01. South Dakota Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in South Dakota
Mesothelioma law firms have experience handling asbestos cases in South Dakota. Attorneys at these firms understand state asbestos laws and know how to build successful cases. They can help secure compensation for people injured by asbestos exposure.
The following law firms can help South Dakotans seek compensation:
Asbestos lawyers have the resources and knowledge to help people with asbestos illnesses. This includes those diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Law firms can represent patients and guide them through each step of the legal process.
Experienced law firms provide trustworthy, comprehensive support for people diagnosed with asbestos illnesses. Attorneys can help gather evidence to craft a strong case. They can also determine the best place to file a lawsuit or asbestos trust claim. After filing, lawyers handle all aspects of the legal process.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in South Dakota
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in South Dakota
Asbestos was once widely used in several South Dakota industries. As a result, many state residents have developed asbestos-related diseases. Many of these people have filed mesothelioma lawsuits.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1999 to 2020, 129 South Dakotans were diagnosed with mesothelioma. During the same time period, there were 130 mesothelioma deaths in South Dakota.
People with asbestos illnesses have filed lawsuits and pursued other sources of compensation for their injuries. Mesothelioma lawyers can explain the pros and cons of each legal option and choose the best ones. Patients can rely on these attorneys to manage the entire legal process.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in South Dakota?
People who lived or worked in South Dakota may have encountered asbestos at various sites. Those who developed asbestos illnesses, including mesothelioma, may be eligible to file lawsuits. Family members may also be eligible to file after an asbestos-related death of a loved one.
South Dakota workers in several industries were at risk of asbestos exposure and related illnesses. Construction sites, power plants and auto shops may have used asbestos-containing materials. Employees who experienced occupational asbestos exposure followed by a related illness have legal options. Patients may be able to hold asbestos manufacturers accountable for causing their illnesses.
Residents of South Dakota who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Avon, SD
- Brandon, SD
- Clark, SD
- Eagle Butte, SD
- Edgemont, SD
- Hot Springs, SD
- Interior, SD
- Rapid City, SD
- Watertown, SD
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in South Dakota
Each state has its own timelines for filing asbestos-related lawsuits. These timelines are outlined in laws called statutes of limitations. The timelines for filing lawsuits generally begin when a person is diagnosed with or dies from an asbestos illness.
These timelines apply to cases filed on behalf of the patient and wrongful death lawsuits filed by family members. Experienced attorneys can help ensure case documents for any type of asbestos lawsuit are filed on time.
Other types of asbestos illness compensation may not share the time constraints of a lawsuit. For example, asbestos trust fund claims may not be subject to the statutes of limitations above. Asbestos trusts are created by asbestos companies to compensate current and future victims of their products. Mesothelioma attorneys can file asbestos trust fund claims on behalf of patients and families.
Filing VA Claims in South Dakota
As of 2021, South Dakota was home to more than 54,000 veterans. American veterans have historically been at high risk of asbestos exposure and illness. Prior to the 1980s, Air Force bases across the country commonly used asbestos-containing materials. No evidence suggests South Dakota’s Air Force base was any exception.
At one time, Ellsworth Air Force Base was the second largest employer in South Dakota. This means many veterans and military employees may have encountered asbestos while working on base. Any level of exposure is dangerous and may result in asbestos illness and cancers.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits for military personnel with service-related asbestos conditions. VA benefits can help cover treatment and other costs tied to asbestos illnesses. Filing for these benefits does not prevent a person from seeking additional compensation via lawsuits or trust fund claims.
03. South Dakota Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in South Dakota
South Dakotans have secured compensation for asbestos illnesses. Settlements and jury verdicts can cover expenses related to a mesothelioma diagnosis. This may include medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Details of South Dakota mesothelioma settlements include:
- $3.1 million for a 66-year-old welder and machine operator
- $2.5 million for a 75-year-old Army veteran and maintenance worker
- $2 million for a 66-year-old Navy veteran and boiler worker
- $1.3 million for a 71-year-old construction worker and home renovator
- $800,000 for a 71-year-old Army veteran and carpenter
- $800,000 for a 77-year-old Navy veteran and plumber
- $700,000 for a 59-year-old construction business owner
- $500,000 for a 62-year-old plant worker and home mechanic
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable South Dakota mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in South Dakota
South Dakota Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Individuals in South Dakota must follow state and federal asbestos regulations. The state’s Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR) oversees asbestos management and abatement. State law includes the following rules about asbestos management in South Dakota:
- Contractor certification: All asbestos contractors and workers must have a valid, DANR-issued license.
- Training: Contractors and workers must complete a DANR-approved course before receiving a license.
- Waste disposal: Each county must provide a designated site for disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
South Dakotans who handle or dispose of asbestos in violation of state law may face fines and penalties.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
