Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers
Those affected by asbestos in Minnesota have a right to file a legal claim for compensation. An experienced Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer can help patients and their families navigate the legal process after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire Edited By Walter Pacheco Legally Reviewed By Samuel Meirowitz
Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
- Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
- Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Testimonials
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article
APA
Lahav, J. (2023, August 7). Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers. Asbestos.com. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/minnesota/
MLA
Lahav, Joe. "Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers." Asbestos.com, 7 Aug 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/minnesota/.
Chicago
Lahav, Joe. "Minnesota Mesothelioma Lawyers." Asbestos.com. Last modified August 7, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/minnesota/.
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.
- Highest Verdict: In 2008, a Minnesota jury ordered John Crane to pay a portion of a $4.6 million verdict to mesothelioma patient Dennis Newinski.
- Average Verdict: The average mesothelioma trial verdict payout is between $5 million and $11.4 million.
- Number of Claims Filed: Between 1999 and 2018, the latest data available, 1,364 people in Minnesota had mesothelioma and were potentially eligible to file for compensation.
- Ranking in Mesothelioma Deaths: Between 1999 and 2018, the most recent data available shows that 1,222 people in Minnesota died from mesothelioma.
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.
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.
- $8.5 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
- $8.9 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
- $200 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
- $500 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a “Hall of Fame” law firm by The Legal 500
- $7 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a National Tier 1 Firm by U.S. News & World Report in 2022
- $600 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- 30+ Years Experience
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 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.
- $4.6 Million: Plaintiff Dennis Newinski was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007. He filed a claim against John Crane, A.W. Chesterton Co. and Garlock Sealing Technologies Inc. Chesterton and Garlock settled with Newinski before trial. After a 10-day trial in 2008, a Minnesota jury awarded $4.6 million to Newinski. John Crane was held responsible for approximately $3.7 million of the verdict.
- $4.5 Million: A Minnesota jury awarded $4.5 million in 2014 to Neil Humphreys, who developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure he endured working at a power plant. Humphreys installed Kaylo asbestos pipe covering made by Owens-Illinois during the construction of the Taconite Harbor power plant in 1957.
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.
Get Compensation You Deserve
Get Your Free Mesothelioma Legal Guide
Watch Our Free Mesothelioma Webinars
