Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms are typically not immediately apparent, and there is no known cure for this disease. This particular terminal illness is caused by asbestos exposure. There is no such thing as a safe amount of exposure, so any Minnesota worker or resident who believes he or she may have been exposed will want to discuss the issue with his or her employer and physician.
One of the largest chemical companies in the world recently settled a string of lawsuits and will be paying upwards of $100 million in compensation once legal fees are calculated. For decades, the chemical company was accused of knowingly placing products that contained asbestos into consumers’ hands. The talc used to manufacture these products was mined in a New England state.
The first person to file a lawsuit against the company did so in 2009. The plaintiff is a woman whose father had worked as a scientist at the chemical company. She used to visit him in the workplace and also launder his clothing. Her claim stated that she was exposed to asbestos at her father’s place of work and from coming in contact with clothes he had worn on the job. The claim further asserted that the company concealed its knowledge that its talc products contained asbestos.
In a deposition, the woman’s father stated that the company had known for years that their talc products posed a danger of asbestos exposure. A subsequent investigation made it possible for past plaintiffs to re-file their claims. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say they are pleased that, after three decades, the fact that the company hid important information from consumers is finally on record and victims of asbestos injuries will be able to receive compensation from the recent settlement. Anyone in Minnesota with questions about how to file a personal injury claim may request a meeting with an attorney well-versed in this area of law for support.
