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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Iowa

Iowa's industrial economy — meatpacking, heavy equipment manufacturing, power generation, and railroad operations — relied on asbestos-containing materials for decades. From John Deere's massive Waterloo and Quad Cities manufacturing complexes to meatpacking plants across the state, Iowa workers were exposed to asbestos in boilers, insulation, and processing equipment. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, occupational asbestos exposure in industrial and manufacturing settings is a leading cause of mesothelioma. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Iowa families are still being diagnosed today.

Multiple Industrial Exposure Sites
$30B+ In Trust Funds Available
2 Years Iowa Statute of Limitations
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Mesothelioma Compensation for Iowa Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Iowa, you are not alone — and compensation may be available. Below are actual amounts received by real clients of our firm, after attorneys’ fees and expenses, in mesothelioma cases involving asbestos exposure. Our attorneys represent families nationwide, including in Iowa.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$6,142,500 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 68, who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos through assisting her husband in his general contracting work and through contact with asbestos fibers on her husband's clothes.

$5,939,010 Construction / Demolition

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 46, who was exposed to asbestos while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding.

$3,921,750 Navy / Construction

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a man, age 68, who was exposed through his service in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction.

$3,600,450 Navy / Contractor

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 67, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a construction contractor on commercial and residential projects.

$3,403,890 Navy / HVAC Mechanic

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 57, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.

$3,310,650 Industrial / HVAC

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 62, who was exposed while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units.

$3,185,280 Paper Mill / Carpenter

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at a paper mill and as a carpenter.

$2,727,900 Navy / Telecom

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 61, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman.

$2,082,780 Oil Refinery / Drywaller

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at an oil refinery and as a drywaller.

$1,988,910 Oil Field Worker

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 50, who was exposed as an oil field worker.

All amounts shown are received by clients after attorneys’ fees and expenses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and compensation depends on individual circumstances including exposure history, diagnosis, and jurisdiction.

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Every case is different, but understanding the factors that affect compensation can help you make informed decisions. Three quick questions — no obligation.

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Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: Industrial records, OSHA reports, asbestos litigation databases

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Iowa

Iowa may be known for agriculture, but the state's industrial economy created significant asbestos exposure for thousands of workers across multiple industries. Iowa's unique combination of meatpacking plants, heavy equipment manufacturing, power generation, railroad operations, and chemical processing formed a diversified industrial base where asbestos was used as a standard material in high-temperature and heavy-duty applications for decades.

Meatpacking was one of Iowa's signature industries, and the state's large processing plants — in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and other communities — depended on steam-driven refrigeration and processing systems that used asbestos insulation in boilers, pipes, and equipment. John Deere, headquartered in nearby Moline, Illinois, operated massive manufacturing facilities in Waterloo and the Quad Cities that used asbestos in factory insulation, boiler systems, brake components, and building materials.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, workers in manufacturing and industrial processing facilities face elevated mesothelioma risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in high-temperature equipment. Iowa's MidAmerican Energy (now part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy) operated coal-fired power plants across the state that used asbestos insulation in boilers, turbines, and steam systems. The state's railroad heritage and chemical processing facilities added additional exposure pathways for Iowa workers.

The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period

Mesothelioma does not appear immediately after asbestos exposure. The disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning meatpacking workers, factory employees, and power plant operators exposed in Iowa's industrial facilities during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. A boiler operator at a Waterloo meatpacking plant or a maintenance mechanic at John Deere in 1970 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2026 or later. This long latency period explains why Iowa continues to produce new mesothelioma cases long after its peak industrial era.

Many Iowa workers held multiple positions in the state's industrial economy. A worker might have spent time at a meatpacking plant, then moved to a John Deere factory or a power plant — each one adding to the cumulative asbestos burden. This multi-site exposure history is important for legal claims because it can connect a patient to multiple asbestos trust funds and defendants, increasing the total compensation available.

Iowa's Industrial Asbestos Legacy

Iowa's industrial footprint extended across the state, from meatpacking operations in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City to John Deere manufacturing in Waterloo and the Quad Cities, MidAmerican Energy power plants across the grid, and railroad operations in virtually every Iowa community. Each of these industries used asbestos-containing materials in their operations. If you worked at any industrial facility in Iowa before the mid-1980s, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step toward understanding your legal options.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Iowa

Asbestos was embedded in Iowa's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure across the state.

Meatpacking Plants

Iowa was one of America's leading meatpacking states, and its processing plants were large, complex industrial operations that relied heavily on steam systems for cooking, rendering, and sterilization, and on refrigeration systems for cold storage and processing. Both steam and refrigeration infrastructure used asbestos insulation extensively on boilers, pipes, compressors, and processing equipment.

  • Rath Packing Company (Waterloo) — One of Iowa's largest meatpacking operations; asbestos in boiler insulation, steam pipes, refrigeration systems, and facility infrastructure
  • John Morrell & Co. (Ottumwa) — Major meatpacking facility with asbestos in boiler systems, steam processing equipment, and building insulation
  • Iowa Beef Processors / IBP (various locations) — Meatpacking and processing facilities with asbestos in refrigeration systems, boilers, and facility infrastructure
  • Wilson & Co. (Cedar Rapids) — Meatpacking plant with asbestos insulation in steam and refrigeration systems

John Deere Manufacturing Facilities

John Deere (Deere & Company) is one of Iowa's largest employers and operates major manufacturing complexes in Waterloo and the Quad Cities area (Davenport). These facilities manufactured tractors, combines, engines, and heavy equipment using production processes that incorporated asbestos-containing materials in factory insulation, boiler systems, brake components on equipment, and building materials.

  • John Deere Waterloo Works — Tractor and engine manufacturing with asbestos in factory insulation, boiler systems, foundry equipment, and production machinery
  • John Deere Davenport Works — Construction and forestry equipment manufacturing with asbestos in facility infrastructure and production equipment
  • John Deere Des Moines Works — Manufacturing facility with asbestos in building materials and equipment insulation

Power Plants (MidAmerican Energy)

MidAmerican Energy and its predecessor companies operated coal-fired and gas-fired power plants across Iowa that used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, generators, and electrical components. These generating stations powered Iowa's cities and industrial operations, and the workers who maintained them were exposed to asbestos throughout their careers.

  • MidAmerican Energy generating stations — Multiple power plants with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam pipe systems, and electrical wiring insulation
  • Various municipal power plants — Community power generating facilities with asbestos-containing equipment and building materials

Railroad Operations

Iowa was a critical link in the nation's railroad network, with major lines running through the state and maintenance facilities in several communities. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos in locomotive boiler insulation, brake linings, steam pipe lagging, and railroad car materials.

  • Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad — Major railroad with Iowa operations and maintenance facilities
  • Chicago & North Western Railway shops — Locomotive maintenance and repair with asbestos in engine insulation and brake systems
  • Various railroad maintenance facilities — Rail yards and shops across Iowa with asbestos-containing materials

Chemical Plants

Iowa hosted chemical processing operations that used asbestos in pipe insulation, reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and processing equipment. Chemical plants in the state's industrial communities exposed maintenance workers and operators to asbestos during daily operations and maintenance shutdowns.

Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Rath Packing Company Meatpacking Boiler insulation, steam pipes, refrigeration 1940s–1980s
John Deere Waterloo Works Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Factory insulation, boilers, foundry equipment 1940s–1980s
John Deere Davenport Works Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Facility infrastructure, production equipment 1940s–1980s
MidAmerican Energy Plants Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam pipes 1940s–1980s
John Morrell & Co. Meatpacking Boiler systems, steam equipment, insulation 1940s–1970s
Rock Island Railroad Railroad Maintenance Locomotive insulation, brake linings, pipe lagging 1940s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional meatpacking plants, manufacturing facilities, grain processing operations, and commercial buildings across Iowa also contained asbestos. If you worked at any industrial facility in Iowa before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Iowa exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Iowa Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Iowa's industrial sector carried a dramatically higher risk of asbestos exposure. Workers in these trades handled asbestos-containing materials directly, worked in environments where asbestos fibers accumulated, or were present during activities that disturbed existing asbestos insulation. If you or a family member held any of these positions at an Iowa facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Boiler Operators & Maintenance Mechanics

Boiler operators and maintenance mechanics at Iowa's meatpacking plants, power plants, and manufacturing facilities worked directly with asbestos-insulated steam systems. These workers operated, repaired, and maintained boilers, steam pipes, and pressure vessels that were wrapped in asbestos insulation. Maintenance shutdowns required removing and replacing deteriorating asbestos insulation, creating intense exposure events in confined boiler rooms and mechanical spaces.

Pipefitters & Insulators

Pipefitters and insulators at Iowa industrial facilities installed, maintained, and repaired piping systems insulated with asbestos. In meatpacking plants, these workers maintained extensive networks of steam and refrigeration pipes. In manufacturing facilities and power plants, they handled asbestos pipe insulation, gaskets, and packing materials as part of their daily work. Insulators had the most direct and sustained contact with asbestos-containing materials.

Meatpacking Plant Workers

Workers in Iowa's meatpacking plants were exposed to asbestos through the facilities' steam and refrigeration systems. While not all meatpacking jobs involved direct asbestos handling, maintenance workers, refrigeration technicians, and boiler room operators worked in close proximity to asbestos-insulated equipment. Plant-wide maintenance activities that disturbed asbestos insulation could expose workers throughout the facility.

Manufacturing & Factory Workers

Workers at John Deere and other Iowa manufacturing facilities operated and maintained production equipment in buildings insulated with asbestos-containing materials. Factory maintenance crews, foundry workers, and production mechanics worked alongside asbestos-insulated boilers, furnaces, and processing equipment. Brake mechanics who worked on heavy equipment handled asbestos-containing brake pads and clutch facings.

Power Plant Workers

Operators, maintenance workers, and electricians at Iowa's power generating stations worked with asbestos-insulated boilers, turbines, generators, and electrical systems. Coal-fired plants required extensive asbestos insulation throughout their high-temperature systems. Routine operations and maintenance work exposed these workers to deteriorating asbestos insulation and required direct handling of asbestos-containing materials.

Railroad Workers

Railroad workers in Iowa — machinists, boilermakers, carmen, and shop laborers — maintained and repaired locomotives and rolling stock insulated with asbestos. Locomotive boiler maintenance, brake shoe replacement, and steam pipe work all involved direct contact with asbestos materials. Iowa's railroad maintenance shops in cities like Davenport and Cedar Rapids were significant exposure sites for workers in these trades.

Documenting Your Iowa Work History

If you held any of these positions at an Iowa industrial facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct their employment timeline, identify every facility where exposure occurred, and connect that exposure history to specific asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. Even if your records are incomplete, we can use union records, Social Security earnings statements, coworker testimony, and facility records to build your case.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Iowa

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in the lining of internal organs, causing cellular damage that leads to malignant tumor growth over decades. Iowa's diversified industrial exposure profile produces mesothelioma diagnoses across workers from multiple industries — meatpacking, manufacturing, power generation, and railroad operations.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Iowa patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs — when inhaled asbestos fibers migrate to the pleural lining and cause chronic inflammation and eventual malignancy. Iowa boiler operators, maintenance mechanics, and factory workers who inhaled asbestos dust during daily operations are at the highest risk. Symptoms typically include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion).

Early detection significantly affects treatment options and prognosis. If you worked in an Iowa meatpacking plant, manufacturing facility, power plant, or other industrial setting and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity — and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum through ingestion or through the lymphatic system. Symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma has advanced significantly, with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showing improved survival rates. Regardless of the type diagnosed, the same legal options — personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Iowa patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Iowa

While Iowa does not currently have NCI-designated mesothelioma specialty centers, patients have access to the nation’s top treatment programs. Many of these leading cancer centers accept out-of-state patients and can coordinate care with local oncologists. Below are nationally recognized mesothelioma treatment centers that serve patients from Iowa and across the country.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Ranked #1 for cancer care nationwide, MD Anderson treats mesothelioma patients from all 50 states and offers the most comprehensive mesothelioma treatment program in the country.

Brigham and Women's Hospital / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

The Brigham and Dana-Farber alliance is one of the nation's leading mesothelioma treatment programs, known for pioneering surgical techniques and multimodal therapy protocols.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York City, NY NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

One of the world's most experienced cancer centers, MSK operates a dedicated mesothelioma program and extensive clinical trial portfolio for patients nationwide.

Need Help Finding a Specialist?

Our attorneys work with leading mesothelioma specialists nationwide and can help connect you with the right treatment team. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a referral.

Iowa Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Iowa has a significant veteran population, and many of these veterans carry asbestos exposure histories from their military service. After discharge, many veterans entered Iowa's industrial workforce — in meatpacking plants, manufacturing facilities, and power plants — creating a dual exposure pattern that compounds mesothelioma risk and expands the available compensation sources.

Iowa Army Ammunition Plant

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant near Burlington was a significant military-industrial facility that used asbestos in building construction, utility systems, and equipment insulation. Military and civilian workers at the facility may have been exposed to asbestos during facility operations, maintenance, and renovation activities.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Industrial Work

A pattern common in Iowa mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service — particularly Navy veterans who served aboard ships insulated with asbestos — and then returned to Iowa to work in the state's industrial economy. The skills learned during military service often led directly to maintenance, mechanical, and trades jobs in meatpacking plants, factories, and power plants where asbestos exposure continued.

Compensation for Iowa Veterans

Veterans with mesothelioma may be entitled to multiple sources of compensation:

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers, including the Iowa City VA Health Care System
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against companies whose products were used in military and civilian facilities
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers and employers

Veterans: Filing VA Claims Does Not Affect Civil Claims

VA disability claims and civil mesothelioma lawsuits are separate legal processes. Filing for VA benefits does not reduce or prevent compensation from asbestos trust funds or personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys help Iowa veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously, maximizing total recovery while ensuring no filing deadlines are missed. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, time is critical — both the Iowa statute of limitations and VA filing processes have specific requirements that should be addressed promptly.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Iowa

Asbestos exposure in Iowa did not stop at the plant entrance or the factory gate. For decades, workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families to the same deadly material they encountered at work. This pattern, known as secondary or take-home exposure, has been documented in Iowa's industrial communities and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never worked in a meatpacking plant, factory, or power plant.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Iowa meatpacking workers, factory employees, and power plant operators typically arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos fibers. Spouses who shook out, brushed off, and laundered contaminated work clothes released asbestos fibers into the household air. Children who greeted parents at the door, sat in their laps, or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In Iowa's smaller industrial communities, where workers lived close to the plants where they worked, these patterns affected entire families.

Legal Rights of Iowa Families

Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary asbestos exposure have the legal right to pursue compensation. These claims can be filed against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products used in Iowa's industrial facilities and against the asbestos trust funds established through bankruptcy proceedings.

If a spouse, child, or other family member of an Iowa industrial worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have handled secondary exposure cases and understand the specific evidence required to establish the connection between a worker's occupational exposure and a family member's diagnosis.

Support Groups & Resources for Iowa Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. These organizations provide support, education, counseling, and practical assistance for patients and caregivers.

National Organizations

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Research & Patient Support

Leading mesothelioma research foundation providing patient support, education, and peer-to-peer networking for patients and families.

Visit Website →

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Advocacy & Education

National advocacy organization dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, providing support for those affected, and driving a global ban on asbestos.

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American Cancer Society

Patient Services

Comprehensive cancer support including patient navigation, local support groups, transportation assistance, lodging programs, and 24/7 helpline.

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CancerCare

Counseling & Support

Free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance programs for cancer patients and caregivers.

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Iowa Resources

Iowa Cancer Consortium

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Iowa families with local support services, financial assistance, and treatment information.

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Personalized Resource Recommendations

Our team can connect your family with support resources tailored to your specific situation — including local support groups, financial assistance programs, and caregiver resources. Call 1-800-400-1805.

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Free Guide: Iowa Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked in an Iowa meatpacking plant, at John Deere, at a power plant, or at any other Iowa industrial facility, this guide explains the legal options available to you and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Iowa meatpacking, manufacturing, and power plant exposure sites
  • Iowa statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Iowa industrial cases
  • How to document your Iowa work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases
  • Secondary exposure rights for Iowa workers' families

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Steps Iowa Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. There is a great deal to process emotionally and medically, and legal considerations add another layer of urgency. The following steps provide a clear, measured path forward for Iowa families facing this diagnosis.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City is a leading treatment center. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is also accessible to Iowa residents. Your treatment plan should be established before anything else.
  2. Document your Iowa work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at meatpacking plants, John Deere or other manufacturing facilities, power plants, railroad shops, or chemical plants in Iowa. Include dates, job titles, the names of employers and contractors, and the names of any coworkers who can confirm your presence at these sites.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note the specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact: boiler maintenance, insulation work, pipe fitting, equipment repair, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating. This timeline identifies which companies and trust funds are connected to your exposure.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. The Iowa statute of limitations gives you 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. Building a strong case requires identifying asbestos product manufacturers, gathering employment records, and filing trust fund claims — processes that benefit from starting early. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard any records that support your exposure history: old tax returns showing employers, union membership cards (especially UFCW for meatpacking, UAW for manufacturing), Social Security earnings statements, military service records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Iowa mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources, including personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, and VA benefits for veterans. Your attorney should evaluate every option and pursue all applicable claims simultaneously.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped families across the country through the legal process after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We handle every aspect of the legal case so you can focus on your health and your family. The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Request a free case review or call 1-800-400-1805.

Portrait of Paul Danziger, Co-Founder and Lead Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Lead Attorney

Paul Danziger

Texas Bar #00788880 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Paul Danziger has spent over 30 years representing mesothelioma patients and their families across the United States. He co-founded Danziger & De Llano, LLP with the mission of providing personal attention and aggressive advocacy that asbestos victims deserve.

Before law school, Paul earned his B.B.A. and a Master's degree in Tax Accounting from the University of Texas and worked as a CPA and tax consultant in New York. His financial and legal background gives him a distinctive ability to evaluate complex mesothelioma cases and maximize compensation for his clients.

Paul has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times (2006–2009, 2014–2016, 2024) and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He is also the executive producer and co-writer of the film Puncture (starring Chris Evans), based on a real product liability case.

30+ Years in Practice
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Co-Founder & Senior Trial Attorney

Rod De Llano

Texas Bar #00786666 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Rod De Llano brings over 30 years of complex litigation experience to every mesothelioma case he handles. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in economics, Rod combines analytical rigor with a deep commitment to justice for asbestos victims and their families.

Rod and Paul Danziger have worked together since law school at Northwestern, building one of the most experienced mesothelioma practices in the country. Rod's expertise in complex litigation — including multi-district asbestos cases, trust fund claims, and trial proceedings — ensures that every client receives the strongest possible representation.

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$2B+ Recovered for Clients
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Find Out What Your Iowa Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at an Iowa meatpacking plant, John Deere factory, power plant, railroad, or any other industrial facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with industrial asbestos exposure cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Industrial Expertise Our attorneys represent industrial workers exposed to asbestos at facilities across the country.
Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Iowa

Why does Iowa have mesothelioma cases?

Iowa's mesothelioma cases are linked to its diverse industrial history. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, workers in manufacturing and industrial processing facilities face elevated mesothelioma risk due to widespread asbestos use. Iowa's meatpacking plants, John Deere manufacturing complexes, MidAmerican Energy power plants, railroad operations, and chemical processing facilities all used asbestos-containing materials for decades. The 20-to-50-year latency period means these historical exposures continue to produce new diagnoses today.

Were meatpacking plant workers in Iowa exposed to asbestos?

Yes. Iowa's meatpacking plants used asbestos insulation in boiler systems, refrigeration piping, steam lines, and facility infrastructure. Workers who maintained this equipment — boiler operators, pipefitters, maintenance mechanics, and refrigeration technicians — were exposed to asbestos-containing materials. Major Iowa meatpacking operations including Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, John Morrell in Ottumwa, and IBP facilities across the state all used asbestos in their industrial infrastructure.

Was asbestos used at John Deere facilities in Iowa?

Yes. John Deere manufacturing facilities in Waterloo, the Quad Cities area, and other Iowa locations used asbestos in factory insulation, boiler systems, brake components on heavy equipment, gaskets, and building materials. Workers who built, maintained, and operated these facilities were exposed to asbestos throughout their careers. Asbestos exposure claims are available for qualified John Deere workers.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Iowa?

Iowa allows 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Iowa applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when the disease is diagnosed, not when the asbestos exposure occurred. Given mesothelioma's 20-to-50-year latency period, this distinction is critical. Do not wait to explore your legal options — evidence and witnesses can become unavailable over time.

Were MidAmerican Energy power plant workers exposed to asbestos?

Yes. MidAmerican Energy and its predecessor companies operated coal-fired power plants across Iowa that used asbestos insulation in boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical systems. Workers who operated, maintained, and repaired equipment at these plants were exposed to asbestos-containing materials throughout their careers. Power plant workers diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation through lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.

How much compensation can Iowa mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on the specifics of each case. Iowa cases involving multiple industrial facilities can connect to multiple asbestos product manufacturers, which can increase total recovery through trust fund claims and lawsuits. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. While no attorney can guarantee a specific amount, our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families and works to maximize every claim. Call 1-800-400-1805 or submit a form above.

This page was last reviewed and updated on by the legal team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

Sources & References

  1. NCI SEER Program — Mesothelioma Cancer Stat Facts
  2. ATSDR — Toxicological Profile for Asbestos
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Asbestos
  4. OSHA — Asbestos Standards and Regulations
  5. National Cancer Institute — Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ)
  6. American Cancer Society — Malignant Mesothelioma
  7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Asbestos Exposure
  8. RAND Corporation — Asbestos Litigation Costs and Compensation

Iowa Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at an Iowa meatpacking plant, manufacturing facility, power plant, or any industrial workplace, do not wait. The Iowa statute of limitations is 2 years from diagnosis. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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