Many people who developed an asbestos illness are now fighting for justice with the help of an experienced Nebraska mesothelioma lawyer. Many Nebraska industries and businesses used harmful asbestos and exposed workers for years.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Nebraska, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much 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
We offer asbestos victims assistance in all cities and towns in Nevada, including:
Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Hastings, North Platte, Norfolk, Columbus, Papillion, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Chalco, Lexington, Alliance, Gering, Blair, York, McCook, Nebraska City, Ralston, Crete, Seward, Sidney, Plattsmouth, Schuyler, Chadron, Gretna, Wayne, Holdrege, Offutt AFB, Ogallala, Wahoo, Aurora Falls, Cozad, Fairbury, O’Neill, Waverly, Gothenburg, Broken Bow, Auburn, West Point, Minden, Central City, David, Valentine, Ashland, Kimball, Madison, St. Paul, Milford, Geneva, Imperial, Ord Valley, Syracuse, Superior, Dakota, Wilber, Gibbon, Hickman, Woodland Park, Pierce, Tekamah, Mitchell, Tecumseh, Springfield, Albion, Ainsworth, Stanton, Hebron, Gordon, Neligh, Hartington, Bridgeport, Bennington, Sutton, Wymore, Wakefield, Ravenna, Wood River, Sutherland, Fullerton, Atkinson, Arlington, Plainview, Burwell, Battle Creek, Oakland, North Bend, Yutan, Terrytown, Bayard, Alma, Wisner, Stromsburg, Grant, and more.
Nebraska Asbestos Facts and Statistics
- Although deaths related to the asbestos-related disease are lower than average when compared to other states in the nation, Nebraska had 306 mesothelioma deaths from 1999 through 2017.
- The total number of deaths related to asbestos in that period was 1,628.
- Douglas County is the area of the state with the highest number of asbestos-caused deaths.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Residents of Nebraska diagnosed with mesothelioma were probably exposed to asbestos at work. Asbestos is a natural material but also a carcinogen. Many companies used asbestos in the past and exposed workers.
When workers handled asbestos materials, they shed tiny fibers. Workers then unknowingly inhaled those fibers. Asbestos fibers cause inflammation and damage to tissues and cells in the body. This leads to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer in some people many years later.
When Should I Contact a Nebraska Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have mesothelioma or another asbestos illness, reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, and there are time limits on taking legal action, so act quickly.
Reputable mesothelioma attorneys do not charge a fee for an initial consultation. They will review your case, answer your questions, and provide some advice, all at no cost to you.
Make sure you choose a top Nebraska lawyer with experience winning asbestos cases and who is part of a large asbestos firm. They should have enough resources to investigate, prove, and build your case. They should also be able to litigate in court if your case goes to trial.
How Do I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Nebraska?
Workplace asbestos exposure is usually negligent. Asbestos companies can be held accountable and liable for your resulting illness. An asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit is a legal action you can take to recover damages for past asbestos exposure.
To file a mesothelioma lawsuit, you need an experienced Nebraska asbestos attorney to guide your next step. They will explain all your options for seeking compensation, including:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
- Making an asbestos trust fund claim
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit
- Making a claim for veteran benefits
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Nebraska?
If you have mesothelioma, talk to a top Nebraska mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. They can track down the companies responsible for your illness based on your work history.
Several industries and specific companies operated in Nebraska and used asbestos. These are just some examples.
Western Mineral Products
Omaha’s Western Mineral Products, a facility owned by W.R. Grace, was one of the primary job sites that exposed Nebraska workers to asbestos.
W.R. Grace and Co. is not only associated with asbestos use in its Nebraska facility but in many states, making the company responsible for some of the largest asbestos exposure sites in the nation.
Western Mineral Products was a vermiculite processing plant, and its workers came into contact with asbestos daily. They worked with vermiculite from the notorious Libby, Montana, mine contaminated with asbestos.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), individuals who worked at the plant were exposed to asbestos levels so high that they exceeded workplace health standards.
Sheldon Station
Another Nebraska job site, Sheldon Station, a coal-based power plant, was also associated with asbestos use. Per ATSDR, Sheldon Station used asbestos in pipes, machinery, and other products for insulation and fire resistance.
As a result, workers at the plant before the early 80s were exposed to harmful fibers.
Offutt Air Force Base
Veterans have higher rates of mesothelioma than the general population. This is due to the past heavy use of asbestos in the military, including in bases.
Men and women who served at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha could have been exposed to asbestos. Those at the most risk were mechanics and repair workers.
Asbestos was prevalent in aviation equipment, vehicles, boilers, and furnaces. When mechanics and other workers handled these and made repairs, they were likely exposed to asbestos fibers.
Other Nebraska Workplaces with Asbestos
Other job sites and businesses linked with asbestos usage in Nebraska include:
- Hallam Nuclear Power Plant
- Nebraska Public Power District
- Nebraska Water Works
- Scottsbluff Packing Company
- Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant
- Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
- Loup River Public Power District
- Union Pacific Railroad Company
- Omaha Packing Company
- Canaday Steam Plant
- Loup River Public Power District
- National Alfalfa Dehydrating & Milling Company
- The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
- Phillips Petroleum Fertilizer Plant
- Bellevue Power Plant
- Omaha Public Power District
- University of Nebraska
Nebraska Asbestos Laws
Nebraska laws limit when you can file a lawsuit. Others aim to protect residents and workers from ongoing asbestos exposure. Your lawyer can explain any laws that apply to your case.
Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:1 et seq. mandates the personal injury statute of limitations in the state of Nebraska.
- Asbestos-related lawsuits must follow the statute of personal injury cases in Nebraska, as there are no specific asbestos statutes.
- The plaintiffs filing an asbestos lawsuit must do so within two years of the diagnosis of the asbestos-related illness.
- If you plan to file a wrongful death lawsuit regarding an asbestos-related disease, you must also do so within three years of the victim’s death date.
Nebraska’s Asbestos Safety Regulations
After the EPA determined that asbestos was harmful, the state of Nebraska, along with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), implemented several important regulations, which include:
- Any school built before the ban that contains asbestos must undergo regular inspections and have a management plan at all times. Asbestos training and awareness courses must also be provided to all custodial and maintenance workers in every school containing asbestos.
- Anyone working around asbestos must first be licensed and qualified. At least 12 months of training and a physical examination must be completed before obtaining a license to work around asbestos.
- Anyone engaging in work, including the renovation or demolition of buildings containing asbestos, must first inform DHHS in writing and complete an asbestos project notification form.
- A 25-foot boundary must be set around any area where asbestos work will take place, and warning signs should be placed prominently for everyone to see.
- All tools used while working around asbestos must be thoroughly cleaned and sealed before leaving the job site.
- Workers must have access to hot water, showers, safety gear, personal hygiene items, and a change of clothing.
For complete details on the current Nebraska asbestos laws, visit the official Nebraska DHHS website.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Nebraska
Since the symptoms of mesothelioma lie dormant for decades and asbestos-related diseases are considered rare, you should seek treatment from doctors who have specialized knowledge in these types of diseases.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) focuses on helping cancer patients find the best treatments available. It also conducts in-depth mesothelioma research. NCI-designated care centers are recommended for those suffering from asbestos-related diseases.
The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is an NCI-designated care center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. An NCI designation means the care center has been recognized for its superior doctors, scientists, and cancer research.
The medical center includes a team of physicians and healthcare professionals who specialize in asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and more. Patients can also access clinical trials.
Getting Legal Assistance in Nebraska
Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
Paul Danziger
Reviewer and EditorPaul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.
References
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2009, September 5). Title 178 Environmental Health. Chapter 22 Asbestos Projects.
Retrieved from: http://www.sos.state.ne.us/rules-and-regs/regsearch/Rules/Health_and_Human_Services_System/Title-178/Chapter-22.pdf - University of Nebraska Medical Center. (n.d.). The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Retrieved from: http://www.unmc.edu/cancercenter/ - Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Asbestos-Related Deaths in Nebraska.
Retrieved from: http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/ne/