Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the delicate membranes that coat our organs, such as the lungs, stomach, intestines, and heart. Asbestos exposure almost always causes this terrible, painful cancer. Approximately 75% of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs.
It is estimated there are 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed per year. Many workers may have been exposed to asbestos decades ago and might not even remember which company used asbestos-containing products.
Only 5-10% of patients survive five years or more after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Many patients do not know they have the disease until the later or end of stage 4 mesothelioma cancer when there are few treatment options. (Ceders-Sinai.org)
Montana and Asbestos Exposure
Most asbestos exposure occurs at work, but in Montana, there was heavy mining of asbestos in Libby and other towns. This work not only endangered the lives of workers; people who lived near the asbestos mines also were put at risk.
After making residents and workers sick, these mining companies – including Zonolite Company and W.R. Grace – shipped asbestos-containing products around the country. Countless lives were put at risk because of the asbestos mining and processing that occurred in Montana until the 1980s. (asbestos.com)
Montana Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was used as an inexpensive insulating material in many Montana industries, including mining, refining and smelting, power generation, food processing, and paper manufacturing. If you were employed in one or more of these industries in the state before 1980, you could have been exposed to asbestos.
Mining
As noted above, some of the worst asbestos exposure in the country occurred at Montana asbestos mines and processing centers. The vermiculite asbestos mines in Libby worked for decades sending the carcinogen to companies across the United States for insulation and other products.
Vermiculite asbestos is exceptionally hazardous and hundreds of thousands of people around the country were probably exposed to asbestos as a result of the work at the Libby, Montana mines.
In 1999, the EPA started a cleanup of the mines in Libby, which lasted 15 years. Other mines in Montana have put workers and their families at risk too, including the United Sierra Division of the Cyprus Mines Corporation, the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Stillwater Mining Company, and the National Mining and Exploring Company.
Oil Refineries
Montana has several oil refineries where asbestos insulation was used in piping. Also, most of the protective gear worn by workers in oil refineries contained asbestos for years. Some of the oil refineries that negligently exposed workers to asbestos include Conoco Oil Refinery, American Smelting & Refining, Farmer’s Union Co-Op Oil, and the Laurel Oil and Refining Company.
Power Generation
There are at least six power plants in the state that have exposed workers to asbestos. Some of the worst offenders in Montana are Montana Power & Light Company, the Montana Powerhouse, and the Helena Power Transmission Company.
Sugar
Asbestos is often used in the sugar refining process; filters made from asbestos were used when other, less dangerous materials were found not to work well. The agricultural industry in the state is heavily reliant on sugar beet crops, and sugar processing facilities in Montana have asbestos problems.
Some of them are Holly Sugar Corporation, Great Western Sugar Company, and Billings Sugar Company.
Paper and Lumber
Montana has a large logging and paper industry with many paper mills and sawmills located there. Some of these companies that put their employees in danger with asbestos exposure are C&C Plywood Corporation, Cascades Plywood Company, Dupuis Lumber Company, and Broeder Lumber Company.
Montana Job Sites with Asbestos Exposure
Some of the companies in Montana that have been confirmed to have asbestos contamination problems are:
- R Grace & Company
- Regis Paper Company
- Stillwater Mining Company
- ASARCO Lead Smelter
- Anaconda Copper Mining Company
- General Mills
- Montana Power Company
- Victor Chemical Works
- Texaco oil refinery
- Billings Sugar Company
Montana Asbestos Exposure Laws
Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality administers the regulatory requirements from parts of the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and Montana Administrative Rules pertaining to building rehabilitations and demolition, asbestos disposal and related activities. (DEQ.MT.gov)
State law defines an asbestos-containing material as anything that has more than one percent asbestos. If an activity that involves asbestos contains materials that are more than 10 square feet, 3 linear feet, or 3 cubic feet, the operator or owner of the project or facility must use an authorized asbestos contractor.
Montana Mesothelioma Attorneys
Many workers in Montana’s industrial, manufacturing, and mining companies were exposed to asbestos over the years. Some will develop mesothelioma. If that has happened to you, please discuss your case with one of the Montana personal injury attorneys below.
McGarvey Heberling Sullivan & Lacy
345 First Avenue East
Kalispell, Montana, 59901
(800) 406-7544
www.mcgarveylaw.com
This Northwest Montana top mesothelioma law firm has years of experience representing people suffering from exposure to dangerous materials, such as asbestos. They have particular expertise working with plaintiffs who were exposed to asbestos at the Libby, Montana mines.
Kovacich Snipes Johnson Trial Lawyers
21 3rd Street North, Suite 301
Great Falls, Montana, 59401
(406) 761-5595
www.mttraillawyers.com
This Great Falls, Montana law firm has impressive results for clients who were exposed to asbestos by negligent companies. It is important to work with a local mesothelioma attorney in Montana that understands the laws of the state. Some out-of-state attorneys may not be as familiar with the many paths of mesothelioma financial compensation available in Montana.
Request Immediate Montana 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.
