photo of a wooden gavel on a tableBetween 1973 and 1979, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the manufacture of several asbestos-containing materials in the United States.1 However, in the decades before these laws were legislated, millions of people were exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos every day at their workplaces and homes.

Unfortunately, it was a little too late when researchers finally discovered that asbestos exposure was linked to the development of serious diseases and cancers like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years from the first incidence of asbestos exposure.3 As a result, the rates of mesothelioma diagnosis are on the rise.4

Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Cases in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, you have three years to pursue a case after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.5 This statute of limitations allows victims and their families to pursue compensation for wrongful asbestos exposure after discovering they have mesothelioma.

Asbestos Exposure Still Happens Today, Even in Wisconsin

Currently, the EPA only bans certain uses of asbestos in manufacturing. It is legal, for example, to produce and sell asbestos-containing products like cement corrugated sheet or millboard in the United States.1 Additionally, many people encounter asbestos-contaminated materials while remodeling or repairing an older building.

In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has estimated that “1.3 million employees in construction and general industry are exposed to asbestos on the job” while repairing, renovating, removing, and/or maintaining asbestos-containing products installed years ago.6

Unfortunately, some employers are willing to expose their workers to asbestos in order to save money, avoid hiring asbestos professionals, and/or ignore OHSA asbestos regulations.

For instance, a corporate owner of a foundry in Berlin, WI, paid the maximum fine under terms of a plea agreement after ordering workers to remove insulation that contained asbestos. They had “failed to provide the employees with adequate safety equipment and didn’t tell the workers they were dealing with asbestos while removing material from the roof of an inactive industrial oven.”7

This situation should have never happened; it was completely avoidable. While prior incidences of asbestos exposure cannot be undone, employees in Wisconsin and other states can pursue compensation within the statute of limitations.

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? We’re Here to Help

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be an overwhelming experience, but our attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C., are here to help you shoulder the burden. We not only guarantee the best settlement or verdict for your injury but also a promise to make your life as smooth as possible. Please fill out our online contact form. Call us at (312) 578-9501 or toll-free at (866) 881-9980, too. A free, no-obligation consultation is available as well.

 

 

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