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Wisconsin Asbestos Injury Lawyers
In Wisconsin, many people were exposed to asbestos through industrial, construction, and military activities, as asbestos was widely used until the 1990s. While its use has decreased significantly today, the long delay between exposure and the onset of health issues has led to a continued rise in asbestos-related diseases.
Wisconsin has a 31% higher asbestos-related death rate than the national average, with 6,815 deaths between 1999 and 2017. Of these, about 1,295 were due to mesothelioma, while around 5,180 resulted from other lung cancers. These illnesses place a significant financial burden on families, with costs from medical treatment, lost income, and ongoing care.
Pursuing compensation can offer financial relief and a sense of justice. Injury claims also help hold companies accountable, encouraging better safety practices and corporate responsibility. Reach out to our law office using the contact form. We offer free consultations.
You can find more data on the health effects of asbestos in Wisconsin on the Wisconsin DHS website.
Claiming Compensation for Asbestos Health Effects
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations in personal injury claims for asbestos-related injury is three years from diagnosis, or three years from death for wrongful death cases. There are multiple avenues to seek compensation for asbestos-related injury, including personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, trust fund claims, workers’ compensation, veterans’ benefits, and SSDI. The best approach depends on individual circumstances, the extent of exposure, and the nature of the illness.
MAXIMIZE YOUR CLAIM
Consulting with an experienced asbestos personal injury lawyer can help you determine the most appropriate and effective method for pursuing compensation. With no hourly fees or upfront costs, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation available for residents across Wisconsin who are impacted by asbestos exposure.
Let our team help you navigate the legal system to find the best option for obtaining compensation for your injury.
ASBESTOS-RELATED LAWSUITS AND SETTLEMENTS
Many asbestos-related claims are settled out of court to save on the costs and risks of going to trial. Settlements for mesothelioma cases typically range from $1 million to $2 million, while court verdicts average between $5 million and $11.4 million, though they can be even higher.
For example, a 2021 case in Milwaukee County, WI, awarded $26.5 million. Factors that affect the compensation amount include the severity of the illness, its economic impact, pain and suffering, the extent of asbestos exposure, liability, and the quality of evidence presented.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of asbestos-related personal injury claims are filed. To succeed in such cases, the key is to prove a clear link between asbestos exposure and the resulting health condition. This requires documenting the exposure history and ruling out other potential causes.
PROVING EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS
With low levels of asbestos virtually everywhere, everyone has been exposed to asbestos at some point in their life. While there is no amount of asbestos that is considered safe, it is generally those who have been exposed on a regular basis over an extended period of time who get asbestos-related diseases.
Exposure documentation, expert testimonies, and statements from credible witnesses are all key elements to proving excessive exposure to help build your case for an asbestos-related personal injury claim.
MESOTHELIOMA, ASBESTOSIS, AND OTHER CONDITIONS
There is a range of diseases associated with asbestos, with some having stronger causal relationships than others. While mesothelioma and asbestosis are diseases almost always attributable to asbestos exposure, lung cancer and other cancers have a strong but not exclusive association. Pleural conditions like pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening are also directly linked to asbestos.
Obtaining a conclusive diagnosis and ensuring that all medical records (including imaging studies, biopsy results, and pathology reports) are well-documented and accessible will be key to providing relevant proof of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, our team may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf.
WE CAN HELP
Building the strongest case possible to prove asbestos-related injury is what we do. At Pemberton PI, our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step to maximize compensation. Trust us to be your advocate and support in these challenging times.
Who is at risk of exposure?
Widespread use of asbestos products for decades across building materials, automotive parts, household appliances, and commercial and industrial products resulted in asbestos exposure taking place at home and work, including secondary or “take home” exposure from others who were in close proximity to asbestos-containing products and carry those fibers on their hair and clothing.
Although regulatory action has risen and asbestos use has fallen over time, providers are still diagnosing many new cases due to asbestos-related diseases often showing no signs or symptoms for 30 to 40 years.
ASBESTOS AT WORK
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people face exposure to asbestos, mostly in the workplace. Some studies show that up to 20% of all workers who breathe in asbestos will develop a disease from exposure. While the risk of asbestos exposure on the job was highest in the past, asbestos exposure can still occur today.
Industrial work has a long history in Wisconsin, making it a common source of asbestos exposure. This includes industries such as paper mills and automotive manufacturing, as well as the production of industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and textiles, all of which used asbestos for its heat-resistant properties.
Workers in power plants, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, insulators, pipefitters, millwrights, and laborers are frequently exposed to environments where asbestos was used. Additionally, teachers and staff in older schools with asbestos-containing materials also face risks.
ASBESTOS IN MILITARY SERVICE
The use of asbestos was widespread from the 1930s to the early 1980s in various military applications. Many military veterans have been exposed to asbestos during their service, often without their knowledge. The 1970s marked the peak of asbestos use in the military. Almost every branch of the military used asbestos in some capacity, from shipyards to aircraft to infrastructure on bases. By the mid-to-late 1970s, growing awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure began to emerge, leading to increased scrutiny and regulation.
ASBESTOS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Exposure to asbestos can also take place from environmental exposure. Factories that manufacture asbestos-containing products and asbestos mining and processing facilities can release fibers into the air, contaminating nearby areas. Demolitions or renovations of homes and older buildings can also release asbestos-containing materials into the surrounding environment.
ASBESTOS IN PRODUCTS
Many homes, schools, and public buildings constructed before the 1990s contain asbestos in insulation, roofing, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos was widely used in numerous products due to its desirable properties, such as heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing.
Unfortunately, this widespread use has led to significant exposure risks, especially when asbestos-containing products are disturbed or damaged, releasing hazardous fibers into the air.
Why Pemberton PI
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the complexities of asbestos-related injuries and the varied impact they have on victims and their families. By securing compensation, you can attain much-needed financial relief, achieve a sense of justice, and play an important role in influencing better safety practices and corporate responsibility.
