01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Utah
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Utah
Utah residents and workers may have been exposed to asbestos, resulting in asbestos diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Between 1999 and 2017, 339 Utah residents were diagnosed with mesothelioma. In approximately the same timeframe, 319 Utah residents died of the cancer. At the time, the counties with the highest mesothelioma death numbers were:
- Salt Lake County
- Utah County
- Washington County
If a Utah resident is exposed to asbestos and develops an asbestos-related disease, they may be eligible for a mesothelioma or asbestos claim. Claimants may be able to gain compensation through an asbestos lawsuit or trust fund claim.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Utah?
Individuals in Utah who have developed an asbestos disease may be eligible to receive compensation. Those who have lost a family member to an asbestos-related illness may also be able to file a claim. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help interested parties determine if they are eligible.
Many notable asbestos claims in Utah were the result of exposure at work. Utah workers were exposed to asbestos in power plants, electric companies, refineries, mines and mineral processing plants.
Potential sites of asbestos exposure in Utah include:
- Mines: Mining of asbestos and other materials may have exposed workers to the dangerous mineral. The Tremolite Asbestos Mine near Sulphurdale, Utah, was the state’s only dedicated asbestos mine. However, asbestos is known to be disturbed while mining other natural mineral resources. Some locations that exposed miners to asbestos in Utah include Bingham Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company, Kennecott Utah Copper, the Empire Mining Company and Little Bell Consolidated Mining Company.
- Vermiculite Plants: Asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana, was processed in several plants in Utah. Records show about 50,000 tons of vermiculite went to two Salt Lake City plants and another 11,000 tons to plants in Sigurd, Utah. In 2004 and 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered asbestos cleanup of the Salt Lake City sites. These sites were owned by Intermountain Products. However, plant workers and city residents may have been exposed to asbestos from any of these plants prior to cleanup.
These are not the only potential sources of asbestos exposure in Utah. The mineral can be found in many areas, including homes and schools. Residents should be cautious when entering older buildings or handling products manufactured before 1980, as they may contain asbestos.
Utah 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:
- Bountiful, UT
- Helper, UT
- Holden, UT
- Hooper, UT
- Jordan, UT
- Kearns, UT
- Murray, UT
- Ogden, UT
- Salt Lake City, UT
- St. George, UT
- Tooele, UT
- Washington, UT
- West Haven, UT
- West Jordan, UT
- West Valley City, UT
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Utah
Asbestos victims in Utah wishing to file a claim should contact a mesothelioma attorney. These professionals can help plaintiffs determine their claim eligibility. Lawyers will also help claimants gather necessary documentation for a case, including:
- Financial records for medical expenses related to the asbestos disease
- Medical records with proof of diagnosis
- Records of the plaintiff’s exposure site
An important part of claim eligibility is the relevant legal deadline, known as a statute of limitations. Statutes of limitations dictate how long a plaintiff has to file a claim after an injury occurs. Each state has its own statutes of limitations for personal injury and asbestos wrongful death lawsuits.
Patients who have missed the relevant statute of limitations may still be able to seek compensation through other avenues, including asbestos trust funds. These funds are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover asbestos liability expenses for current and future claimants.
02. Utah Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Utah
Individuals who have lived or worked in Utah and develop an asbestos-related illness can seek legal support. Local and nationwide law firms experienced in asbestos and mesothelioma claims can guide claimants through the filing process. Lawyers at these firms understand state laws that impact claim options. They can explain an individual’s legal options, determine the best course of action and help file the claim.
The following law firms can help people living in Utah receive compensation:
Nationwide law firms have extensive experience handling mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits. Lawyers at these firms have litigated against large asbestos companies, securing meaningful settlements for their clients. They have access to numerous resources to build your case and a thorough knowledge of asbestos laws. They can help you choose the best jurisdiction to file your claim. It may not be in your current state of residence.
You don’t have to worry about traveling during this difficult time. Lawyers will travel to you to talk about your case and address any questions or concerns you have. They will keep the process as effortless as possible. These firms will handle the entire claim process on your behalf and are dedicated to getting you and your loved ones the best financial outcome.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Utah Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Utah
Many mesothelioma patients in Utah have filed successful claims against asbestos companies and other guilty parties. Successful claimants can use their compensation awards to cover medical bills, loss of wages and general pain and suffering.
As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of asbestos settlements achieved on behalf of Utah residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
- $4.0 MILLION: Army/Self-Employed – 61 years old
- $3.1 MILLION: Laborer/Mechanic – 60 years old
- $2.7 MILLION: Plant Worker – 82 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Navy Worker/Mechanic – 77 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Carpenter – 75 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Sales/Construction Worker– 74 years old
- $1.3 MILLION: Army/Construction Worker – 79 years old
- $1.2 MILLION: Navy/Shipyard – 74 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Marines/Ironworker – 58 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Utah
In 2010, a woman in Utah was awarded $5.2 million in damages for her case of mesothelioma. The plaintiff developed the cancer after childhood asbestos exposure. Her father was a steel worker who did homebuilding during his free time. The plaintiff’s father used an asbestos-containing joint compound during his work, which was shaved down to fit the walls. The plaintiff was responsible for cleaning up the dust and debris left behind. As a result, she inhaled asbestos dust.
The plaintiff’s case named Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Hamilton Materials, Inc. and Union Carbide Corporation as defendants. These companies were responsible for mining asbestos and manufacturing the products she was exposed to. The plaintiff was awarded $1.4 million in economic damages and more than $3.7 million in non-economic damages.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Utah mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Utah
Utah Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Utah’s asbestos rules and regulations are mostly overseen by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The department has set rules for handling asbestos, disposing of the mineral, licensing for asbestos contractors and adhering to federal regulations. Many of these regulations are covered in Utah Air Quality Rule 801: Utah Asbestos Rule.
For example, the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) requires advance notification of any impending renovation or demolition project that may disturb asbestos. There is then a 10-day waiting period before demolishing or moving any structure that may be subject to the federal asbestos laws or the Utah Asbestos Rule.
The state has also set a precedent for a few asbestos litigation rules, including:
- Punitive damages cap: Punitive damages may be capped depending on when a claim is filed, what type of claim it is and how much was awarded in compensatory damages.
- Transparency requirements: The Annotated Utah Code 78B-6-2001 enacted transparency requirements for lawsuit plaintiffs who have previously filed an asbestos bankruptcy trust claim. The bill requires asbestos plaintiffs to disclose and provide details for any trust fund filings after beginning an asbestos-related lawsuit.
To find out more about how exposure and litigation rules may affect a claim, Utah residents should contact a mesothelioma lawyer. Experienced lawyers are well-versed in the changing landscape of asbestos liability and can help see a claim through to a successful award.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
