Iowa Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to File an Asbestos Claim in Iowa

You can take the first step to file an asbestos claim and speak with a mesothelioma lawyer. They’ll help you gather information about your asbestos exposure to begin the process.

To file an asbestos claim in Iowa, you’ll need to collect records of your diagnosis and your work history. Lawyers will help you organize these important documents. They’ll also know where to find records of asbestos use.

Key Facts About Filing Claims in Iowa

1. Iowa’s statute of limitations, found in Iowa Code section 614.1, sets a time limit for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. The limit is 2 years from diagnosis or death of the patient.    
2. Iowa courts consider setoffs, which are amounts that might be deducted from a settlement or verdict if you’ve also received funds from an asbestos trust fund claim. This may affect your potential compensation from a lawsuit.   
3. Iowa law permits punitive damages, but they’re capped under Iowa Code section 668A.1.
4. Iowa’s comparative fault laws, under Iowa Code section 668.3, allow for damage awards to be reduced based on the plaintiff’s own negligence.

Experienced asbestos lawyers can help Iowa residents file mesothelioma lawsuits. They understand the correct steps to take in Iowa’s complex legal processes. Top attorneys can explain how Iowa’s laws may affect your case. They work to help families get the support they need to file a claim.

Why Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Iowa?

Hiring a mesothelioma lawyer in Iowa can improve your chances of filing a successful claim. They know how the state’s specific laws affect mesothelioma lawsuits. Iowa lawyers who specialize in asbestos cases understand how to navigate the state court system. This experience can help your claim.

It’s important for your Iowa asbestos lawyer to be knowledgeable about the state’s statute of limitations. This law sets the deadline for filing a claim. A local mesothelioma lawyer will also understand how Iowa courts handle setoffs in asbestos trust fund claims. They know how to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Iowa Mesothelioma Law Firms

Iowa mesothelioma law firms can guide you through the state’s asbestos litigation process. They understand Iowa’s laws and court procedures. Local mesothelioma law firms have valuable relationships and can help you navigate the legal system. 

Working with lawyers who have a record of success in the state can benefit your claim. Their experience provides knowledge of asbestos jobsites and products that exposed residents. They gather evidence and build strong cases. 

Nationwide Asbestos Law Firms Outside Iowa

Iowa residents may also consider working with a nationwide asbestos law firm. Top  nationwide firms offer broad asbestos litigation expertise. They also have experience with diverse asbestos cases in different jurisdictions.

If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure  is based elsewhere or your exposure happened in another state, you may need to file a claim outside Iowa. According to a 2019 KCIC industry report, more than 50% of the asbestos plaintiffs in the U.S. file claims outside of the state in which they live.  

Successful Asbestos Litigation in Iowa

While large verdicts are less frequent in Iowa, mesothelioma compensation is still attainable. Many Iowa cases result in a mesothelioma settlement. These settlements provide financial relief.

Notable Iowa Asbestos Verdict Amounts 

• $6.5 million: An Iowa jury awarded the family of a worker damages in 2014 after his death from an asbestos-related disease. Weil-McLain was the only defendant remaining at trial. The company was found 25% liable.
• $2.9 million: The Iowa Supreme Court upheld damages awarded to the surviving family of someone who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. An Iowa jury had found Owens-Corning Fiberglas liable for damages. 

Mesothelioma settlements are common, providing quicker access to mesothelioma compensation. These settlements help cover medical expenses and other costs. An asbestos lawyer in Iowa can help negotiate a settlement with defendants. 

Iowa Asbestos Laws and Regulations

Iowa’s asbestos regulations integrate state laws with federal legislation. This ensures comprehensive protection. State laws and federal legislation work together to protect Iowa residents from asbestos exposure. 

Laws Governing Asbestos in Iowa

• Iowa Administrative Code 567-144: Regulates asbestos-containing materials in schools and public buildings.
• Iowa Code Chapter 88B: Governs asbestos removal and abatement projects within the state.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources enforces asbestos regulations. They help ensure compliance with state and federal standards. The Iowa Division of Labor oversees the state’s asbestos abatement licensing and permitting programs. They also enforce asbestos regulations at jobsites that aim to protect Iowa workers.

How Asbestos Exposure Happens in Iowa

Residents in Iowa faced asbestos exposure working in energy production, agricultural manufacturing, technology and food manufacturing. Limestone mining, drywall manufacturing and gypsum mining in Iowa all used asbestos products.

Iowa Sites Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Fort Dodge: This town is known for mining, manufacturing and construction. The city is home to many companies that have used asbestos in the manufacturing of their products.
• Gypsum jobsites: The gypsum industry thrives in Iowa. United States Gypsum Company, Celotex Corporation, Georgia Pacific Corporation and National Gypsum Company have gypsum operations in the state.
• Food manufacturing: Workers at Clinton Corn Processing Plant, Quaker Oats facilities and Wilson Foods Corporation meatpacking plants faced asbestos exposure.
• Power plants: Power generation plants were sources of asbestos exposure in Iowa. Asbestos was used in insulation and electrical equipment. Examples include Alliant Energy Corporation, Duane Arnold Alliant Energy and Sioux City Coal and Gas.
• Tire manufacturing: Industrial talc used in tire manufacturing often contained asbestos. Workers faced exposure at Bridgestone, Firestone and Pirelli facilities in Iowa.

The state’s manufacturing sector accounts for the largest part of Iowa’s economy. Industrial workers often remain within similar sectors throughout their careers. This increases the chances of harm from long-term asbestos exposure. 

Asbestos can also be found in older schools, homes and buildings. While use of asbestos began to be phased out in the 1980s, legacy products like flooring, insulation and other construction materials can remain. When they wear or are disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled.

Higher-Risk Industries in Iowa

Occupational exposure to asbestos was prevalent in Iowa’s industries. Workers in construction, manufacturing and power plants were at high risk. Military exposure and secondhand exposure also occurred.

Higher-Risk Jobs in Iowa

• Construction workers
• Food processing plant workers
• Gypsum workers
• Manufacturing plant workers
• Miners
• Power generation workers
• Tire plant workers

Iowa companies that used asbestos products are responsible for worker exposure. Iowa courts have held them accountable for resulting health issues. Companies that exposed Iowa workers have included Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation, MidAmerican Energy Company and Iowa Electric Light & Power Company.

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