Green Bay Mesothelioma Lawyer

Contact an experienced Green Bay mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal options if you’ve been harmed by asbestos. Green Bay’s heavy industry job sites and its shipping port have contributed to fatal asbestos illnesses that continue to harm workers decades after the exposure.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be eligible 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 Green Bay, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Green Bay Asbestos Facts

• Between 1999 and 2017, nearly 7,000 people in Wisconsin died from asbestos-related diseases.
• Of those deaths, more than 250 were in Brown County and Green Bay.
• Major contributors to asbestos exposure and illness in the area include paper mills, lumber companies, and the meatpacking industry.

How Can a Green Bay Mesothelioma Lawyer Help Me?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you probably worked with or around asbestos in the past. The leading cause of mesothelioma is negligent workplace asbestos exposure. Because it was negligent, you can take legal action to seek compensation. Mesothelioma is a costly illness. Compensation through a claim can help you cover medical and other expenses.

Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers are the primary culprits behind mesothelioma. These fibers cause inflammation and scarring within the mesothelium—a protective lining covering many internal organs—over time. This process can unfold over decades, silently wreaking havoc before physical symptoms emerge.

Individuals exposed to asbestos fibers seldom show immediate signs of disease. Instead, symptoms are typically delayed, often not manifesting until decades after the initial exposure to the carcinogen. This extended latency period can complicate diagnosis, making early detection challenging.

Understanding the prolonged timeline and biological impact of asbestos exposure reinforces the importance of legal recourse. Seeking compensation not only addresses the financial burden but also acknowledges the negligence that led to the exposure.

These are just a few of the things a top Green Bay mesothelioma lawyer can do to help you during this difficult time:

• Review your work history and medical records to determine if you have a case
• Explain your legal options and suggest the best course of action
• File a claim or lawsuit on your behalf and do all the work along the way
• Maximize any compensation you receive from a settlement or claim
• Negotiate with the defendants’ lawyers to get you a settlement sooner
• Come to you when you are too ill to travel
• Provide extensive experience and resources to make a strong case and give you the best chance of being compensated.

Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Impact on the Body

Mesothelioma is a daunting form of cancer, notorious for its aggressive progression and lack of a current cure. Predominantly associated with asbestos exposure, this cancer primarily targets the protective lining covering many of our internal organs, known as the mesothelium.

Types of Mesothelioma

While most people recognize its impact on the lungs—referred to as pleural mesothelioma—this condition can manifest in various areas:

• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Affects the lining around the heart.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Targets the abdominal cavity’s lining.
• Testicular Mesothelioma: Impacts the protective layer of the testicles.

How It’s Provoked and Spreads

The danger begins when asbestos fibers, which are either inhaled or ingested, provoke inflammatory reactions in the mesothelium. Over years, sometimes even decades, these fibers embed in the tissue, leading to persistent inflammation and scarring. Eventually, this silent damage awakens, manifesting through a variety of physical symptoms that depend on the affected region.

This slow-moving yet relentless onset makes mesothelioma a particularly challenging disease, emphasizing the critical need for awareness and early detection.

The Challenges of Filing a Mesothelioma Claim on Your Own

While it’s certainly possible for individuals to file a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit independently, there are several significant challenges and potential drawbacks to consider.

The Power of Legal Teams

Most companies facing a mesothelioma lawsuit are equipped with robust legal teams. These teams are adept at defending against claims and have extensive resources at their disposal. Going up against such well-prepared adversaries without professional legal support can make it difficult to secure a favorable outcome.

The Importance of Legal Expertise

Mesothelioma cases involve complex medical and legal issues that can be difficult for a layperson to navigate. A seasoned attorney who specializes in asbestos-related claims will understand the nuances of these cases and can effectively advocate on your behalf. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to help secure a substantial settlement or fair trial verdict.

Advocacy and Representation

Having a dedicated legal advocate means you’re more likely to be taken seriously by the opposition. An experienced lawyer will not only fight for your rights but will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Conclusion

While going it alone is an option, the benefits of enlisting an experienced mesothelioma lawyer are considerable. Their expertise and advocacy provide a strategic advantage that often leads to more successful outcomes.

Talk to a Local Green Bay Attorney for Free

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Green Bay mesothelioma attorney if you have a mesothelioma diagnosis. Asbestos law firms do not charge a fee for an initial consultation, and there is no obligation to move forward.

It’s crucial to act promptly when considering legal action for mesothelioma. Here’s why:

• Trust Funds Depletion: There’s always a possibility that trust funds set aside for asbestos victims may run out, potentially affecting your compensation.
• Documentation Risks: Important records documenting the onset and progression of your illness could get lost or become difficult to access over time.
• Legal Changes: Laws can change, and these changes might impact your ability to file a claim or influence the benefits you’re eligible to receive.

Taking immediate action ensures you preserve your rights and have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Green Bay, WI

Talking to a Green Bay asbestos lawyer will help clarify your situation. They can determine if you have a case and what you should do next. You could be eligible for one or more of the following:

• Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Mesothelioma is almost always considered a personal injury. You can sue for damages. Most of these cases end in a settlement, which gets you compensation faster than a trial would.
• Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you can sue for damages with a wrongful death suit.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. Many asbestos companies went bankrupt over asbestos lawsuits and can no longer be sued. Most of them set up asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Your lawyer can find any trusts you’re eligible for and help you file a claim.
• VA Benefits Claim. If you are a veteran, there is a good chance you were exposed to asbestos during military service. A lawyer can help you make a successful claim for VA benefits like monthly disability compensation.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

Green Bay has a long manufacturing and production industry history, which began in the 1800s with logging and lumber. Industrial workplaces are the most common sources of asbestos that cause mesothelioma.

As the city grew, iron smelting joined lumber as a significant industry and type of employer in the area. Eventually, meatpacking and paper mills joined the regional industry. All of these industries have used asbestos over the years.

Green Bay Paper Mills

In the lower Fox River area of Wisconsin, including Green Bay, 24 paper mills still operate.

Atlanta-based paper manufacturer Georgia-Pacific became the city’s fifth-largest employer after the company acquired the Fort James Corporation in 2000.

Green Bay’s asbestos problem started with sawmills and lumberyards when they were the city’s principal employers.

Most of the machinery used in sawmills was susceptible to friction and heat and ran on steam power. Heat-resistant asbestos additives were applied to circular saw blades, gang saws, and boilers to prevent breakdowns and fires.

The paper mills operating in and around Green Bay used asbestos for similar reasons. While asbestos use is now minimal or non-existent in all of these industries, it lingers in older buildings, and its effects linger in former workers.

Other Workplaces Associated With Asbestos Use in Green Bay

Many companies relied on asbestos at one point in Green Bay. Older buildings, including schools and other public facilities, also contain asbestos:

Schools and Hospitals

• Ashwaubenon High School
• Norwood Elementary School
• Southwest Elementary School
• Bellin Healthcare Systems (also known as Bellin Memorial Hospital)
• Sisters of Our Lady Charity

Mills and Paper Companies

• Charmin Paper Mill
• Hoberg Paper Mills Inc.
• Northern Paper Mills
• Northwest Cooperative Mills
• Green Bay Paper and Pulp Company
• Fort James Paper Company

Additional Buildings and Businesses

• Beaumont Motor Inn
• Cork Insulating Company of Wisconsin
• Fox River Electric Railway and Power Company
• Green Bay and Western Railroad
• Green Bay Packaging (also known as Green Bay Box Company)
• Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
• Havers Crossing
• Pulliam Power Plant
• East Side Exhaust Inc.
• Georgia-Pacific Corporation (Green Bay Operations)

Current Asbestos Exposure Risks in Green Bay

Federal and state regulations are supposed to keep current workers and residents safe from asbestos, but risks remain. Most of the risk comes from asbestos materials that linger in older Green Bay area buildings.

For example, before demolishing the old Brown County arena in Ashwaubenon just outside Green Bay, the city had to have asbestos abated. The old arena was full of asbestos materials that could have harmed workers.

In 2016, a New London middle school in nearby Waupaca County underwent an asbestos abatement project. Many school buildings throughout the Green Bay area have asbestos that can deteriorate over time and expose staff and students.

In some older buildings, asbestos is not properly abated and causes harm to workers. In 2018, a foundry in Berlin, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act when it required workers to clean old industrial ovens filled with asbestos.

Supervisors for the company ordered employees to do the work without providing protective gear. They also failed to provide instructions on how to do the work according to appropriate procedures. The company must pay a fine and medical screening costs for the workers.

Can Asbestos Fibers Be Transferred Between People, Leading to Mesothelioma Diagnoses?

Yes, asbestos fibers can indeed be transferred between people, which may result in mesothelioma diagnoses even if direct exposure has not occurred. While mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, is not itself contagious, the microscopic asbestos fibers can travel unknowingly.

How Does This Transfer Happen?

Consider a person who works in an environment laden with asbestos. These tiny, harmful fibers can cling to their clothing, hair, or skin. Once they return home, the fibers can become airborne, potentially exposing family members or housemates who breathe them in.

The Risk of Environmental Exposure

Even without direct interaction with asbestos materials, secondary exposure can happen in this manner. This indirect contact with asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing mesothelioma, especially as this exposure can go unnoticed for years.

1. Clothing and Belongings: Asbestos fibers embed in textiles and get transported to new locations, posing risks to those unaware of their presence.
2. Cleaning and Handling: When shaking out or laundering contaminated clothing, fibers can disperse into the air, further spreading the risk of inhalation.

Understanding the Consequences

Though mesothelioma originates from exposure to asbestos, how the exposure occurs is crucial. Through secondary exposure or environmental contamination, individuals may unwittingly face the same dangers as those working directly with asbestos. This highlights the importance of taking preventive measures, such as separate laundering and workplace clothing protocols, to protect loved ones from this hidden hazard.

Awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of secondary asbestos exposure and the accompanying health threats.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) in Madison is the state’s only comprehensive care center certified by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Located at the University of Wisconsin Madison Campus, UWCCC provides medical treatment and support to cancer patients, including people with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

UWCCC is 135.6 miles away from Green Bay, or approximately two and a half hours by car.

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC)

600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI  53792
Phone: (608) 275-1700

Recognizing Early Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Why Misdiagnosis Occurs

Mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, typically presents symptoms long after initial contact with the harmful fibers. This delayed reaction often complicates early detection. Initially, individuals might experience a variety of symptoms, which include:

• Fever: Elevated body temperature without known cause.
• Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t subside over time.
• Fatigue: Constant tiredness that rest doesn’t alleviate.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing even during light activities.
• Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight reduction without dieting.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or sharp pain in the chest area.

In addition to these signs, diagnostic tests frequently reveal pleural effusion, an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs.

Misdiagnosis: A Common Challenge

The overlap of these symptoms with other respiratory conditions complicates accurate diagnosis. Diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia share similar signs, leading to potential misdiagnosis. This overlap makes a second medical opinion crucial, especially if there’s a possibility of previous asbestos exposure. Seeking further evaluation can ensure a correct diagnosis, enabling timely and appropriate treatment.

Understanding the subtlety of mesothelioma’s early symptoms and their resemblance to more common ailments is key in differentiating and managing this rare but serious condition.

How Do Doctors Determine the Most Appropriate Mesothelioma Treatment for a Patient?

When it comes to selecting the most suitable treatment for mesothelioma, doctors consider several critical factors unique to each patient. By evaluating these elements, healthcare professionals can tailor a treatment plan that maximizes effectiveness and aligns with the patient’s circumstances. Here’s how they decide:

1. Cancer Location: Doctors first consider where the mesothelioma has developed in the body. This aspect influences both the type of treatment and the method of administration. For example, tumors in the lining of the lungs may require treatments different from those growing in the abdominal lining.
2. Cancer Stage: The progression of the disease at the time of diagnosis significantly impacts treatment choices. Early-stage mesothelioma may be eligible for more aggressive treatments like surgery, whereas advanced stages might require palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
3. Patient’s Overall Health: A comprehensive assessment of the patient’s general health and medical history is essential. Factors such as age, fitness level, and pre-existing conditions can influence whether a patient is a good candidate for certain treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
4. Patient Preferences: Finally, the patient’s own preferences play a crucial role. Understanding the pros and cons of each treatment option helps patients make informed decisions in collaboration with their healthcare team. They may weigh life expectancy, potential side effects, and personal priorities when selecting a course of action.

Doctors collaborate closely with patients to craft a personalized treatment plan, aiming to provide the most effective care possible while respecting the patient’s wishes and comfort levels.

Great people. Helped my family through our meso diagnosis.

– Donald H.

Getting Legal Help in Green Bay

If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.