Updated: February 16, 2026

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Ohio

Q: Why was Akron's rubber industry linked to asbestos exposure?

Akron was known as the 'Rubber Capital of the World,' home to Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire. Tire manufacturing used extensive asbestos because rubber compounding involved high temperatures, and asbestos was used in brake linings, clutch facings, insulation on curing equipment, and factory building materials. Workers who mixed rubber compounds, operated curing presses, and maintained factory equipment were exposed to asbestos fibers throughout their careers.

Q: What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Ohio?

Ohio allows 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Ohio applies a discovery rule, meaning the statute of limitations begins when the disease is diagnosed rather than when the asbestos exposure occurred. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, this distinction is critical. The 2-year window is shorter than many states, making prompt legal consultation essential.

Q: Do Ohio veterans qualify for additional mesothelioma benefits?

Yes. Veterans who served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the former Defense Supply Center Columbus, or other Ohio military installations and were exposed to asbestos may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation in addition to civil lawsuits and trust fund claims. Many Ohio veterans also experienced dual exposure — military service followed by employment in the state's steel, rubber, or auto industries.

Ohio's steel mills, rubber factories, auto plants, and chemical facilities made it one of the most heavily industrialized states in America — and one of the most impacted by asbestos exposure. From the steel furnaces of Cleveland and Youngstown to the tire factories of Akron (the "Rubber Capital of the World") to the Jeep plants of Toledo, hundreds of thousands of Ohio workers encountered asbestos daily. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities across the manufacturing belt used asbestos extensively. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Ohio families are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma today.

Top 10 State for Mesothelioma Deaths

$30B+ In Trust Funds Available

2 Years Ohio Statute of Limitations

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Settlement data verified & updated: February 16, 2026

Mesothelioma Compensation for Ohio Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Ohio, 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 Ohio.

$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.

$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.

$3,403,890 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.

$3,310,650 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.

$2,727,900 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.

$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.

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: February 16, 2026 • Sources: Industrial records, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Ohio

Ohio was a cornerstone of America's industrial heartland, and that industrial legacy left a deep mark of asbestos exposure across the state. Four major industries drove Ohio's economy — and its asbestos burden: steel production in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Canton; rubber and tire manufacturing in Akron; auto manufacturing in Toledo; and chemical processing across multiple cities. Each of these industries used asbestos extensively in equipment insulation, facility construction, production processes, and safety equipment.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities across the American manufacturing belt used asbestos extensively, and Ohio's concentrated industrial base made it one of the most heavily impacted states. Ohio consistently ranks among the top ten states in the nation for mesothelioma deaths — a direct consequence of decades of occupational asbestos exposure in the state's factories, mills, and plants.

Akron holds a unique place in Ohio's asbestos history. Known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," Akron was home to Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire. Tire manufacturing involved extensive asbestos use because the vulcanization and curing processes generated extreme heat, and asbestos was the standard material for insulating curing equipment, press linings, and factory infrastructure. Beyond equipment insulation, asbestos was a component in the products themselves — brake linings and clutch facings manufactured in Akron contained asbestos. Workers who compounded rubber, operated curing presses, and maintained factory equipment breathed asbestos fibers daily for years.

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. A steelworker who maintained furnace linings at a Cleveland mill in the 1960s or a tire builder who operated a curing press at a Goodyear plant in Akron in the 1970s may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This is why Ohio continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was curtailed.

Ohio's diverse industrial base means that many workers were exposed at multiple facilities over the course of a career. A pipefitter might have worked at a Cleveland steel mill, an Akron rubber plant, and a Toledo auto factory over 30 years. This multi-site exposure history connects patients to multiple asbestos trust funds and defendants, increasing the total compensation available. For Cleveland-specific information, see our dedicated page.

Ohio's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

Ohio ranks among the top ten states for mesothelioma deaths. The state's steel industry employed hundreds of thousands of workers across multiple cities. Akron's "Big Four" rubber companies — Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire — employed tens of thousands of workers in facilities where asbestos was ubiquitous. Toledo's auto plants, Cincinnati's chemical facilities, and Columbus's manufacturing operations added additional exposure sites. If you worked at any Ohio steel mill, rubber factory, auto plant, or industrial facility, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Ohio

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

Steel Mills

Ohio's steel industry — concentrated in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Canton — used asbestos in furnace linings, ladle linings, pipe insulation, rolling mill equipment, and protective clothing. Steel production generates extreme temperatures, and asbestos was the standard thermal protection material throughout the industry. Workers who operated, maintained, and repaired steelmaking equipment faced heavy, sustained asbestos exposure.

Republic Steel (Cleveland/Youngstown) — Major integrated steel producer; asbestos in blast furnace linings, hot strip mills, pipe insulation, and building materials across multiple Ohio plants
LTV Steel / Jones & Laughlin (Cleveland) — Cleveland Works facility with asbestos in furnace linings, pipe coverings, and processing equipment throughout the integrated mill
U.S. Steel (various Ohio locations) — Multiple operations with asbestos in steelmaking equipment, building insulation, and maintenance materials
Youngstown Sheet & Tube — Youngstown-based steel producer with asbestos in blast furnaces, rolling mills, and facility insulation
Timken Steel (Canton) — Specialty steel manufacturer with asbestos in high-temperature equipment, furnace linings, and facility insulation

Rubber & Tire Manufacturing (Akron)

Akron's rubber industry was one of the most concentrated sources of asbestos exposure in Ohio. Tire manufacturing used asbestos in curing press insulation, mixing equipment, factory steam systems, and the products themselves. The "Big Four" rubber companies dominated the city's economy and employed tens of thousands of workers over decades.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber (Akron) — The world's largest tire manufacturer headquartered in Akron; asbestos in curing equipment insulation, boiler rooms, factory buildings, and brake lining/clutch facing production
Firestone Tire & Rubber (Akron) — Major tire producer with asbestos in rubber curing equipment, factory insulation, and product manufacturing lines
B.F. Goodrich (Akron) — Rubber and chemical manufacturer; asbestos in factory equipment insulation, boiler systems, and chemical processing facilities
General Tire (Akron) — Tire manufacturing with asbestos in curing presses, factory insulation, and building materials

Auto Manufacturing

Ohio's auto manufacturing industry, centered in Toledo but extending across the state, used asbestos in production equipment, facility insulation, brake and clutch component manufacturing, and building materials.

Jeep / Willys-Overland / Toledo Assembly (Toledo) — Auto manufacturing with asbestos in production line equipment, brake component manufacturing, facility insulation, and building materials
General Motors plants (various Ohio locations) — Multiple facilities with asbestos in manufacturing equipment, brake production, and facility insulation
Ford plants (Ohio locations) — Auto and component manufacturing with asbestos in equipment and building materials
Chrysler / Dana Incorporated (Toledo area) — Auto parts manufacturing with asbestos in gaskets, friction products, and facility insulation

Power Plants & Chemical Facilities

Ohio's power plants and chemical processing facilities used asbestos in boilers, turbines, pipe systems, and process equipment. Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating, and other utilities operated generating stations built with asbestos-containing materials throughout the state.

FirstEnergy / Ohio Edison plants — Multiple coal-fired generating stations across Ohio with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbines, and piping
Cleveland Electric Illuminating — Power plants serving the Cleveland area with asbestos in generating equipment and facility insulation
Chemical plants (various locations) — Including operations in Cincinnati, Columbus, and along the Ohio River corridor with asbestos in process equipment and facility construction

Exposure Source	Type of Facility	Asbestos Uses	Peak Exposure Era
Republic Steel	Steel Manufacturing	Furnace linings, pipe insulation, building materials	1940s–1980s
Goodyear (Akron)	Rubber/Tire Manufacturing	Curing press insulation, boiler rooms, brake linings	1940s–1980s
Firestone (Akron)	Rubber/Tire Manufacturing	Curing equipment, factory insulation, product lines	1940s–1980s
Jeep (Toledo)	Auto Manufacturing	Production equipment, brake components, insulation	1940s–1980s
LTV Steel (Cleveland)	Steel Manufacturing	Furnace linings, pipe coverings, equipment	1940s–1980s
B.F. Goodrich (Akron)	Rubber/Chemical	Equipment insulation, boilers, chemical processing	1940s–1980s
Youngstown Sheet & Tube	Steel Manufacturing	Blast furnaces, rolling mills, facility insulation	1940s–1970s
Ohio Edison Plants	Power Generation	Boiler insulation, turbines, piping	1940s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of additional manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings across Ohio used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any Ohio steel mill, rubber factory, auto plant, or industrial facility before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Ohio exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Ohio Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Ohio 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 an Ohio facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Steelworkers & Furnace Workers

Steelworkers in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Canton operated and maintained blast furnaces, open hearth furnaces, and electric arc furnaces lined with asbestos-containing refractory materials. Furnace liners, ladle liners, and heat shields used asbestos for thermal protection. Workers who repaired furnace linings worked in direct contact with crumbling asbestos materials. Laborers, cranemen, and maintenance crews were all exposed to asbestos fibers in the intense heat of steel production environments.

Rubber & Tire Workers

Workers at Akron's tire factories — Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire — were exposed to asbestos from multiple sources. Tire builders operated curing presses insulated with asbestos. Rubber compound mixers worked with materials that sometimes included asbestos fibers. Maintenance workers repaired asbestos-insulated boilers, steam lines, and factory equipment. Even office workers in older factory buildings were exposed to deteriorating asbestos in walls, ceilings, and floor tiles.

Auto Workers

Auto manufacturing workers at Toledo's Jeep plant and GM, Ford, and Chrysler facilities across Ohio were exposed to asbestos in brake lining and clutch facing production, factory equipment insulation, and building materials. Assembly line workers, parts fabricators, and maintenance crews all encountered asbestos-containing materials. Workers who manufactured brake pads and clutch facings handled raw asbestos as a component in friction products.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers at Ohio's steel mills, power plants, and industrial facilities installed and maintained piping systems and boilers insulated with asbestos. During turnaround maintenance, these tradespeople removed old asbestos insulation in confined spaces, creating intense fiber concentrations. Every Ohio industrial facility that used steam, high-pressure piping, or boilers relied on asbestos insulation that pipefitters handled daily.

Electricians & Maintenance Workers

Electricians in Ohio's factories ran wiring through walls and equipment spaces insulated with asbestos materials. General maintenance workers performed repairs that frequently disturbed asbestos in walls, ceilings, pipe coverings, and equipment housings. In older Ohio factories, routine maintenance was virtually synonymous with asbestos disturbance because the material was everywhere.

Power Plant Workers

Operators, mechanics, and maintenance workers at Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric, and other power plants worked surrounded by asbestos-insulated boilers, turbines, and piping. Coal-fired power plants used asbestos extensively in high-temperature equipment insulation. During equipment shutdowns and overhauls, maintenance crews disturbed deteriorating asbestos insulation, releasing concentrated fiber levels into the breathing zone.

Documenting Your Ohio Work History

If you held any of these positions at an Ohio 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. For Cleveland-specific exposure information, see our dedicated page.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Ohio

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. Ohio's heavy industrial exposure profile produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis that reflect the types and duration of asbestos contact that steel, rubber, and manufacturing 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 Ohio 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. Ohio steelworkers, rubber factory workers, and auto plant employees who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years are at the highest risk. 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 an Ohio steel mill, rubber factory, or industrial facility and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. The Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center provide specialized cancer care. 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, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Ohio patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Ohio

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Ohio have access to some of the nation’s leading cancer treatment facilities. These centers offer specialized thoracic oncology programs, access to clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care teams experienced in treating asbestos-related cancers. Early evaluation at a specialized center can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, OH

Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute is nationally ranked in cancer care and has a thoracic surgery department experienced in mesothelioma treatment.

Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center

Columbus, OH NCI-Designated Cancer Center

Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center offering advanced treatment for thoracic malignancies including mesothelioma.

Case Western / University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center

Cleveland, OH NCI-Designated Cancer Center

Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

Seidman Cancer Center is an NCI-designated cancer center affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, providing specialized thoracic oncology care.

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.

Ohio Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Ohio has a significant veteran population, and many of these veterans carry asbestos exposure histories from military service as well as post-service industrial employment. The state hosts military installations that used asbestos in base construction, and Ohio's industrial economy absorbed many veterans into the steel, rubber, and auto industries after their military service.

Military Installations in Ohio

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton is one of the largest and most important Air Force installations in the country, serving as the headquarters for Air Force Materiel Command. Base buildings, research facilities, hangars, and maintenance shops constructed from the 1940s through the 1970s used asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, and building materials. The former Defense Supply Center Columbus (now Defense Logistics Agency) and other military facilities across Ohio similarly used asbestos.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Industrial Work

A pattern common in Ohio mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took jobs in the state's steel mills, rubber factories, or auto plants after their discharge. This dual exposure pattern created decades of cumulative asbestos contact spanning both military and civilian careers, significantly increasing mesothelioma risk.

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 Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against trust funds of companies whose products were used in both military and Ohio industrial 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 Ohio veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously, maximizing total recovery while ensuring no filing deadlines are missed. Ohio's 2-year statute of limitations makes prompt action especially important.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Ohio

Asbestos exposure in Ohio did not stop at the mill gate, the factory door, or the plant fence. For decades, workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families. This pattern, known as secondary or take-home exposure, has been documented extensively across Ohio's industrial communities — from the steel towns of northeast Ohio to the rubber factory neighborhoods of Akron to the auto manufacturing districts of Toledo.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Ohio steelworkers, rubber factory employees, and auto plant workers typically arrived home covered in industrial dust that included asbestos fibers. Before the dangers were widely understood, spouses shook out, brushed off, and laundered contaminated work clothes, releasing asbestos fibers into the household air. Children who greeted parents at the door or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In Ohio's industrial cities, where entire neighborhoods were built around factory employment, secondary exposure was particularly widespread.

Legal Rights of Ohio Families

Ohio 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 an Ohio industrial worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have experience with Ohio secondary exposure cases and understand the specific evidence required.

Support Groups & Resources for Ohio 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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Ohio Resources

Ohio Partners for Cancer Control

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Ohio 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

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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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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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Your Mesothelioma Questions, Answered — Free Patient and Family Guide

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Free Guide: Ohio Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked in Ohio's steel mills, rubber factories, auto plants, or industrial facilities, this guide explains the legal options available to you and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Ohio steel, rubber, and auto industry exposure sites
Ohio statute of limitations and filing deadlines
Which asbestos trust funds apply to Ohio industrial cases
How to document your Ohio work history for a legal claim
Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases
Secondary exposure rights for Ohio workers' families

Steps Ohio Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. The following steps provide a clear path forward for Ohio families facing this diagnosis.

Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. Ohio is home to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation's top cancer treatment centers, as well as Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
Document your Ohio work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at steel mills, rubber factories, auto plants, power plants, or other industrial sites. Include dates, job titles, employer names, and names of coworkers who can confirm your presence.
Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact: furnace maintenance, curing press operation, pipe insulation, equipment repair, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating.
Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. The Ohio statute of limitations gives you only 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Ohio's 2-year deadline is one of the shorter windows in the nation, making prompt legal consultation essential. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard records supporting your exposure history: old tax returns, union cards, Social Security earnings statements, military records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
Understand your compensation options. Ohio mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from 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 Ohio and the entire 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.

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.

30+ Years in Practice

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Find Out What Your Ohio Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at an Ohio steel mill, rubber factory, auto plant, power plant, or 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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Nationwide Representation Our attorneys handle mesothelioma cases across all 50 states, including Ohio steel, rubber, and auto cases.

Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.

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 Ohio

Select a city below for detailed local asbestos exposure site information, Ohio-specific legal resources, and free case evaluations.

Akron

The "Rubber Capital of the World" — home to Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire. Akron's rubber and tire manufacturers used asbestos extensively in curing equipment, factory insulation, and brake lining production.

View Akron Resources

Cleveland

Cleveland was the steel capital of the Great Lakes industrial belt. Republic Steel, LTV Steel, and US Steel operated blast furnaces, coke ovens, and rolling mills insulated with asbestos throughout their facilities.

View Cleveland Resources

Toledo

Toledo's "Glass City" identity was built on industries that relied on asbestos. Owens Corning — one of the largest asbestos insulation manufacturers in U.S. history — was headquartered here, alongside Libbey-Owens-Ford glass furnaces and Jeep auto plants.

View Toledo Resources

FAQ answers reviewed by legal team: February 16, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Ohio

Why does Ohio have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Ohio's heavy industrial base — including steel production in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Canton; rubber manufacturing in Akron; auto manufacturing in Toledo; and chemical processing across the state — created widespread asbestos exposure for decades. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities across the manufacturing belt used asbestos extensively. Ohio consistently ranks among the top states for mesothelioma deaths. The 20-to-50-year latency period means these historical exposures continue to produce new diagnoses today.

Why was Akron's rubber industry linked to asbestos exposure?

Akron was known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," home to Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire. Tire manufacturing used extensive asbestos because rubber compounding and vulcanization processes generated extreme heat. Asbestos was used in curing press insulation, boiler rooms, factory steam systems, and as a component in brake linings and clutch facings. Workers who mixed rubber compounds, operated curing presses, and maintained factory equipment were exposed to asbestos fibers throughout their careers.

Can Ohio steel workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Ohio steel workers who were exposed to asbestos in steel mills and later diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims (over $30 billion available nationally), and workers' compensation. Steel mills in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Canton used asbestos in furnace linings, pipe insulation, and protective equipment. Multiple trust funds may apply. For Cleveland-specific information, see our dedicated page.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Ohio?

Ohio allows 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Ohio's 2-year deadline is shorter than many states, making prompt legal consultation essential. Ohio applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when the disease is diagnosed, not when the asbestos exposure occurred. Do not delay — contact an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Do Ohio veterans qualify for additional mesothelioma benefits?

Yes. Veterans who served at Wright-Patterson AFB or other Ohio military installations and were exposed to asbestos may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare (including at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center), and special monthly compensation — in addition to civil lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Many Ohio veterans experienced dual exposure: military service followed by employment in the state's steel, rubber, or auto industries. Our attorneys help veterans pursue all available compensation simultaneously.

Can family members of Ohio workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. Ohio steelworkers, rubber factory employees, and auto plant workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing spouses and children. In Ohio's industrial cities, where many families depended on factory employment, secondary exposure was particularly widespread. Ohio courts recognize these claims, and compensation is available through lawsuits, trust funds, and settlements.

This page was last reviewed and updated on February 16, 2026 by the legal team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

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If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at an Ohio steel mill, rubber factory, auto plant, or industrial facility, do not wait. Ohio's statute of limitations is only 2 years from diagnosis. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Ohio

Why does Ohio have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Why was Akron's rubber industry linked to asbestos exposure?

Can Ohio steel workers file mesothelioma claims?

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Ohio?

Do Ohio veterans qualify for additional mesothelioma benefits?

Can family members of Ohio workers file mesothelioma claims?

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