Most industrial workplaces in Milwaukee used asbestos for decades and put workers at risk of developing fatal diseases. Many people injured by asbestos are now fighting back with the help of an experienced Milwaukee mesothelioma lawyer.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Milwaukee, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Milwaukee Asbestos Facts
- Nearly 7,000 people died from asbestos diseases in Wisconsin between 1999 and 2017.
- Milwaukee County had the highest number of such deaths during that period, with 851.
- Manufacturing is an important industry in Milwaukee, and most companies used asbestos for decades, putting workers at risk.
Between 2015 and 2019, approximately 45 individuals in Milwaukee County received a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
What Caused My Mesothelioma?
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you were most likely exposed to asbestos at one or more past jobs.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that easily sheds tiny fibers when handled. These fibers enter the air as dust and can be inhaled or ingested by workers not wearing protective gear.
Asbestos fibers in the body cause damage to cells and tissue. This damage can lead to serious illnesses many years later in some people:
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Mesothelioma is strongly associated with asbestos. The most common form develops around the lungs and causes related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pains, and persistent coughing. However, early symptoms of asbestos exposure can be more varied and extend beyond respiratory issues.
Individuals may experience:
- Excessive sweating at night
- Unexpected weight loss
- Shoulder or back pain
- Blood clots
- Facial swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Bloating or abdominal pain
These symptoms may appear gradually and are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Recognizing these early signs can be crucial for timely medical intervention. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
While mesothelioma may seem rare, with only around 2,500 Americans receiving a diagnosis annually, its rarity doesn’t diminish its seriousness. In Milwaukee County, for instance, data from 2015 to 2019 shows an infection rate of 0.9 per 100,000, translating to approximately 45 cases during that period. These figures might suggest mesothelioma affects few people, but each case represents a profound impact on the individual and their family.
The misconception that its rarity equates to a lack of severity is misleading. Patients and legal advocates know the profound effect of this illness. Understanding the statistics helps to appreciate the gravity of mesothelioma, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention.
Advocating for Veterans in Mesothelioma Cases
Honoring a Special Commitment
Veterans have bravely served their country, and in return, they are owed steadfast support, especially when facing health challenges like mesothelioma. This commitment signifies providing comprehensive legal assistance to ensure veterans and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Expert Legal Support
Navigating mesothelioma cases can be complex, particularly for veterans exposed to asbestos during their service. Attorneys accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have the expertise needed to efficiently handle such cases. They are equipped to guide veterans through the intricate legal processes, ensuring all relevant military experiences are accurately presented.
Representation Across All Branches
- Navy Veterans: Given their high exposure to asbestos on ships and submarines, legal specialists focus on retrieving detailed service histories.
- Marine & Army Veterans: From barracks to combat zones, exposure risks are assessed to build a solid case.
- Coast Guard & Air Force Veterans: Advocacy includes examining unique environments of service where asbestos exposure may have occurred.
Why This Matters
Veterans face unique challenges when dealing with mesothelioma, often years after their service. Tailored legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of their claims. It ensures that their sacrifices are honored through diligent pursuit of benefits and compensation, providing financial relief and peace of mind.
This commitment is not just about legal battles; it’s about standing beside those who stood up for their country, ensuring they receive the care and justice they’ve rightfully earned.
Do I Have a Valid Mesothelioma Case?
If you have mesothelioma, you probably have a valid case to seek compensation. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent asbestos exposure. You can hold asbestos companies accountable and liable for your expenses related to being sick.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Many parties could potentially be responsible for your asbestos exposure:
- Employers: If your employer was aware of asbestos risks and failed to provide protective measures or equipment, they might be held accountable. This is especially true if you worked in industries known for asbestos use.
- Product Manufacturers: Companies that produced or distributed asbestos-laden products may be liable if they didn’t warn consumers about the dangers. This includes everything from construction materials to automotive parts.
- Landlords: Property owners, both residential and commercial, who knew of asbestos in their buildings but didn’t disclose it might also face liability. Whether your exposure happened at home or work, legal action against a negligent landlord could be possible.
Legal Avenues
You might be eligible to claim from asbestos trust funds or pursue other forms of legal action if you can demonstrate how these parties contributed to your exposure. Documenting exposure and negligence is crucial in building a strong case for compensation.
The best way to determine if you have a case is to talk to a local Milwaukee asbestos attorney. They can review your work history and medical records to find the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure.
What Documentation is Needed to File a Mesothelioma Claim?
Filing a mesothelioma claim involves gathering comprehensive documentation to build a strong case. Here’s a breakdown of the essential records you’ll need:
1. Medical Documentation:
- Detailed medical records confirming your mesothelioma diagnosis.
- A complete history of treatments and any related medical evaluations.
2. Financial Records:
- Documents illustrating financial losses due to the illness. This includes medical bills, records of lost wages, and any other economic impacts stemming from the diagnosis.
3. Employment History:
- Evidence showing your work history, particularly where you were likely exposed to asbestos. This could be past employment records or industry certifications.
4. Personal Evidence:
- Items like personal diaries or photographs that demonstrate how mesothelioma has affected your quality of life.
5. Witness Testimonies:
- Statements from co-workers, family members, or others who can corroborate your exposure to asbestos or describe the toll the illness has taken on you.
6. Supplementary Documentation:
- Additional materials, such as news articles, government studies, or product recalls, that might confirm the presence of asbestos in certain environments or products.
Collecting these documents is crucial in laying the groundwork for your mesothelioma claim. Each piece contributes to painting a comprehensive picture of your situation, offering the evidence necessary to back your claims in court.
How to Choose a Milwaukee Mesothelioma Lawyer
You need an expert lawyer on your side to seek compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Here’s what to look for in a Milwaukee asbestos attorney:
- Experience handling and winning asbestos cases
- Access to investigators to find out where you were exposed to asbestos and the companies responsible
- Access to medical experts to prove asbestos exposure caused your illness
- Experience settling cases and litigating mesothelioma claims in court
- Examples of proven wins and fair compensation amounts for similar clients
- A free initial consultation to review your case and answer your questions
- Contingency payment, so you pay nothing until they win
- Compassion for clients who are ill and often unable to travel
What Is My Mesothelioma Case Worth?
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Claim needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos trust funds | Claims paid from bankrupt asbestos manufacturers’ trust funds | $30B+ available across active trusts; each trust sets its own payout schedule | No — filed directly, often in months. Trust fund payouts → |
| Mesothelioma settlement | Negotiated recovery from solvent companies that caused the exposure | Averages ~$1M–$1.4M (varies widely by case) | Yes — a claim is filed; most cases settle before trial |
| Wrongful-death claim | Filed by a surviving spouse or family after the patient has passed | Medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship | Yes — must be filed within the state deadline. Wrongful death → |
| VA benefits | For veterans with an asbestos-related disease from military service | VA disability compensation plus health care (not a claim) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
Every asbestos case is different. The compensation you might receive depends on individual factors:
- Your past and current medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Future expected treatment costs
- Home medical care costs
- Medical equipment costs
- The costs of travel to medical appointments
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
An expert mesothelioma lawyer can give you a reasonable estimate of compensation expectations. They cannot guarantee any specific amount.
Most mesothelioma and asbestos claims end in settlements, which average between $1 million and $1.4 million. Jury awards are often much higher, but trials take a long time to resolve. Asbestos trust fund claims average around $180,000.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Asbestos exposure mainly occurs on the job. If you have mesothelioma, you probably worked with or around asbestos. Milwaukee has long had an industrial economy with numerous workplaces that used asbestos. These are just a few examples.
P&H Mining Equipment, Inc.
P&H Mining Equipment, also known as the Harnischfeger Corporation, is a manufacturing company for the mining industry. It makes industrial cranes, drills, excavators, welding machinery, and more.
For decades, the company used asbestos in machinery, parts, and equipment, especially brake linings. Workers were at risk of exposure to the asbestos fibers in these components.
The brakes on large mining machinery had to be abraded to fit various parts on the machines.
Each time workers abraded the brakes, asbestos fibers went airborne and contaminated the job site. The company faced several claims after workers were diagnosed with terminal asbestos-related diseases.
One plaintiff, John Pender, worked at the company from 1952 to 1993. In 2006, Pender was diagnosed with mesothelioma and died a few days later.
Pender’s loved ones filed a claim. Although the jury awarded the family $1.5 million in damages, the decision was later reversed on an appeal. However, the company continues to face similar claims.
H.W. Johns Manville Company
The Manville Covering Company was a Milwaukee asbestos manufacturing company that made insulation. In 1901, it merged with another manufacturing business and became the H.W. Johns Manville Company.
Along with manufacturing asbestos for heat insulation, the company also began making many other asbestos-containing products, such as cement, pipes, fiberglass, and cylinders.
During the height of its use in the 1970s, asbestos was favored due to its heat-resistant properties and strength, offered at an affordable cost. This led to the incorporation of asbestos in a wide variety of products, including:
- Ceiling tiles: Often used in homes and commercial buildings for their fireproofing capabilities.
- Flooring materials: Asbestos added durability and fire resistance to tiles and linoleum.
- Pipe insulation: Widely used in plumbing and heating systems to prevent heat loss and resist fire.
- Home siding: Offered protection against weather elements while being fire resistant.
- Car brakes: Provided the necessary friction and heat resistance required in automotive components.
- Ship components: Many parts of water vessels, including gaskets and boiler insulation, contained asbestos due to its resistance to heat and corrosion.
This extensive list of applications highlights how pervasive asbestos was across different industries, underscoring its once-universal appeal. After many years of prolonged asbestos exposure, workers began to suffer from asbestos-related illnesses.
The sheer amount of asbestos-related claims forced the company to go into bankruptcy. Later, it set up a mesothelioma trust fund to compensate future claimants.
Vermiculite Processing Plants
Two former vermiculite processing facilities operated in Milwaukee, Western Mineral Products Co. and W.R. Grace Construction Products Division. They both received asbestos-contaminated minerals from the W.R. Grace mines in Libby, Montana.
The Libby mines shipped tainted vermiculite to processing facilities around the country. Workers who handled these materials most likely inhaled asbestos fibers and were at risk of developing asbestos illnesses. Also at risk of exposure were nearby residents.
Asbestos in Milwaukee Breweries
The beer industry has long been a major employer in Milwaukee. Breweries used asbestos in a few different ways: as insulation in buildings and as a filtering material. Breweries filtered beer with asbestos as late as the 1970s. This use of asbestos put workers at risk of exposure and illness.
The family of a former worker at Pabst sued the company over his death from mesothelioma. Gerald Lorbiecki worked as a steamfitter at several locations, including Pabst. The jury agreed that Pabst failed to protect workers from asbestos and awarded the family $6.5 million in actual damages.
Additional Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Milwaukee
Many companies in Milwaukee used asbestos in the past. Some still have facilities that contain asbestos, and there are also older public buildings that may still pose a risk of exposure.
Schools
- Case High School
- Central Continuation School
- Forest Home Avenue School
- Gesu Grade School
- Horace Mann High School
- Horlick High School
- James Madison High School
- Kohler High School
- Lloyd Street Global Education School
- Mother of Good Counsel School
- Oconomowoc High School
- Sholes Middle School
- Union Grove High School
- Marquette University
Hospitals
- Columbia St. Mary’s
- Lakeview Hospital
- Milwaukee Regional Medical Center
- Northwest General Hospital
- Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
- St. Catherine’s Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital
Manufacturing Companies
- Bausch Manufacturing
- M.C. Bullock Manufacturing Company
- Cutler-Hammer
- E.R. Wagner Manufacturing Company
- Marquette Cement Manufacturing Company
- Milwaukee Car Manufacturing Company
- Nordberg Manufacturing Company
- Vilter Manufacturing LLC
- Wrought Washer Manufacturing Company
Breweries
- Blatz Brewing Company
- Gettelman Brewing
- Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
- Miller Brewing Company
- Pabst Brewing Company
- Valentin Blatz Brewing Company
Can I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos in Milwaukee?
Asbestos exposure was more prevalent in the past when so many workplaces used it. Today, most companies do not use it, but asbestos remains in older buildings throughout and near Milwaukee.
Older asbestos materials in buildings deteriorate over time, releasing fibers. Any kind of renovation work or demolition can also release fibers and put people at risk of exposure.
School buildings are common sources of ongoing asbestos risk. In 2022, Sheboygan was forced to close a middle school due to asbestos that was damaged after a pipe burst.
In nearby Racine County, Yorkville schools notified parents of an asbestos exposure incident at an elementary school in 2019. A maintenance worker was directed to remove flooring without any protective gear or warnings that it contained asbestos.
Many older buildings in Milwaukee contain asbestos and must be handled carefully. In 2022, the city received millions in federal funding to support affordable housing. Part of the project necessarily involves safely abating asbestos in older homes.
A multimillion-dollar project to renovate Milwaukee’s criminal courthouse began in 2018. It included abating asbestos throughout the building to make it safer for staff.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Milwaukee
Treatment for asbestos-related diseases requires specialists in cancer and asbestos illnesses.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designates certain facilities, including the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, as Comprehensive Cancer Centers. These facilities provide excellent specialist care, innovative treatment options, and clinical trials.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment often involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. Here are some of the primary treatment options available:
- Radiation and Chemotherapy: These are standard treatments aimed at shrinking tumors and managing symptoms, providing a foundation for many treatment plans.
- Clinical Trials: Patients may participate in trials offering experimental medications, such as immunotherapy, which show promise in targeting mesothelioma cells more effectively.
- Targeted Treatments: These focus on specific symptoms, like shortness of breath, improving the patient’s quality of life through specialized interventions.
- Palliative Care: This aspect of treatment emphasizes pain management and comfort, crucial for patients at advanced stages of the disease.
In some cases, oncologists might consider surgery to remove cancerous lesions; however, this is typically viable only when the cancer is detected early and hasn’t progressed extensively.
The Importance of Early Detection
Despite various treatment options, early detection remains critical. Experimental treatments are evolving, but their availability can be limited. Comprehensive Cancer Centers offer the best chance for accessing these cutting-edge therapies, ensuring patients receive the most effective care available.
Why Mesothelioma Treatment May Require Significant Travel and Expenses
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer often necessitating specialized treatment. Given its rarity, not every medical facility has the expertise to provide optimal care. Here’s why treatment may involve considerable travel and expenses:
- Limited Access to Specialists: Experts in mesothelioma are typically concentrated at major cancer centers. These specialists offer cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials that might not be available at smaller, local hospitals.
- Advanced Treatment Options:
- Procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often require state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled professionals.
- Centers of excellence in urban areas or academic hospitals may provide the best opportunity for innovative therapies.
- Comprehensive Care Needs: Mesothelioma often demands a multidisciplinary approach. A team including oncologists, surgeons, and support specialists is necessary, which may not be available locally.
- Travel-related Expenses:
- Transportation: Patients may need to fly or drive long distances to reach these specialized centers.
- Lodging and Meals: Extended stays for treatment necessitate accommodation and food, adding to the financial burden.
- Lost Income: Time away from work for both the patient and their caregivers can lead to significant income loss.
- Insurance Limitations: While some insurance plans cover part of these costs, others may not fully cover out-of-network providers or travel-related expenses, further increasing financial strain.
Navigating these challenges can be daunting, but accessing the most effective treatment is crucial for mesothelioma patients.
– Isabelle D.
When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them.
Getting Legal Help in Milwaukee
Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
