Mesothelioma in Missouri

Asbestos Exposure in Missouri

Asbestos was widely used in Missouri until the late 1970s, when EPA Clean Air Act regulations began banning products with the dangerous element. Until then, workers in Missouri were exposed when they worked in manufacturing, construction, and power generation. 

Every year, about 52 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in Missouri, and about 85 people die in the state from the condition. Missouri ranks 19^th in the country for mesothelioma incidence and deaths. 

People who develop mesothelioma have three years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim, and families have three years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can’t reverse health problems, but it can help families to pay for treatment and lost wages caused by the illness.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Missouri

Compensation is available to victims of asbestos exposure. Victims file claims to hold companies accountable, and the typical settlement amount is more than $1 million. In some cases, lawsuits can result in verdicts exceeding $20 million. 

We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and determine which claim options are available to you, given your particular situation.

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Missouri

Victims in Missouri have five years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury or secondhand exposure claim. Families have three years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim. 

Families typically need to provide the following types of proof:

• Medical records
• Proven diagnosis
• Death certificate
• Employment records
• Eyewitness account
• Paystubs

We can help you understand what you need and help to gather that data. If you’re not sure what you have now is enough, contact us. We can help determine your eligibility. 

Mesothelioma Settlements in Missouri

The average settlement for a mesothelioma claim is more than $1 million, per Mealey’s Litigation Report. But amounts can vary widely. This list of settlements and verdicts in Missouri can help you understand the range:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Missouri

Some occupations and locations in Missouri are associated with a high risk of asbestos exposure and subsequent mesothelioma. These are a few of them: 

Jackson County Courthouse 

The historic courthouse in Kansas City was filled with asbestos. When the building was renovated, workers were exposed to dangerous levels. Many of them sued to get compensation funds that could pay for treatment. 

Weldon Spring 

The Weldon Spring site was designated for Superfund cleanup because of contamination from numerous hazardous substances, including asbestos-containing materials. People who worked at the facility when it was active could have been exposed. 

Automobile Manufacturing

Asbestos was often used in automotive components, as it’s lightweight and flexible. Companies like Ford and Chrysler were operating in Missouri and could have exposed workers while they were on shift. 

Family Members & Loved Ones

Some people develop mesothelioma without ever setting foot in a place like Johns-Manville or Kaiser Aluminum. These people were exposed to asbestos by their loved ones, who brought fibers home on their shoes and clothes.

Top Exposure Sites in Missouri

There are more than 2,000 verified asbestos exposure sites in Missouri. Some of the worst include the Jackson County Courthouse, the St. Louis Airport Site, and the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Fenton. 

Victims can sue companies directly. If the companies have gone bankrupt, they can file claims with asbestos trust funds set up to help cover costs. 

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Missouri

Many companies that used asbestos haven’t filed for bankruptcy, including the Ford Motor Company and Ameren Corporation. A lawsuit is the path forward for compensation in these instances, and awards tend to be higher than those stemming from trusts. 

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Missouri

Some companies in Missouri have been sued due to asbestos exposure, and they’ve since gone bankrupt. They include Johns-Manville (which established the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust), W.R. Grace & Co., and Kaiser Aluminum. 

If your exposure comes from a now-bankrupt company, your path should involve a trust. Over $20 billion has already been paid out from trusts like this, with more than $30 billion still available to pay future victims.

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Missouri

Most victims start by selecting an asbestos litigation expert. An attorney experienced in asbestos litigation can help identify potential sources of exposure, determine which claims may be available, gather supporting evidence, and navigate the litigation process. 

Here’s how the process works: 

1. Meet with a mesothelioma attorney. You’ll ask questions and understand how your case might progress.
2. Gather evidence and documentation. Your team will review and find all evidence and documentation to use in the case.
3. File claims. Your team will start the legal process and notify the company of your claim.
4. Complete claim discovery or review. The other party will review the case and ask for more documents, if needed. 
5. Agree to settlement, trial, or liquidation. You’ll get an appropriate level of compensation based on how your claim moves forward. 

Every case is different, but most follow this basic structure. Learn more about each step of the process.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Missouri

Legislative changes could impact your asbestos litigation in Missouri. The state has tightened disclosure rules, requiring plaintiffs to disclose all claims filed with asbestos bankruptcy trusts within 30 days of filing a lawsuit.

Other changes involve higher standards for scientific and medical expert testimony in toxic tort lawsuits.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Missouri?

Patients in Missouri have access to specialized cancer care at centers including Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, and the University of Kansas Cancer Center in the Kansas City region. Compensation can help you pay for care, and with funds secure, you can focus on your healing. 

How We Can Help

Our attorneys are licensed to practice in Missouri. We can help to gather proof, arrange for treatment, manage your claims, and more. Contact us to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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