Mesothelioma in Wisconsin

Asbestos Exposure in Wisconsin

Asbestos was heavily used in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and industrial construction in Wisconsin in the 1930s through the late 1970s.

People who worked in places like the Milwaukee County Shipyards and the Babcock & Wilcox Company could have breathed in fibers while on shift and developed mesothelioma years later. 

Every year, about 72 new cases are diagnosed, earning Wisconsin a rank of 16th in the nation by sheer volume. However, the state has the highest per-capita age-adjusted incidence rate in the nation at 1.24 cases per 100,000 residents, according to CDC data. 

Compensation is available for people who developed mesothelioma while working in Wisconsin, but victims have just three years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Wisconsin

People diagnosed with mesothelioma or another qualifying asbestos-related disease may be eligible to pursue compensation in Wisconsin, depending on the circumstances of their exposure and claim. 

Average compensation from a settlement is $1 million. Jury verdicts can result in substantially higher awards than settlements, but trial outcomes are uncertain and cases that proceed to trial can take longer to resolve.

Many victims file for multiple forms of compensation, ensuring they get the full suite of funds they need to help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with the disease. Their families may also file for wrongful death benefits. 

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

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Wisconsin

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Wisconsin

Victims of asbestos exposure in Wisconsin have three years from the date of formal diagnosis to file a claim. The disease typically presents symptoms earlier, but the time to file starts when a doctor writes the diagnosis in a chart. 

These are items people in Wisconsin typically need for a successful claim:

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

Experts in asbestos litigation can help you find all of these documents and ensure they’re presented properly in your lawsuit. If you don’t have all of them now, we can help you find them.

– Daniel Wasserberg, Attorney

Mesothelioma Settlements in Wisconsin

Per Mealey’s Litigation Report, the average settlement for a mesothelioma claim ranges between $1 million and $1.4 million. 

Trial jury verdicts average higher, as these top cases in Wisconsin demonstrate:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Wisconsin

Some occupations held in Wisconsin are associated with a high risk of asbestos exposure. People diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease who worked in these occupations may be eligible to pursue compensation. 

Marine Construction 

People who build ships, including those who installed insulation on them, could be at risk for asbestos exposure. Job sites like the Milwaukee County Shipyards are closely tied to mesothelioma. 

Paper Mills 

Asbestos was commonly used in steam pipes and machinery in places like Biron Mill and Nekoosa Papers. People who worked within these facilities may have mesothelioma claims. 

Power Generation 

Power plants, like Dairyland Power Cooperative, used asbestos-containing insulation around pipes, boilers, turbines, and other equipment. Workers involved in installation, maintenance, repair, or removal of this material could have experienced significant occupational exposure.

Family Members & Loved Ones

Secondhand exposure could involve family members who did laundry that had asbestos fibers home on them. 

Top Exposure Sites in Wisconsin

There are close to 2,000 verified asbestos exposure sites in Wisconsin. They include plants owned by Sprinkmann Sons Corporation, W.R. Grace & Co, and Babcock & Wilcox Company. 

Asbestos fibers are small, and they’re often airborne. Anyone who worked within these sites, including people who didn’t handle asbestos directly, could have been exposed while on the job and could be eligible for compensation.

Several superfund sites for asbestos also exist within the state, including Grede Foundries, American Motors Corp / Chrysler, A.O. Smith Corporation, and the historical W.R. Grace vermiculite processing facility. Anyone who worked in these locations could also be exposed. 

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Wisconsin

Many Wisconsin companies sued for asbestos are still in business, including General Electric, Johnson Controls, and Oshkosh Corporation. A lawsuit is the path forward for this form of compensation, which generally is much higher compared to trusts.

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Wisconsin

Several manufacturers whose asbestos-containing products were used in Wisconsin have established bankruptcy trusts, including W.R. Grace, Owens Corning/Fibreboard-related trusts, and Johns Manville.

Over $20 billion has already been paid out, and over $30 billion is still in these asbestos trust funds to pay future victims.

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Wisconsin

Most victims start by selecting an asbestos litigation expert. This simple choice ensures that the lawsuit moves as quickly and effectively as possible, resulting in higher winnings on average. 

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin regulates asbestos inspection, removal, and abatement through state certification and notification requirements. These rules are intended to reduce exposure during renovation and demolition projects. 

These changes may not impact cases in progress now, as the workplace rules didn’t apply when people were exposed years ago. But they could keep people safer while on the job today. 

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Wisconsin?

Top treatment facilities in Wisconsin include:

• The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
• Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center
• UW Health Cancer Center at ProHealth Care

Compensation from a lawsuit could help cover the cost of care at these facilities. With payment secure, you can focus on your treatment plan. 

How We Can Help

We’re licensed to operate within the state of Wisconsin and can help you get the compensation you deserve. We can help connect you with medical resources and experienced mesothelioma treatment centers. 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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