Contact an experienced Wyoming mesothelioma lawyer if you’ve been exposed to and injured by asbestos. The majority of cases of asbestos exposure in Wyoming occurred in workplaces. The oil industry has been responsible for exposing many workers in Wyoming.
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 get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Wyoming, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, 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
We offer assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all areas of Wyoming, such as:
Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Green River, Evanston, Riverton, Jackson, Cody, Rawlin,s Lander, Torrington, Powell, Douglas, Ranchettes, Worland, South Greeley, Buffalo, Fox Farm-College, Wheatland Mills, Newcastle, Warren AFB, Thermopolis, Evansville, Kemmerer, Bar Nunn, Glenrock, North Rock Springs, Moose Wilson Road, Lovell, Lyman, Pinedale, Afton, Greybull, Ethete, Wright, Antelope Valley-Crestview, Saratoga, Fort Washakie, Lusk, Rafter J Ranch, Star Valley Ranch, South Park, Arapahoe, Wilson, Hoback, Mountain View Town, Basin, Sundance, Guernsey, Pine Bluffs, Upton, Sleepy Hollow, Marbleton, Story, Moorcroft, Dubois, Ranchester, Vista West, Alpine, Hanna, Purple Sage, Dayton, Hartrandt, Diamondville, Cowley, Lucerne, Shoshoni, Clearview Acres, Reliance, Byron, Farson, Jamestown, La Barge, Big Piney, Cokeville, Bear River, Nordic, Pine Haven, Big Horn, Wamsutter, Lingle Hudson, Boulder Flats, Rolling Hills, La Grange, Urie, Encampment, Red Butte, Baggs, Sinclair, Midwest, Hulett, Casper Mountain, Thayne, Chug Creek, Etna, Mammoth, Superior, Alta, and more.
Wyoming Asbestos Facts
- The number of asbestos deaths is small compared to other states, but as a percentage of the population, it is among the highest.
- The deaths related to asbestos have been mostly from lung cancer, followed by mesothelioma and asbestos.
- The area of the state with the most asbestos deaths is in Natrona and Laramie Counties.
- Over 20 Wyoming residents per million die from asbestos diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma, on an annual basis.
Do I Need a Wyoming Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure. Once you have addressed your health and treatment needs, talk to a Wyoming mesothelioma lawyer about your legal options.
You have a right to seek compensation, but time is limited. Top Wyoming mesothelioma attorneys and asbestos law firms can help you take action quickly.
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Wyoming
If an asbestos attorney determines that you have a valid claim for mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, they will explain your legal options. You could be eligible for one or more of the following sources of compensation:
- Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. In many situations, a lawyer will recommend a personal injury lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a personal injury when asbestos exposure is negligent. A lawsuit allows you to seek a settlement or jury award.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. If the asbestos companies that exposed you went bankrupt, you cannot sue them. These companies set up trust funds to compensate future claimants. Your lawyer can determine if you are eligible for any trusts.
- Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit over wrongful death if you lose a loved one to an asbestos illness.
- VA Benefits Claim. If you served in the military, you might have been exposed to asbestos during your service. A lawyer can help you claim VA benefits such as disability compensation. The VA rates mesothelioma as 100% disabling, so you could be eligible for maximum compensation.
How to Choose a Wyoming Mesothelioma Lawyer
Asbestos and mesothelioma cases are too complicated for lawyers without relevant experience. They often involve multiple defendants in different states. They require a lot of evidence of past asbestos exposure and a proven connection to your illness.
When choosing a lawyer to represent you in an asbestos lawsuit, consider the following:
- They should have proven experience working on and winning asbestos cases.
- The right lawyer is part of a bigger law firm with adequate resources to handle complicated cases.
- They should be able to provide investigators and medical experts to build a strong case.
- Your lawsuit will likely settle, but your lawyer should have experience litigating in case it goes to court.
- They should be compassionate with people who are ill and able to come to you when you cannot travel.
- They should offer a free initial consultation and contingency payment.
Wyoming is not known for having a lot of industrial workplaces, the most common sites of asbestos exposure. The oil industry is a critical industry in Wyoming that used asbestos and exposed workers. Asbestos is also found naturally in Wyoming and poses some risk to residents.
The Energy Industry and Asbestos in Wyoming
Wyoming has a long history in the energy industry, in particular oil. The state is rich in this resource, so oil refineries are important workplaces and a big part of the state’s economy. Machinery in oil refineries contained asbestos to protect against heat and fire.
Power plants have also provided a lot of jobs for Wyoming workers. Boilers, generators, turbines, and machinery in power plants were made with asbestos to control high temperatures and fire. This use continued up until only a few decades ago.
Before the early 80s, many Wyoming power plant workers were exposed at significant rates to harmful fibers.
Maintenance and construction workers were at particular risk of asbestos exposure. In addition to machinery filled with asbestos, many power plants in Wyoming also contained asbestos in floors and roofing.
Vermiculite Processing
Another industry in Wyoming affected by asbestos is vermiculite processing. Two plants in Lovell and Himes received shipments of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mines in Libby, Montana.
The W.R. Grace mines knowingly produced vermiculite laced with asbestos for decades. Several processing plants received the tainted material between the 1950s and 1990s. Workers in these facilities were at risk for asbestos exposure:
- Big Horn Gypsum Company in Lovell
- Georgia-Pacific/Bestwall Gypsum in Himes
Asbestos and Erionite Deposits
Wyoming is home to natural deposits of asbestos and a similar mineral called erionite. There are five former asbestos prospects in the state and three former asbestos mines in Wyoming.
The mines likely exposed workers in the past. They no longer operate but can still put workers and residents at risk. Any construction or road building, even natural disasters, in the area can disrupt these deposits and disperse harmful asbestos fibers.
Wyoming also has deposits of erionite. Studies from other locations have found that natural erionite deposits pose similar risks to people as asbestos. Erionite fibers have been linked to mesothelioma. These Wyoming deposits could expose residents if disturbed.
Wyoming Workplaces with Known Asbestos
Listed below are major companies and businesses associated with asbestos in Wyoming.
Oil and Fuel Companies
- Colorado Oil and Gas
- Cambria Fuel Company
- Fargo Oil Company
- Utah Oil Refining Company
- Continental Oil Company
- Midwest Refining Company
- Standard Oil Company of Indiana
- Husky Refining Company
- Little America Refining
- Texaco Oil Refining- Wyoming
- Mutual Oil Company
- Continental Oil Company
- Utah Oil Refining Company – Granger Station
- Midwest Refining Company – Laramil
- Colo Fuel and Iron Company
- Midwest Refining Company- Mammoth
- Consumer Oil and Refining Company
- Wyoming Refining
- Sinclair Oil
- Pan American Petroleum
- Midwest Refining Company-Salt Creek
- Exxon – Shute Creek
- Midwest Refining Company- Teapot
- Utah Oil Refining Company – Wamsutter
- Pure Oil Company
Plants
- Dave Johnston Power Plant
- Steam Power Plant
- Alumina Plant
- Bridger Power Plant
- Stauffer Chemical Power Plant
- Acme Power Plant
- Laramie River Power Plant
- Wyodak Plant
Coal Companies
- Wyoming Coal and Iron Company
- Union Pacific Coal Company- Hannah, Cumberland, Reliance, Rock Spring, and Winton
- Diamond Coal and Coke Company- Diamondville and Oakley
- Gebo Coal Company
- Owl Creek Coal Company
- Teapot Coal Company
- Kemmerer Coal Company
- Gebo Coal Company
- Lion Coal Company
- Wyodak Coal and Manufacturing Company
Utilities and Natural Gas Companies
- Colorado Oil & Gas – Bitter Creek
- Buffalo Northwest Electric Company
- Black Hills Power and Light
- Pacific Power and Light
- Utah Power and Light – Kemmerer
- El Paso Natural Gas Company
- Montana Dakota Utilities Company
- Perkins Power Company
- Sheridan County Electric Company
- Hot Springs Light and Power Company
Can I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos in Wyoming?
Most asbestos exposure occurred in the past when companies used it more heavily. Residents and workers are still at risk of exposure today, primarily because of asbestos in older buildings.
Asbestos in Wyoming School Buildings
Several Wyoming schools that were built before the early 80s contain asbestos. Many are still in operation today.
The University of Wyoming contained so much asbestos that in 2009, it was considered unsafe. Subsequently, the school was issued a violation by the Department of Environmental Quality.
In an annual evaluation, Wyoming’s Natrona County High School contained a substantial amount of asbestos. In 2009, the county school board ordered a $400,000 renovation and asbestos removal project.
Asbestos Exposure at Yellowstone
In 2016, a maintenance worker at Yellowstone National Park reported being exposed to asbestos at the park’s century-old lodge. The concession company running the facility retaliated by not renewing his contract.
The worker filed a retaliation complaint. The concession company was ultimately fined for exposing workers to asbestos.
In 2022, a contractor got in trouble for exposing workers at Yellowstone. John Eldon Rimmasch of Wasatch Railroad Contractors was found guilty of fraud and knowing endangerment for exposing workers to asbestos. This occurred when the company was hired to restore an old train for the National Park Service.
Wyoming’s Asbestos Laws
Wyoming laws direct how mesothelioma lawsuits proceed. Other laws are designed to protect current residents and workers.
Wyoming Statute of Limitations on Asbestos Lawsuits
The statute of limitations puts a time limit on filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits:
- Asbestos-related lawsuits follow under the personal injury statute of limitations in Wyoming.
- In order to file, plaintiffs must do so within four years from the time of the discovery of the asbestos-related or within four years from the date that the illness should have been reasonably discovered.
- The asbestos-related wrongful death statute is a bit shorter. Plaintiffs must file within two years from the victim’s date of death.
Asbestos Safety Regulations
Wyoming has measures in place to monitor and oversee asbestos removal. These measures are put into place by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that working around asbestos and handling asbestos is done as safely as possible:
- The state of Wyoming requires that personnel handling and removing asbestos from any location must be trained properly.
- They also must contact the state environmental coordinators before qualifications are met.
- The disposal of asbestos products is regulated. Asbestos, in a “friable” condition, breaks down easily and is no harm to the environment. And as such, it can be disposed of in a local landfill.
- Non-friable Asbestos products, due to the fibers not breaking down easily, require permission from a local landfill operator prior to anticipated disposal.
For additional information and more detailed resources, contact the Wyoming DEQ at the following numbers:
- Cheyenne: 307-777-7937
- Lander: 307-302-3047
- Sheridan: 307-673-9337
- Casper: 307-473-3465
Treatment for Wyoming Mesothelioma Patients
It’s important to find medical care from a physician who understands and specializes in asbestos diseases, as they generally can offer the most comprehensive treatment options.
The Huntsman Cancer Center in the nearby state of Utah is backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer treatment center.
Getting Legal Help in Wyoming
Don’t forget to use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer in your area. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional 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
- Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Asbestos-Related Deaths in Wyoming.
Retrieved from: http://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/wy/ - Lerman, Y., Finkelstein, A., Levo, Y., Tupilsky, M., Baratz, M., Solomon, A., and Sackstein, G. (1990, April). Asbestos Related Health Hazards Among Power Plant Workers. Br. J. Ind. Med. 47(4), 281-2.
Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1035151/ - Davis, T. (2021, December 27). Plant Reclamation Aims to Revive Access. Wyoming Business Report.
Retrieved from: https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/current_edition/plant-reclamation-aims-to-revive-access/article_19246826-f6aa-57a2-a2d1-8a1bc0571704.html - Claims Journal. (2016, March 25). Yellowstone National Park Worker Claims Retaliation Over Asbestos Report.
Retrieved from: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/west/2016/03/25/269643.htm - Rossi, A. (2022, April 25). Wyoming: Railroad Restoration CEO Defrauds NPS, Underpays & Endangers Employees. Big Horn Basin Media.
Retrieved from: https://mybighornbasin.com/wyoming-railroad-restoration-ceo-defrauds-nps-underpays-endangers-employees/