Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease attacks the specialized cells that comprise the membranes lining the lungs, chest and abdominal cavity. The cancer affects the mesothelium, which is the tissue that is formed by our mesothelial cells. It helps to protect the organs by making a lubrication fluid that allows the body’s organs to move about without nerve irritation.
Mesothelioma is one of the worst cancers, and the five-year survivability rate for the pleural versions (See Pleural Mesothelioma) that affects the lung linings is less than 10%. Mesothelioma also can attack other areas of the body, including the heart, testicles and abdominal cavity. (See Abdominal Mesothelioma)
There are 3,000 new mesothelioma cases per year. It is aggressive, hard to treat, and usually fatal. Mesothelioma often is not diagnosed until the later stages when it is almost impossible to treat. (See Stage 4 Mesothelioma)
Wyoming and Mesothelioma Exposure
It is estimated from 1999 to 2015 that 109 residents of Wyoming died from mesothelioma. The state has a mesothelioma mortality rate of 12 people per million every year, which is above the national average. There are 12 known sources of natural asbestos in Wyoming, including an area in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Counties with the worst asbestos-related deaths are Natrona and Laramie counties.
If you worked in heavy industry, construction, mining or power generation for many years in Wyoming and have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should consult with the best mesothelioma attorneys. You could be entitled to substantial mesothelioma compensation for your injuries and expenses. At the conclusion of this page, there are three mesothelioma lawsuit companies that can assist you in reviewing your claim.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a serious cancer of the organ linings that is almost always due to asbestos exposure. When asbestos is used in industry, mined, worked with or disturbed, invisible pieces of asbestos enter the air where they can be breathed in or ingested by workers. These little asbestos shards can easily stick in the lung or abdominal linings. While the body works over time to rid itself of this dangerous, foreign material, some asbestos will remain in the body. Over decades, those asbestos shards can cause genetic changes in the body and cause mesothelioma in some workers. You may not develop mesothelioma for 50 years after exposure. (Cancer.org)
Wyoming Sites of Asbestos Exposure
The economy of Wyoming is heavily reliant on oil, which is an industry well known to commonly use asbestos. Many other industries in the state have put workers at higher risk of exposure.
Oil Refineries
Wyoming has high levels of petroleum, so there are many oil refineries here. Refineries are located around the state, such as in Cheyenne, where Husky Oil Company and Frontier Refining Company are situated. In past decades, the oil refinery industry used quantities of asbestos in building their facilities and in their machines. This was done to protect workers and equipment from fires and severe heat. The heavy use of asbestos in oil refineries means thousands of these workers are at higher risk for developing mesothelioma. (See Oil Refinery Workers Mesothelioma)
Power Companies
In many Wyoming power plants, asbestos was a common feature for boilers and insulation to protect facilities, equipment, and workers from heat and fire. Asbestos insulation was used in these power plants as well to protect against electricity and heat that was created from power generation. Some of the well-known power plants in Wyoming that have used asbestos in the past are High Springs Light and Power Company in Thermopolis, Black Hills Power and Light Company in Wyodak, and Pacific Power Company in Green River. (See Power Plant Workers Mesothelioma)
Chemical Plants
Many chemical plants are based in Wyoming and have been found to use asbestos in their facilities. Allied Chemical Plant and Stauffer Chemical Plant, among others, have been documented as having asbestos. Both plants produce soda ash, which is needed for other industries, such as the production of inexpensive glass. Wyoming features many trona deposits – an ore needed to make soda ash – along the Green Basin shoreline. Because asbestos resists high heat and also is immune to most chemical reactions, it was a standard item in many chemical facilities. (See Chemical Plant Workers Mesothelioma)
Schools
The University of Wyoming got a violation from the Department of Environmental Quality a few years ago after it did not effectively conduct asbestos inspections. Thus, buildings on the campus were purchased by a resident and removed for a renovation project, which led to asbestos contamination. After the removal, the site was not properly cleaned up, and an inspection months later showed there was some asbestos remaining.
Wyoming Asbestos Exposure Laws
Asbestos laws in this state provide for the safe abatement of asbestos-containing materials through professionally certified procedures. Certification of professionals to do legal asbestos abatement in older buildings is a high priority for the state. The laws on this are based upon mandates for high-quality asbestos abatement training from OSHA. If you remove asbestos without proper permits and notification, you can be punished according to Wyoming state law.
Also, all workers who handle asbestos or materials containing the substance have to be verified by the state of Wyoming. Training courses usually include proper abatement techniques, safety precautions, and good background knowledge on the dangers of asbestos.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality handles most compliance and enforcement with asbestos laws, such as notifications about demolition and waste shipment. (Wyoming.gov)
Wyoming Mesothelioma Attorneys
If you have been diagnosed in Wyoming with mesothelioma or another condition related to asbestos, discuss the case with one of the Wyoming mesothelioma attorneys below.
Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
360 Lexington Ave. 20th Floor
New York NY 10017
(212) 986-2233
www.elslaw.com
This mesothelioma law firm based in New York has a highly qualified team of experienced lawyers with knowledge and practical involvement in many Wyoming mesothelioma cases. The asbestos claim law firm has represented dozens of mesothelioma clients in the western US, and have an excellent record of large verdicts and settlements.
Simmons, Hanly and Conroy
One Court Street
Alton IL 62002
(800) 326-8900
www.simmonsfirm.com
This mesothelioma and asbestos claim law firm works out of Illinois, but has handled many mesothelioma cases successfully in Wyoming and other states. Simmons, Hanly and Conroy have won $5 billion in compensation for personal injury clients over 30 years, many millions of dollars in mesothelioma claim compensation. If you want a highly skilled mesothelioma attorney for your case in Wyoming, call Simmons, Hanly and Conroy for your complimentary legal consultation.
Thronberry Law Group
360 Lexington Ave.
New York NY 10017
(888) 506-1131
www.mesolawcenter.com
This national law firm provides vital legal resources to mesothelioma victims so they can get the care they need for their illness, and fight in an aggressive fashion for the most compensation for their cancer. Thronberry Law Group is known for its securing tens of millions of dollars in compensation for mesothelioma victims over the years.
Wyoming Mesothelioma Legal Help Now
With over $30 billion available for Wyoming victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial mesothelioma victim compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll free (800) 352-0871
References
- What Causes Mesothelioma? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
- Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://deq.wyoming.gov/aqd/asbestos/
