Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers

How to File a Legal Claim in Minnesota

Most people affected by asbestos in Minnesota are workers who developed mesothelioma because of corporate negligence. A Minnesota mesothelioma attorney can help file a claim for compensation, which may be used for medical expenses and other financial concerns.

Residents of St. Paul and Minneapolis account for many of the asbestos-related deaths in Minnesota. Patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit with a Minnesota mesothelioma attorney. Surviving family members of someone who has died from an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Hundreds of asbestos lawsuits have been filed by former Minnesota workers and their families against the Conwed Co. It used asbestos to make Lo-Tone mineral board and ceiling tiles at a plant in Cloquet, Minnesota, from 1959 to 1974. Conwed has quietly settled most of the claims outside of court.

A qualified Minnesota mesothelioma attorney has the expertise to secure the highest possible compensation for your claim. They have the experience to evaluate your case, determine the best jurisdiction in which to file your claim and work with you through every step of the legal process.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Minnesota

Job sites in Minnesota at risk for asbestos exposure include mining operations, processing plants, power plants, oil refineries and military operations. Asbestos was used for insulation in these high-temperature environments. When damaged, asbestos products can release fibers into the air. Exposure to these fibers can cause life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System shows that asbestos exposure is causing higher rates of mesothelioma for miners. Mesothelioma incidence in northeastern Minnesota was 70% higher than the average population. This rural portion of Minnesota, known as the Iron Range, has four taconite iron deposits.

Naturally occurring asbestos is found in two locations in Minnesota. Itasca and St. Louis counties contain one deposit, and Aurora harbors the second deposit. These deposits contain amosite and crocidolite asbestos. 

Departments Overseeing Minnesota Asbestos Laws

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.

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

Asbestos Law Firms Practicing in 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 to discuss your case. Their experience and network of expert attorneys help them win asbestos cases in every state. Nationwide mesothelioma law firms have the most experience and resources to hold asbestos manufacturers liable in court.

Asbestos Verdicts Awarded in Minnesota Courts

Asbestos lawsuits have been filed in Minnesota for decades, many involving notable asbestos product manufacturers like Garlock Sealing Technologies, Owen-Illinois Inc., General Electric Company and Rapid American Corporation. Each of these companies have been listed in more than a dozen cases in the state.

In April 2021, a Minnesota newspaper reported 39 mesothelioma lawsuits had been filed against Conwed Co., which used asbestos to manufacture mineral board and ceiling tile products. The company’s factory in Cloquet, Minnesota, used asbestos from 1958 to 1974. An estimated 6,000 employees were exposed during those years.

Asbestos Litigation and Regulations in Minnesota

Minnesota mesothelioma lawsuits involve claims of negligence and strict liability against asbestos companies for the manufacture, sale or use of asbestos. 

Minnesota gives plaintiffs more time than most states to file claims of negligence and liability. Minnesota Statute 541.05 gives plaintiffs six years to file a negligence claim and four years to file a strict liability claim. Most states offer two years to file these claims.

The state also follows the “discovery rule” that’s common in asbestos cases, which means the statute of limitations to file a claim begins when a plaintiff is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

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