Mesothelioma Lawyers Montana
For over 50 years, vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana. The vermiculite deposits at the Libby Mine were contaminated with asbestos. Almost 1300 residents from Libby, Montana have been diagnosed or died from mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. Not only were the workers in the mine at risk for developing mesothelioma (asbestos cancer), but the vermiculite concentrate was shipped to customers throughout the United States. Eight executives of W.R. Grace & Company, the owner of the mine, have been indicted on criminal charges for conspiracy and violations of the Clean Air Act.
There are other companies and occupations in Montana that have allowed their employees to suffer from asbestos exposure. Anaconda, a company that manufactured both copper and aluminum, used asbestos products in the high heat smelting areas of the plant. Montana is also home to power plants and oil refineries, both of which are known high-risk industries for asbestos exposure.
Montana has a statute of limitation for asbestos claim filing of three years from the date the cause of action accrued. The state also follows the “discovery rule,” so the cause of action does not accrue until the plaintiff knew or should have known that he or she had an asbestos-related disease and knew or should have known that the disease was caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products. For that reason, we strongly urge anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or an heir, if that person has passed away, to contact a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible to determine if an asbestos-related lawsuit is appropriate.
If you or someone close to you has mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in Montana, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti Schweizer & Mason are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of experience. It’s important that you understand your legal rights and what to expect from a mesothelioma lawsuit. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their families. We provide a free mesothelioma case evaluation, and there is no up front cost for our services.
Asbestos Exposure in Montana
Libby, Montana is a small community with fewer than 3000 people in 2009. Almost 1300 residents from Libby, Montana have been diagnosed or died from mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases due to the high exposure rates from the vermiculite mines.
Vermiculite mining began in the 1930s in Libby, Montana. Libby eventually became the largest exporter of vermiculite in the world. The vermiculite that originated at the Libby Mine had many uses, including attic insulation, an ingredient in fireproofing products, an ingredient in masonry fill, and as an additive in potting soils and fertilizers.
Vermiculite concentrate was shipped in hopper railroad cars and in bags to customers throughout the United States. W.R. Grace employees and residents of Libby, Montana were allowed to take vermiculite concentrate from the plant for their personal use. Vermiculite materials from the Libby Mine were even used as a surface for the Libby High School and Junior High School running tracks. After the Libby mine closed in 1990, some of its facilities were leased to the City of Libby to use for organized youth baseball games and practices.
On or about November 23, 1999, Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") representatives arrived in Libby, Montana to investigate reports of a potential hazardous waste emergency relating to asbestos contaminated vermiculite. As a result of its investigation, the EPA concluded that the conditions at the site presented an imminent and substantial threat to human health and the environment. The site was ultimately declared a Superfund Site. As of December 31, 2001, the EPA had incurred 55,100,000.00 dollars in cleanup costs.
If you worked at any of these companies and/or jobsites in Montana, there is a possibility that you were exposed to harmful asbestos. If you need sound legal advice or representation due to this exposure, contact mesothelioma lawyers Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason.
- W. R. Grace Vermiculite Mines in Libby
- Anaconda Copper Mining Company
- Montana Power Plants
- Montana Oil Refineries
Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Mesothelioma in Montana
If you or members of your family have been affected by asbestos cancer in Montana or any state in the U.S., contact Clapper, Patti Schweizer & Mason. Our mesothelioma attorneys are experts in mesothelioma lawsuits. We have over thirty years of success providing mesothelioma legal representation to clients across the United States. We will provide a free case evaluation and can fly to Montana to meet with you in person. There is no up front cost to you for our services.
If you are in need of mesothelioma medical information or treatment, visit our list of Montana mesothelioma treatment centers. Mesothelioma attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are here to help.
Call attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason for a free consultation.