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North Dakota has the least asbestos fatalities than any other state. This may be due to the fact that the industries North Dakota does have are confined to a handful of locations. The state is mostly known for its agriculture, not its industries. The few power plants and refineries North Dakota has still puts workers at risk for asbestos exposure.
Jobs with Asbestos Exposure in North Dakota
The power plants are responsible for most, if not all, asbestos exposure that takes place in North Dakota. The Beulah Coyote Station and Stanton Powerhouse employ hundreds to work in their facilities. Within those facilities, the pipe insulation may contain asbestos due to its ability to resist fire and heat. Oil refineries such as BP Amoco also had asbestos. Most of the asbestos in any oil refinery is through the insulation and pipe fittings. The asbestos insulation helps keep the chemicals heated at the right temperature as it is turned into gasoline from the crude oil that is drilled in the ground.
Imported asbestos was another source of exposure for those who lived in North Dakota. The majority of the asbestos received came from Libby, Montana. The asbestos is processed and turned into insulation by Robinson Insulation Company located in North Dakota. The fibers/insulation are then distributed and used in public buildings such as schools and businesses. Buildings that have since been demolished had traces of asbestos.
Asbestos-Related Deaths in North Dakota
Up to five asbestos-induced diseases are reported in North Dakota every year. This makes North Dakota the state with the lowest asbestos-induced illnesses in the United States. Less than 100 deaths have been reported and of those, less than 35 were from asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), while the majority were due to mesothelioma.
Legal Resources for North Dakota
North Dakota statutes allow you two years to file a personal injury claim based upon proof of negligence on behalf of the asbestos manufacturers and/or your employers. Due to mesothelioma's latency period from the time of exposure to the time you are diagnosed, this particular statute may not apply.
The statute of limitations in the state of North Dakota for an asbestos case can be different from personal injury statutes. Even if your case has merit, missing the window of opportunity to file within the set statute of limitations can leave you unable to file your claim. It is advised that you contact us and let us help you determine if you have a potential case and to draft a time-line for your lawsuit of when your statutes are over.
