01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Iowa
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Iowa
Iowa residents exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Asbestos victims may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for these asbestos-related injuries.
Many Iowa residents and workers have developed asbestos diseases as a result of exposure. Between 1999 and 2017, 2,765 asbestos-related deaths were reported in Iowa, including more than 500 fatal cases of mesothelioma. Polk County and Linn County reported the highest mesothelioma fatalities in the state, with more than 275 deaths each during this period.
Mesothelioma lawyers focus on recovering compensation for those in Iowa who were harmed by asbestos. They ensure companies are held accountable for their actions.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Iowa?
Consumers and workers who were exposed to asbestos in Iowa and later developed an asbestos-related illness may be able to file a claim. Asbestos claims may be filed against the parties responsible for the claimant’s exposure. Family members of deceased asbestos victims may also be eligible to file a claim.
Hundreds of commercial and military work sites throughout Iowa have exposed unsuspecting workers to asbestos. Common sources of asbestos exposure in Iowa include:
- Food processing facilities, including the Clinton Corn Processing Plant, Quaker Oats facilities and Wilson Foods Corp meatpacking plants
- Power plants, including the MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Electric Light & Power Company, Cedar Rapids Electric Light and Power Company and the Ames Municipal Power Plant
- Tire plants, including those operated by Bridgestone, Firestone and Pirelli
- Manufacturing facilities, including those operated by United States Gypsum, National Gypsum and Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Iowa residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Ames, IA
- Baldwin, IA
- Cedar Rapid, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Clinton, IA
- Davenport, IA
- Decorah, IA
- Denison, IA
- Des Moines, IA
- Dubuque, IA
- Forest City, IA
- Fort Madison, IA
- Keokuk, IA
- Marshalltown, IA
- Oskaloosa, IA
- Traer, IA
- Truro, IA
- Underwood, IA
- Waterloo, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Westfield, IA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Iowa
The statutes of limitations determine how long plaintiffs have after death or diagnosis to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. A mesothelioma lawyer experienced with asbestos laws can help claimants navigate these and other deadlines.
If an asbestos victim is unable to file a lawsuit, they may still be able to file an asbestos trust fund claim. These trusts are set up by asbestos companies to reimburse individuals who were harmed by their products.
02. Iowa Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Iowa
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a compensation claim in Iowa. Mesothelioma law firms can explain eligibility, filing options and how state laws may impact claims. Asbestos lawyers can assist with all aspects of the filing process, including investigating the claim and gathering needed documentation.
The following law firms can help people living in Iowa receive compensation:
Choosing a nationwide law firm can provide various advantages over working with a smaller, local law firm. Lawyers at national law firms have decades of combined experience litigating asbestos lawsuits. They have brought successful claims against large asbestos companies to secure settlements for their clients. These law firms are well-versed in asbestos laws across the country and can ensure your lawsuit is filed in the most favorable jurisdiction. They will also determine if additional compensation can be obtained by filing claims with asbestos trusts.
Because of their national reach, lawyers at these law firms are also able to travel to you. They can meet you in person to address your questions, concerns and needs. Their goal is to make the entire claim process as easy as possible and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Iowa Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Iowa
Iowa residents with an asbestos disease may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Common avenues for compensation include trust fund claims, settlements and lawsuit verdicts.
Lawsuit verdicts may be divided into compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages can help provide victims with awards to cover medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages are assessed to punish the defendant for their actions. In Iowa, there are no caps for economic or non-economic damages.
As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of settlements achieved on behalf of Iowa residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $4.1 MILLION: Navy/Laborer – 71 years old
- $3.2 MILLION: Sales/Household – 64 years old
- $2.9 MILLION: Plant Worker – 79 years old
- $2.9 MILLION: Household/Clerk – 64 years old
- $2.5 MILLION: Air Force/Plant Worker – 72 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Office Worker/Teacher – 58 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Navy/Machinist – 68 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Air Force/Mechanic – 82 years old
- $700,000: Maintenance – 54 years old
- $700,000: Farmer/Home Renovations – 55 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Iowa
In 2014, an Iowa jury awarded $6.5 million to an individual’s estate. The asbestos victim was a boiler installer, which involved handling various asbestos-containing materials. He was later diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This work involved products from multiple manufacturers, including the boiler manufacturer Weil-McLain. The man also worked with asbestos-containing valves, gaskets and components supplied by McDonnell & Miller, Peerless Pump Company, John Crane Company, American Standard Company and DAP, Inc.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Iowa mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Iowa
Iowa Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Certain Iowa state agencies have enacted asbestos regulations to protect workers, consumers and residents.
The Iowa Division of Labor controls the state’s Asbestos Licensing program for asbestos abatement contractors. Under these rules, asbestos removal can only be performed by licensed asbestos removal companies. These companies must obtain prior approval for each job from the Asbestos Permitting Program before beginning work.
Unlicensed individuals should never perform work around asbestos or attempt to handle the mineral. Projects are also subject to federal air quality and workplace safety regulations. These are enforced by the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Quality Bureau and Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
However, other regulations may make Iowa a less favorable state for plaintiffs to file an asbestos claim. Rules in Iowa relating directly to asbestos claims include:
- Over-naming restrictions for asbestos lawsuits: In 2020, Iowa enacted laws designed to limit the number of defendants that can be named in one claim. As a result, Iowa now requires the plaintiff to provide a sworn document establishing the factual basis for each claim, including detailed information about exposure connected to specific companies and products.
- Iowa Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act: The Iowa Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act contains provisions to prevent claimants from recovering compensation from an asbestos trust fund and a lawsuit simultaneously. It also dictates plaintiffs must submit a sworn statement to the court and all parties detailing any trust fund claims within 90 days of filing a lawsuit. The statement must include claims forms, supplementary materials, medical records and other relevant documents.
These restrictions may complicate a prospective claimant’s options. Claimants in Iowa may be eligible to file a claim in another state. Asbestos victims considering filing a claim should contact a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about their options.
