Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to File a Claim in Minnesota

To file an asbestos claim, it’s recommended that you first talk to an experienced Minnesota asbestos attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner you will be able to obtain compensation to help with healthcare costs and related expenses.

Key Facts About Filing in Minnesota

1. All asbestos lawsuits must provide evidence identifying the specific product and its manufacturer responsible for asbestos exposure. 
2. Minnesota follows the “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations to file a claim begins when a plaintiff is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
3. If a defendant is found to be 50% or more at fault, they can be held responsible for the damages. Defendants with less than 50% fault are only liable for their share.

Minnesota does allow plaintiffs more time than most states to file negligence and liability claims. Plaintiffs have 6 years to file a negligence claim and 4 years to file a strict liability claim. Most states offer 2 years to file these claims. 

Benefits of Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Minnesota After Asbestos Exposure

Hiring a Minnesota asbestos attorney who has successfully secured compensation for clients in cases like yours affords you the benefit of their experience. Every case is unique, but the success of your claim is largely in the hands of the lawyer you hire. 

Top lawyers in Minnesota have the experience to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for your mesothelioma lawsuit. Top firms can also determine if you can also file a claim with an asbestos trust fund. 

Minnesota Mesothelioma Law Firms

Qualified Minnesota mesothelioma attorneys are knowledgeable concerning specific state laws that can affect the outcome of your case. They have secured the highest possible compensation for asbestos claims like yours. They also possess the necessary experience to evaluate the specifics of your individual case thoroughly. 

A qualified Minnesota mesothelioma attorney has the expertise to secure the highest possible compensation for your claim. They’ll work with you through every step of the legal process.

Nationwide Asbestos Law Firms Outside Minnesota

Minnesota mesothelioma lawyers with the most experience and highest verdicts work for national asbestos law firms. Mesothelioma plaintiffs and their families in Minnesota can work with these specialized firms to secure compensation.

Lawyers from national mesothelioma law firms can travel to Minnesota at their expense to discuss your case. They have vast experience and networks of experts. Nationwide mesothelioma law firms have the most experience and resources to hold asbestos manufacturers liable in court.

A national mesothelioma law firm may also consider filing your claim in another state. This could be the best course of action if your exposure happened outside of Minnesota or the company responsible for your exposure is based in another state. A skilled attorney can guide you.

Successful Asbestos Litigation in Minnesota

Asbestos lawsuits have been filed in Minnesota for decades, many involving notable asbestos product manufacturers. These include: Garlock Sealing Technologies, Owen-Illinois Inc., General Electric Company and Rapid American Corporation. 

These companies have each been listed in more than a dozen cases in the state. Several significant asbestos verdicts and settlements have been reached in Minnesota, and millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation have been secured. 

• $5 Million: A retired Minneapolis pipefitter received more than $5 million in 2021 following a lawsuit against makers of asbestos-containing equipment.
• $4.6 Million: Plaintiff Dennis Newinski filed a claim against several companies after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. A.W. Chesterton Co. and Garlock Sealing Technologies Inc. settled before trial. A Minnesota jury awarded $4.6 million in 2008. John Crane was held responsible for approximately $3.7 million of the verdict.
• $4.5 Million: A Minnesota jury awarded $4.5 million in 2014 to Neil Humphreys. He developed mesothelioma from installing Owens-Illinois’ Kaylo asbestos pipe covering during the construction of the Taconite Harbor power plant in 1957.

An example of successful litigation in Minnesota, a veteran was awarded more than $1.2 million. The former Air Force and Minnesota Air National Guard airplane and helicopter mechanic was diagnosed with mesothelioma. A retired Duluth-area railroad employee also received $1 million after exposure to asbestos while working near steam locomotives.

Every mesothelioma case is different. Settlements usually range from $1 million to $2 million. Verdicts average higher between $5 million and $20.7 million. Many factors can affect the amount of your verdict or settlement. Speak with your mesothelioma attorney to learn about factors affecting your claim.

Asbestos Regulations and Laws in Minnesota

Federal and state laws regulate the use of asbestos in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health’s asbestos unit oversees asbestos laws, regulations and abatement projects. Asbestos regulations and abatement laws are covered under Minnesota Statutes Trade Regulations, Consumer Protection and Minnesota Administrative Rules, part 4620.

Minnesota Asbestos Laws and Regulations

• Minnesota Code Statutes 326.70-326.81: Defines Minnesota asbestos abatement statutes and rules. Also known as the “Asbestos Abatement Act.”
• Minnesota Rules parts 4620.3000-4620.3724: Rules apply to anyone performing asbestos-related work in the state.

In addition to Minnesota’s state rules on asbestos, federal laws also apply to ensure safety in the workplace and public buildings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set specific federal regulations. 

How Asbestos Exposure Happens in Minnesota

Minnesota’s history of mining and manufacturing exposed many workers to asbestos on the job. Processing plants, power plants and oil refineries have all put workers at risk of asbestos exposure. The iron ore industry has played a crucial role in Minnesota’s economy for centuries. Ore mining can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. 

Sites in Minnesota Known for Asbestos Exposure

• 3M: The company has faced many asbestos lawsuits after producing several asbestos-containing products. The Fortune 500 company used asbestos fibers in its products for strength and durability. Based in St. Paul, the company continues to battle asbestos lawsuits in court.
• Conwed Corporation Plant: A Minnesota Department of Health study published as early as 1993 shows approximately 30% of former workers at the plant in Cloquet experienced lung abnormalities that were likely asbestos related. 
• Garlock Sealing Technologies: The company manufactured asbestos-lined gaskets for pipes, valves and other applications. It used asbestos in its products for several decades before filing for bankruptcy in 2010. The company created a trust fund containing $502.5 million to compensate victims.
• General Electric Company: GE created many asbestos-containing products, including electrical components and steam turbines. The company continues to handle asbestos litigation through the courts and settlement offers.
• Koch Petroleum Plants: Koch Industries has been a defendant in several asbestos-related lawsuits. Asbestos was regularly used in petroleum refineries for insulation. Spills at the Rosemount location contaminated groundwater with dangerous chemicals. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency oversees cleanup at the site.
• Monticello Nuclear Power Plant: Power plant workers were regularly exposed to asbestos since the material was widely used to insulate and fireproof machinery. 
• Rapid American Corporation: For nearly 80 years, the company mined asbestos and created asbestos-containing products. Rapid-American Corporation filed for bankruptcy in 2013 after facing hundreds of thousands of asbestos-related claims. 
• Reserve Mining Company: Studies show asbestos-like fibers from the Silver Bay plant contaminated Lake Superior, dumping waste rock into the lake every day for 25 years. Following a lawsuit, a judge forced the company to stop dumping its waste into the lake. The extent of contamination at Lake Superior hasn’t yet been completely realized.

In November 2024, a Noble County, Minnesota, library was given the green light to begin extensive renovations, including an asbestos abatement project. Asbestos in schools and older homes still poses a danger. Homeowners shouldn’t disturb these materials; instead, hire professionals for asbestos testing and abatement.

Many buildings in Minnesota contain legacy asbestos. Most structures were built with asbestos-containing materials up until the 1980s. 

Higher-Risk Industries in Minnesota

Several Minnesota occupations have an elevated risk for asbestos exposure. Examples include mining, processing plants, power plants and oil refineries. Road workers also face exposure risks when encountering asbestos-containing pipes.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Minnesota

• Construction
• Maintenance work
• Military operations
• Mining
• Oil refinery work
• Power generation
• Plumbing
• Teacher

Minnesota will hold companies responsible for secondary asbestos exposure. This can happen when people who work with asbestos carry hazardous fibers home on their clothes, hair or skin indirectly exposing another person to the material. Like primary exposure, secondary asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

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