South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer

How to Find and Choose a South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer

Key factors you’ll want to consider when looking for a mesothelioma lawyer in South Dakota include their specialization in asbestos litigation, track record of securing sizeable settlements and verdicts, and access to medical experts who help link asbestos exposure to your diagnosis. Also, look for compassionate communication and clear explanations throughout your case.

Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can feel overwhelming. Rest assured that many nationwide asbestos law firms have experience handling mesothelioma claims across all 50 states and will come to you. These firms work hard to make the legal process easy so you can focus on your health. They can guide you through filing asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuits or veterans benefits, maximizing your chances for compensation and justice.

Choosing a knowledgeable and experienced mesothelioma lawyer helps protect your rights and supports your family during a difficult time. National firms stand ready to offer expert guidance and personalized support, no matter where you live.

Weitz & Luxenberg

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Simmons Hanly Conroy

• $8.9 Billion Recovered
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Compensation From Asbestos Filings in South Dakota

South Dakota has a history of large asbestos settlements for people who faced exposure. Some cases have led to millions of dollars in compensation for those diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Notable South Dakota Settlements, Verdicts or Trust Funds

• $4.85 Million: Awarded as a settlement to a laborer and welder in Huron. The settlement is among the highest in South Dakota.
• $2.52 Million: Awarded to a U.S. Army Veteran in Interior. 
• $2.3 Million: Awarded to a farmer in Volin.
• $2.26 Million: Awarded to a U.S. Army Veteran in Hot Springs.

Mesothelioma settlements in the U.S. usually range from $1 million to $2 million. Nationally, the average trial verdict for mesothelioma cases reached $20.7 million in 2024, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report. But over a longer period, the average verdict is between $5 million and $11 million. Since every case is different, you should talk to an experienced asbestos lawyer to understand your options.

How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in South Dakota

When you work with an asbestos lawyer in South Dakota, they take on most of the legal work, helping you focus on your health and family. Here’s what the process typically looks like.

Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim

1. Get a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis through medical records and pathology reports.
2. Contact an experienced asbestos lawyer as soon as possible. South Dakota has a 3-year deadline from diagnosis or loss to file a claim.
3. Your lawyer gathers evidence to prove asbestos exposure, including work history, military records and product databases.
4. The legal team identifies the best jurisdiction to file your claim, which may not be South Dakota if another venue offers advantages.
5. Your lawyer files the lawsuit, trust fund claim or VA benefits claim on your behalf, often without requiring you to appear in court.
6. You may give a recorded statement (deposition) remotely, while your lawyer negotiates settlements or prepares for trial if needed.
7. Your attorney pursues the maximum mesothelioma compensation available, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
8. The legal team ensures you receive timely payouts and continues to provide support throughout the claim process.

Most mesothelioma cases settle within 12 to 18 months, but your lawyer will thoroughly prepare if a trial is necessary. This structured approach helps you and your family obtain the financial assistance needed to cover treatment and related expenses.

File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Find out if you’re eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit with help from attorneys who specialize in these cases.

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Asbestos Exposure in South Dakota

Natural asbestos deposits exist in the western part of the state, near South Dakota’s border with Wyoming. A group of deposits lies just south of Mount Rushmore, near places like the Homestake Gold Mine, Iron Mountain and Jewell Cave National Monument. People are at risk of inhaling asbestos when the ground is disturbed and fibers become airborne.

Asbestos-containing products were also used heavily in the military, industrial facilities and construction materials for their heat resistance and strength. While they began to be phased out in the 1980s, many legacy or older asbestos products remain. And the impact of past exposure can take 20 to 60 years to appear, as mesothelioma has a particularly long latency period.

Sites in South Dakota Known for Asbestos Exposure

• Aberdeen Light and Power Company: The Aberdeen site exposed power plant workers to asbestos. The toxic mineral was widely used in power plants for insulation and other components. 
• Ellsworth Air Force Base: Asbestos was used in buildings, weapons, vehicles and housing at the base near Box Elder. Many military bases across the country had asbestos, which put service members and their families at risk of exposure. 
• Homestake Gold Mine: Some of the rock in the Lead, South Dakota mine contained asbestos. Workers also used asbestos products during construction and mining. The mine contained a type of amphibole asbestos. 

The EPA awarded $3 million to clean up asbestos and other hazards from sites in South Dakota. Asbestos remains at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, which now occupies the former Homestake Gold Mine. Asbestos has also been found in historic buildings at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, a frontier Army outpost from 1864. A former quarry lake and former landfills are also part of the efforts. Cleanup will include environmental assessments and the removal of contaminated materials.

Many older schools and other public buildings in South Dakota still have materials that contain asbestos. Older homes may also contain legacy products like asbestos flooring, insulation and cement. These materials can become dangerous through wear and tear over time or when damaged.

South Dakota’s Most Well-Known Exposure Site: Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City was built and maintained using asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, floor tiles, roofing and cement foundations. Asbestos was also used extensively in aircraft parts, such as brakes and heat shields. This widespread use exposed service members, civilian workers and their families to toxic asbestos fibers, leading to serious diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Although asbestos use has been discontinued, legacy asbestos remains in many parts of the base, continuing to pose a health risk. Jobs involving construction, maintenance or aircraft repair had the highest asbestos exposure risk, and family members of workers could also face secondary exposure from asbestos dust carried home.​

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in South Dakota

Occupations like construction, military service and firefighting have higher risks of asbestos exposure. Installing, working with or managing burning or damaged asbestos products increases the chances of breathing in asbestos fibers. Mining involved considerable risk as miners could encounter raw asbestos within the earth. 

Higher-Risk Jobs in South Dakota

• Construction workers
• First responders
• Industrial engineers
• Insulation contractors
• Mechanics
• Military personnel
• Power plant workers
• Teachers

Some people in South Dakota also developed asbestos-related diseases from secondary exposure. This happens when someone who works with asbestos brings home fibers on their clothes, skin or hair. Family members who inhale these fibers can develop health issues over time. South Dakota courts may hold companies responsible for secondhand asbestos exposure in certain cases.

How Your Lawyer Supports You in South Dakota’s Changing Asbestos Litigation

South Dakota’s asbestos litigation environment is constantly evolving, with new laws and court rulings that can affect the value and timing of your claim. Experienced lawyers stay ahead of these changes by tracking critical deadlines, ensuring evidence meets updated legal standards and adjusting case strategies accordingly.

South Dakota Legislative Changes

• Administrative Rules 74:36:08: Adopts the federal National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants concerning asbestos emissions during building demolition or renovation. These rules require proper handling, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials to minimize the release of hazardous fibers. Licensed asbestos contractors with South Dakota certification must oversee such projects, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. The rules apply to commercial, public, and multi-family residential buildings, with exemptions for most single-family homes, unless they are part of a larger project.​
• Senate Bill 138: Enacted in 2017, the bill provides specific provisions regarding asbestos bankruptcy trust claims. It establishes guidelines to ensure that plaintiffs in asbestos litigation provide sworn statements about their asbestos trust claims, increasing transparency in the litigation process and preventing double recovery from multiple asbestos bankruptcy trusts.
• South Dakota Codified Law 34-44: Governs asbestos abatement training, certification and contractor requirements. It mandates that asbestos contractors complete approved training courses, certify their workers and comply with all state and federal asbestos abatement rules. The law also allows state inspectors to enter asbestos project sites without notice to ensure compliance and requires contractors to waive certain rights related to inspection notices as a condition of certification.​

Your lawyer plays a vital role in protecting your rights by closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape. They evaluate the best jurisdiction to file your case, which can be especially important in South Dakota where filing location impacts outcomes. They make sure your claim complies with state-specific rules to avoid delays or dismissal.