Asbestos victims and their families in the state are fighting for justice with the assistance of an Idaho mesothelioma lawyer. Idaho is home to naturally occurring asbestos sites in the Rocky Mountain areas, but the diseases and deaths associated with asbestos come primarily from the industrial and agricultural industries in the state.
You may qualify for substantial compensation if you or someone you love suffers from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Idaho, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
Many clients start receiving compensation in as few as 90 days, with follow-up checks arriving over the next year or so until the case is fully resolved. The timeline for mesothelioma payouts can vary based on the specific details of each case. However, our dedicated team is committed to securing the maximum compensation for you as swiftly as possible.
By understanding both the initial and ongoing payout process, you can make informed decisions and feel confident about your legal journey. Reach out today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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
We are pleased to offer assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all areas of Idaho, including:
Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Caldwel,l Coeur d’Alen,e Twin Falls, Lewiston, Post Falls, Rexburg, Moscow, Eagle, Kuna, Ammon, Chubbuck, Mountain Home, Hayden, Blackfoot, Garden City, Jerome, Burley, Hailey, Sandpoint, Payette, Rathdrum, Star, Emmett, Middleton, Rupert, Weiser, Preston, Fruitland, Shelley, American Falls, Buhl, Rigby, Gooding, St. Anthony, Kimberly, Mountain Home AFB, Heyburn, Fort Hall, Grangeville, Orofino, Salmon, Soda Springs, McCall, Lincoln, Wendell, Ketchum, Homedale, Filer, Montpelier, Bonners Ferry, Dalton Gardens, St. Maries, Bellevue, Hidden Spring, Kellogg, Malad City, Parma, Spirit Lake, Aberdeen, Victor, Iona, Priest River, Moreland, Driggs, Pinehurst, Wilder, Osburn, New Plymouth, Shoshone, Robie Creek, Sun Valley, Sugar City, Kamiah, Marsing, Glenns Ferry, Hansen, Pau,l Lapwai, Ucon, Ponderay, Challis, Ashton, Tyhee, Plummer, Riverside, Genesee, Cottonwood, Arco, Arbon Valley, Cascade, Grace, Troy, Greenleaf, Inkom, Hagerman, Council, and more.
Idaho Asbestos Facts
- From 1999 to 2017, there were 1,491 asbestos-related deaths in the state.
- There were more mesothelioma deaths and illnesses than deaths caused by asbestosis statewide.
- Yet, in rural areas, there were more asbestosis deaths.
- The majority of asbestos-related deaths in Idaho were in Des Moines and Boise and the outlying areas of both cities.
How Can Asbestos Exposure Lead to Illnesses Like Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that’s been popular for its durability and heat resistance. However, its use has been linked to severe health issues, and it’s crucial to understand how exposure can lead to diseases like mesothelioma.
The Danger Lies in the Fibers
When products containing asbestos are disturbed, they release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed. Once inside the body, they can embed themselves in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Slow and Stealthy Damage
The presence of asbestos fibers can cause chronic irritation. Over many years, this persistent irritation can lead to cellular mutations. These mutations have the potential to develop into cancerous growths.
Long Latency Period
One of the most challenging aspects of asbestos-related diseases is their latency period. Symptoms might not appear for decades—20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. This delay can make it difficult to identify the true cause of the illness.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma symptoms often mirror those of less severe diseases, such as persistent coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. This similarity complicates diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection and a thorough medical evaluation if asbestos exposure is suspected.
Understanding these processes underscores the importance of protective measures against asbestos exposure to prevent these life-threatening conditions.
How to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Idaho
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Idaho, you have a right to take legal action to seek compensation. There are several options:
- Mesothelioma personal injury claim
- Asbestos trust fund claim
- Mesothelioma wrongful death claim
- Veteran benefits
Understanding the Mesothelioma Claim Process
- Initial Contact: To begin, reach out for a free case evaluation. You can either call a dedicated legal team or fill out an online contact form, which provides a no-obligation review of your situation.
- Case Evaluation: If you have a viable case, legal experts will gather detailed evidence. This includes compiling your work history, asbestos exposure details, and medical diagnosis, crucial for building a strong claim.
- Filing the Claim: Once the evidence is ready, a legal claim will be filed on your behalf against those responsible for your asbestos exposure. This is the official start of your claim.
- Settlement Negotiations: Most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Over 99% of mesothelioma cases end in settlements out of court, providing compensation without lengthy trials.
- Trial Proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. A legal team will represent you in court, advocating for a favorable verdict before a judge and jury.
Compensation Options Beyond Claims
- Asbestos Trusts: Some companies that went bankrupt set up asbestos trusts to compensate victims. These companies cannot be sued directly, but claims can be made against these trusts.
- Veteran Benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during their service can apply for benefits. These include healthcare and monthly compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Most asbestos and mesothelioma claims end in settlements. A few go to trial, where a jury gives a verdict. By understanding the steps involved and exploring various compensation options, you can make informed decisions in seeking justice and financial recovery.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth in Idaho?
The amount of compensation a victim gets in Idaho or any other state depends on the individual factors of the case. These include the number of defendants and their degree of negligence, the severity of the illness, and the actual expenses the victim incurred.
The average settlement amount for asbestos cases is between $1 million and $1.4 million. Asbestos trust fund claims are less, usually averaging around $180,000. Claims that go to trial may result in no compensation or an amount determined by the jury.
For a more localized perspective, consider past mesothelioma settlement amounts in Idaho. Some notable examples include:
- $3.46 Million awarded to a mining company accountant in Moscow.
- $3 Million for a drywaller in Ririe.
- $3 Million for a manicurist and direct care specialist in Idaho Falls.
- $2.82 Million for the ex-wife of a heavy truck mechanic in Emmett.
- $2.5 Million for a sheet metal worker in Meridian.
These figures highlight the variability of settlement amounts, which depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each case. Whether pursuing compensation through settlements, trust fund claims, or trials, understanding these variations is crucial for setting realistic expectations.
State laws also affect the value of a claim. Idaho law caps non-economic (pain and suffering) damages at $250,000.
Will My Asbestos Claim Be Filed as a Class Action?
In most instances today, asbestos claims are not filed as class actions. This approach has shifted largely because individual claims tend to yield more substantial compensation.
Why Individual Claims Are Preferred
- Maximized Compensation: Individual cases often allow for more tailored compensation packages, addressing specific needs such as cancer treatment and other medical expenses.
- Personal Attention: By pursuing an individual claim, your case receives dedicated attention from your attorney. This focus ensures that your unique circumstances are fully addressed and adequately represented.
- Flexibility in Claims: With an individual filing, there is more room to adjust claims to reflect your specific exposure history and the corresponding impact on your life.
While class actions were more common in the past, the trend now favors personal claims because they tend to offer the possibility of a larger settlement. This is crucial for covering extensive medical costs and securing the financial future of affected families.
By taking this path, each aspect of your case is uniquely considered, providing the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
Do I Need an Idaho Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you want to maximize the compensation you receive for an asbestos illness, you need the guidance of an experienced local mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos cases are complicated. They often involve multiple companies and cross state lines.
Look for a lawyer with specific expertise and experience working on and winning asbestos cases. They should be part of a large firm with the resources available to investigate your case and gather evidence.
Where Was Asbestos Used in Idaho?
Top mesothelioma lawyers in Idaho can track down your past exposure to asbestos so you can make a case. This valuable evidence can be hard to find without the right legal team.
What Occupations are at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure is a serious concern across a wide range of professions. Here are some of the key occupations where workers might encounter this hazardous material:
- Mechanics: Whether working on vehicles or aircraft, mechanics may encounter asbestos in brake pads and other parts.
- Construction Workers: Those involved in building projects, particularly renovations and demolitions, often face asbestos in older structures.
- Boilermakers and Insulators: These professionals commonly work with materials that contain asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties.
- Electricians and Plumbers: Both of these trades may come into contact with asbestos while installing or repairing systems in older buildings.
- Carpenters and Cabinet Makers: These craftsmen might be exposed to asbestos through building materials and adhesives.
- Drywall Installers and Painters: Asbestos was once commonly used in joint compounds and coatings.
- Custodial and Maintenance Staff: Regular upkeep activities can disturb asbestos-containing materials, unknowingly releasing fibers into the air.
- Factory and Shipyard Workers: Manufacturing and shipbuilding often involve processes or products where asbestos was historically used.
- Miners and U.S. Military Personnel: Specific mining operations and certain military roles, especially in the past, involved direct or indirect asbestos use.
Understanding Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
Secondhand asbestos exposure occurs when individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers indirectly, through no fault of their own. This exposure doesn’t happen by directly handling asbestos materials but rather through contact with those who have been in an asbestos-contaminated environment.
How Can Secondhand Exposure Happen?
- Carrying Fibers Home:
- Workers in industries that handle asbestos might unknowingly carry microscopic fibers home on their clothing, shoes, or tools.
- Family and Household Contact:
- When these workers return home, the asbestos fibers can transfer to furniture, floors, and even other family members through simple everyday interactions.
- Shared Spaces:
- Vehicles, shared laundries, and common areas where asbestos-contaminated clothing is handled or stored can also be sources of secondhand exposure.
The danger of secondhand exposure lies in its ability to stealthily introduce asbestos fibers into environments thought to be safe, leading to significant health risks like mesothelioma, even for those who have never personally worked with asbestos materials.
Idaho Companies That Used Asbestos
Many industries in the state used asbestos for decades. It is in equipment, fireproofing materials, brakes and clutches in cars, and construction materials. Some examples of specific companies that used asbestos and exposed Idaho workers include:
- The Western States Equipment Company, a large machinery company, was once so reliant on asbestos in equipment and products that it continued to use dangerous mineral even after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use. This resulted in significant harm to workers and a series of claims. Murray Burns, a former employee, developed malignant mesothelioma after working at the Western States from 1970-1972. He sued the company for damages.
- Another company, Monsanto Co., has faced many claims after former workers were exposed to asbestos. Monsanto Co. and its branch facilities were well-known for exposing workers to toxic substances. By 2003, over 500 claims had been filed against the company.
Many other businesses in Idaho have used asbestos, including the following:
- Zinn Industrial Supply
- Westinghouse Sponsors Warehouse
- Tra Sponsors Warehouse
- Potlatch Corporation
- Robison Dist Company
- Sullivan Mining Company
- National Reactor Testing Station
- Bunker Hill Smelter
- Ira Sponsors Warehouse
- Western Steel
- Utah Idaho Sugar Company
- National Reactor Testing Station
- Terminal Ice & Cold Storage
- College of Idaho
- Carnation Milk Products Company
- Amalgamated Sugar Company
- Boise Cascade Corporation
- Bonner County Courthouse
- Clover Club Foods
- Fluor Corporation
- Lodge Brothers and Bullet Pawnshop
- Intermountain Gas Company
- Northwest Roads Company
- Plateau Supplies Company
- Southern Industries Piping
- Union Pacific Railroad
- Westvaco Mineral Production
- Yanke Machine Shop
- Northwest Roads Company
- Clover Club Foods
Asbestos at the Idaho Transportation Department
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently cited the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) over asbestos concerns.
The EPA found that the ITD violated asbestos regulations in a building in Rigby, Idaho. ITD used untrained workers to remove asbestos materials. ITD must pay a penalty of more than $60,000.
Natural Asbestos Deposits in Idaho
Idaho has several natural deposits of asbestos. Most have never been utilized, but at least one asbestos mine operated in the past. This mine posed a risk to workers there.
Today, the natural asbestos deposits in Idaho pose minimal risks to residents. They can become a problem when disturbed. If these areas are the sites of construction or road building, the activity can stir up asbestos fibers and expose workers and nearby residents.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth?
Compensation depends on your diagnosis, exposure history, and the type of claim. The table below shows the main paths and typical ranges.
| 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 → |
What Are Idaho’s Asbestos Safety Laws?
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for the state’s asbestos laws and regulations:
- The state of Idaho regulates asbestos abatement according to the Tier 1 Air Quality Operating Permit, which mandates that a permit must be applied for and approved before asbestos abatement can begin.
- Tier 1 only applies to abatement projects that are typically from huge industrial sources and require a massive cleanup. Smaller projects are exempt from the Tier 1 permit.
- Idaho follows the EPA regulations for asbestos abatement regarding repair, demolition, construction, and/or renovation of both public and private buildings.
- Workers must be certified asbestos technicians before beginning any asbestos abatement project and must send in a written abatement plan to the state before beginning.
- For Tier 1 projects, written notice must be sent to an Asbestos Compliance Analyst first.
- Workers must always follow the proper hygienic procedures after working around asbestos.
For more in-depth information on Idaho asbestos laws, contact the DEQ state office at 208-373-0502.
Getting Mesothelioma Treatment in Idaho
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, seek treatment from doctors with specialized knowledge in dealing with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designates and recommends the best cancer treatment centers nationwide.
Although there are currently no NCI-designated cancer centers in Idaho, the closest center in Portland, Oregon, is the NCI-designated Knight Cancer Institute.
Why Is Mesothelioma Difficult to Diagnose?
Mesothelioma poses a significant diagnostic challenge due to two main reasons: symptom similarity and delayed onset.
First, the symptoms of mesothelioma closely mimic those of more common illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Patients may experience cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, which are often mistaken for other respiratory conditions. This overlap makes it challenging for medical professionals to pinpoint mesothelioma without further specialized testing.
Moreover, the diagnosis is complicated by the long latency period of the disease. After exposure to asbestos—the primary cause—it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for symptoms to manifest. This extended timeframe can obscure the connection between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms, often leaving patients and doctors unaware of the underlying cause.
In summary, the similarity of symptoms to less severe diseases and the decades-long period before symptoms appear both contribute to the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma. These factors necessitate a heightened level of awareness and vigilance in both patients who have been exposed to asbestos and the healthcare providers who assess their symptoms.
Idaho Laws That Affect Mesothelioma Claims
Laws regarding mesothelioma claims and claims vary by state. Working with an Idaho mesothelioma lawyer is so important because they know these laws and how they could impact your case.
Even though there have been hundreds of mesothelioma deaths and illnesses, Idaho doesn’t have separate laws for asbestos-related claims. Every claim filed for asbestos-related deaths or illnesses is considered a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Statute of Limitations
Therefore, the statute of limitations for personal injury applies to asbestos cases. Victims have just two years after a diagnosis of mesothelioma to file a claim in Idaho. The time limit for a wrongful death claim is two years from the time of death.
Idaho courts are strict about this time limit. For example, in the Brennan Vs. Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation case in 2000, a lung cancer victim filed a claim against her previous employer.
A doctor confirmed her lung cancer was indeed caused by asbestos exposure. In October of 1994, she filed the claim, but since it was three months after the two-year statute of limitations, a judge dismissed her case.
Cap on Damages
In addition to the statute of limitations in Idaho, there is also a cap on the maximum amount of non-economic damages a victim can receive. The total amount a victim can receive in Idaho is currently $250,000.
This is not for actual expenses, known as economic damages, which are not capped. The cap applies to things like pain and suffering.
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice
-Natalie F.
Getting Legal Assistance in Idaho
Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.
