Denver Mesothelioma Attorney

Denver was one of the country’s first mining towns. For decades, minders used primitive techniques to pull precious metals out of the ground. They also pulled asbestos out of the ground. This fibrous substance was once considered a miracle mineral. It did not conduct heat, noise, or electricity. The miracle mineral had a very large dark side which, for many years, asbestos producers deliberately ignored.

At long last, the dedicated Denver mesothelioma lawyers at the Throneberry Law Group are able to hold these producers responsible for the injuries they caused, including cancers like mesothelioma and lung diseases like asbestosis. In court, this responsibility means paying compensation for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Additional punitive damages are usually available in these cases as well since these companies intentionally disregarded a known risk for so many years.

A few Colorado mines were dedicated asbestos mines. But as mentioned, most focused on other minerals. These activities disturbed stray asbestos fibers in the ground, creating substantial cross-contamination issues.

Sometimes, these mines shipped their products to asbestos producers in other states. Other times, the asbestos remained close to home, at places like:

• Western Minerals Company Plant: For over a hundred years, the Grace Company mine in Libby, Montana, provided this plant with raw vermiculite insulation. The workers who processed this insulation did not know it was laced with asbestos.
• Estes Power Plant: Heat-producing installations like this one used lots of asbestos. In January 2011, the U.S. Department of the Interior requested bids from companies to remove asbestos at the plant. Workers removed more than 1,800 square feet of asbestos plaster. They also removed 250 linear feet of chrysotile asbestos-laced HVAC duct wrap.
• Hensel Phelps: One of the world’s largest general contracting firms is based in Greely, Colorado. Since the government restricted asbestos use in the 1990s, many Hensel Phelps workers have concentrated on asbestos abatement and removal. These workers often aren’t well protected.

Other area hotspots include Centel Corporation, Colorado Springs Public Utilities, Nixon Power Plant, Poole Construction Company, Schmidt Incinerators, Utilicorp, and Drive Train Industries.

A Denver mesothelioma lawyer can obtain substantial compensation for these exposure victims. If the responsible defendant declared bankruptcy, as was the case with the Grace Mining Company, a victim compensation fund claim might be available. VCF funds contain over $30 billion. Therefore, individuals may obtain substantial compensation if their attorneys are good negotiators.

Settlement negotiations are never court-supervised in these situations. Therefore, the Fund Administrator never has a duty to negotiate in good faith. As a result, low-ball and take-it-or-leave-it “offers” are the norm in these situations.

Only an excellent negotiator is able to obtain maximum compensation in these cases without unduly delaying the settlement process.

This process often only requires a few months, especially if the victim (or survivor) is eligible for expedited review.

Other legal options for victims include a civil claim, a workers’ compensation claim, and a VA disability claim.

Asbestos exposure victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Denver mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.