.

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

St. Louis Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at McDonnell Douglas, Mallinckrodt, Anheuser-Busch, or any other St. Louis industrial facility, do not wait. The Missouri statute of limitations is 5 years from diagnosis. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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