Omaha Mesothelioma Lawyers

Toxic Asbestos Exposure in Nebraska

The dangers of asbestos are well known among Nebraska residents, whether you have worked for a major power plant or tried to renovate a house. This toxic material was once a major component in the United States’ manufacturing industry before the health risks became common knowledge. Sadly, despite efforts to eliminate this dangerous material from our lives, it is still an ever-present risk and can steadily lead to mesothelioma, a debilitating form of cancer.

If you were exposed to asbestos and contracted mesothelioma in Nebraska, do not wait until the disease has done its damage. Instead, contact the Omaha mesothelioma attorneys at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. by calling (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team can investigate your claim to determine how you were exposed to asbestos and actively fight for proper compensation.

How You Can Contract Mesothelioma

Asbestos refers to specific heat-resistant materials that were popular in the American manufacturing industries up until the 1970s, when it became readily apparent that it caused mesothelioma. This type of cancer occurs when tumors form along the mesothelial lining of your organs, including the heart, lungs, and stomach. Mesothelioma may take 20-50 years to develop, depending on how long you were exposed to asbestos and the type of asbestos you encounter. Even in cases where you do not develop cancer, exposure can lead to asbestosis, a lung disease that can drastically change your lifestyle.

Even though it has been banned, you may not know you have contracted an illness until years later. In Nebraska, there are several ways you could have been exposed to asbestos, including:

• Power plants, such as Blue Hill City Light and Water, Whelan Energy Center, and Madison Utilities
• Production facilities that utilized heavy-duty heating equipment, such as W.R. Grace vermiculite plant
• Homes that were damaged in the 2011 Missouri river flood
• Toxic water, if the pipes run through asbestos cement
• Farm silos, barns, or machinery
• Food processing plants that utilized asbestos refrigeration units
• Construction materials, such as cement, drywall, wallpaper, paints, and electrical materials
• Vintage clothing and fabrics as well as antique kitchenware

The state of Nebraska knows full well the dangers of asbestos exposure and has enacted a number of regulations to protect residents, however, the risks still persist to this day. Workers are required to use protective material when transporting or removing asbestos, and employers are required to provide protective gear in order to minimize the dangers. In addition, homes that were damaged by flooding should be inspected for asbestos or demolished to prevent workers from being exposed.

Recovering Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

Because of the widespread use of asbestos across multiple industries in the United States, several hundreds of lawsuits have been filed and are still being filed to this day against negligent corporations. Some have since gone out of business, which traditionally would make a product liability case difficult, while others were eventually able to recover from bankruptcy, such as W.R. Grace. However, in addition to the company who caused your exposure, you may also be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund.

Asbestos trust funds were developed after asbestos companies went bankrupt and are designed to compensate victims and future victims for the costs of mesothelioma and their pain and suffering. These funds are not unlimited but can contain anywhere from a hundred million dollars to over a billion. If you were exposed to asbestos and contracted mesothelioma or lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation for the losses you have suffered.

If the company who caused your exposure is still in business, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against them up to five years after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. In addition, family members that lost a loved one to mesothelioma may pursue a wrongful death claim. If the company chooses not to settle your case or their offer is too low, your case may move onto a court trial where a jury will decide if you are eligible for compensation.

To ensure you receive compensation for mesothelioma, you will need the expertise of a knowledgeable Nebraska personal injury attorney to fully investigate your case and advocate on your behalf.

Compassionate Representation from an Omaha Injury Attorney

The tragedy of asbestos exposure is that mesothelioma is a fatal disease that can only be managed with medication and surgery. Because of the widespread use of this destructive material, many individuals now face a death sentence and families will lose a beloved member of their household. Not only does this result in high medical bills and lost wages, but also a great deal of pain and suffering. But you should not have to let a negligent corporation get away with exposing you or your loved one to dangerous materials all in the name of profits.

The Omaha mesothelioma lawyers at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. are fully prepared to take on your case and actively pursue all forms of compensation available to you, be it an asbestos trust fund or a lawsuit. Call us at (402) 505-8234 to learn what options are available to you.

Additional Information

• The Risk of Asbestos Exposure After a Flood
• Mesothelioma | Asbestos | MedlinePlus
• What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?