With the help of dedicated South Dakota mesothelioma lawyers, many victims of asbestos illnesses are fighting back with legal action. Asbestos-related illnesses and deaths are low in South Dakota when compared with more populous states, but the rate is still significant.

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in South Dakota, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

We are happy to provide assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all South Dakota cities and towns, such as:

Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Mitchell, Yankton, Pierre, Huron, Spearfish, Vermillion, Brandon, Box Elder, Rapid Valley, Madison, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Harrisburg, Tea, Dell Rapids, Pine Ridge, Mobridge, Hot Springs, Milbank, Canton, Lead, Hartford, Winner, Dakota Dunes, Blackhawk, Colonial, Pine Hills, North Sioux City, Sisseton, Chamberlain, Redfield, Flandreau, Lennox, North Eagle, Butte, Fort Pierre, North Spearfish, Beresford, Summerset, Custer, Springfield, Elk Point, Rosebud, Webster, Volga, Wagner, Groton, Parkston, Miller, Salem, Eagle Butte, Crooks, Deadwood, Gregory, Freeman, Britton, Clear Lake, Platte, Lemmon, Fort Thompson, Mission, Antelope, Garretson, Gettysburg,  Oglala, Baltic, De Smet, Martin, Porcupine, Tyndall, Clark, Parker, Hill City, Ipswich, Wessington Springs, Whitewood, Worthing, Arlington, Manderson-White Horse Creek, Centerville, Piedmont, Wall, Eureka, Ashland Heights, Scotland Lake, Andes, Howard, Alcester, Valley Springs, Marion, Highmore, Parmelee, Viborg, Lower Brule, Philip, Estelline, Faulkton, Edgemont, and more.

How a South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help You

People make claims or sue for mesothelioma mainly to get the compensation they are owed from the companies that exposed them to asbestos. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you get that important result.

Mesothelioma lawyers work with clients to seek compensation through one or more of the following:

• Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a personal injury when caused by negligent asbestos exposure. Most of these cases end in settlements. Your lawyer will negotiate to get you maximum compensation as soon as possible.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. Asbestos companies that went bankrupt cannot be sued. During bankruptcy, these companies set up trust funds to compensate future claimants. Your lawyer can help you make a successful claim.
• Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. If your loved one died from negligent asbestos exposure, you can sue companies for wrongful death and seek damages.
• VA Benefits Claim. Many veterans were exposed to asbestos during military service. If you have mesothelioma and are a veteran, you could qualify for VA benefits.

What to Look for in a South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer

Choosing a lawyer to represent you in a mesothelioma case is an important decision. The right lawyer will give you the best chance of receiving maximum compensation for your illness. Your SD mesothelioma lawyer should stand out from other lawyers in several ways:

• Years of experience working with victims of asbestos exposure
• Proven wins for asbestos and mesothelioma clients
• Major settlements and jury awards
• The backing of a big asbestos law firm with adequate resources to handle complicated cases
• A free initial consultation
• Contingency payment plans

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in South Dakota?

South Dakota doesn’t have a lot of heavy industry, the typical worksites that triggered asbestos exposure. However, the state is home to several hydroelectric plants. Some of these facilities were constructed with asbestos materials to manage and protect against heat and fire.

Workers in the construction industry have also been put at risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was used in most building materials for decades. Zonolite, a product made with minerals mined by W.R. Grace, went into many homes and public buildings in South Dakota. The company used minerals contaminated with asbestos for decades.

Some of the specific job sites in South Dakota known to have used asbestos and put workers at risk include:

• AH Bennett Corporation
• Amdak Corporation
• Atomic Energy Commission Plant
• Belle Fourche Landfill
• Big Stone City Power Plant
• Brookings Landfill
• Browns Landfill
• Consolidated Coal Company
• Dakota Midland Hospital
• Ellsworth Air Force Base
• Hald and Fleer
• Healy Plumbing and Heating
• MacArthur Company
• Mitchell Landfill
• Northern States Power Company
• Pathfinder Power Plant
• Pierre Landfill
• Rapid City Air Force Base
• Rapid City Landfill
• Red Ball Warehouse
• Revillo School
• Risager Plumbing and Heating
• Sioux Fall Landfill
• Southern Missouri Landfill
• St. Luke Hospital Power Plant
• Tri-County Landfill
• Vermillion Landfill
• Walworth County Landfill
• Watertown Landfill
• Xcel Energy
• Big Bend Dam
• Fort Randall Dam
• Gavins Point Dam
• Oahe Dam

Military Bases and Asbestos

Both Ellsworth Air Force Base and Rapid City Air Force Base have been associated with asbestos use.

The dangerous minerals were once used in vehicles, planes, facilities, machinery, equipment, walls, plumbing, ceilings, and much more. Most buildings at both bases were created with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Natural Erionite in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to large natural erionite deposits, a dangerous mineral known to cause mesothelioma. Although erionite is not considered asbestos, its properties are similar.

It’s rare for people to develop an asbestos-related disease from erionite from only periodical exposure. Long-term and frequent inhalation or ingestion of erionite fibers is linked with an increased risk for mesothelioma.

Ongoing Asbestos Exposure Risks in South Dakota

Erionite is one ongoing risk to residents of South Dakota today. Most asbestos exposure occurred in the past, but asbestos materials in older buildings continue to put people at risk.

In 2022 the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology received funding to construct a new mineral industries building. A floor collapse in the original building exposed asbestos, which put workers on the site at risk of exposure.

South Dakota State University also dealt with asbestos issues recently. It demolished Scobey Hall, which had sat empty for several years. Asbestos in the building was a concern and could have potentially exposed students and workers.

Old asbestos cement water pipes put South Dakota residents at risk of exposure in their drinking water. The city of Kadoka recently replaced aging, deteriorating water pipes made with asbestos cement.

South Dakota Asbestos Laws

Asbestos laws in South Dakota include safety regulations to protect current residents and laws that impact how asbestos lawsuits proceed.

Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Cases in South Dakota

• As with other states in the nation, South Dakota has a strict time deadline for filing asbestos-related lawsuits.
• Plaintiffs must file within three years of diagnosis of the asbestos-related illness.
• For wrongful death lawsuits, the plaintiff must file within three years of the victim’s death.

Asbestos Trust Fund Transparency Act

South Dakota is one of several states that passed an asbestos trust fund transparency law. It requires plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits to disclose any trust fund claims they have made or plan to make.

This disclosure must include information about the identities of the trusts, the amount of compensation claimed, and the amount of compensation received.

Courts can use this information to reduce a jury award. If you are filing a lawsuit and have also claimed with trusts, you must provide the information within 120 days of the trial.

Asbestos Safety Regulations

The state of South Dakota manages its asbestos removal process through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Waste Management Program.

• South Dakota requires that contractors and inspectors must be certified in order to handle and work around asbestos on public property. Any project that falls within public property requires 10-day written notice prior to the anticipated work.
• Asbestos removal certification, although maintained by the state, is actually done by approved training centers. Once certified, the individuals receive a state certification card, which has to be carried at all times.
• Asbestos materials that are non-friable can be removed by individuals without certification as long as the material encompasses less than three square feet or three linear feet. However, OSHA training is required.
• South Dakota has thirteen authorized asbestos disposal sites. Notification and approval have to be given prior to the disposal of asbestos material.

Mesothelioma Treatment in South Dakota

South Dakota offers three medical facilities that specialize in cancer treatment. For the best results, seek treatment from physicians and clinics experienced with asbestos cancer and asbestos-related diseases.

Since these types of cancers are still considered rare in the medical industry, you’ll need to seek treatment from those who have researched, trained, and understand the complex issues of asbestos-related illnesses:

• Avera Cancer Institute: 100 23rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, 605-322,3000
• John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute: 353 Fairmont Blvd., Rapid City, SD, 57701, 605-719-2300
• Sanford Cancer Center: 1305 West 18th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57717, 605-333-1000

Legal Help in South Dakota

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.