Mesothelioma is cancer that develops in the lung or abdominal lining. Pleural mesothelioma of the lungs is the most common form of the disease.
Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos years ago. When working around asbestos, invisible fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and eventually cause cancer.
It is estimated that 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed every year. The prognosis is poor, and only approximately 5-10% of patients survive at least five years.
Mesothelioma can usually be prevented, but many Wisconsin companies used materials that contained asbestos for decades. They often knowingly exposed workers to dangerous substances and risked their lives for profits.
Wisconsin and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure in Wisconsin usually occurs at work. Wisconsin residents who did not work around asbestos regularly have a low risk of asbestos exposure.
Wisconsin ranks relatively high in the US for mesothelioma deaths, with more than 60 per year. Many of the asbestos cancer deaths in the state happen in and around Milwaukee because of the city’s metal works and paper manufacturing history. These industries often used asbestos as insulation because of its excellent fire resistance. Other cities in Wisconsin with asbestos exposure problems include Waukesha, Kenosha, Madison, and Green Bay. (asbestos.com)
Wisconsin Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos in Wisconsin happened as early as the late 19th century when several companies started to make heating appliances such as wood-burning furnaces that contained asbestos. Asbestos was used for industrial and consumer purposes as late as the 1970s in Wisconson.
Paper Mills
Georgia-Pacific and Kimberly-Clark are two major paper companies in the state. Asbestos was not always a threat to pulp mill employees, but asbestos was often used in adhesive and drying felts in the papermaking process. Drying felts needed to be changed regularly and often exposed workers to asbestos.
Other paper companies in Wisconsin that needlessly exposed workers to asbestos are Consolidated Papers in Wisconsin Rapids, International Paper Company in Fond du Lac, and Green Bay Paper and Pulp Company.
Shipbuilding
Wisconsin is bordered by two Great Lakes, and the state has several shipyards that have been in existence for more than 50 years. Shipbuilders and other employees in this state are at high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Large shipyards in Superior, Sturgeon Bay, and Marinette all have exposed to workers to asbestos over many years.
Metal Works
Ladish Company was a major metal manufacturer in Milwaukee. It used high-heat processes to cast and forge metal, and as many as 200 furnaces were needed to run at once. Many furnaces and related equipment were insulated with asbestos.
The high-heat processes caused damage to the furnaces and the insulation, so masons needed to replace the asbestos often. These labor-intensive processes exposed them to high concentrations of asbestos dust.
Energy
Power stations in Wisconsin, as in most states, used tons of asbestos to provide heat and fire insulation in their facilities. That is why many power station workers across Wisconsin have developed mesothelioma.
Some of the large power plants in Wisconsin that have had asbestos exposure problems include Madison Gas & Electric Company, Milwaukee Central Power Station, and Eastern Wisconsin Electric Company.
Wisconsin Job Sites with Asbestos Exposure
Some of the companies in Wisconsin that exposed their workers to asbestos include:
- Koos, Inc.
- R. Grace
- Western Mineral Products
- American Can Company
- Ladish Company
- Charmin
- Georgia-Pacific
- International Paper
- Scott Paper Company
- Proctor and Gamble
- Filter Materials, Inc.
- Jaeger Insulation
- J. Schwab and Sons
- Hankscraft
Wisconsin Asbestos Exposure Laws
The state operates an Asbestos Certification Program that establishes minimum standards for training and certification for companies and people that perform any asbestos abatement or asbestos management activity in Wisconsin. (DHS.Wisconsin.gov/publications).
The program ensures that people have been properly trained to work in a safe manner with asbestos. The program administrators also monitor worksites to ensure that it is only performed by licensed contractors. Finally, the program responds to complaints that are received from consumers about illegal asbestos abatement operations.
In 2016, companies in Wisconsin submitted 3,000 notices of asbestos abatement activities. Inspectors did 665 audits of asbestos activities. Most abatement projects were done safely, with only 4% of sites having rules violations.
Wisconsin Mesothelioma Attorneys
Many workers in Wisconsin’s industrial and manufacturing economy were exposed to asbestos and developed an asbestos-related disease. If you think you were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed asbestos cancer in Wisconsin, it is recommended that you speak to one of the skilled mesothelioma attorneys below.
Pasternak & Zirgibel S.C.
19601 West Bluemound Road, 2nd Floor
Brookfield, Wisconsin, 53045
(262) 785-0802
www.injurywisconsin.com
The experienced mesothelioma attorneys of Pasternak & Zirgibel have been successful in representing plaintiffs who have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis. They have handled asbestos exposure cases over the years that have resulted in more than $25 million in settlements and verdicts.
Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, #2300
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202
(800) 242-2874
www.habush.com
If you have developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure in this state, you may have the right to mesothelioma compensation from the company responsible for your exposure and suffering. The attorneys at Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. know how to fight for your rights and to stand up against large corporations that exposed their workers to asbestos.
Warshafsky Law Firm
5930 Seminole Centre Court, Suite H
Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
(608) 535-1153
www.warshafskylaw.com
Insurance companies have big financial reasons to try to minimize the compensation received by mesothelioma victims. If you have asbestos cancer, it is important to be represented by the skilled Wisconsin personal attorneys at Warshafsky Law Firm. This firm has the resources to fund your case through trial even if an appeal is needed.
Request Immediate Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, you are entitled to financial compensations without ever filing an asbestos, lung cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit. You need legal representation to get started. Mesothelioma & lung cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871 immediately.