01. North Dakota Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in North Dakota
Mesothelioma law firms can help North Dakota residents affected by asbestos exposure file a lawsuit and seek compensation. These law firms are experienced with different types of lawsuits and the types of claims like those filed against asbestos trust funds. Asbestos attorneys at these firms can explain an individual’s eligibility for different compensation options and handle the entire legal process on behalf of their clients.
The following law firms can help asbestos victims in North Dakota receive compensation:
Asbestos victims will find benefits to working with experienced mesothelioma law firms. Attorneys at these firms have experience with complex asbestos laws and access to resources to help them build successful cases. They have proven track records holding asbestos companies accountable for the harm they caused and securing compensation for their clients.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in North Dakota
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in North Dakota
North Dakotans impacted by asbestos-related illnesses have filed lawsuits. Residents may have experienced occupational asbestos exposure while on the job. From 1999 to 2020, 179 instances of mesothelioma were recorded in North Dakota. During the same period of time, approximately 153 North Dakotans passed away because of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients and their loved ones can talk to an asbestos attorney about their options. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can explain how North Dakota’s asbestos laws may impact filing options. These lawyers have won compensation for asbestos victims through mesothelioma settlements and verdicts.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in North Dakota?
North Dakotans who develop an illness related to asbestos exposure may be eligible to file lawsuits and mesothelioma claims. North Dakota has a small population, with many of its residents working in the agriculture industry. Agricultural employees may have faced exposure to asbestos from farming equipment, contaminated soil and vermiculite. Farmers using old equipment and working in old buildings may still be at risk for exposure.
Individuals also risked asbestos exposure in North Dakota at other residential and commercial sites. Various companies and jobsites in the state handled asbestos products. Robinson Insulation Plant in Minot, North Dakota, is one of these exposure sites.
The Minot plant used vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mine in Libby, Montana, to make insulation. The Libby mine contained asbestos, which contaminated the vermiculite. In 1983, the Minot plant stopped processing vermiculite after 38 years of use. Workers at the plant may have been exposed to asbestos while on the job.
North Dakota residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits and received compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Fargo, ND
- Grand Forks, ND
- Hazen, ND
- Larimore, ND
- Napoleon, ND
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in North Dakota
North Dakota patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to file personal injury lawsuits. Patients’ family members may also be able to file wrongful death lawsuits. Individuals can contact qualified law firms for representation. These top-rated asbestos attorneys can help gather the documentation needed to file lawsuits. They will also file on behalf of their clients and work with them through every step of the legal process.
Lawsuits must be filed within the state’s filing time frames, outlined in laws called statutes of limitations. In general, the timeline runs from the date of diagnosis or death.
Besides lawsuits, individuals may qualify for different mesothelioma claims. These include asbestos trust fund claims and veterans benefits claims. Claims may offer additional opportunities for compensation. Individuals can talk to an experienced lawyer to find out about their best options.
03. North Dakota Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in North Dakota
Victims of asbestos exposure in North Dakota have received millions of dollars in compensation. Experienced law firms can help residents file lawsuits to seek the compensation they deserve.
Listed below are some examples of mesothelioma settlements achieved on behalf of North Dakota residents and workers:
- $1.6 million for an 85-year-old Marine Corps veteran and carpenter
- $800,000 for a 77-year-old Army veteran, printing professional and at-home mechanic
- $800,000 for an 81-year-old truck driver and home renovator
- $500,000 for a 78-year-old Navy shipyard worker and welder
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable North Dakota mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in North Dakota
North Dakota Asbestos Laws & Regulations
North Dakota follows federal laws regulating asbestos. It also has state-specific regulations for handling and removing asbestos. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees the enforcement of emission standards for asbestos. It also licenses asbestos abatement workers and contractors.
The DEQ’s Asbestos Control Program enforces federal and state regulations for handling asbestos. Some of these asbestos regulations include:
- Individuals must submit proper paperwork 10 days before demolition or remodeling.
- A state-licensed inspector must check the property for asbestos.
- A state-certified worker must properly remove all asbestos-contaminated materials the inspector finds.
- Workers must dispose of all asbestos waste in an approved landfill.
Failure to follow this process can result in fines. For instance, in 1998, a North Dakota renovation company owner pleaded guilty to not following regulations for handling asbestos materials. He was given a 10-month sentence and had to pay $200,000 in fines.
Asbestos regulations help protect workers and the public from dangerous exposure.
North Dakota Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
North Dakota legislation around asbestos laws is unique from other states in a few ways. Laws impacting asbestos litigation in North Dakota include:
- “Bare metal” defense: Liability is limited for metal manufacturers whose products are later altered with asbestos material by a third party. These manufacturers cannot be held liable for failing to warn end users of the dangers of asbestos.
- Heightened filing standards: Within 45 days of filing a lawsuit, an asbestos victim must provide detailed information about evidence related to naming each company being sued. The legislature passed this law to try to prevent victims from “over-naming” companies in lawsuits.
- Successor liability: When a company acquires an asbestos company, the purchaser’s asbestos liabilities are limited to the value of the company it acquires.
- Trust transparency: Within 30 days of filing a lawsuit, asbestos victims must show they have identified and filed all potential bankruptcy trust claims. The lawsuit can be dismissed if this condition is not met.
A mesothelioma attorney can explain how these laws may affect a victim’s filing options. They can help North Dakota asbestos victims determine their best options for compensation.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
