Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyers

Asbestos disease victims may have other options when filing for compensation. For example, some people may be able to submit asbestos trust fund claims. Asbestos companies set up trust funds as part of bankruptcy proceedings. This allows present and future victims to receive compensation for their injuries.

Mesothelioma lawyers help clients determine the best options for each unique situation. They can gather necessary information and file lawsuits for their clients.

Did You Know?

The statutes of limitations in the state you now live may not be applicable to your case. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can determine the best state in which to file your case and what the deadline to file will be.

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Filing VA Claims in Wisconsin

Veterans have faced high rates of asbestos exposure during their service because the mineral was used frequently on bases and in equipment. Veterans make up 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

As of 2021, more than 300,000 veterans were living in Wisconsin. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible to receive benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These veterans may access VA benefits regardless of whether they were stationed in Wisconsin.

03. Wisconsin Settlements & Verdicts

Mesothelioma Settlements in Wisconsin

Victims have received millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation from lawsuits in Wisconsin. This compensation comes from settlements and verdicts. Settlements are legal agreements between victims and companies to end lawsuits. They are typically private arrangements, and specific details are often confidential.

Many lawsuits filed in Wisconsin have resulted in compensation from mesothelioma settlements. This compensation can help ease the burden of medical bills, lost income and other financial challenges.

Based on available data, the average mesothelioma settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. Individual Wisconsin settlements may meet or exceed the average amount. For example, an electrician received about $3.5 million from a Wisconsin mesothelioma settlement.

For reference, below are some examples of Wisconsin asbestos settlements:

• $7.6 million for a 76-year-old union pipefitter
• $4.7 million for a 65-year-old Navy veteran and auto mechanics teacher
• $4.2 million for a 67-year-old Navy veteran, electrician and home mechanic
• $3.6 million for a 56-year-old Navy veteran and auto mechanic
• $3.5 million for a 54-year-old plant worker
• $3.4 million for a 61-year-old plumber and home renovator
• $3.1 million for a 77-year-old household worker and mechanic
• $2.8 million for a 68-year-old Army veteran and sheet metal worker
• $2.7 million for a 73-year-old union steamfitter
• $2.5 million for a 71-year-old Navy veteran and brake pad manufacturing employee

Mesothelioma Verdicts in Wisconsin

Mesothelioma lawsuits may result in compensation from verdicts. A jury or judge awards these for cases resolved at trial. Verdicts not only provide financial relief for victims, but they can also serve as punitive measures against companies. The average mesothelioma trial verdict award is about $2.4 million. But several Wisconsin verdicts have been notably higher.

• In 2021, a wrongful death mesothelioma lawsuit resulted in a $26.5 million verdict for a patient’s family. The patient experienced asbestos exposure for years while working as a steamfitter.
• In 2023, a deceased victim’s family and estate were awarded $9.7 million in a mesothelioma case. The victim experienced secondary asbestos exposure from her stepfather’s work as a sheet metal mechanic.

Mesothelioma lawyers can handle the full litigation process for lawsuits. This includes negotiating settlements or arguing cases in court. These dedicated attorneys are committed to pursuing the best possible financial outcome for their clients.

_{Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.}

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04. Asbestos Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Asbestos Laws & Regulations

Wisconsin follows federal asbestos regulations while enforcing its own state laws and guidelines. The state has laws regarding certification requirements for proper asbestos removal and handling, testing fees, indoor air quality rules and management of asbestos in schools and other buildings. The laws also outline penalties for violating any of these regulations.

In a notable example, a Wisconsin district attorney fined Grede LLC $200,000. The company pleaded guilty to criminal violations of the Clean Air Act. This included failing to adequately protect workers from exposure to asbestos insulation. Grede LLC also agreed to pay the affected workers more than $340,000.

Several Wisconsin agencies oversee the state’s asbestos laws. For example, the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Asbestos Program oversees the certification of asbestos workers. Other departments that oversee asbestos laws include:

• Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Air Management Program: This program enforces asbestos regulations for demolition and renovation activities. It involves various steps for approved asbestos inspection, handling, removal and disposal.
• Department of Safety and Professional Services’ (DSPS) Division of Industry Services: This division establishes and enforces occupational safety and health standards for public sector employees. This includes handling claims of workplace injury or illness for these employees.

Only licensed contractors can work on asbestos projects in Wisconsin. They are trained according to the state’s specific guidelines for these tasks.

Wisconsin Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation

Wisconsin has several laws that may affect asbestos litigation. These laws include the statute of repose, the two-disease rule and Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation law.

• Statute of repose: This statute sets a filing window. The statute of repose applies to workplace asbestos exposures that meet certain criteria. This exposure event, as opposed to a mesothelioma diagnosis, marks the opening of the filing window.
• Two-disease rule: Patients who are diagnosed with a non-malignant asbestos-related condition may pursue legal action. Later, they may take legal action a second time if diagnosed with a malignant disease.
• Workers’ compensation law: In instances of mesothelioma developing from workplace exposure, a Wisconsin victim’s only available legal action against their employers is workers’ compensation. But these patients may file lawsuits against companies that supplied asbestos products to their employers.

Like all states, Wisconsin’s asbestos litigation is complex. Asbestos victims can rely on experienced mesothelioma lawyers to file claims and navigate the entire legal process on their behalf. These lawyers will remove the legal burden from patients, allowing them to focus on their treatment and to spend more time with loved ones.