If you have developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after exposure to asbestos, you should speak to a Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer right away. Asbestos exposure has become a problem in many places, with Minnesota being no exception. The statute of limitations in Minnesota is three years, and the statute for wrongful death is two years, so you will want to start the process of filing a claim as soon as possible. When you first contact your lawyer, they will explain your legal rights and what type of compensation you may be able to receive, after a free case evaluation. Having an experienced lawyer is to your advantage, as you will need all the help you can get every step of the process. Do not lose hope, because you can be on your way to winning a settlement. Also, you may affect future legislation on mesothelioma and asbestos cases.
The state of Minnesota has had many deaths from malignant mesothelioma, and in fact, it ranks 14th out of all the United States for such deaths. This risk seems to be due in part to the fact that 163,401 tons of asbestos contaminated vermiculite was brought from Libby, Montana to many cities/towns in Minnesota from 1948 to 1993. Minneapolis had the most asbestosis shipped in, to four different plants. Unfortunately, one large case against the Colonial Sugar Refining Co., Inc., an Australian company, was appealed by CSR and then later dismissed. This case had 187 plaintiffs named within Minnesota. This seems to be a trend throughout the U.S., although many cases have ended with decisions that were pro-plaintiff.
Between 1950 and 1970, most of Minnesotans worked in asbestos industries. These industries would include shipyards, the automotive industry, and paper mills, among others. While directly handling products with asbestos in them in the workplace led to much of the asbestos exposure, it also is contained in building materials in work sites, facilities, in homes, and in other buildings. Its role as good insulation for pipes and fire doors makes it present in many more places than you would think.
Mesothelioma does not have a good prognosis, as it is a fatal disease. There is no known cure to date, and symptoms usually do not show up for some time after the initial exposure to asbestos. Other asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, generally have a greater outlook for survival and a person’s health may be maintained. There are treatments for mesothelioma, if only to keep the person from being in much pain or discomfort. Many more treatment centers and doctors focusing on asbestos-related cancers and diseases are out there now. These doctors are specialized in thoracic cancer and oncology among other areas.
It is a complicated process to mount a mesothelioma lawsuit. You need to have good representation, so your best bet is to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer Minnesota today. They can help you along the process, from telling you your legal rights, to explaining about compensation, and give you a free evaluation. Make sure that you do not delay, because of the three year statute of limitations. If you are a family member of someone who is deceased from mesothelioma an another asbestos-related disease, you can also file a mesothelioma claim.
