An experienced Vermont mesothelioma lawyer can explain your legal options if you’ve been harmed by asbestos. Asbestos use at Vermont industrial job sites and in mining has resulted in thousands of cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness.
Eligibility to file a mesothelioma legal claim extends beyond just the diagnosed individual. You may be able to pursue compensation if:
- You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
- You are a family member or estate representative of someone who has been diagnosed.
Even if your loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, you may still have the opportunity to file a claim on their behalf. This ensures that the rights of those affected by asbestos exposure are protected and that their families can seek justice and financial relief.
We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Vermont, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much 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
How much compensation has the law firm recovered for mesothelioma clients?
The law firm has successfully secured over $9.8 billion in total compensation for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma. This impressive figure includes substantial recoveries amounting to millions of dollars specifically for families based in Vermont. Their efforts highlight a proven track record of achieving significant settlements and verdicts for those impacted by this serious disease.
We are happy to offer assistance to asbestos victims and their families in all cities and towns in Vermont, including:
Saxtons River, Burlington, Essex ,South Burlington, Colchester, Rutland City, Bennington, Brattleboro, Milton, Hartford, Essex Junction, Springfield, Barre City, Williston, Middlebury, Barre Town, Montpelie,r St. Johnsbury, Shelburne, Winooski, St. Albans, Swanton, Northfield, St. Albans, Lyndon, Morristown, Rockingham, Waterbury, Jericho, Randolph, Castleton, Derby, Georgia, Newport, Hinesburg, Manchester, Fairfax, Stowe, Richmond, Rutland, Brandon, Bristol, Charlotte, Cambridge, Shaftesbury, Highgate, Windsor, Pownal, Johnson, Poultney, Norwich, Hartland, Williamstown, Westminster, Chester, Bellows Falls, Woodstock, Underhill, Hyde Park, Hardwick, Pittsford, Berlin, Weathersfield, Bradford, Barton, Royalton, Ferrisburgh, Enosburg, Fair Haven, Putney, Thetford, East Montpelier, Vergennes, Clarendon, Wilmington, Arlington, Swanton Village, Richford, Grand Isle Sheldon, West Rutland, Newbury, Danville, Wallingford, Bethel, Northfield Village, Guilford, Dorset, Monkton, Vernon, Morrisville, Fairfield, Huntington, Westford, Ludlow, Dummerston, Waterbury Village, Waitsfield, Middlesex, Berkshire, and more.
Vermont Asbestos Facts
- Vermont had 632 deaths related to asbestos exposure between 1999 and 2017.
- The leading cause of asbestos-related deaths was lung cancer, but 115 people died from mesothelioma and 58 from asbestosis.
- Chittenden County had the most asbestos deaths in the state. This is the home of the state’s most populous city, Burlington.
Asbestos is a natural mineral known for its durability and resistance to heat and electricity. These properties made it a popular choice in over 3,000 household and industrial products, such as roofing shingles, talcum powder, automobile brakes, insulation, and boilers.
Multiple industries, including manufacturing, steelworking, and shipbuilding, heavily relied on asbestos for its fireproofing and insulating capabilities. However, this widespread use came at a significant cost to public health.
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to severe diseases like mesothelioma, often developing 10-50 years after initial exposure. Tragically, more than 1 million U.S. Workers were exposed to asbestos during the 20th century, many of whom continue to face serious health risks today.
Why Should I Work with a Vermont Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have mesothelioma, you have legal rights. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent workplace exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a natural mineral, was widely used in over 3,000 household and industrial products due to its durability and resistance to heat and electricity. Common items included roofing shingles, talcum powder, automobile brakes, and insulation. This extensive use spanned multiple industries, including manufacturing, steel working, and shipbuilding.
The danger lies in the tiny fibers of asbestos, which can be inhaled or ingested. These fibers may lead to the development of mesothelioma, a serious illness that can manifest 10-50 years after initial exposure. Understanding the connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is crucial, especially when considering legal avenues to address negligent exposure in the workplace.
To make a successful case, you need an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Vermont asbestos attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to successfully resolve complicated asbestos cases.
How Can a Vermont Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?
Top Vermont mesothelioma attorneys help clients recover damages for this devastating and expensive illness. They can do several things to help you through the legal process:
- Provide a free initial consultation to review your case
- Answer your questions and explain your legal options
- Come to you if you cannot travel due to your illness
- Provide investigators to find the companies responsible for your exposure
- Provide medical experts to prove asbestos exposure caused your illness
- File a lawsuit or claim on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement or litigate your case in court
- Maximize your compensation
What Are the Costs Associated with Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney?
When you consider hiring a mesothelioma attorney, one of the primary concerns is often the cost involved. However, many law firms offer a payment structure designed to ease financial burdens.
No Upfront Fees
Most mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t need to pay any fees upfront. This structure is particularly beneficial for clients dealing with medical expenses and other financial stress due to their illness.
Payment After Successful Compensation
With contingency fee arrangements, the attorney’s payment is conditional on the successful recovery of compensation. If the attorney secures a settlement or wins the case, they collect a predetermined percentage of the compensation awarded. This ensures that the legal team is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Risk-Free Legal Support
Since the contingency fee model requires you to pay only if you win or settle, it reduces the risk involved in pursuing a legal claim. You’ll find it’s a relief to have experienced legal professionals work tirelessly on your behalf without the constant worry of accumulating legal bills.
In summary, when hiring a mesothelioma attorney, rest assured that many firms eliminate upfront costs and only get paid when they secure a favorable verdict or settlement for you. This approach aligns their success with yours, ensuring that your financial interests are a top priority.
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Vermont
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of legal action filed against companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits are crucial because many companies knowingly hid the dangers of asbestos from their employees and consumers. As a result, victims now have the opportunity to hold these companies accountable and seek compensation for the injuries they suffered due to exposure to asbestos.
Your lawyer will do all the work of building your case, filing a claim or lawsuit, and getting you compensation. They will explain your options and if you are eligible for one or more types of claims:
- Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit
- Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
- Asbestos trust fund claim
- VA benefits claim
A lawyer will help you understand these options, which is best for you, and ensure you get compensation sooner.
By pursuing a lawsuit, you’re not only seeking financial restitution but also striving to bring justice to those who have suffered. This legal action is more than just a claim; it’s a step towards holding companies accountable for their negligence and the harm they’ve caused.
What Are Some Past Settlement and Verdict Amounts Secured for Mesothelioma Clients in Vermont?
When it comes to mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in Vermont, several significant amounts have been secured for clients, showcasing the personalized nature of each case. Here are some examples of past results achieved for clients in this state:
- $2.54 Million for a Union Pipefitter and Plumber in Wallingford
- $3.99 Million for a Shipyard Worker and Union Carpenter in Colchester
- $2.26 Million for a U.S. Navy Veteran in Jamaica
Additional notable settlements include:
- Over $1 million awarded to an inventory specialist and U.S. Air Force veteran located in Brandon
- $1.31 million secured for an engineer diagnosed with mesothelioma in Milton
- Nearly $1 million for a home remodeler from Springfield suffering from pleural mesothelioma
It’s important to remember that each case is unique, with results varying based on factors like exposure levels, age, and diagnosis specifics. The amounts reflect individual stories and circumstances, highlighting the need for tailored legal representation in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Vermont?
If you have mesothelioma, you were most likely negligently exposed to asbestos at work. Several industries used asbestos for decades and failed to protect workers adequately. These are some examples of industries and workplaces in Vermont that used asbestos.
Asbestos Mining in Vermont
Asbestos mining in the state began around Belvidere Mountain in the Green Mountain range in the 1890s.
The first asbestos mining company in the state was Lowell Lumber & Asbestos Company, which started excavating on the mountain’s eastern base.
Three years later, the New England Asbestos Mining and Milling began extracting asbestos from the southwestern area.
In 1936, the Ruberoid Company purchased New England Asbestos Mining and Milling’s operations around Belvidere Mountain.
This marked the start of operations on a grand scale and continued throughout much of the 20th Century.
Even after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the first official reports linking asbestos exposure to lung cancer and mesothelioma, Ruberoid and the follow-on entity, GAF Corporation, kept mining operations running until 1993.
Talc Mining
Vermont also has talc mines. Talc has industrial uses but is also an ingredient in hygiene products, including talcum powder. Several companies, including Johnson & Johnson, recently faced lawsuits years over ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Plaintiffs in these cases claim that asbestos-contaminated talc caused their cancers. Evidence discovered in some of the lawsuits proved that Johson & Johnson knew its products could have asbestos but failed to warn consumers.
Imerys Talc America provides companies with talc and has also been sued. Imerys operates talc mines in Windsor County, Vermont. Workers and local residents in the area could be at risk of exposure to contaminated talc.
Paper Mills
The forests of Vermont made it a prime location for paper mills, a major part of the state’s economy in the past. Like many manufacturing plants, paper mills used asbestos in insulation, equipment, and machinery.
Even after these plants close, they pose a risk to anyone in the area. Lingering asbestos can cause exposure. In 2018, the state provided $1.2 million to clean up one of these sites, the former Robertson Paper Mill in Bellows Falls.
Additional Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Vermont
Many industries in the state used asbestos and put workers at risk. These are some specific examples:
Paper Mills and Plywood Companies
- Gilman Paper Company
- Owen Illinois Plywood Company
- Roddis Plywood Corporation
- White Mt. Paper Company
- Green Mountain Paper Company
- International Paper Company
Schools and Hospitals
- Champlain Valley Union High School
- Green Mountain College
- North County Union High School
- Rutland High School
- Springfield Hospital
- VA Medical Center- White River Junction
- Main Street Middle School
- Montpelier High School
- Union Elementary School
- University of Vermont
- Mary Fletcher Hospital
- Hiawatha Hospital
Power Companies
- Burlington Power Company
- Cory Deavitt Frost Electrical Company
- General Electric- Burlington
- Montpelier and Barre Light and Power Company
- Yankee Atomic Power
- Vermont Electric Power Company
- St. Albans Electric Light and Power Company
Legal Action Against Asbestos Mines
In September 2013, the state of Vermont settled with the owner of the Vermont Asbestos Group for putting workers and nearby residents at risk of exposure for years.
According to News & Citizen, the mines, located near the towns of Eden and Lowell, would have cost millions of dollars to clean up and dispose of the remaining asbestos.
After reviewing the owner’s financial situation, a settlement deal was agreed upon, which required the company to work with insurers to recover money for the proper cleanup and disposal. The settlement was for $3,360,082.60.
Vermont Asbestos Laws
Laws in Vermont impact how asbestos lawsuits proceed. Others protect workers and residents from ongoing exposure.
Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Lawsuits in Vermont
As with other states, Vermont mandates a statute of limitations for asbestos-related cases:
- Asbestos personal injury lawsuits. To file a lawsuit, the plaintiff must do so within three years of discovering the problem or within three years of when the problem should have been reasonably discovered.
- Asbestos wrongful death lawsuits. In addition, loved ones of a deceased victim of an asbestos-related disease can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim within two years of the death.
Asbestos Safety Rules
The state of Vermont follows federal NESHAP regulations regarding asbestos material removal, but the state also imposes its own set of state guidelines:
- The Vermont Department of Health certifies contractors and sets guidelines for removal experts to follow. All contractors must be certified before working around asbestos in Vermont.
- The state also requires that all asbestos removal specialists submit an application, necessary documentation, and applicable fees at least 10 days prior to the anticipated removal of asbestos material.
- Vermont also requires that prior to any renovation or demolition of property, a certified inspector must be present to locate potential sites where there is asbestos or related material.
- If the asbestos materials are not subject to damage in the removal process, for example, asbestos made into flooring, and roofing materials, then a general contractor can remove the material.
- The state of Vermont also maintains a list of contractors that are currently certified and available for removal and inspection work.
For additional information, contact the following:
Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program
800-439-8550
802-863-7220
Fax: 802-863-7483
Mesothelioma Treatment in Vermont
Asbestos-related illnesses are still relatively rare in the medical world. Therefore, it’s essential to find medical help from physicians and clinics specializing in these diseases.
The National Life Cancer Treatment Center at Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Barre offers various cancer services, including an in-depth treatment plan for asbestos-related cancers.
Along with radiology, surgery, and other treatment plans for cancer, CVMC also offers a variety of patient and family support services.
In addition, CVMC provides state-of-the-art technology for cancer patients to have the most beneficial options when dealing with their illnesses.
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice
– Natalie F.
Legal Assistance in Vermont
Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance or if you have questions, contact us at 800-793-4540.
