Minnesota Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers

Minnesota has a significant iron ore industry. Excavating and processing raw ore is a dusty job that can expose Minnesota workers to harmful suspended particles, including silica dust and airborne asbestos fibers.

The majority of reported mesothelioma incidences occur in the mining industry, where asbestos was widely used in machinery and protective equipment.

Unfortunately, many of the families of workers at the sites listed below also have an increased risk of developing cancer because of the asbestos fibers that were carried home on the body and clothing of those workers.

Common Causes of Asbestos Exposure in MN

In Minnesota, asbestos exposure typically occurs in industries and environments where asbestos-containing materials were widely used. Here are some common causes of asbestos exposure in the state:

• Mining Operations: Northern Minnesota is known for its iron ore and taconite mines. Asbestos and asbestos-like fibers can be found naturally in the earth, particularly in the Iron Range. Workers in these mines, as well as in processing facilities, are at risk of asbestos exposure due to disturbed soil and rocks containing the fibers.
• Shipbuilding and Repair: Duluth, located on Lake Superior, had a strong shipbuilding and repair industry where asbestos was extensively used in insulation, boilers, and other ship components. Workers who built or maintained ships were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers.
• Construction and Demolition: Many older buildings in Minnesota contain asbestos in materials like insulation, roofing, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Workers involved in construction, renovation, or demolition of these structures are at risk of disturbing asbestos materials and releasing hazardous fibers into the air.
• Manufacturing: Industries that produced products containing asbestos, such as insulation, pipes, gaskets, and cement, also put workers at risk. Factories that dealt with these materials could expose workers to asbestos if proper safety measures weren’t followed.
• Power Plants and Industrial Sites: Power plants and industrial facilities across Minnesota used asbestos to insulate machinery, piping, and other equipment due to its heat-resistant properties. Workers in these environments were often exposed during installation, maintenance, or removal of asbestos materials.
• Automotive Repair: Asbestos was commonly used in automotive parts such as brake pads, clutches, and gaskets. Auto mechanics in Minnesota who worked with or replaced these parts may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
• Residential Exposure: Homeowners and residents of older homes in Minnesota may encounter asbestos during renovations or repairs. Asbestos-containing materials such as popcorn ceilings, old insulation, or floor tiles can release fibers when disturbed.

Although asbestos use has been reduced, many workers and residents in Minnesota continue to face health risks from legacy asbestos in buildings, industrial sites, and natural deposits.

Statistics for Mesothelioma Cases in Minnesota

Minnesota ranks 14th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths. There have been 981 deaths from mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer between 1999 – 2013.

Filing an Asbestos Claim if You Live in Minnesota

You do not have to file your claim in the state in which you live. 

It’s far more important to contact an attorney with a strong history of experience specifically in asbestos cases, than it is to select one who happens to be in your area of Minnesota. The most successful attorneys in your area may have never handled an asbestos case.

SWMW attorneys dedicate the overwhelming majority of their time and effort prosecuting mesothelioma claims, so we know which states and jurisdictions are going to provide the best outcome for your case and can get your case settled faster.