01. Nebraska Law Firms
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Nebraska
Mesothelioma law firms know how to handle asbestos cases in Nebraska. Attorneys at these firms understand state asbestos laws and have experience building strong cases. They have a track record of using their resources and know-how to secure compensation for people injured by asbestos exposure.
The following law firms can help Nebraskans seek compensation:
Successful lawsuits can help people with asbestos illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. But asbestos laws are complex, and there are many things to consider when building a case. Asbestos lawyers have the expertise and means to handle these challenges with ease. Their experience and legal resources give them an advantage in the battle to hold large asbestos companies responsible for causing related injuries.
Experienced law firms provide comprehensive, trustworthy support for patients with asbestos illnesses. Attorneys can help gather the evidence necessary for strong cases. They can also tell patients the best location to file a lawsuit or asbestos trust claims. After filing, law firms handle each step of the process, no matter how complicated it is.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Filing Lawsuits in Nebraska
Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Nebraska
In years past, certain Nebraska industries used a lot of asbestos in products and manufacturing processes. Residents who experienced exposure at work have developed asbestos-related illnesses as a result. Many asbestos victims have pursued legal action by filing lawsuits and mesothelioma claims.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1999 to 2020:
- 399 Nebraskans were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- 316 Nebraskans died of mesothelioma.
People with asbestos-related diseases have filed lawsuits to seek compensation for these costly illnesses. They have also pursued other sources of financial restitution for their injuries. Mesothelioma lawyers have represented residents in at least 15 Nebraska cities and towns.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Nebraska?
Nebraska residents may have encountered asbestos at work or home. Those who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file lawsuits. Family members may also be able to file after the asbestos-related death of a loved one.
Many Nebraskans faced asbestos risks at work. Western Mineral Products in Omaha processed asbestos-containing materials until 1989. This included working with asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana. Employees who develop asbestos illnesses after participating in these activities can pursue legal remedies. Attorneys can explain the options and help patients seek compensation.
Nebraska residents who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Bellevue, NE
- Blair, NE
- Columbus, NE
- Fremont, NE
- Holdrege, NE
- Lincoln, NE
- Nemaha, NE
- Omaha, NE
- Ord, NE
- Palisade, NE
- Papillion, NE
- Rulo, NE
- Scottsbluff, NE
- Shelby, NE
- Snyder, NE
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Nebraska
Like other states, Nebraska has its own timelines for filing asbestos-related lawsuits. These deadlines are outlined in laws called statutes of limitations. The time frames for filing lawsuits commonly begin when a person is diagnosed with or dies from an asbestos illness.
These time limits apply to cases filed on behalf of the patient and wrongful death lawsuits filed for loved ones.
Other sources of asbestos illness compensation may have different time constraints. For instance, asbestos trust fund claims may have unique deadlines. Bankrupted companies created asbestos trusts to compensate current and future victims of their products. Mesothelioma lawyers can file asbestos trust fund claims for patients and their families.
Filing VA Claims in Nebraska
As of 2021, Nebraska was home to nearly 110,000 veterans. Historically, service in the United States Military has carried a high risk of asbestos exposure and illness. For example, Air Force bases nationwide commonly used asbestos-containing materials prior to the 1980s. This includes Offutt Air Force Base (AFB), located near Omaha, Nebraska.
As of 2021, Offutt AFB was the largest employer in the Omaha area. At the time, the base employed 10,000 military personnel and civilians. It has been operating since the early 1900s. Thousands of veterans and civilian employees may have experienced on-base asbestos exposure. Any level of exposure to asbestos can result in illness or cancer.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has benefits for service members with duty-linked asbestos conditions. These benefits can help pay for treatment and other costs related to asbestos illnesses. Filing for VA benefits does not prevent a person from seeking additional compensation from other sources.
03. Nebraska Settlements & Verdicts
Mesothelioma Settlements in Nebraska
Nebraskans have a history of securing compensation for asbestos diseases. Jury verdicts and settlements can cover expenses related to a mesothelioma diagnosis. A settlement is a private agreement to end a lawsuit in exchange for money paid to the victim (plaintiff). Experienced mesothelioma lawyers know how to negotiate the best settlements for their clients.
Details of Nebraska mesothelioma settlements include:
- $2.5 million for a 78-year-old Navy veteran, truck driver and home renovator
- $2.5 million for a 77-year-old accountant with home exposure
- $1.8 million for a 76-year-old Marine veteran and farm vehicle mechanic
- $1.6 million for a 66-year-old household worker with secondary exposure
- $1.6 million for an 85-year-old union boilermaker
- $1.5 million for a 76-year-old mason, architect and at-home mechanic
- $1.3 million for a 69-year-old Navy veteran (Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard) and electrician
- $1.3 million for a 62-year-old Navy veteran (Norfolk Naval Shipyard)
- $1.1 million for a 64-year-old construction worker exposed to Johns-Manville products
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Nebraska mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Nebraska
Nebraska Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Nebraska asbestos activities are governed by state and federal laws. These laws aim to protect Nebraskans from exposure to dangerous asbestos products. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) creates and enforces asbestos regulations in the state. Nebraska asbestos regulations include the following:
- Licensing and training requirements: Individuals and businesses that handle asbestos must hold a state-issued license to do so. Mandated training courses provide instruction about the health effects of asbestos and safety practices.
- Penalties: Individuals or businesses who handle asbestos without a license are subject to fines. Continued violation of asbestos regulations can result in criminal charges.
- Waste disposal standards: All asbestos waste must be handled properly. Disposal can only occur at a state-licensed asbestos disposal site.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in Nebraska
A new asbestos litigation bill was introduced to the Nebraska legislature in January 2023. The bill, called LB 95, includes several new limitations for asbestos litigation. If passed, it would allow courts to take asbestos trust fund payouts into account when awarding verdicts. This means it could potentially reduce the compensation available to asbestos victims. Several states have already adopted similar laws.
LB 95 also includes updates to specific statutes of limitations related to asbestos lawsuits. As of late 2023, it is unclear how much support the bill has. Time will tell whether or not LB 95 ends up having any effect on Nebraska asbestos lawsuits.
No matter the fate of LB 95, mesothelioma attorneys can help asbestos victims navigate their legal options. Asbestos lawyers can build successful cases, even amidst a changing legal landscape.
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