Wisconsin Asbestos Exposure

Wisconsin only has one known deposit of naturally occurring asbestos, which is located along its border with Michigan. However, this deposit may not be of health concern as it has never been mined. What issues Wisconsin does have is from imported asbestos and through workplace exposure.

Jobs with Asbestos Exposure in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's paper manufacturing industry not only uses asbestos in insulation, but also in the materials used during the paper's drying processes, which were made of these nonflammable fibers. Wisconsin is the largest manufacturer of paper.

The paper mills in Wisconsin were located in:

• Kaukauna
• Rapids
• Marinette
• Green Bay
• Mosinee

Wisconsin's construction industry is like most other states in that this particular industry often uses asbestos-containing products. Such products typically include insulation, pipe fitters for the plumbing system, drywall products, and flooring. Prior to the 1980s, many vinyl flooring contained asbestos. Construction workers were left vulnerable to asbestos exposure on a daily basis.

Power plants provide electricity to millions of homes in the state of Wisconsin. Asbestos was used primarily as insulation wrapped around pipelines throughout the plant, shielding the workers from the heat generated.

The clothing manufacturers in Wisconsin also had asbestos issues. The deadly materials were used during the distribution process on machinery parts and also during shipping. Those who worked in these clothing manufacturing factories were at risk for asbestos exposure. The clothing itself also may have contained asbestos and after wear and tear, fibers may have been released from these items of clothing and into the air.

Asbestos-Related Deaths in Wisconsin

Since 1978, there have been over 700 deaths caused by asbestos exposure. Of the total, significantly more than half were due to mesothelioma, which is a rare form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Legal Resources for Wisconsin

Wisconsin statute allows you three years to file a personal injury claim based upon proven 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 Wisconsin 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.