Over 600 people have died in the state of Missouri because of asbestos exposure: you have legal options

Asbestos was mined and used heavily in the state of Missouri prior to the 1970’s. During the 1970’s the public became aware of the dangers of asbestos and laws began to set in place in order to protect individuals from it. For nearly 100 years, asbestos was mined and used in various products throughout the United States.

Through investigation and lawsuits, documents were uncovered from major asbestos corporations proving that they all had knowledge of the hazards of asbestos long before the general public. Several lawsuits have been filed against these companies from individuals who have been stricken ill from asbestos-related diseases. Residents of Missouri are no exception. Perhaps, you already know someone who has pursued compensation for their fatal asbestos disease from one of several of these companies.

Weitz & Luxenberg can help you in this pursuit. Compensation from negligent asbestos companies can do more than cover all of your medical expenses and provide you with financial stability. It can send a message to these companies that there is no excuse for disregarding people’s health and safety.

For more information on the pursuit of financial compensation, contact Weitz & Luxenberg today.

Facts and statistics regarding deaths from asbestos in the state of Missouri

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that as many as 870 people died from asbestos diseases combined between the years 1979 and 2001. The group also reports that the death toll has been rising steadily since the 1970’s, and so the number of deaths after the year 2001 is expected to be even greater.

Saint Louis County, home to St. Louis, the state's second largest city, had the greatest number of deaths by county in Missouri with an estimated high of 192.

Possible locations of asbestos exposure in Missouri

The following are a few locations in Missouri where you may have been exposed to the asbestos that caused your illness:

Power plants – there are a large number of power plants in Missouri (especially in certain cities such as Clinton, Chamois, and New Madrid). Power plants generally contain large amounts of asbestos to insulate the machinery.

Factories – Prior to the 1970’s many factories contained asbestos to better insulate machines. Asbestos was also used in steam pipes and boilers to control the heat. During factory work, you may have bumped into a pipe or worked with a machine that contained asbestos. Through wear and tear that asbestos can flake off, and once breathed in, can become highly toxic.

Mines – Missouri was the home of a few asbestos mines. Whether you worked in or around these mines, your exposure risk was very high. Asbestos dust is toxic, and miners were not given the proper masks and gear to protect themselves from the dust. Even living with someone who worked in an asbestos mine is dangerous because the dust can cling to clothes and hair and come off later. There have been thousands of cases of wives of children of asbestos workers developing diseases because of secondhand or “take home” asbestos exposure.

Major cities and towns in Missouri and asbestos exposure

Missouri saw a lot of expansion in the past sixty years along with the rest of the country. With skyscrapers going up and housing developments beingaround major cities, construction workers were busy, and with asbestos regulations only coming into action in the 1970s, builders of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s has many opportunities for asbestos exposure.

Were you involved in construction—installing insulation, wires, pipes, floors, building and repair in any capacity—in Missouri? One area that saw a lot of growth was the St. Louis metropolitan area. Other centers of building and industry where asbestos may have been involved during construction are:

• Kansas City
• Springfield
• Independence
• Columbia
• Lee's Summit
• O'Fallon
• St. Joseph
• St. Charles
• St. Peters
• Blue Springs
• Raytown
• Clayton
• Ballwin
• Gladstone
• Liberty
• Branson

Weitz & Luxenberg wants to help the people of Missouri

For over two decades Weitz & Luxenberg has been coming to the aid of those afflicted with asbestos-related diseases. We know the right steps to take to pursue financial compensation. The compensation  you could receive can cover a range of costs. Let those responsible for your disease cover the cost.

For more information including a free legal consultation, contact us directly. Simply fill out the form on this page or give us a call at (800) 476-6070.

Sources

USGS: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1211/downloads/pdf/Plate.pdf

EWG: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/tables/deathdetails_county.php?fips=29000