The asbestos mines of Minnesota and other possible locations that caused your illness

Hundreds of residents of Minnesota have been stricken ill by asbestos-related diseases. “A 70% excess of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, has been reported among men in northeastern Minnesota, where iron mining has been the major industry,” writes The National Center for Biotechnology Information in a 2007 article (NCBI).

Some asbestos types bind to iron and exposed countless workers in the industry. If you, or your parents, or grandparents have been exposed to asbestos in the state of Minnesota and developed an asbestos-related illness, Weitz & Luxenberg can help. We have helped many clients like you from all over the country receive compensation that can cover medical bills, travel expenses, and provide your family with the financial security they deserve.

Minnesota asbestos statistics

From the years 1979 to 2001, an estimated 668 people living in the state of Minnesota have died from asbestos-related sicknesses (EWG). The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that between the years 1988 and 1996, 14 people who held jobs in or around the mining industry in Minnesota developed mesothelioma (NCBI).

As of 2001, Hennepin County had the highest fatalities from asbestos among all the counties in Minnesota with an approximate 210 people.

The mining industry

The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, or 3M, was one of several mining companies that, at some point, exposed workers to asbestos. Many of these companies had prior knowledge that asbestos causes fatal diseases, but they chose not to act on it, nor reveal that information to the public.

A doctor hired to give advice for the Philip Carey Manufacturing Company (who produced asbestos products) provided this statement:

“There is an irrefutable association between asbestos and cancer. There is substantial evidence that cancer and mesothelioma have developed in environmentally exposed groups, i.e., due to air pollution for groups living near asbestos plants and mines. Evidence has been established for cancer developing among members of the household. Mesotheliomas have developed among wives, laundering the work clothes of asbestos workers. Substantial evidence has been presented that slight and intermittent exposures may be sufficient to produce lung cancer and mesothelioma. There should be no delusion that the problem will disappear or that the consumer or working population will not become aware of the problem and the compensation and legal liability involved.” (EWG 2)

Unfortunately, it was not until the late 1970’s that the general public became aware of the dangers of asbestos.

Railways

Minneapolis is the home of many train stations. The train industries were notorious for asbestos use in the boilers of the stations and in train brakes (Railway Age).

What actions you can take

The negligence of these asbestos companies caused your illness, and you can pursue compensation from them. Nowadays, these corporations have highly experienced attorneys that work to invalided claims such as yours. Weitz & Luxenberg can help protect you during this process. We have been working in asbestos litigation for over twenty years. We know how to uncover documents that can prove where you were exposed, when, and who is responsible.

To get started, fill out the form found on this page. We will contact you with the information you provide within 24 hours.

Sources

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17988773

EWG 1: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/tables/deathdetails_county.php?fips=25000

EWG 2: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/facts/fact3.php

Railway Age , The, Lewis , Robert (Ed). thirteenth volume: http://books.google.com/books?id=6dBLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA303&lpg=PA303&dq=asbestos+in+train+tracks&source=bl&ots=9uRbjQbsgx&sig=mrEEvlXdZbtjOi_xVL0BlmOEg7I&hl=en&ei=dQ6mTfS-HrGE0QHG8tnvCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=asbestos%20in%20train%20tracks&f=false