Mesothelioma is one of the worst, most aggressive cancers you can get. While only 3,000 people per year are diagnosed with this form of cancer, most victims live a year or less. The majority of asbestos cancer victims do not get diagnosed until the late stages when few treatment options are available.
Mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a highly toxic mineral that, when disturbed, puts billions of invisible asbestos shards into the air. If workers breathe in or swallow enough of the fibers over time, cancer can eventually form, sometimes 30 or 40 years later.
Nebraska and Asbestos Exposure
According to the CDC, from 1999 to 2015, 260 residents of Nebraska died from mesothelioma. The state has a mesothelioma death rate of 9 per million. Because the state is rather flat and geographically inactive, there are no known asbestos deposits in Nebraska.
The highest rate of asbestos-related diseases is in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties. (mesothelioma.com)
Nebraska Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Even though there is no natural asbestos found in Nebraska, workers here still have had to deal with mesothelioma because of high asbestos use in some industries:
Power Plants
Power plants in Nebraska, like most across the country, used asbestos heavily in their machinery and buildings because of its strong heat resistance. Since the processes in power plants can cause fire, asbestos was considered a perfect solution. Power plants such as the Hallam Nuclear Power Facility exposed workers to asbestos. A 2007 study looking at 1,100 power plant workers found 13% had some evidence of an asbestos-related disease.
Military
All military veterans had some risk of asbestos exposure for many decades. The deadly mineral was often used in military buildings, and always in shipyards and vessels. Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and Lincoln Air Force Base are two military sites in the state where asbestos was often used.
Manufacturing
No matter which products were made, many manufacturers used asbestos in their equipment and facilities to combat fire. Goodyear Tire and Rubber, based in Lincoln, often used asbestos and exposed workers to its dangers for decades.
Breweries
Many brewing companies in Nebraska used asbestos in their equipment and walls. So many beer companies were founded many decades ago, so the toxin is still found in many breweries. In Nebraska, Fred Krug, Fremont, and Storz brewing are a few cases where exposure has occurred.
Asbestos Superfund Sites in Nebraska
At this time, Nebraska does not have any sites on the EPA’s Superfund list for contamination with asbestos. But there have been several sites in Nebraska investigated by EPA because of worries about asbestos exposure.
Western Minerals Products
Western Minerals Products in Omaha is a major site that was evaluated by the ATSDR’s National Asbestos Exposure Review in 2004. The review process involves investigating more than 200 sites around the US that have been affected by asbestos that was mined from Libby, Montana. Western Minerals Products was an exfoliation facility and processed asbestos from Libby in the 1940s.
In 1967, WR Grace and Company bought the facility and worked there until 1989. During that time, this facility was one of the biggest producers of asbestos for the company. EPA, in 2000, took samples of soil and found traces of asbestos. There also were signs of the dangerous substance on rail spurs around the site.
Nebraska Asbestos Exposure Laws
The Nebraska state government works closely with the EPA to ensure that any remaining asbestos in the state, such as in existing buildings and facilities, is deposed of promptly and safely. (Deq.state.ne.us)
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a terrible cancer that is caused by either breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers. It usually affects the lung and abdominal linings, but rarely can affect the heart and testicles. Asbestos exposure usually affects workers at heavy manufacturing and industrial sites, but it also can affect their families when asbestos dust is brought home on workers’ clothing.
When asbestos was used in many applications, such as insulation, gaskets, brake lining, and many other products, the tiny shards of fibers could become airborne. They were often swallowed by workers and others nearby for years. The asbestos can lodge in the body for many years. After 30 or 40 years, mesothelioma can develop. (WebMD.com)
Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you have been injured by asbestos exposure, below are some experienced mesothelioma attorneys to contact:
SWWW Law
701 Market Street #1000
St. Louis MO 63101
(877) 205-4250
www.swmwlaw.com
If you or a loved one in Nebraska was diagnosed with mesothelioma, SWWW Law has the unique skills and experience related to toxic and asbestos exposure cases to get you the mesothelioma compensation you deserve. To date, this law firm has recovered more than $500 million in mesothelioma settlement payouts for victims and their families.
Welsh & Welsh Personal Injury Lawyers
9290 W. Dodge Rd. #204
Omaha, Nebraska 68114
(402) 552-8760
www.welsh-law.com
Residents of this state have long been exposed to asbestos at home and at work. Many power plants, chemical plants, construction sites, steel mills, and more used asbestos-containing products. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talk to Welsh & Welsh today to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.
2160 Highland Ave
Birmingham AL 35205
(205) 328-9200
www.elglaw.com
ELG Law provides quality legal representation to people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in Nebraska and other states. This law firm is well-known and respected for its excellent work representing the families of those who have been affected by a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Get Nebraska Mesothelioma Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for Nebraska victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871
