Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyer
Wisconsin mesothelioma cases often involve exposure to asbestos through workplaces, buildings, and other sources. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, mineral fibers composed of silicate materials. The state has a significant history of asbestos-related health issues, with high rates of mesothelioma diagnoses and deaths.
If you or a loved one has been affected, Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation. We will ensure the responsible employers, companies, or manufacturers are held liable for their negligence.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation. Let us handle your Wisconsin mesothelioma case while you focus on your recovery.
Table of Contents
Contact our Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Wisconsin Asbestos and Mesothelioma Case Statistics
Between 1999 and 2020, Wisconsin ranked seventh in the U.S. for mesothelioma mortality rates, recording 1,410 deaths due to the disease.
Additionally, the state saw 1,661 residents diagnosed with mesothelioma during that same period.
Occupational exposure is a leading cause of asbestos contact, with veterans accounting for 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Wisconsin is the 16th highest in the country for deaths related to asbestos exposure.
From 1999 to 2013, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine counties had the highest rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis deaths in the state.
Milwaukee County alone reported nearly 851 mesothelioma deaths, averaging 44 asbestos-related deaths annually from 1999 to 2017.
The Wisconsin Occupational Health Program indicates that 88% of the state’s mesothelioma deaths occur in individuals aged 60 or older.
More than 1,500 companies in Wisconsin might have exposed workers in various industries to asbestos fibers over the years, leading to cancer risks.
What is Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma?
Asbestos-related mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which embed in the lining of internal organs. The most common type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), while other forms involve the abdomen, (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).
Asbestos is found in construction materials, industrial equipment, automotive parts, and some older household items. Those at risk include workers in construction and industry, DIY renovators, family members of exposed workers, and residents near asbestos sources.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type but often include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Abnormal enlargement or mass in the scrotum
- Fluid accumulation around the testicles
- Pain or discomfort in the testicles
These symptoms can take 20 to 50 years to appear after exposure. This lengthy latency period can make early detection challenging. By the time symptoms present, the disease may already be advanced.
If you suspect mesothelioma or any other lung cancer, seek medical advice promptly. For legal assistance with a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit, consult a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos lawyer who can help you determine the fault of the responsible party and seek rightful compensation.
What are the Different Types of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops because of asbestos exposure. It has no known cure, and survival rates beyond one year are low. Four main types of Wisconsin mesothelioma can be diagnosed in workers who operate around asbestos-containing materials:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, accounting for around 70% of cases, which affects the lungs and chest. Survival rates of pleural mesothelioma may vary depending on the stage of diagnosis.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Accounts for 20% of cases and impacts the liver and spleen. Patients may benefit from surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), extending survival up to five years.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: Attacks the heart lining and is extremely rare. There are only 200 known cases, with surgical treatment extending life expectancy up to several years.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: The rarest form, with fewer than 100 documented cases. Treated patients have an average life expectancy of about two years.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consult a Wisconsin asbestos lawyer to discuss the legal process. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you seek financial compensation and justice during this challenging time.
How Can Workers Be Exposed to Asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos can have serious health consequences, including the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Workers can encounter asbestos in three primary ways:
- Occupational Exposure: This is the most common form of exposure, occurring when individuals handle asbestos-containing materials directly or work near those who do. Poorly ventilated environments increase the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Indirect or Secondhand Exposure: Family members and others may be exposed when a worker brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing.
- Environmental Exposure: Those working or residing near asbestos sites, such as mines, may encounter asbestos fibers in the air.
If you notice symptoms related to mesothelioma and have a job history that may have put you at risk, seek medical attention immediately. Consult with a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos lawyer to explore legal options against parties responsible for the exposure. Skilled Wisconsin mesothelioma attorneys can help you understand your rights and options for holding those parties accountable.
Who Could Be Held Accountable for My Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, identifying who might be liable for your exposure requires examining your work history and possible sources of exposure. Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in determining responsibility and pursuing a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit.
Common parties that can be held liable for asbestos exposure include:
- Employers or past workplaces
- Property owners where you worked
- Military branches, particularly the U.S. Navy
- Commercial establishments
- Asbestos product manufacturers
- Mining companies
- Government properties
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Wisconsin
Our Wisconsin asbestos lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys assist victims in Milwaukee and nearby regions. If you or your loved one has suffered tragic consequences of asbestos exposure, you have the following legal options and potential paths to recover damages.
You may be eligible for a personal injury mesothelioma lawsuit if you suffered negligent asbestos exposure. Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers can help identify responsible companies and file a claim on your behalf.
For wrongful death lawsuits, a Wisconsin asbestos attorney can help you pursue compensation for a loved one’s death from mesothelioma by identifying liable parties.
Asbestos trust fund claims enable victims to secure compensation from trusts established by bankrupt companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
If you encountered asbestos during military service, you might be eligible for veterans’ benefits claims to provide financial support.
What’s the Time Limit for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin asbestos lawyers can handle all aspects of your mesothelioma case, ensuring you comply with state legal deadlines. Statutes of limitations are legal deadlined that dictate when lawsuits must be filed. For personal injury cases, you must file a Wisconsin mesothelioma claim within three years of your diagnosis. For wrongful death cases, the lawsuit must be filed within three years of the individual’s death from mesothelioma.
A Wisconsin asbestos attorney guides you through these timelines, helping you file a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawsuit within the state’s statute of limitations and seek compensation for your losses.
Wisconsin Laws Impacting Asbestos Litigation
Wisconsin’s specific laws influence how and when legal claims can be filed. These laws, including the statute of repose, the two-disease rule, and workers’ compensation law, directly affect the asbestos litigation for victims. Consult Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers to understand the intricacies of the state laws regarding your case.
Statute of Repose
Wisconsin’s statute of repose establishes a specific timeframe for filing lawsuits based on workplace asbestos exposure. This filing window opens with the exposure event rather than the mesothelioma diagnosis.
Two-Disease Rule
The two-disease rule allows patients diagnosed with non-malignant asbestos-related conditions to pursue legal action and take further legal action if they later develop malignant diseases like mesothelioma.
Workers’ Compensation Law
For victims who develop mesothelioma from workplace exposure, Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation law may be the only option for legal action against employers. However, Wisconsin mesothelioma patients can still sue companies that provided asbestos products to their employers.
Given the complexity of asbestos litigation, experienced Wisconsin mesothelioma attorneys can help victims file claims and handle the legal process. By entrusting their case to professionals, patients can focus on treatment and spending time with loved ones.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuits
Mesothelioma cases often involve personal injury or wrongful death claims, but a skilled lawyer can assist you in pursuing a lawsuit to recover damages. This may include compensation for costly medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and more. Skillful attorneys bring a favorable outcome to your case and ensure you receive the recovery you deserve.
The average mesothelioma settlement comes between $1 million to $1.4 million.
In a Wisconsin mesothelioma case, a mesothelioma attorney may help you recover compensation for these damages:
- Medical expenses (diagnostic testing, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery)
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical, emotional, and psychological)
- Palliative care and medical mobility equipment
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, medical expenses)
- Loss of financial support and services
- Emotional anguish and distress
Hire an Experienced Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyer
Our Wisconsin asbestos lawyers provide personalized support for your case, beginning with a free legal consultation. We investigate your exposure sources, identify responsible parties, and handle the legal complexities of your claim or lawsuit. Our law firm aims to recover maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, we understand the pain of being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. With our guidance, you can focus on treatment and spending time with loved ones, while we fight for your rights.
Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free case review with an experienced Wisconsin mesothelioma attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients don’t pay fees until we resolve their case.