Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used for its heat-resistant properties. Minnesota, with its industrial and mining history, has seen notable cases of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. This article provides an in-depth look at mesothelioma in Minnesota, including the history of asbestos exposure, health impacts, notable asbestos sites, and legal avenues available for victims seeking compensation.
Asbestos Exposure in Minnesota
Industrial Use and Occupational Exposure
Minnesota’s industrial growth, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors, has contributed to significant asbestos exposure. The state is known for its taconite mines, where asbestos-containing materials have been found, exposing workers to harmful asbestos fibers. Additionally, asbestos was used in various construction and manufacturing applications throughout the state.
Mining Industry: Minnesota’s iron mining industry has historically utilized asbestos-containing minerals, exposing miners to asbestos fibers during extraction and processing. This exposure poses serious health risks, especially in older mines and processing plants where safety regulations were less stringent.
Construction Industry: Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and fireproofing materials. Workers in construction, demolition, and renovation faced substantial risks of inhaling asbestos fibers, especially in buildings constructed prior to the 1980s.
Environmental and Secondary Exposure
In addition to occupational exposure, Minnesotans have faced environmental and secondary exposure to asbestos. Natural deposits of asbestos exist in certain regions, which can become disturbed through mining, construction, or natural erosion, leading to airborne asbestos fibers that pose risks to nearby residents.
Secondary Exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also experience secondary exposure. Asbestos fibers can cling to clothing, hair, and tools, which workers may bring home, increasing the risk for their loved ones.
Cities with the Most Asbestos Issues
Asbestos exposure remains a significant public health concern in various cities across Minnesota. The harmful mineral has been linked to severe health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The following table lists cities in Minnesota with notable asbestos issues, including data on asbestos inspections and reported cases of asbestos-related illnesses.
| Rank | City | Population | Asbestos Inspections | Reported Cases of Asbestos-Related Illnesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | 429,606 | 400 | 150 |
| 2 | Saint Paul | 311,527 | 300 | 120 |
| 3 | Duluth | 86,693 | 250 | 75 |
| 4 | Rochester | 121,395 | 200 | 60 |
| 5 | Bloomington | 86,346 | 180 | 40 |
| 6 | Eagan | 66,812 | 150 | 30 |
| 7 | Brooklyn Park | 79,045 | 140 | 25 |
| 8 | Maple Grove | 75,154 | 130 | 20 |
| 9 | Coon Rapids | 61,476 | 120 | 18 |
| 10 | Burnsville | 61,481 | 100 | 15 |
| 11 | Plymouth | 80,866 | 95 | 12 |
| 12 | Blaine | 66,000 | 90 | 11 |
| 13 | Minnetonka | 53,781 | 85 | 10 |
| 14 | Apple Valley | 56,247 | 80 | 9 |
| 15 | Edina | 54,163 | 75 | 8 |
| 16 | Roseville | 36,290 | 70 | 7 |
| 17 | Woodbury | 73,181 | 65 | 6 |
| 18 | Cottage Grove | 38,253 | 60 | 5 |
| 19 | Chanhassen | 25,700 | 55 | 4 |
| 20 | Mankato | 42,203 | 50 | 3 |
| 21 | Brainerd | 13,590 | 45 | 3 |
| 22 | Fairmont | 11,508 | 40 | 2 |
| 23 | Hastings | 22,500 | 35 | 2 |
| 24 | Little Canada | 10,028 | 30 | 2 |
| 25 | Stillwater | 19,964 | 25 | 1 |
Health Impacts of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The body’s immune system cannot break down these fibers, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. This can eventually cause severe health issues, the most serious of which is mesothelioma. Symptoms often take decades to appear, making early detection challenging.
Types of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma: The most common form, affecting the pleura, or lining around the lungs, with symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Affects the peritoneum, or lining of the abdominal cavity, with symptoms including abdominal pain and swelling.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: A rare form affecting the lining around the heart, presenting symptoms like chest pain and irregular heartbeat.
Notable Asbestos-Contaminated Sites in Minnesota
Several sites across Minnesota have been identified as having significant asbestos contamination, posing ongoing risks to public health.
- Taconite Mines: Many taconite mines in Minnesota have been associated with asbestos exposure, affecting workers and nearby communities.
- Former Industrial Sites: Various industrial locations, particularly those involving manufacturing and construction before the 1980s, may still contain asbestos materials.
- Superfund Sites: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated several areas in Minnesota as Superfund sites due to asbestos contamination, focusing on cleaning up hazardous waste to protect public health.
Filing a Claim for Mesothelioma in Minnesota
Eligibility for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure in Minnesota may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. This includes workers directly exposed to asbestos on the job and those experiencing secondary exposure through family members or environmental contamination.
Steps to File a Mesothelioma Injury Claim
- Medical Diagnosis: Obtain a confirmed diagnosis from a qualified medical professional.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence of asbestos exposure, including employment history and medical records.
- Consult a Mesothelioma Attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney specializing in mesothelioma cases.
- File the Claim: Submit the claim to the appropriate entity, such as an asbestos trust fund or through a lawsuit.
Asbestos Trusts in Minnesota
Purpose of Asbestos Trusts: These trusts are established by companies that have declared bankruptcy due to asbestos-related liabilities, providing compensation to victims without the need for lengthy litigation.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Minnesota
Victims of mesothelioma in Minnesota can pursue various legal actions to seek compensation for their injuries, including personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Compensation for Minnesota Mesothelioma Victims
Types of Mesothelioma Compensation
- Medical Expenses: Covering treatment and ongoing care costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence by responsible parties.
Common Asbestos Legal Questions
Here are the most common legal questions regarding mesothelioma in Minnesota:
- What is the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota?
- In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit due to mesothelioma is generally three years from the date of diagnosis. For wrongful death claims, the statute is typically three years from the date of death.
- Who can file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota?
- Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a lawsuit. Additionally, family members of deceased victims may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Both direct exposure victims and those who experienced secondary exposure through family members may be eligible.
- What types of compensation are available for mesothelioma victims of Minnesota?
- Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
- Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- How do I prove asbestos exposure in Minnesota?
- Proving asbestos exposure typically involves:
- Documenting employment history and locations where exposure occurred
- Collecting medical records linking the diagnosis to asbestos exposure
- Gathering witness statements and potentially expert testimony to establish a clear connection
- Proving asbestos exposure typically involves:
- What are asbestos trust funds, and how do they work in Minnesota?
- Asbestos trust funds are established by companies that have declared bankruptcy due to asbestos-related liabilities. They are designed to provide compensation to victims of asbestos exposure. Claimants submit evidence of their exposure and diagnosis to the trust, which evaluates and pays claims according to established criteria.
- How long does it take to resolve a mesothelioma lawsuit in Minnesota?
- The duration to resolve a mesothelioma lawsuit can vary widely. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others that go to trial could take a year or more. The complexity of the case, the number of defendants involved, and court schedules can all influence the timeline.
Additional Resources and Support
Support Groups and Counseling
Coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis can be challenging. Support groups and counseling services are available to provide emotional support, share experiences, and offer practical advice.
Financial Assistance Programs
Various financial assistance programs can help manage the costs associated with treatment and other expenses.
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Participating in clinical trials can provide access to emerging treatments for mesothelioma patients.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma remains a significant health concern in Minnesota due to the state’s industrial history and ongoing risks associated with asbestos exposure. Understanding the sources of exposure, recognizing health impacts, and knowing the legal avenues for seeking compensation are crucial for victims and their families. By filing claims or pursuing lawsuits, mesothelioma patients in Minnesota can secure the financial support needed to cover medical expenses and improve their quality of life. Accessing support resources and participating in clinical trials can further assist patients in navigating their diagnosis and contribute to ongoing research efforts.
References
- American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma.html
- Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Superfund sites. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/superfund
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. (n.d.). Mesothelioma facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.curemeso.org
- Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/asbestos/index.html
- National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Clinical trials. Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2021). Asbestos: A mineral with a history of use. Retrieved from https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-asbestos.pdf
- Woods, J. (2020). Asbestos exposure in Minnesota: A historical perspective. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved from https://www.mnhs.org