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Mesothelioma in Des Moines, Iowa

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 11/12/2025

Many buildings in Des Moines, Iowa, were built with asbestos, including the Equitable Building and Iowa Methodist Hospital. It was also found at commercial jobsites like Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Asbestos exposure puts people at risk for mesothelioma. Local treatment and legal resources can be found below.

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Des Moines, Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Des Moines have several options for treatment in the Iowa area. Because it is a rare disease, it can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. It is important to find doctors and cancer centers with experience diagnosing and treating malignant mesothelioma. Treatment for mesothelioma cancer typically involves a combination of therapies. Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended as options.

Although there is no cure, continued research has helped improve mesothelioma prognosis in recent years. This is because of the development of experimental mesothelioma treatments, new diagnostic methods, clinical trials and other mesothelioma research.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Des Moines, Iowa

Mesothelioma patients who reside in Des Moines have access to several cancer centers in the surrounding area. These centers offer quality care from mesothelioma doctors and support staff who specialize in the treatment of this disease.

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City, Iowa, offers specialized treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Patients may receive treatment from many professionals, including thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists and palliative care specialists. Patients may also consider the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, which also offers the latest mesothelioma treatments. Specialists at these centers may use multimodal treatments for mesothelioma. Multimodal treatment is a combination of two or more therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

These cancer centers may offer opportunities for participation in clinical trials for eligible patients. They also have a vast array of support services for patients, and their loved ones, as they navigate a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.

Photo of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Iowa City, IA 52242
Photo of University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
Omaha, NE 68105
Photo of CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center
CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center
CUMC – Bergan Mercy
Omaha, NE 68124

Des Moines, Iowa Mesothelioma Doctors

Des Moines residents diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek care from a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma. These doctors understand the different types of mesothelioma and can recommend the best therapies for each patient’s unique case. Eligible patients may be able to join clinical trials testing the latest promising therapies for mesothelioma.

Photo of Dr. Jason M. Foster
Dr. Jason M. Foster
Surgical Oncologist
Omaha, NE
Photo of Dr. Rudy P. Lackner
Dr. Rudy P. Lackner
Thoracic Surgeon
Omaha, NE
Photo of Dr. Brian W. Loggie
Dr. Brian W. Loggie
Chief of Division of Surgical Oncology & Director of the Cancer Center at Creighton University Medical Center
Omaha, NE
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Des Moines, Iowa Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma victims in Des Moines may have the option to file an asbestos lawsuit in Iowa to gain compensation for their asbestos diseases. This includes individuals who were exposed to asbestos in Iowa, live in Iowa or worked for a company based in the state. There may also be other jurisdictions available in which to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, depending on how and when a victim was exposed to asbestos. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be able to determine the filing venue that will maximize compensation for their client.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa

Asbestos victims in Iowa should contact a nationwide law firm with significant experience handling asbestos-related cases. Working with an experienced mesothelioma law firm may help patients, and their loved ones, receive maximum compensation. Mesothelioma attorneys at these law firms understand how state laws impact the filing process as well as the deadlines for filing a lawsuit.

Mesothelioma law firms can help patients, or their loved ones, file a lawsuit or an asbestos trust claim. Experienced lawyers can help victims get the mesothelioma compensation they deserve.

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Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has recovered over 5 billion dollars for mesothelioma victims and is recognized by Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers®.
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Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).
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For over 20 years, Vogelzang Law has handled hundreds of asbestos-related cases, successfully securing millions in verdicts and settlements. Our firm supports every client and their family and fights to win on their behalf.
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Missouri’s first Mesothelioma firm. Big firm results with the service and personal touch of a boutique firm. Nearly a billion dollars recovered for asbestos disease victims living in Missouri and throughout the greater Midwest.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Des Moines, Iowa

Asbestos victims and their family members may file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. Each state has deadlines set by the statutes of limitations for filing these lawsuits. A mesothelioma lawyer can provide potential clients with information on these requirements.

Statutes of Limitations for Des Moines
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related death.

Asbestos victims may take legal action against negligent companies responsible for their exposure. A successful lawsuit may result in compensation from an award or settlement. Financial compensation may help patients and their loved ones pay for expenses like travel and treatment costs.

Examples of clients served in Des Moines include:

Client Profile

Age: 59

Occupations: Household, Air Force

Jobsites Worked at: Bell & Howell (1979 – 1981); Elliot’s Beechcraft (1978); Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. (1974); Iowa International Guard (1979); Porter Hardware, Inc. (1971 – 1974); United Electronics Institute (1980); UPS (1974)

Settlement: ~$1,780,140

Client Profile

Age: 81

Occupations: Truck driver, Sales

Jobsites Worked at: Butternut Bakery (1955 – 1959); Colonial Baking Co. (1948 – 1950)

Settlement: ~$822,361

Client Profile

Age: 76

Occupations: Marines, Plant worker

Jobsites Worked at: Marquette Cement Co. (1969 – 1989); Monarch Cement Plant (1954 – 1994)

Settlement: ~$777,333

Client Profile

Age: 70

Occupations: Laborer, Home renovations

Jobsites Worked at: Acoustical Specialties, Inc. (1969); Brady Manufacturing; Iowa Power, Inc. (1970 – 1991); Library Binding Service, Inc. (1964 – 1966); MidAmerican Energy Electric Company (1970 – 2008); Midwest Power Systems, Inc. (1992 – 1994)

Settlement: ~$601,659

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Asbestos Use in Des Moines, Iowa

Many buildings in Des Moines were built and renovated from the early 1900s to the 1970s. During these years, asbestos-containing materials were commonly used throughout Iowa and the country. As a result, many contractors and other workers were exposed to asbestos on the job. Asbestos use declined after the 1970s because of federal regulations. But exposure can still occur if proper safety measures are not taken.

Polk County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 44
Female 11

Asbestos Exposure at the Equitable Building in Des Moines, Iowa

The Equitable Building, an important part of Des Moines’ skyline, was the first skyscraper built in the city. Construction was completed in 1924, when asbestos materials were common in building materials. This meant workers could have been exposed when working on the Equitable Building. Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction or renovation.

In 2014, the United States Department of Justice became involved with the Equitable Building. A developer violated the Clean Air Act and failed to remove all regulated asbestos materials before renovations. These renovations took place from 2005 to 2008. The developer pleaded guilty to charges related to the exposure event. Asbestos abatement involves wetting and properly disposing of asbestos materials, among other protocols.

Individuals exposed to asbestos may have developed mesothelioma. Seeking legal counsel can help victims obtain compensation for asbestos injuries.

Des Moines, Iowa Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • A.P. Green Industries, Inc.
  • Allied Construction Services, Inc.
  • American Republic Insurance Company Building
  • Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)
  • Armstrong Tire & Rubber Company
  • Ballsford Station
  • Board of Control of State Institutions
  • C. Gilbert
  • C.H. McGuiness Company, Inc.
  • Cargill, Inc.
  • Central Asbestos & Supply
  • Central Service & Supply Company
  • City Plumbing Supply
  • Deere & Company
  • Des Moines Brewing Company
  • Des Moines City Railway Company
  • Des Moines Edison Light Company
  • Des Moines Electric Company
  • Des Moines Power Station
  • Eagle Iron Works
  • Edison Electric Light Company
  • Equitable Building
  • Executive Council of Iowa
  • Farmers Elevator Insurance Company
  • Firestone Agricultural Tire Company
  • Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
  • Globe Machinery & Supply Company
  • Hansen Brothers
  • Hawkeye Tire and Rubber Company
  • Herman Fust Company
  • Home City Ice Company
  • Home Federal Savings & Loan Association
  • International Distilling Company
  • Iowa Air National Guard
  • Iowa Asbestos Company
  • Iowa Capitol Planning Commission
  • Iowa Electric Light & Power Company
  • Iowa Farm Bureau
  • Iowa Lutheran Hospital
  • Iowa Methodist Hospital
  • Iowa Packing Company
  • Iowa Portland Cement Company
  • Iowa Power & Light Company
  • Iowa Sheet Metal Construction
  • Iowa State Board of Education
  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Irwin Chemical Company
  • Jaeger Manufacturing Company
  • Kurtz Hardware
  • L & L Insulation Company
  • Lake Shore Tire & Rubber Company
  • Linde Air Products Company
  • Marquette Cement Manufacturing Company
  • Maytag Corporation
  • Meredith Printing, Inc.
  • Midamerican Energy Company
  • National Starch Company
  • National Travelers Life Insurance building
  • Northwestern Bell Telephone Company
  • Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corporation
  • Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company
  • R. M. Daly & Company
  • Register & Tribune building
  • Roosevelt High School
  • Sheet Metal Workers Local 91
  • Sinclair Refining Company
  • Storm Lake High School
  • Swift & Company
  • Swift Edible Oil Company
  • Swift Independent Packing
  • Titan Tire Corporation
  • Titan Wheel International, Inc.
  • University Avenue Supply
  • VA Central Iowa Health Care System
  • VY Lactos Laboratories Inc.
  • W.H. Bixby, Inc.
  • Waldinger Corporation
  • West Des Moines High School
  • Younker Brothers Department Store building
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  2. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs. Owner of Renovated Des Moines, Iowa Building Pleads Guilty to Environmental Crimes. The United States Department of Justice. Updated September 2014.

  3. Through history: The Equitable Building. Des Moines Register. April 2015.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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