01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Vermont
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Vermont
Vermonters may have experienced asbestos exposure at various areas in the state. Many asbestos-exposure victims later develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. National law firms can help individuals file claims against asbestos companies.
From 1999 to 2017, 135 Vermonters were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Between 1999 and 2019, 121 residents passed away from the disease. Mesothelioma patients and their family members may be eligible for financial compensation.
Various occupations, jobsites and surrounding areas have a high risk of asbestos exposure in Vermont. For example, Vermont’s Belvidere Mountain is home to a former asbestos mine. This mine was once the largest producer of asbestos in the United States. Nearby residents and previous employees are still at risk of asbestos exposure.
Individuals who later develop an asbestos illness may be eligible to file mesothelioma lawsuits or other legal actions.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Vermont?
Individuals in Vermont diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible to file a claim or lawsuit. Surviving family members may also be eligible for compensation following a loved one’s death.
Asbestos laws began in the 1970s, but there are still exposure risks for Vermonters. Manufacturing and agriculture are two of Vermont’s primary job industries. Both industries also put workers at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers were at risk for exposure while manufacturing boilers, cement products and automotive parts. These and other products were often made with asbestos. Workers in manufacturing facilities may still risk exposure from old equipment, building materials and other products on site. Farmers are at risk of exposure through asbestos-containing soil, vermiculite and machinery.
Vermonters also risk exposure at a mining site. An asbestos deposit was found in Belvidere Mountain in 1824. Companies mined there until 1993. This was the biggest U.S. asbestos-producing mine during the 1950s.
While it is no longer an active mine, a 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation found asbestos contamination around the mine. Asbestos exposure is a risk for previous miners and visitors to the mountain. Residents of nearby towns, Eden and Lowell, are also at risk.
Individuals impacted by asbestos may have legal options in Vermont. A mesothelioma lawyer can determine which is the best choice for individual cases.
Residents of Vermont who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and to seek compensation from negligent manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Bristol, VT
- Chester, VT
- East Charleston, VT
- Essex Junction, VT
- Hyde Park, VT
- Middlebury, VT
- Milton, VT
- Newbury, VT
- North Clarendon, VT
- Pittsford, VT
- Poultney, VT
- Vernon, VT
- Waterford, VT
- White River Junction, VT
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Vermont
Each state has specific windows for filing different types of mesothelioma lawsuits. These windows, called the statutes of limitations, generally start at a mesothelioma diagnosis or death. National law firms can help victims understand Vermont’s filing laws.
After diagnosis, mesothelioma patients may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a loved one’s death. Mesothelioma lawyers can handle the lawsuit process, including gathering all necessary documentation.
Victims may be eligible for other legal options. For instance, victims may be eligible to file claims against an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos companies created these during bankruptcy to compensate victims. Workers’ compensation claims and veterans’ benefits claims may also be options.
An experienced mesothelioma law firm can help victims and loved ones understand their eligibility for different compensation claims.
02. Vermont Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Vermont
Vermont residents may seek legal support from mesothelioma law firms. Former residents and workers in Vermont may be eligible to file a claim in the state. Experienced law firms can explain eligibility and filing options. They can also determine if this state is the best jurisdiction to file the claim in.
The following nationwide law firm can help people living in Vermont receive compensation:
When considering legal representation for your mesothelioma claim, it is beneficial to seek legal support from experienced nationwide law firms. These firms have the breadth of experience, knowledge and resources to build a successful case. Their lawyers have experience prosecuting large asbestos companies and holding them accountable for their wrongdoings.
Lawyers at these firms frequently travel across the country to visit claimants. This means you will not need to travel to discuss your case. They will come to you to address your questions and needs. Nationwide law firms aim to make the process easy for you. Their main goal is to secure the most favorable financial outcome for you and your family.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Vermont Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Vermont
Many individuals in Vermont have received financial compensation from negligent asbestos companies. With the help of experienced lawyers, some victims have secured millions of dollars. Mesothelioma lawyers can help victims get the compensation they deserve from these companies. This can ease current and future financial stresses on the patient and their family.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Vermont:
- $1.4 MILLION: Navy/Shipyard – 82 years old
- $1.1 MILLION: Army/Insulator – 63 years old
- $700,000: Navy/Air Force – 79 years old
- $700,000: Machinist/Design – 85 years old
- $700,000: Navy/Sheet Metal Worker – 81 years old
- $600,000: Plumber/Steamfitter – 65 years old
- $500,000: United Illuminating Worker – 70 years old
- $400,000: Navy/Laborer – 86 years old
- $300,000: Plant Worker – 81 years old
- $100,000: Engineer/Navy Worker – 76 years old
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Vermont mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Vermont
Vermont Asbestos Laws & Regulations
The Vermont Department of Health (DOH) enforces state and federal asbestos regulations. Violations are subject to fines and other legal consequences.
To work with asbestos, contractors must have an asbestos license. The state’s licensing process requires contractors to fill out the following forms:
- Vermont Department of Taxes Statement of Compliance
- Asbestos Abatement Contractor Entity application form
- Asbestos Contractor application form
Vermont asbestos contracts must stay current with asbestos training courses. The Vermont DOH provides a list of accredited courses contractors may choose from.
Before beginning renovations, owners must complete a full asbestos assessment. If the assessment finds asbestos-containing materials, owners and contractors must follow specific steps. These include forms, permits and asbestos handling rules.
Noncompliance with state or federal asbestos regulations has resulted in fines for businesses. In 2010, a real estate developer and contractor were charged with asbestos violations. They had not followed asbestos processes during a commercial demolition of multiple buildings. The responsible parties paid a $15,000 fine.
Enforcing regulations helps protect the public from asbestos exposure and long-term health complications.
