01. Vermont Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Vermont
Experienced mesothelioma law firms have helped Vermont residents affected by asbestos receive compensation. Lawyers at these firms can explain eligibility and file lawsuits and other claims for clients. After filing, they can handle all parts of the litigation process, from negotiating settlements to arguing cases at trial.
The following law firm can help Vermont residents with mesothelioma and their families seek compensation:
Mesothelioma lawyers understand asbestos laws and how they may affect cases. Their knowledge and expertise allow them to handle complex mesothelioma lawsuits. Their experience helps them decide the best place to file. In some cases, filing out of state may benefit their clients.
Mesothelioma lawyers file lawsuits against asbestos companies on behalf of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. These lawsuits may end in compensation from verdicts or settlements.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Vermont
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Vermont
Mesothelioma lawyers understand asbestos laws and how they may affect a case. Lawyers can file lawsuits against asbestos companies. These companies used asbestos or manufactured products with the mineral. Lawsuits may result in compensation from verdicts or settlements.
Vermont has fewer cases of mesothelioma than many other states. The state itself has a smaller population, with roughly 650,000 people living there.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 150 new mesothelioma cases between 1999 and 2020. During the same time, approximately 124 Vermont residents died from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma treatment costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Lawsuit compensation can help with treatment costs and other expenses. Experienced lawyers have helped eligible Vermonters with their mesothelioma lawsuits.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Vermont?
Vermont residents with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file lawsuits. However, eligibility depends on many factors. A mesothelioma lawyer can explain individual requirements.
Workers in many different occupations face asbestos exposure. For example, both construction workers and miners are considered high-risk occupations for asbestos exposure. Mining is less prominent in Vermont than other industries now. But the state was once home to a large asbestos mining operation.
The asbestos jobsite was a group of three asbestos mines on Mount Belvidere near Eden, Vermont. The site once consisted of nearly 1,700 acres. The mines began operations in the late 1800s and ran until 1993. The last owner of the mines was the Vermont Asbestos Group (VAG).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began cleaning the site in 2007. During the initial cleanup, the EPA estimated that roughly 18,000 cubic yards of potentially contaminated ore were in just one structure. Samples taken from on-site materials showed 10% – 45% asbestos concentration. The EPA finished cleanup operations in 2013.
Asbestos exposure does not happen only in the mining industry. Exposure can occur at other jobsites, schools and homes. Residents in Vermont from the following cities have filed lawsuits:
- Bristol, VT
- Chester, VT
- East Charleston, VT
- Essex Junction, VT
- Hyde Park, VT
- Middlebury, VT
- Milton, VT
- Newbury, VT
- North Clarendon, VT
- Pittsford, VT
- Poultney, VT
- Vernon, VT
- Waterford, VT
- White River Junction, VT
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Vermont
Most asbestos lawsuits are subject to timelines established in the statutes of limitations. These laws govern how long a person has to file a lawsuit after an injury. In Vermont, personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits have different timelines. Family members can have an attorney file a wrongful death lawsuit after a loved one dies because of mesothelioma.
An asbestos lawyer can also help with other ways to get compensation. For example, lawyers can submit claims to asbestos trust funds. Companies set up these trust funds to cover their asbestos liabilities after declaring bankruptcy. Also, lawyers can file veterans benefits claims for veterans with mesothelioma in Vermont. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to veterans who develop mesothelioma after military-related exposure to acknowledge their service to the country.
03. Vermont Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Vermont
An asbestos company and victim may agree to a mesothelioma settlement at any time after filing. A settlement is an agreement to end a lawsuit in exchange for a certain sum of money. Victims may accept or reject any settlement offer presented by companies.
Patients and their families can use settlements in many different ways. Mesothelioma compensation can help pay for medical expenses and loss of income.
Some examples of Vermont settlements include:
- $1.4 million for an 81-year-old Navy veteran and shipyard worker (General Dynamics Electric Boat)
- $1.3 million for a 59-year-old Army veteran and commercial insulator
- $800,000 for a 79-year-old Navy veteran (Norfolk Naval Shipyard) and Air Force veteran
- $800,000 for an 80-year-old sheet metal worker
- $800,000 for an 84-year-old machinist and design engineer
- $600,000 for a 75-year-old Navy veteran and machine operator
- $600,000 for a 76-year-old Navy veteran (Naval Station Newport) and boilermaker
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Vermont mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Vermont
Vermont Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Vermont follows federal asbestos regulations. The state also has regulations designed to ensure good air quality, workplace safety and other asbestos-related concerns.
Vermont law establishes asbestos certification standards. Anyone who wants to perform asbestos abatement must receive state certification.
Certified asbestos removal contractors must complete continuing education with accredited training providers. The Vermont Department of Health certifies and approves asbestos training courses.
Vermont law also sets workplace safety regulations. The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) enforces these regulations, which establish workers’ rights and allow inspections. Inspectors can penalize employers if they find violations.
Vermont Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Some Vermont laws directly affect asbestos lawsuits within the state. For example, the statutes of limitations establish filing timelines. Mesothelioma patients must file a lawsuit before the timeline ends.
Asbestos litigation has also affected current and future asbestos lawsuits. For example, a 2010 case looked at the scope of liability for executives of asbestos companies.
In this case, the court found that company executives may be held personally liable for asbestos victims’ injuries because the VAG mine contaminated a nearby property owner’s land. The court stated that if the CEO directed or actively participated in actions that put the man in danger, the CEO may owe damages to the property owner.
An asbestos law firm will understand how this case and others may affect individual cases. Anyone injured by an asbestos company should speak with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
