Arizona’s legacy of asbestos mining seriously impacted the health of many workers and residents. Industrial workplaces and many residential and public buildings have exposed workers to asbestos. Many are now fighting for justice with the assistance of an Arizona mesothelioma lawyer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top Arizona mesothelioma lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
We are happy to offer assistance in all cities and towns in Arizona, such as:
Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, San Tan Valley, Yuma, Avondale, Goodyear, Casas, Adobes, Flagstaff, Buckeye, Lake Havasu City, Catalina, Foothills, Casa Grande, Maricop, Sierra Vista, Oro Valley, Prescott, Sun City, Prescott Valley, Bullhead City, Marana, Apache, Junction, El Mirage, San Luis, Queen Creek, Drexel Heights, Kingman, Fortuna, Foothills, Sahuarita, Florence, Sun City, West Fountain Hills, Green Valley, Anthem, Nogales, Rio Rico, Eloy, Douglas, Tanque Verde, Flowing Wells, Payson, Somerton, New River, Fort Mohave, Sun Lakes, Sierra Vista Southeast, Paradise Valley, Verde Village, Tucson Estates, New Kingman-Butler, Coolidge, Cottonwood City, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Vail, Show Low, Sedona, Gold Canyon, Valencia West, Tuba City, Safford, Saddlebrooke, Winslow, Picture Rocks, Arizona City, Golden Valley, Catalina, Globe, Page, Corona de Tucson, Tolleson, Village of Oak Creek (Big Park), Wickenburg, Doney Park, Youngtown, Guadalupe, South Tucson, Williamson, Snowflake, Bisbee, Litchfield Park, Avra Valley, Lake Montezuma, Cave Creek, Paulden, Benson, Holbrook, Three Points, Kayenta, Thatcher, Eagar, Colorado City, San Carlos, and more.
Arizona Asbestos and Mesothelioma Facts
Arizona ranks in the middle of states for asbestos-related deaths. Between 1999 and 2017, there were 5,157 recorded deaths related to asbestos exposure in the state. Of those deaths, 970 were caused by mesothelioma. Maricopa County had the highest number of asbestos deaths during that time period.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers
- Widespread Use: Asbestos was used in over 3,000 household and industrial products, such as roofing shingles, talcum powder, automobile brakes, insulation, and boilers. Its durability and resistance to heat and electricity made it a favored material across various sectors.
- Industry Impact: Multiple industries, including manufacturing, steel working, and shipbuilding, utilized asbestos extensively. This widespread use significantly increased the risk of exposure among workers.
- Health Risks: Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, such as mesothelioma, which may develop 10 to 50 years after initial exposure. This long latency period makes early detection and prevention challenging.
- Historical Exposure: More than 1 million U.S. Workers were exposed to asbestos during the 20th century, highlighting the extensive reach of this hazardous material and the ongoing health risks for many individuals today.
In Arizona, the impact of asbestos exposure is evident in the statistics, yet it reflects a broader national issue. Understanding the history and dangers of asbestos is crucial for awareness and prevention.
Understanding the Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once prized for its durability and resistance to heat and electricity. However, it’s crucial to understand the severe health risks that come with exposure to this substance.
Key Health Risks
- Mesothelioma: This aggressive cancer primarily affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It can take 10 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure, making it a particularly insidious risk.
- Asbestosis: Long-term exposure can lead to this chronic lung disease. Asbestosis causes lung tissue scarring, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. This risk escalates for those who worked in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
- Other Cancers: There is also an elevated risk of cancers in the digestive system, including stomach and colorectal cancers, linked to asbestos exposure.
Industries at Risk
- Construction: Asbestos was used in roofing shingles, insulation, and cement.
- Manufacturing: Products like automotive brakes and talcum powder contained asbestos fibers.
- Shipbuilding: Ships often had asbestos insulating materials due to their heat-resistant properties.
- Steel Working: High-temperature environments utilized asbestos for its protective features.
Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns
During the 20th century, over 1 million U.S. Workers encountered asbestos, leaving a legacy of health issues even decades later. Understanding the risks associated with such exposure remains crucial, as many products and environments may still harbor asbestos.
Recognizing these risks allows individuals to seek appropriate medical evaluations and legal recourse if necessary, providing a pathway toward protecting future generations from the dangers of asbestos.
Do I Need an Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you need a lawyer. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent workplace exposure. Companies can and should be held accountable. With a lawyer, you can recover damages for your medical and other expenses.
Who can file a mesothelioma legal claim?
- Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
- Family members or estate representatives of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Even if your loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, you may still be able to pursue compensation on their behalf. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, while you focus on recovery and support for your family.
How much compensation has been recovered by mesothelioma lawyers for Arizona families?
Mesothelioma attorneys in Arizona have successfully recovered more than $300 million for families impacted by asbestos-related illnesses. This substantial compensation helps cover medical expenses and ensures accountability for those responsible for the harm.
How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
There are several options for seeking damages for asbestos exposure and illness. The first thing a lawyer will do for you is to review your case. They can then suggest a course of action, which might include:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit. Asbestos illnesses are personal injuries when caused by negligent exposure. A lawyer can determine who was responsible for your past asbestos exposure in Arizona and file a lawsuit to seek damages. These lawsuits usually end in settlements and only rarely go to trial.
- Filing an asbestos trust fund claim. Companies that used asbestos and went into bankruptcy cannot be sued. In this situation, a lawyer can help you file a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit. If your loved one died from negligent asbestos exposure, you can file a wrongful death suit to seek damages.
- Claiming VA Benefits. If you were exposed to asbestos during military service, you may be entitled to VA benefits. Mesothelioma is rated as 100% disabling. A lawyer can help you apply for monthly compensation and other veterans‘ benefits.
Look for a mesothelioma lawyer who can see you in Arizona, but that is part of a national firm. These large firms have the best resources for winning complicated asbestos cases.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Arizona?
Most people who suffered from asbestos-related diseases were exposed to the mineral on the job. A few prominent industries were responsible for many exposures in Arizona.
Asbestos in Mines
Asbestos was first discovered in Arizona in 1872. Large-scale asbestos mining began in the state in 1912, especially from a large deposit in the Salt River area. Companies that mined asbestos in Arizona included:
- John Mansville
- W.R. Grace
- Jaquays Mining Corporation
Asbestos mining continued for decades until the early 1970s when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially linked asbestos exposure to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
By the time the EPA banned many asbestos products in the late 20th Century, thousands of tons of asbestos had been extracted from Arizona mines, and many workers suffered the effects of exposure to the dangerous minerals.
Alleviating Financial Burdens with Legal Support
When facing the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the financial implications can be overwhelming. While no amount of compensation can erase the pain caused by this cancer, legal avenues exist to help lessen the financial strain. A dedicated mesothelioma law firm can file a lawsuit on behalf of affected individuals, aiming to secure compensation. This financial support can significantly ease the burden, allowing patients and their families to concentrate on their health and well-being.
In essence, understanding the history of asbestos exposure is crucial, but knowing that there are legal pathways to reduce financial hardships provides hope and a sense of relief for those impacted.Arizona mines, and many workers suffered the effects of exposure to the dangerous minerals.
Mineral Processing
The mining and processing of other minerals also triggered asbestos exposure:
- The Solomon’s Mines packing plant in Phoenix processed vermiculite, a mineral extracted from mines in Libby, Montana, by W.R. Grace. In its normal, pure state, vermiculite is not dangerous to humans, but the deposits in Montana were contaminated by large amounts of asbestos fibers.
- Another major vermiculite processing plant that handled ore mined by W.R. Grace in Libby was the Ari-Zonolite Company in Glendale. Over 200,000 tons of vermiculite ore are estimated to be shipped to the Ari-Zonolite plant for processing. The ore contained an estimated 21%-26% asbestos, but W.R. Grace considered this a natural and harmless side effect.
- Ari-Zonolite vacated the facility in 1964 and moved its vermiculite processing equipment, but other businesses operated on-site until 2002. Thus, individuals who worked in this Glendale job site risked exposure long after Ari-Zonolite left.
Asbestos in Government Facilities and Residential Buildings
Many industries and government agencies, including the Department of Defense and military branches, used asbestos materials for various purposes.
Though many products such as flooring tiles and insulation now use substitute materials, many public and private buildings built before 1980 still contain asbestos.
If left undisturbed, asbestos poses few health hazards to humans. However, any activity, such as renovation or repair work, that disturbs the fibrous materials can introduce asbestos into the environment.
Work Sites in Arizona Known to Have Asbestos
These are just a few specific examples of workplaces in Arizona with recorded asbestos that could have exposed workers:
- Williams Air Force Base, Mesa
- Phelps-Dodge Copper Mine, Ajo
- Arizona Copper Company Ltd. Mine, Clifton
- Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Tonopah
- Apache Generating Station, Cochise
- Navajo Generating Station, Paige
- Luke Air Force Base, Glendale
- Cholla Power Plant, Joseph City
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
- Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Facilities, Fossil Creek
- United Verde Mine (“The Big Hole”), Jerome
- San Manuel Copper Mine, San Manuel
- Emergency Procurement Services Materials Branch, Phoenix
- Reynolds Metals Company, Phoenix
- Cudahy Packing Company, Tovrea
- Pacific Fruit Express Company, Tucson
- Southwest Lumber Mills, Flagstaff
Arizona Laws That Affect Mesothelioma Lawsuits
How mesothelioma lawsuits proceed depends on individual state laws. A few laws in Arizona impact who can file and when.
No Take-Home Duty
Unfortunately, Arizona restricts asbestos lawsuits to people directly exposed to asbestos. Some people become ill through secondhand asbestos exposure. This typically occurs when someone works around asbestos and brings fibers home on their clothing, exposing family members.
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that employers do not have a take-home duty to warn people of the risks of secondhand asbestos exposure.
A man developed mesothelioma because his father worked around asbestos at Reynolds Metal Co. He sued the company, but the Court found in favor of the employer.
The Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, a plaintiff must file an asbestos-related lawsuit within two years of diagnosis, according to the state’s statute of limitations.
For wrongful death lawsuits, the plaintiff must file within two years of the victim’s death date.
Asbestos Lawsuit Transparency
Arizona passed a law in 2015 requiring plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits to disclose any other claims they have made or plan to make. For instance, if you filed a claim with an asbestos trust fund, you must disclose that information before filing a lawsuit.
According to critics of the law, it makes it more difficult for victims to recover needed compensation. It also delays settlement payouts to those who really need it.
Understanding these legal nuances is crucial, but navigating the lawsuit process involves more than just knowing the laws. It’s about having the right team to guide you. Arizona mesothelioma lawyers can offer specialized assistance, helping you through the complex legal landscape with a focus on your specific needs.
Comprehensive Legal Guidance
- Personalized Attention: Legal teams often consist of experienced attorneys and support staff, ensuring personalized attention and care for each case.
- Multiple Compensation Avenues: Lawyers can help you explore various compensation options, such as:
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Over $30 billion remains available for victims.
- Veterans Benefits: Essential for the 33% of cases involving veterans.
- Traditional Lawsuits: These can secure significant compensation from responsible companies.
Full-Service Legal Process
From gathering evidence to filing claims, your legal team can handle every step, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
By combining an understanding of Arizona’s specific legal framework with expert legal support, you can effectively pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Past Settlement and Verdict Amounts for Mesothelioma Cases in Arizona
When it comes to mesothelioma cases in Arizona, past settlements and verdicts highlight the financial recompense awarded to many individuals impacted by asbestos exposure. Here’s a snapshot of some notable cases:
- $17.4 Million for a medical technologist in Phoenix, signifying one of the highest awards.
- $4.3 Million secured for a truck driver from Prescott.
- $4.1 Million awarded to a U.S. Army veteran and welder based in Winkelman.
More Noteworthy Settlements
- Phoenix saw an $3.86 million settlement for a U.S. Air Force veteran working as a union electrician.
- A fire safety worker in Cave Creek received $3.2 million.
- In Tempe, a union pipefitter faced with pleural mesothelioma was granted $2.8 million.
Other notable settlements include:
- $3.76 million for a utility worker in Phoenix.
- $3.35 million received by an analyst in Tucson.
- $2.9 million compensated to a laborer in Phoenix.
- $3.8 million awarded to a waitress in Tucson affected by mesothelioma.
Individual Case Outcomes
Each settlement reflects the unique factors involved in an individual’s case, such as:
- The individual’s occupation and exposure history.
- The specific medical diagnosis.
- Other personal and situational variables.
Arizona’s history of mesothelioma settlements and verdicts underscores the diverse experiences and compensation amounts secured by victims affected by this devastating disease. Each case is unique, and amounts can vary significantly depending on various factors.
Asbestos Safety Laws in Arizona
Arizona has laws and regulations to help protect people from the dangers of asbestos.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has mandated its own regulations, but the state also follows the regulations under the Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Program:
- In Arizona, the date the building or home was constructed does not matter, even if it was constructed when asbestos was no longer used. In other words, all homes and buildings are under NESHAP regulations.
- Before starting on any kind of project, including renovations and demolitions in which asbestos may be disrupted, a NESHAP slip must be obtained and submitted to the state.
- The only home not obligated to NESHAP standards in Arizona are mobile homes, and that is only if the mobile home is used for residential purposes only. Non-residential mobile homes are regulated under NESHAP.
For additional information and any questions, contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Compliance Section, Field Services Unit at 602-771-2333.
Mesothelioma Medical Treatment in Arizona
Getting treatment from specialists is essential if you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis. This is a rare disease, and only experts can provide the best treatment options and most up-to-date resources.
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Mayo Clinic Arizona treats all forms of cancer, with a specialized focus on asbestos-related cancers.
Along with its main campus in Scottsdale, two other campuses are available in Florida and Minnesota.
The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC)
Also backed by NCI, UACC offers two cancer centers in both Tucson and Orange Grove. Both campuses provide cutting-edge technology and an in-depth team of cancer scientists, physicians, and researchers.
When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them
-Isabelle D
Getting Legal Assistance in Arizona
If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be entitled to significant compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
