Victims who are diagnosed with mesothelioma in Wisconsin may be entitled to financial compensation through one or more legal outlets. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP to discuss a potential claim with one of our attorneys. We are passionate about helping victims of asbestos exposure seek justice. We have the knowledge and experience in mesothelioma litigation that you need to get through this challenging time.
What Makes Us Unique
- We have a track record of success in asbestos-related cases, with over $2 billion secured in settlements and jury verdicts nationwide.
- Our law firm accepts cases regionally in Wisconsin and all over the country. We have handled over 3,000 cases in more than 40 states.
- You won’t pay us unless we win your mesothelioma claim. Our attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning $0 is charged upfront.
Understanding Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma refers to a tumor or cancer of the mesothelium. This is the thin layer of tissue that covers and protects many of the internal organs. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos, a group of minerals that were heavily mined and used in a variety of consumer products in the 1800s and most of the 1900s, until it was confirmed to cause cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Asbestos was a popular additive in consumer goods and building materials due to its ability to resist heat and fire.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium and cause irritation, damage and scarring that may lead to the development of mesothelioma. There are four types of mesothelioma based on the location where cancer cells develop: pleural (the lining of the lungs), peritoneal (the lining of the abdominal cavity), pericardial (the protective sac around the heart) and testicular (the lining around the testes). All types of mesothelioma are deadly, with no known cure.
An individual could be exposed to asbestos in many locations and situations. Although manufacturers were required to discontinue the use of asbestos in their products in the 1970s under regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency, millions of items containing asbestos were already in existence. Working with or around any of these asbestos-containing materials could lead to the development of mesothelioma. Common examples include insulation, spray-on textures, paints, ductwork, pipes, adhesives, cement, flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, siding and fire-resistant cloth.
Mesothelioma Rates and High-Risk Populations in Wisconsin
From 2015 to 2019, there were 393 new cases of mesothelioma and 338 deaths in Wisconsin, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This placed Wisconsin at number 13 in the country. During the study period, 302 patients who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were males and 91 were females. The vast majority of mesothelioma patients were White and non-Hispanic in ethnicity (370).
The counties with the highest mesothelioma rates in Wisconsin in the five-year study period were:
| County | Age-Adjusted Rate | New Cases | Deaths | Population |
| Milwaukee County | 0.9 | 45 | 34 | 4,759,489 |
| Waukesha County | 1.1 | 32 | 34 | 2,003,390 |
| Dane County | 0.8 | 20 | 16 | 2,683,160 |
| Brown County | 1.3 | 19 | Data Suppressed | 1,306,102 |
| Winnebago County | 1.8 | 18 | Data Suppressed | 852,372 |
The people who are at the highest risk of mesothelioma in Wisconsin are those who are exposed to asbestos regularly, such as workers in certain occupations. Workers who have to deal directly with asbestos at their jobs or in environments that expose them to asbestos could develop mesothelioma.
Examples include construction workers, contractors, HVAC technicians, electricians, laborers, firefighters, military servicemembers, manufacturers, power plant workers and shipyard workers. These workers can also put their family members at risk of mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure – asbestos carried home with them on their hair or clothing.
How to File a Claim for Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma victims may qualify for financial compensation through one or more legal remedies. One example is an asbestos trust fund claim. These funds were set up by bankrupt companies to compensate victims who were exposed to asbestos by their products or locations. Most of the largest manufacturers of asbestos products have established trust funds to pay qualifying individuals.
Another potential source of compensation is a mesothelioma lawsuit, such as a personal injury or wrongful death claim. A lawsuit is a civil claim that seeks compensation on behalf of an injured victim from one or more negligent parties. Establishing negligence or a breach of warranty using compelling evidence is often required to make a monetary recovery through a mesothelioma lawsuit. Other possible sources of compensation may include a workers’ compensation claim or veterans claim, depending on your situation.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
This is a question you will need to ask an attorney for an accurate answer. Each mesothelioma case is entirely unique; there is no one-size-fits-all settlement given to every victim. Instead, settlements and judgment awards are determined based on elements specific to each case.
Case values depend on factors such as:
- Type of illness or diagnosis
- Stage of mesothelioma
- Long-term prognosis
- Severity of symptoms
- Cost of medical treatments
- The victim’s age and overall health
- Earnings lost due to the illness
- Amount of pain and suffering
- Legal fees and out-of-pocket cost
- Funeral and burial expenses (in a wrongful death case)
The amount that is available to you and your family will also depend on the type of claim. Asbestos trust funds, for instance, typically come with schedules or predetermined values for different types of asbestos-related illnesses, as well as payment percentages that can reduce payouts. Speak to an attorney to learn the potential value of your case.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, it is important to work with a qualified attorney who has experience handling these cases. The right attorney will help you identify the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure and pursue a claim for fair financial compensation. You deserve a compassionate and committed lawyer as a mesothelioma victim or family member.
Clients around the nation have trusted Bailey & Glasser, LLP with their most complicated asbestos and mesothelioma claims. We can help you overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of justice. Contact us today to find out how we can help you. Call (866) 871-7971 to request your free case consultation with a mesothelioma attorney.
