Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you live in Wisconsin and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will need a top asbestos lawyer on your side. Each case is different, so let an experienced Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer review the facts of your case and help you access compensation.

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Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Wisconsin

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer can help you pursue compensation and seek justice from negligent manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.

Nearly 1,300 Wisconsin residents died from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2017, as noted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Almost all these deaths could have been prevented since manufacturers of these products knew the health risks of asbestos for decades. Instead, they hid the facts to keep profits high.

Today, Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers fight on the behalf of those harmed by manufacturers of asbestos-based products through legal action.

Asbestos claims have been filed by mesothelioma victims who lived or worked in these Wisconsin locations:

  • Appleton
  • Beloit
  • Eau Claire
  • Green Bay
  • Kenosha
  • Madison
  • Manitowoc
  • Milwaukee
  • New Berlin
  • Racine
  • Wisconsin Rapids
  • And more

When looking for a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer, it’s important to select a firm with the experience, reputation, and resources to advocate for you. Thankfully, Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with an experienced law firm that can help mesothelioma patients like you: Simmons Hanly Conroy.

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Wisconsin Mesothelioma Law Firm

As one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and other personal injuries find justice and hope.

The attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy have centuries of combined experience, and they aim to provide their clients with first-class legal services.

Our sponsor firm has recovered $395 million on behalf of those with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in Wisconsin alone. A few of the firm’s recent mesothelioma settlement amounts are highlighted below.

Wisconsin Mesothelioma Settlements Recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • $4.7 millionLaborer
  • $4.6 millionWelder
  • $2.4 millionMaintenance worker
  • $1.7 millionU.S. Navy veteran

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Fact-Checked

All Simmons Hanly Conroy settlement amounts have been fact-checked and verified by our editorial team.

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to many high-risk asbestos sites, including automotive manufacturing plants and shipyards.

Automotive workers are especially at risk as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to issue a ban on the use of asbestos in sheet gaskets, oilfield brake blocks, and other vehicle parts.

When it comes to the shipbuilding industry, two-thirds of the new ships being built in the upper Great Lakes from 1900-1945 were designed and constructed in Wisconsin. Ships relied on asbestos-based products for decades.

A Wisconsin factory

Wisconsin still houses a number of shipyards along with several military bases built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, which may contain asbestos-based products.

Top Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers maintain massive databases of sites linked to asbestos exposure in the state and across the country.

Examples of asbestos sites in Wisconsin include:

  • A.C. Electronics General Motors Corporation, Oak Creek
  • Ajax Corporation, Milwaukee
  • Allis-Chalmers Corporation, Milwaukee
  • Bellin Memorial Hospital, Green Bay
  • Beloit College, Beloit
  • Borden Food Company, Plymouth
  • Charmin Paper Company, Madison
  • Consolidated Water Power & Paper Company, Wisconsin Rapids
  • Continental Can Plant, Racine
  • Delphi Automotive, Oak Creek
  • Farmers Cooperative Packaging Company, Madison
  • Fraser-Nelson Shipbuilding / Knudsen Shipbuilding
  • Gesu School, Milwaukee
  • Kraft Foods, Beaver Dam
  • Lutheran Church, Kenosha
  • Manitowoc Shipyard, Manitowoc
  • Oak Creek Powerhouse, Milwaukee
  • Ocean Spray Plant, Racine
  • Port Washington Powerhouse, Milwaukee
  • St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, you should contact a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.

An experienced attorney specializing in asbestos cases may be able to help you pursue compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more.

Wisconsin Counties With the Highest Number of Asbestos-Related Deaths

Asbestos affects families and communities in every state and county in the U.S. Along with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has caused thousands of deaths in Wisconsin from related diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer. Five counties were hit particularly hard in recent years.

Asbestos-Related Deaths Between 1999-2017
CountyEstimated DeathsAverage Deaths Per Year
Milwaukee County85144
Waukesha County55429
Racine County32116
Brown County25713
Kenosha County25713

Know Your Rights: Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawsuits

A Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer can pursue lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-based products.

If you or a loved one were injured by wrongful asbestos exposure, you have the legal right to file a claim.

Asbestos victims pay no upfront costs to file mesothelioma lawsuits, and a Wisconsin mesothelioma attorney can handle most of the work for you.

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Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Wisconsin?

In addition to Wisconsin residents, mesothelioma patients who may have been exposed to asbestos while working in, living in, or visiting the state might qualify to file a claim for financial compensation.

Additionally, anyone who’s been diagnosed with other serious asbestos-related diseases — such as lung cancer or asbestosis — may also qualify to file a claim with the help of a Wisconsin mesothelioma attorney. Surviving family members may also be able to file a claim on behalf of a mesothelioma victim.

A Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer can explain how the state’s laws and regulations impact someone’s eligibility for different types of asbestos claims.

Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in Wisconsin

Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers have recovered millions for mesothelioma victims in the state through legal settlements.

Through a mesothelioma settlement, the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products being sued agree to pay the victim a lump sum of money.

Mesothelioma settlements typically award victims between $1 million and $1.4 million on average, but some may award more or less than this.

A settlement allows the lawsuit to come to a relatively quick conclusion, rather than going through a potentially time-consuming — and risky — trial process.

Wisconsin settlements recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy include:

  • $4 million for a tool and die maker in Greendale
  • $3.5 million to a U.S. Navy veteran in Kenosha
  • $3.4 million for a pump equipment worker in Twin Lakes
  • $3.31 million to a union painter from Brooksfield

If a mesothelioma lawsuit is not settled out of court, it may go to trial. A jury then decides the case with a verdict.

Mesothelioma verdicts award victims an average of between $5 million and $11.4 million — if the case is decided in the victim’s favor. If not, the victim receives no money.

Each state sets limits on how long you have to file a claim, so it is important to get in touch with a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer right away.

Asbestos Laws and Regulations in Wisconsin

The state and federal governments regulate asbestos in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supervises asbestos-related activities in the state.

The following agencies administer other major asbestos regulations in Wisconsin:

  • EPA
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)

Federal OSHA asbestos exposure standards apply to workplaces in Wisconsin and across the nation.

Statutes of Limitations in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer meets with clients

Each state has specific laws regarding how long someone has to file a claim after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. These laws are called statutes of limitations (SOLs), and they typically range from 1-2 years depending on the state.

Once an SOL has passed, you can no longer file a lawsuit.

Because these laws can be difficult to navigate, victims often turn to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer for help. A Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer can explain how statutes of limitations will affect your case and if you can file a claim in the state or another one.

Even if statutes of limitations prevent you from filing a lawsuit, you may still be able to access compensation from an asbestos trust fund.

Asbestos Trust Funds in Wisconsin

Trust funds were created by manufacturers of asbestos-based products that filed for bankruptcy but wanted to stay in business.

Since they are funded by manufacturers to pay current and future claims, these asbestos trust funds are not subject to state laws. This means each trust establishes its own deadlines for filing a claim.

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), asbestos trusts paid $17.5 billion to victims of asbestos-related diseases between 1988 and 2011.

Learn more about asbestos trust fund compensation by working with a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer.

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Wisconsin Veterans & VA Information

The rate of mesothelioma is higher among U.S. veterans since every branch of the military used asbestos-based products until the early 1980s.

Approximately 6,000 veterans died from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2005 alone, and one-third of all mesothelioma patients are veterans. During their time of service, veterans may have been exposed to asbestos in military ships, vehicles, bases, and other assets.

Examples of military bases in Wisconsin that used asbestos include:

  • Fort McCoy, Sparta and Tomah
  • Truax Field Air National Guard Base, Madison

For victims who were exposed to asbestos in the military, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help them locate referrals to specialists within the VA and other networks.

Additionally, both the VA and Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers can assist with filing disability compensation and other asbestos-related claims.

Wisconsin VA Benefits

The VA is one of the largest providers of benefits and services for veterans with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma VA benefits Include:

  • Aid & attendance
  • Burial & survivor benefits
  • Disability compensation
  • Hospice care

Veterans can also access care from mesothelioma doctors who have partnered with the VA.

Two VA mesothelioma doctors include:

Disclaimer

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.

Wisconsin veterans can also seek help from the following offices and facilities:

Veterans Benefits Administration

  • Milwaukee Regional Office, Milwaukee

VA Medical Centers

  • Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee
  • Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah
  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

  • Chippewa Valley VA Clinic, Chippewa Falls
  • Hayward VA Clinic
  • Madison Central Clinic
  • Madison West Annex Clinic
  • Rice Lake VA Clinic
  • Twin Ports VA Clinic, Superior
  • VA River Valley Integrated Health Center, La Crosse

Vet Centers

  • Green Bay Vet Center
  • La Crosse Vet Center
  • Madison Vet Center
  • Milwaukee Vet Center
  • Wausau Outstation

Veterans can learn more about filing for VA benefits by speaking with a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer. These lawyers can collect key information needed to file a VA benefits claim.

AML and VFW Service Officers in Wisconsin

Organizations such as the American Legion (AML) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) who can assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors.

VSOs are trained and accredited by the VA and other recognized organizations to help veterans file for military benefits. These advocates are located in service offices throughout the state.

Offices serving the 10 largest cities in the state include:

  • Brown County Veterans Service Office, Green Bay
  • Dane County Veterans Service Office, Madison
  • Department of Veterans Services, Neenah-Menasha Branch Office, Oshkosh
  • Eau Claire County Veterans Service Office
  • Kenosha County Veterans Service Office,
  • Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office
  • Outagamie County Veterans Service Office, Appleton
  • Racine County Veterans Service Office
  • Rock County Courthouse, Janesville
  • Waukesha County Veterans Service Office

Veterans can reach out to these service offices to connect with a VSO.

Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide today to learn if and how you can access financial assistance for an asbestos-related illness.

Connect With a Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyer

Asbestos victims do not bear any responsibility for their mesothelioma diagnosis. Because of the heartless decisions made by manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma each year.

Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyers know how this disease can devastate families and are here to help. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is in your best interest to work with a Wisconsin mesothelioma lawyer.

A qualified Wisconsin mesothelioma attorney can help you:

  1. Identify the work sites or locations where you were exposed to asbestos
  2. Obtain medical and military records
  3. Build an asbestos claim that maximizes your chances of securing compensation
  4. File your claim within the proper Wisconsin statutes of limitations

To learn more about your options, contact our team for a free, no-obligation case review. Our asbestos lawyers never charge upfront or out-of-pocket fees, and they get paid only if your case results in compensation. Get started with a free legal consultation.

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Attorney Melissa Crowe SchopferReviewed by:Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Legal Editor

Melissa Crowe Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. Over the past 10 years, Melissa has worked on over 500 cases and recovered more than $100 million in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of her clients. She has represented families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in almost every state.

  • Asbestos Trial Team Leader
  • Practicing Attorney for 15+ Years
  • Has Recovered Over $100 Million
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. Asbestos Statutes and Rules. (2016). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/asbestos/laws.htm
  2. Buffie, N., & McInnis, T. (2017, April 10). Highest to Lowest Share of Blue Collar Jobs By State. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://bluecollarjobs.us/2017/04/10/highest-to-lowest-share-of-blue-collar-jobs-by-state/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2018). Underlying cause of death 1999-2017 on CDC WONDER online database. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html
  4. Gogebic Taconite, LLC, former mining project Location: Iron and Ashland counties. (2019, April 8). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/mines/gogebic.html
  5. Hillard, C. (2015, February 25).The First 100 Years of City Homes. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2015/02/25/milwaukee-architecture-the-first-100-years-of-city-homes/
  6. Kaeding, D. (2015, August 17). More Asbestos-Like Minerals Found In Parts Of Penokee Range. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.wpr.org/more-asbestos-minerals-found-parts-penokee-range
  7. Mealey’s. (2021, July 30). Mealey’s litigation report: asbestos. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/65302/asbestos-verdicts-settlements-january-2020-december-2020
  8. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (January 2014). Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3507.pdf
  9. Office, U. S. G. A. (2011, October 19). Asbestos Injury Compensation: The Role and Administration of Asbestos Trusts. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-819
  10. OSHA National News Release. (2016, August 1). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/08012016
  11. Shipbuilding in Wisconsin. (1996-2020). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1822
  12. Smalley, M. (2019, August 7). Study reports Wisconsin ranks first in number of paper mills. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/wisconsin-ranks-first-pulp-paper-mills-economic-output-us-2018/
  13. Solutions, V. A. W. (2000, June 21). Veterans Affairs. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?dnum=ALL&STATE=AZ
  14. State Facts. (n.d.) Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://autoalliance.org/in-your-state/WI/pdf/?export
  15. Summary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. (2019, September 10). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-occupational-safety-and-health-act
  16. Tomasallo, C. D., Christensen, K. Y., Raymond, M., Creswell, P.D, Anderson, H. A., & Meiman, J.G. (2018, December). An Occupational Legacy: Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence and Mortality in Wisconsin. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30256306
  17. U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts: Wisconsin. (2019, July 1). Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/WI
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