There is no naturally-occurring asbestos in Nevada. Yet, the tourism, electrical, construction, and mining companies in the state were associated with using asbestos at job sites. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports there have been 1,317 asbestos-related deaths in the state. The number is expected to grow. Nevada currently ranks 31st in the nation for asbestos-related lawsuits.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, it’s important to note that you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top mesothelioma lawyers in Nebraska, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
We are happy to offer assistance in all states and cities in Nevada, including:
Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise, Manor, Enterprise, Sparks, Carson City, Whitney, Pahrump, Winchester, Summerlin, South Elko, Fernley, Sun Valley, Mesquite, Spanish, Springs, Boulder City, Spring Creek, Gardnerville, Ranchos, Dayton, Incline Village, Fallon, Cold Springs, Winnemucca, Laughlin, Moapa Valley, Johnson Lane, Indian Hills, Silver Springs, Gardnerville, Lemmon Valley, West Wendover, Ely, Washoe Valley, Hawthorne, Minden, Battle Mountain, Yerington, Tonopah, Nellis AFB, Carlin, Golden Valley, Kingsbury, Lovelock, Verdi, Bunkerville, Topaz, Ranch Estates, East Valley, McGill, Panaca, Mogul, Sandy Valley, Smith Valley, Jackpot, Wells, Stagecoach, Owyhee, Caliente, Ruhenstroth, Moapa Town, Grass Valley, Stateline, Beatty, Genoa, Pioche, Indian Springs, Wadsworth, Fish Springs, Round Hill Village, Ruth, Fallon Station, Alamo, Schurz, Virginia, Osino, Fort McDermitt, Eureka, Searchlight, Carter Springs, Goldfield, Nixon, Crescent Valley, Zephyr Cove, Blue Diamond, Sutcliffe, Mount Charleston, Paradise Valley, Lund, Walker Lake, Skyland, Golconda, Gerlach, Orovada, Glenbrook, Crystal Bay, Topaz Lake, Lakeridge Silver City, and more.
Nevada, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma
Nevada’s lack of asbestos deposits and the absence of mining operations places the state in the lower tier of recorded asbestos-related deaths. However, many industries, particularly manufacturers of electrical equipment and construction, used asbestos-containing materials in their job sites.
Between 1948 and 1993, Nevada received 484 shipments of asbestos from the mines in Libby, Montana. According to the EWG, 37,213 tons of the toxic mineral entered the state. It was used in various forms to resist fire, high temperatures, corrosion, chemical reactions, and electrical discharges, as well as an insulator additive to many products.
The importation and use of asbestos by various Nevada enterprises resulted in asbestos exposure to thousands of workers and residents, leading to a heightened risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Tourism
Nevada is a state known for tourism. Its various gambling-related resorts draw millions of people to the state each year. To accommodate the large number of tourists, Nevada relied on the construction industry that builds the hotels, casinos, and other attractions that made the state famous. Many of the older tourist attractions in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Reno were built between the late 1940s and the early 1970s. This was the peak period of asbestos use in the nation.
Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians who worked in the tourism were exposed to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This increased their chances of developing asbestosis, lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Power Industry
The power generating industry was also a major user of asbestos and ACMs. The mineral fibers were prized not only for their fire retardant properties but also because they are natural electrical insulators. Most power plants built from 1930 to 1980 had many components made with asbestos, including flooring and roofing materials, plaster, wiring insulation, and cement.
Employees at these job sites worked in an environment where it was easy to inhale or even swallow the fine asbestos fibers. Of course, once these fibers get lodged inside the body, it’s almost impossible to successfully remove them all.
Power plant workers are a high risk group for developing asbestosis and mesothelioma. Several former employees have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. A former worker of Nevada Power in Las Vegas filed a lawsuit in 2005 after developing mesothelioma as a result of working in the boiler room from 1957-1964. The plaintiff sued the power company’s manufacturer, D.B. Riley, and with the help of his mesothelioma lawyer, settled for $2 million.
Power Plants Known to Have Asbestos Exposure
- Mohave Power Station, Laughlin
- Desert Peak Power Plant, Reno
- Harry Allen Power Station, Las Vegas
- Clark Station, Las Vegas
- Valmy Power House, Valmy
- Beowawe Power Plant, Beowawe
- Bradley Power Plant, Fernley
- Timet Power Plant, Henderson
- Nevada Power Company, Las Vegas
- Reid Gardner Power Plant, Moapa
- Sunrise Power Plant, Las Vegas
- Desert Peak Power Plant, Reno
- Dixie Valley Power Plant, Reno
- Empire Farms Power Plant, Reno
- Pinon Pine Power Plant, Reno
- Steamboat Power Plant, Reno
Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Reno
Chemical Companies
- American Potash and Chemical Corporation, Henderson
- Kerr McGee Chemical Company, Henderson
- Montrose Chemical, Henderson
- Stauffer Chemical Company, Henderson
- Titanium Chemical Plant, Henderson
- Stauffer Chemical Company, Las Vegas
Military and Government
- Las Vegas County Courthouse, Las Vegas
- Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas
- Laughlin Air Force Base, Laughlin
- Steed Air Force Base, Reno
Hotel and Casinos
- Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas
- Desert Inn Hotel, Las Vegas
- Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas
- Hotel Showboat, Casino, and Lanes, Las Vegas
- MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas
- Stardust Hotel Casino, Las Vegas
- Sun Coast Resort, Las Vegas
- Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas
- Nugget Casino, Sparks
Asbestos Laws in Nevada
The state of Nevada has asbestos laws and regulations in place, in order to promote safety to the general public, as well as anyone working around asbestos. Along with state laws, Nevada also follows the federal OSHA guidelines and the EPA regulations for asbestos abatement.
Asbestos regulations in regards to the following is covered under Chapter 18, Occupational Health and Safety, under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS):
- Asbestos rules enforcement and penalties
- Regulations of the control of asbestos
- Application procedures for obtaining an asbestos license
- Rules for the proper disposal of asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACMs)
- Laws and regulations regarding construction, renovation, and demolition of any public buildings containing asbestos
- Applicable fees due prior to starting an asbestos abatement project
- General safety and health regulations and guidelines while working around asbestos
- State Environmental Commission regulations in regards to asbestos
- Mandatory OSHA training rules and completion requirements
- Transportation rules when transporting asbestos to the proper waste disposal site
- Emergency asbestos laws and regulations
For more, in-depth detailed information concerning all asbestos rules and regulations in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Business and Industry at 702-486-9020.
Getting Medical Help in Nevada
Until 2012, Nevada residents with mesothelioma and lung cancer received medical treatment at the Nevada Cancer Institute (NCI) in Las Vegas. It was a dedicated research and treatment center that provided oncology therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures to treat different types of cancer.
However, NCI ran into financial difficulties and was bought by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). UCSD planned on keeping the NCI facility open, but changed course and closed it in late 2012.
Currently, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) is leasing some of NCI’s campus in Summerlin and providing cancer care services for patients in the Las Vegas area. CCCN was formed in 2000 when Southwest Cancer Clinic merged with Nevada Radiation Oncology Centers. Altogether, CCCN has nine treatment centers in the greater Las Vegas area, Pahrump, and Boulder City.
CCCN offers cancer patients various forms of treatment, including medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. CCCN also participates in cancer research in order to find new and more efficient cancer treatments.
Statute of Limitations for Asbestos-Related Cases in Nevada
Asbestos-related lawsuits in Nevada follow the same legal guidelines for personal injury lawsuits. Plaintiffs must file their case within two years of the asbestos-related diagnosis or within two years in which the illness should have been discovered. Plaintiffs filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one must file within two years of the victim’s death.
Legal Assistance for Nevada Asbestos Victims
Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
