Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers in Tacoma, WA

A mesothelioma diagnosis has wide-ranging implications for your health and financial future. Caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was most likely a contributing factor in causing the cancer. And you are entitled to justice in the form of compensation from the companies that are responsible for the asbestos exposure. A Tacoma mesothelioma lawyer at Oslund Udo Little can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Written by:

Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: January 20, 2026

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Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving Tacoma, Washington

Oslund Udo Little Has Recovered Millions in Settlements for Victims of Asbestos Exposure in Tacoma, Washington

Why Should I File A Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

How Do I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Tacoma, Washington?

What Should I Ask My Mesothelioma Lawyer During a Consultation?

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Mesothelioma Claim?

Who is at Risk for Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Pierce County, WA?

What Are Some Known Asbestos Exposure Sites in Tacoma, Washington?

Our Tacoma, Washington, Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers Can Help

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Those who have developed mesothelioma or another illness from asbestos exposure may be entitled to economic, non-economic, and, in some rare cases, punitive damages from those responsible for their exposure.
Tacoma paper mills, shipyards, refineries, smelters, and chemical plants are among the region’s common asbestos exposure sites.
Oslund Udo Little is the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm, serving Tacoma and Pierce County families since 1995.
The firm handles all types of mesothelioma claims, including personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death cases, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefit claims.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, Oslund Udo Little is here to help. Learn about your mesothelioma compensation options, file a claim today, and speak directly with an experienced attorney who will guide you through every step of the process. Call (206) 957-9510 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving Tacoma, Washington

Serving Tacoma, Washington, Oslund Udo Little—formerly known as Bergman Oslund Udo Little—has a dedicated team of experienced lawyers and staff who focus on mesothelioma and asbestos-exposure cases. Over the years, we’ve represented hundreds of clients in mesothelioma claims and lawsuits, recovering over $1 billion in compensation. Our Tacoma, Washington, mesothelioma attorneys have deep community ties—most of us grew up and attended school in Washington, and our attorneys are members of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. We’ve practiced here since 1995 and are a staple in local courtrooms. 

We’re proud of the service we’ve provided to our clients who live in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County, including Federal Way, Auburn, Graham, Lakewood, and Puyallup.  When our attorneys take on a mesothelioma case, we devote our full attention to ensuring that our clients receive five-star treatment and support throughout their entire claims. As a firm with a narrow focus, we have the resources to deliver personalized and specialized attention to everyone who enters our doors.

Our Award-Winning Mesothelioma Law Firm

We are nationally recognized attorneys who have earned prestigious honors, including recognition from Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers.

Our Tacoma asbestos lawyers understand the emotional and physical toll a mesothelioma diagnosis has on victims and their families, and we provide empathetic and compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Oslund Udo Little Has Recovered Millions in Settlements for Victims of Asbestos Exposure in Tacoma, Washington

When our Tacoma mesothelioma lawyers take on a new claim, we fight to get the maximum compensation available. We have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including many Tacoma-area residents. Some of our top case results include:

$11.2 million verdict for a laborer at Zidell Dismantling in the Port Industrial Yard of Tacoma, exposed to asbestos-containing insulation removed during the dismantling of former Navy ships
$6.3 million for a worker at the Atlas Foundry in Tacoma, Washington, who was exposed to asbestos-containing insulation materials used in metal molds and talc products
$4.6 million for an electrician who worked at the St. Regis Paper Mill in Tacoma 
Over $8 million in settlements for a Tacoma pipefitter who was a longtime member of the UA Local 82 Pipefitters’ union and worked at shipyards, refineries, and paper mills in Tacoma and throughout Southwest Washington.

Why Should I File A Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Many of our clients have never filed a lawsuit and are unsure how to pursue damages. Since mesothelioma has such a long latency period—often 20 to 50 years or more—it may be challenging to identify where asbestos exposure occurred and who is responsible. Fortunately, the law acknowledges the challenges in assigning responsibility and offers multiple avenues for compensating mesothelioma victims. 

It’s essential to consult with a lawyer quickly following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Washington has a three-year statute of limitations for mesothelioma personal injury and wrongful death claims. The statute begins when you first receive a diagnosis. You could be barred from recovering compensation if you don’t file suit before the statute of limitations expires.

Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Our Tacoma mesothelioma lawyers will evaluate your case and guide you through your options, which may include the following:

Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuits: If we can trace your asbestos exposure to a specific source, such as a worksite or product, we can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for your exposure. A lawsuit allows you to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other types of compensation. 
Asbestos trust funds: As claims mounted against asbestos-product manufacturers, many sought bankruptcy protection. However, courts required them to establish trust funds for future mesothelioma victims as part of the bankruptcy process. Billions of dollars are still available in these trusts for eligible claimants. 
Mesothelioma VA claims: Military veterans are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma since all branches used asbestos in varying capacities. The VA provides disability compensation for veterans with service-connected mesothelioma. You may also qualify for other benefits, including a pension and free health care.
Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit: If you’re the surviving family member of a loved one who has died from mesothelioma, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf against the responsible parties. A wrongful death lawsuit provides financial damages, including coverage for funeral and burial expenses, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

How Do I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Tacoma, Washington?

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, understanding how to file a mesothelioma claim can feel overwhelming. At Oslund Udo Little, our attorneys make the process straightforward, guiding you with compassion through the following steps:

Step 1: Consult a mesothelioma attorney at Oslund Udo Little.
Step 2: Compile and document your asbestos-exposure history.
Step 3: File Your mesothelioma claim.
Step 4: Negotiate for a fair mesothelioma settlement
Step 5: Take your case to court, if necessary

What Should I Ask My Mesothelioma Lawyer During a Consultation?

Before choosing a mesothelioma attorney, it’s important to understand their experience, process, and how they’ll support you during your case. Knowing what questions to ask your lawyer can help you feel confident that your case is in capable hands. Here are some helpful questions to guide your conversation:

Are the attorneys licensed to practice law in Washington state?
Do you have experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos litigation?
How long have you been handling mesothelioma cases?
What results have you achieved for past clients?
What are the attorneys’ fees and how are costs handled?
Have they worked with the local doctors and treatment centers?
How will you investigate my asbestos-exposure history?
How are you compensated, and will I incur any upfront costs?
Will I need to travel or appear in court?
Do you also handle asbestos trust fund claims?
What kind of communication and updates can I expect to receive?

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Mesothelioma Claim?

There are several types of damages that mesothelioma victims and their families may be entitled to recover, depending on how asbestos exposure has affected their lives.

Recoverable damages include the following:

Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium or companionship
Punitive damages in cases involving willful misconduct in other states

Who is at Risk for Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Pierce County, WA?

Occupational asbestos exposure occurs when workers breathe in or come into contact with asbestos fibers while performing their job duties. These risk factors are more prevalent among workers in industries that heavily used asbestos.

Tacoma is home to many industries that use asbestos at job sites, in manufacturing, and industrial applications. Many residents associate Tacoma with the paper industry, and nearby plants produce a smell known as the “Tacoma Aroma.” Those paper mills use asbestos in various machinery and other tools, and people who work in them may be at increased risk of developing mesothelioma. However, many other workers are also at risk. Tacoma and the Puget Sound have many shipyards where asbestos was prevalent.

Lumber, Pulp, and Paper Mill Workers

Tacoma has several major lumber, pulp, and paper mills, including the Simpson-St. Regis Mill and Boise Cascade, which used asbestos-containing materials for equipment such as dryer felts, insulation on steam-powered machinery, and gaskets. Workers whose jobs involved handling or using tools containing asbestos may later develop mesothelioma.

Shipyard Workers

Several shipyards have called Tacoma home over the past 100 years, including Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, Tacoma Boat, Zidell, and M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. While now defunct, those shipyards employed thousands of workers to build Navy vessels, tugboats, and clippers. Tacoma shipyard workers may have also worked at nearby Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, which has an extensive history of asbestos exposures. Many of the workers suffered asbestos exposure on the job, resulting in mesothelioma in their later years.

Oil Refinery Workers

Individuals working at oil refineries, including U.S. Oil & Refining in Tacoma, risk developing mesothelioma, especially if their jobs have exposed them to asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, pipes, and gaskets.

Railroad Workers

Due to its fire and heat resistance, asbestos materials were used by many railroad companies for insulation and equipment. Railroad workers who unknowingly inhale asbestos fibers may be at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Chemical Plant Workers

Various chemical plants throughout the Tacoma and Pierce County region used asbestos in insulation materials because it is fire- and heat-resistant. Asbestos was also used in tanks, boilers, pipes, and pumps.

What Are Some Known Asbestos Exposure Sites in Tacoma, Washington?

Several Tacoma-area worksites are known sources of occupational asbestos exposure. Numerous companies throughout the area widely used asbestos-containing materials throughout the mid to late 1900s, exposing countless workers and residents to dangerous fibers that can cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases. These sites include industrial facilities, shipyards, refineries, and paper mills.

Below is a list of some known sources of asbestos exposure in Pierce County. However, even if the potential source of your asbestos exposure isn’t listed, still seek legal assistance. Oslund Udo Llittle may be able to trace your asbestos exposure to other sites across Washington.

Boise Cascade

The Boise Cascade lumber company is best known for producing wooden building materials to construct homes, decks, and other purposes. Many of its building materials and manufacturing equipment contained asbestos, especially before the 1980s.

St. Regis Paper Company:

The St. Regis Paper Company–later known as the Simpson Tacoma Kraft Mill–is the source of the “aroma of Tacoma,” a sulfurous smell created during paper and cardboard production. Equipment used in the paper production process, including talc, gaskets, and dryer felts, often contained asbestos.

Weyerhaeuser Timber Company:

The Weyerhaeuser Timber Company produces timber and wood products for home and building construction. The insulation used in boilers, electrical equipment, pipes, and ductwork frequently contained asbestos.

Zidell Dismantling Port Industrial Yard:

This shipyard built and repaired the U.S. Navy vessels in the Tacoma area. Many ships contained asbestos materials used in piping and insulation.

Smelter and Chemical Plants

Tacoma has been home to multiple large industrial sites that have shutdown, often leaving a legacy of environmental contamination and past asbestos exposures. These include the ASARCO Tacoma Aluminum Smelter and Hooker Chemical facilities, among others.

Our Tacoma, Washington, Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers Can Help

If you or someone you love has mesothelioma, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Mesothelioma has only one known cause—asbestos exposure. By tracing the source of your exposure, we can hold the responsible parties accountable and help you obtain the necessary financial assistance.

We understand that a mesothelioma claim may be the last thing you want to deal with when your health is declining. Our attorneys will guide and support you throughout the process to pursue the maximum compensation. Call Oslund Udo Little at (206) 957-9510 or complete our online intake form to speak with a Tacoma mesothelioma attorney.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?

When you choose Oslund Udo Little, you don’t have to stress about upfront costs. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees when we recover compensation for you.

What Specific Documents or Information Do I Need to Gather Before My Initial Consultation?

Bring any medical records confirming your diagnosis, employment history, military service records, and any information about where you may have been exposed to asbestos.

Are There Statutes of Limitations for Filing Mesothelioma Claims in Washington State?

Washington has strict time limits for filing mesothelioma claims. Generally, mesothelioma patients have three years from the date of their diagnosis to file a lawsuit. If a patient dies from mesothelioma, the family may an additional year after death to file suit in some instances. Acting quickly and securing representation from a Washington asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer helps protect your right to compensation.

Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure Before Becoming Ill?

You generally cannot file an asbestos exposure lawsuit before becoming ill. Legal claims require proof of an injury or illness, such as a mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis diagnosis, caused by asbestos exposure.

Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit After the Death of a Loved One?

Family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness to recover damages for funeral and burial costs, the deceased’s medical costs, lost income and support, and lost companionship.

What Should I Expect When Filing a Lawsuit for Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure?

Our attorneys investigate your asbestos exposure, gather medical and employment evidence, and handle all filings and negotiations on your behalf. Most cases are resolved through settlements, but if necessary, your legal team will take the case to trial to pursue full and fair compensation.

How Are Legal Fees Calculated if the Firm Only Charges if They Win?

If Oslund Udo Little recovers compensation for you, the firm receives a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation recovered. Therefore, you never pay out of pocket and don’t owe anything unless your case is successful.

What Is the Typical Timeline for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit or Settlement?

Most mesothelioma cases are typically resolved within six to 18 months, though timelines vary based on factors such as evidence, court schedules, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

What Is the Difference Between a Settlement and a Verdict in a Mesothelioma Case?

A settlement is an agreement reached between both parties before trial, often resulting in faster compensation. A verdict is the outcome of a trial, where a judge or jury determines fault and awards damages.