Dozens of South Dakota residents of lost their lives to asbestos exposure: find out how we can help you protect your family and your life

Names have been altered in this article to protect the privacy of those involved.

Rudy, of South Dakota, raddles off the names of the people he knew – the people that have died of mesothelioma (an asbestos-related disease).

“John had it [mesothelioma]. He died of it, then his brother…and his father.” He lists about four more names before getting quiet.

Rudy talks about getting into the business 40 years ago, which was right about when asbestos was being outlawed.

“It does not mean they stopped using it,” he clarifies.

He speaks from Local Pipe Insulators Union 57 in Sioux City, IA (which serves South Dakota, as well) about the long hours of a pipe insulator.

“[Sometimes you would work] 8 to 12 hour days…mixing the mud and putting it on.”

The mud was an asbestos cement compound. A pipe insulator would show up to a job site in the morning, mix a batch of “mud” and spend the whole day applying it to pipes with a trowel. He says that nobody wore any masks to protect themselves, and that the contractor never said anything about asbestos being dangerous.

“Nobody thought it was bad for you.”

That is not entirely true – the asbestos companies knew it was bad for you. They had known ever since the 1800’s when asbestos was first manufactured in the United States, but they kept that information a secret so that they could maintain their profits (EWG).

Weitz & Luxenberg wants to help you bring these companies to justice. In the process, you could receive financial compensation that can cover all of your medical bills, and provide complete financial stability for you and your family.

Contact us today for more information by filling out the form on this page. We charge nothing until a favorable verdict or settlement is reached.

Other ways South Dakota residents were exposed to asbestos

Over 100 people have died from asbestosis and mesothelioma (two diseases caused by asbestos) from 1979 to 2001 (EWG 2). The following are possible ways South Dakota residents were exposed.

Jobs in which people came in contact with asbestos – Prior to the 1970s in the United States asbestos was used to insulate and fireproof buildings and homes. Jobs such as carpentry, construction, plumbing, steam pipe fitting, work in a power plant, military service, painting, and mining are just a few high risk occupations for asbestos exposure.
Secondhand exposure – also called “take home” asbestos exposure is when someone who was working with asbestos carries it home accidentally on his or her hair or clothes. The asbestos dust may flake off and inhaled by those nearby. Tragically, this is how many young children and spouses develop horrible asbestos diseases.

Pursuing medical help

The Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center is one of many excellent cancer centers in South Dakota. They can help you understand your options for treatment. You can reach them at this address and phone number:

Avera McKennan Hospital

and University Health Center

800 E 21st St

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Phone: (605) 322-3000

It is always important to get multiple opinions concerning your diagnosis. If you would like to pursue your medical options in other centers of excellence around the country, financial compensation through legal action can cover the costs.

Pursuing legal help

Weitz & Luxenberg has been assisting people like you pursue financial compensation for asbestos-related diseases for over two decades. We have helped secure billions in successful verdicts and settlements, and we would like to help the people of South Dakota, as well.

Whenever you are ready to pursue financial compensation, and bring the negligent asbestos companies responsible for your illness to justice, simply fill out the form on this page. After submitting the form we will provide you with a free, legal consultation within 24 hours.

Sources

NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/us/09miner.html?_r=1

EWG 1: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/facts/fact3.php

EWG 2: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/tables/deathdetails_county.php?fips=46000