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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Minnesota

Minnesota's Iron Range is one of America's most significant mining exposure corridors, where taconite mining and vermiculite processing exposed thousands of workers to asbestos-contaminated mineral fibers. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Minnesota's industrial history — spanning mining, grain processing, power generation, paper mills, and manufacturing at companies like 3M in Maplewood — created decades of occupational asbestos exposure across the state. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Minnesota families are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma today from exposures that occurred decades ago.

Iron Range Major Mining Exposure Corridor
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Mesothelioma Compensation for Minnesota Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota.

$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.

$4,750,000 U.S. Navy Veteran

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 49, who was exposed to asbestos through his career in the Navy.

$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.

$3,310,650 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.

$2,082,780 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.

$1,886,580 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 62, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her husband, who worked as an electrician at a shipyard.

$1,181,250 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 33, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her father, who worked at an auto plant.

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

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Minnesota

Minnesota's asbestos exposure history is driven by a unique combination of mining, grain processing, power generation, paper manufacturing, and industrial production. The state's Iron Range — a mining corridor stretching from Duluth through the Mesabi and Vermilion ranges in northeastern Minnesota — is one of the most significant mining-related asbestos exposure zones in the United States. Taconite mining operations exposed workers to naturally occurring elongate mineral particles with asbestos-like properties, while vermiculite ore contaminated with tremolite asbestos from the Libby, Montana mine was shipped to and processed at Minnesota facilities.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Minnesota's industrial workers faced occupational asbestos exposure across mining, manufacturing, and processing industries that operated for decades throughout the state. The Iron Range/Duluth corridor is particularly significant as a mining exposure zone where workers inhaled mineral fibers during extraction, processing, and transportation of taconite and other ores.

Beyond mining, Minnesota's grain processing industry in Minneapolis and St. Paul used asbestos in grain elevator insulation and equipment. Power plants across the state relied on asbestos-insulated boilers, turbines, and steam systems. Paper mills in northern Minnesota used asbestos in dryer felts, insulation, and facility materials. And 3M's headquarters and manufacturing complex in Maplewood produced products that involved asbestos-containing materials during certain periods of the company's history.

The Iron Range: A Unique Exposure Corridor

The Minnesota Iron Range presents a distinctive asbestos exposure challenge. Unlike industrial sites where asbestos was a manufactured product brought into the workplace, the Iron Range exposed workers to naturally occurring mineral fibers embedded in the rock formations they mined. Taconite — the iron-bearing rock that is the primary product of Iron Range mining — contains elongate mineral particles that some studies have linked to mesothelioma risk. Additionally, Libby vermiculite contaminated with tremolite asbestos was processed at facilities in the Duluth area, creating a second pathway for mining-related asbestos exposure in Minnesota.

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 miners who worked on the Iron Range during the 1960s and 1970s, or grain processing workers in Minneapolis during the same era, are being diagnosed now. This long latency period is why Minnesota continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after the peak exposure era.

Minnesota's Unique Asbestos Exposure Profile

Minnesota's combination of mining-related exposure (Iron Range taconite and Libby vermiculite processing), industrial exposure (grain processing, power plants, paper mills), and manufacturing exposure (3M and other manufacturers) creates a uniquely diverse asbestos exposure profile. If you worked in any Minnesota mining operation, grain facility, power plant, paper mill, or manufacturing plant 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 Minnesota

Asbestos exposure in Minnesota came from diverse industrial sources spanning mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and power generation. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure across the state.

Mining Operations (Iron Range)

The Minnesota Iron Range is one of the most significant mining-related asbestos exposure corridors in the United States. Workers in taconite mines and processing plants were exposed to naturally occurring elongate mineral particles, and vermiculite contaminated with Libby asbestos was processed at Minnesota facilities near Duluth.

  • Mesabi Range taconite mines — Multiple open-pit and underground mining operations where workers were exposed to naturally occurring mineral fibers during extraction, crushing, and processing of taconite ore
  • Vermilion Range operations — Iron ore mining operations in northeastern Minnesota with documented mineral fiber exposure
  • Vermiculite processing facilities (Duluth area) — Facilities that processed Libby, Montana vermiculite heavily contaminated with tremolite asbestos, exposing workers and surrounding communities to deadly fibers
  • Taconite processing plants — Crushing, concentrating, and pelletizing operations where taconite dust containing elongate mineral particles was generated throughout the processing chain

Grain Processing

Minneapolis and St. Paul were historic centers of grain processing in America, and the industry's grain elevators, flour mills, and storage facilities used asbestos in insulation, equipment, and fireproofing materials.

  • Minneapolis grain elevators — Asbestos insulation in grain dryers, conveyors, and elevator equipment; asbestos used in fireproofing due to grain dust explosion risk
  • Flour mills (Minneapolis, St. Paul) — Asbestos in machinery insulation, pipe coverings, and facility materials across the Twin Cities' historic milling district

Power Plants

Coal-fired and oil-fired power plants across Minnesota used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical components. Maintenance workers, electricians, and operators at these facilities faced regular asbestos exposure.

  • Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) generating stations — Multiple power plants across Minnesota with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, and electrical wiring
  • Minnesota Power (Duluth area) — Generating stations serving the Iron Range and northern Minnesota with documented asbestos use

Paper Mills

Northern Minnesota's paper and pulp industry relied on asbestos in dryer felts, boiler insulation, pipe coverings, and facility materials. Paper mill workers were exposed during production operations and maintenance activities.

  • Boise Cascade (International Falls) — Paper and pulp manufacturing with asbestos in dryer felts, boiler insulation, and facility materials
  • Potlatch Corporation mills — Paper production facilities with asbestos-containing insulation and equipment materials

Manufacturing

Minnesota's manufacturing sector included companies that used or produced asbestos-containing materials in their operations.

  • 3M (Maplewood) — Headquarters and manufacturing complex; certain product lines historically involved asbestos-containing materials in production processes
  • Honeywell (Minneapolis) — Industrial manufacturing with asbestos in facility insulation and certain product components
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Mesabi Range Mines Taconite Mining Naturally occurring mineral fibers in ore 1950s–1980s
Vermiculite Processing Mineral Processing Libby vermiculite contaminated with tremolite asbestos 1960s–1990s
Minneapolis Grain Elevators Grain Processing Insulation, fireproofing, equipment materials 1940s–1980s
Northern States Power Plants Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbine casings, wiring 1940s–1980s
Paper Mills (Int'l Falls) Paper Manufacturing Dryer felts, boiler insulation, pipe coverings 1940s–1980s
3M (Maplewood) Manufacturing Product manufacturing, facility insulation 1940s–1970s

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional mining operations, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings across Minnesota used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any mine, grain elevator, power plant, paper mill, or manufacturing facility in Minnesota before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is possible. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Minnesota exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Minnesota Linked to Asbestos Exposure

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

Miners & Mining Equipment Operators

Iron Range miners and equipment operators are among the most uniquely exposed occupations in Minnesota. Workers who extracted, crushed, and processed taconite ore inhaled naturally occurring elongate mineral particles throughout their careers. Open-pit mining, drilling, blasting, and ore processing all generated dust containing mineral fibers. Miners who worked at vermiculite processing facilities near Duluth faced exposure to Libby asbestos — tremolite fibers contaminating the vermiculite ore shipped from Montana.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers worked across Minnesota power plants, paper mills, and industrial facilities. These tradespeople installed, maintained, and repaired piping systems and boilers insulated with asbestos-containing materials. During maintenance shutdowns, pipefitters removed old asbestos insulation in confined spaces, releasing dense concentrations of airborne fibers.

Power Plant Workers

Operators, maintenance crews, and tradespeople at Minnesota power plants spent entire shifts surrounded by asbestos-insulated boilers, turbines, and piping systems. Routine maintenance required disturbing asbestos insulation, and periodic overhauls generated significant airborne asbestos fiber concentrations. Workers at Northern States Power and Minnesota Power facilities across the state faced cumulative exposure over careers spanning decades.

Paper Mill Workers

Workers at northern Minnesota paper and pulp mills were exposed to asbestos through dryer felts (which contained asbestos fibers to withstand high temperatures), boiler and pipe insulation, and facility materials. Maintenance workers who serviced papermaking equipment and boiler systems faced the highest exposure levels. Asbestos-containing dryer felts released fibers as they wore during production operations.

Grain Processing Workers

Workers at Minneapolis and St. Paul grain elevators and flour mills were exposed to asbestos used in equipment insulation, pipe coverings, and fireproofing materials. Grain elevators used asbestos fireproofing extensively due to the explosive nature of grain dust. Maintenance workers, millwrights, and general laborers who worked in these facilities inhaled asbestos fibers during routine operations and facility maintenance.

Construction Tradespeople

Construction workers who built and renovated commercial and industrial structures across Minnesota handled asbestos-containing building materials including floor tiles, roofing materials, cement board, joint compound, and fireproofing spray. Demolition and renovation of older buildings in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester released accumulated asbestos fibers from decades of material deterioration.

Documenting Your Minnesota Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Minnesota 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 Minnesota

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. Minnesota's diverse exposure profile — spanning mining, grain processing, power plants, and paper mills — produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Minnesota 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. Minnesota miners who inhaled mineral fibers on the Iron Range, and industrial workers who breathed asbestos dust at power plants and paper mills, 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 a Minnesota mine, power plant, or industrial facility and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is one of the world's leading cancer treatment facilities with specific expertise in mesothelioma care.

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 of mesothelioma diagnosed, the same legal options — personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Minnesota patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Minnesota

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Minnesota have access to some of the nation’s leading cancer treatment facilities. These centers offer specialized thoracic oncology programs, access to clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care teams experienced in treating asbestos-related cancers. Early evaluation at a specialized center can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Mayo Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the world, with an integrated mesothelioma program offering the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center

Minneapolis, MN NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

The Masonic Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center providing multidisciplinary thoracic oncology care and access to clinical research.

Park Nicollet / HealthPartners Cancer Care

St. Louis Park, MN
Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation

Park Nicollet's Frauenshuh Cancer Center provides community-based cancer care with thoracic oncology services serving the Twin Cities metro area.

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.

Minnesota Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Minnesota has a significant veteran population, and many of these veterans carry an asbestos exposure history that combines military service with post-service mining or industrial employment. This dual exposure pattern is seen in veterans who served in the Navy, Army, or other branches where asbestos was present in ships, vehicles, buildings, and equipment, and then returned to Minnesota to work on the Iron Range, at power plants, or in other industrial settings.

Military Asbestos Exposure

The U.S. military used asbestos extensively in ship construction, vehicle components, aircraft parts, and building materials from the 1930s through the 1970s. Veterans who served aboard Navy ships, maintained military vehicles, or worked in buildings insulated with asbestos were exposed during their service. Minnesota veterans who served at military installations where asbestos was present in barracks, workshops, and equipment buildings also faced exposure.

Dual Exposure: Military Service and Minnesota Industry

Veterans who returned to Minnesota after military service and took jobs in mining, power plants, or manufacturing accumulated additional asbestos exposure on top of their military exposure. The skills developed during military service — mechanical maintenance, equipment operation, and construction trades — made many veterans well-suited for industrial employment in Minnesota, where asbestos exposure continued.

Veterans with dual exposure 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 at no cost for service-connected conditions
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against the trust funds of companies whose asbestos products were used in both military and Minnesota civilian settings
  • 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota statute of limitations and VA filing processes have specific requirements that should be addressed promptly.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Minnesota

Asbestos exposure in Minnesota did not stop at the mine entrance or the plant 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 Minnesota's mining and industrial communities and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never worked in a mine or factory.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Minnesota miners, power plant workers, and industrial tradespeople typically arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos or asbestos-like mineral fibers. Before the dangers were widely understood, standard practice was for spouses to shake out, brush off, and launder contaminated work clothes at home. This released fibers into the household air. In Iron Range communities where mining was the primary employer, entire neighborhoods had families where the primary breadwinner brought home mineral dust daily, potentially exposing spouses and children for years.

Legal Rights of Minnesota Families

Minnesota courts recognize secondary asbestos exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims. Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the same legal right to pursue compensation as the workers themselves. These claims can be filed against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products, the employers who failed to prevent fibers from leaving the workplace, and the asbestos trust funds established through bankruptcy proceedings.

If a spouse, child, or other family member of a Minnesota worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have handled numerous 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 Minnesota 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.

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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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Minnesota Resources

Minnesota Cancer Alliance

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Minnesota 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: Minnesota Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked in Minnesota's mines, power plants, paper mills, or grain processing facilities, this guide explains the legal options available to you and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Iron Range mining and vermiculite processing exposure risks
  • Minnesota statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Minnesota exposure cases
  • How to document your Minnesota work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases
  • Secondary exposure rights for Minnesota workers' families

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Steps Minnesota Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. The following steps provide a clear, measured path forward for Minnesota families facing this diagnosis. None of these steps require you to have all the answers right away — an experienced mesothelioma attorney can guide you through each one.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is one of the world's leading cancer treatment centers with specific mesothelioma expertise. The University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis also provides advanced cancer care. Your treatment plan should be established before anything else.
  2. Document your Minnesota work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at Iron Range mines, taconite processing plants, vermiculite facilities, power plants, paper mills, grain elevators, or manufacturing plants. Include dates, job titles, the names of employers and contractors, and the names of 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 or mineral fiber contact: mining, ore processing, insulation work, boiler maintenance, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating. This timeline will be used to identify which companies and trust funds are connected to your exposure.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. The Minnesota statute of limitations gives you 4 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim, and 3 years from the date of death for wrongful death. While Minnesota's 4-year period is longer than many states, building a strong case requires identifying responsible parties, 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, Social Security earnings statements, military service records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Minnesota 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 Minnesota and the nation 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.

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Super Lawyers Multiple Years
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers
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Portrait of Rod De Llano, Co-Founder and Senior Trial Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
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.

30+ Years in Practice
Princeton University Graduate
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
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Find Out What Your Minnesota Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at a Minnesota mine, power plant, paper mill, grain facility, or industrial site and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with asbestos exposure cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Representation Our attorneys represent Minnesota families and handle mesothelioma cases 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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Cities & Towns in Minnesota

Select a city below for detailed local asbestos exposure site information, Minnesota-specific legal resources, and free case evaluations.

Duluth

Duluth's iron ore docks, US Steel Duluth Works, and taconite processing operations made this port city one of Minnesota's most significant asbestos exposure zones. Workers along the Lake Superior shipping corridor faced decades of occupational asbestos contact.

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Minneapolis

Minneapolis was a powerhouse of manufacturing, grain milling, and industrial innovation. Companies like Honeywell, 3M, General Mills, and Pillsbury operated massive facilities where asbestos insulation was standard for decades, exposing thousands of workers.

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FAQ answers reviewed by legal team:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Minnesota

Why does Minnesota have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Minnesota's Iron Range mining corridor, grain processing industry, power plants, paper mills, and major manufacturers like 3M all contributed to decades of occupational asbestos exposure. The Iron Range is particularly significant — taconite mining operations exposed workers to naturally occurring mineral fibers, and Libby vermiculite contaminated with tremolite asbestos was processed at Minnesota facilities. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Minnesota's industrial workers faced extensive exposure. The 20-to-50-year latency period means diagnoses continue today.

What is the connection between Minnesota mining and asbestos?

The Minnesota Iron Range, stretching from Duluth through the Mesabi and Vermilion ranges, has been a mining corridor for over a century. Taconite mining exposed workers to naturally occurring elongate mineral particles with asbestos-like properties. Additionally, vermiculite ore from the Libby, Montana mine — heavily contaminated with tremolite asbestos — was shipped to and processed at Minnesota facilities near Duluth, exposing workers and surrounding communities to deadly fibers.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows 4 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Minnesota applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when the disease is diagnosed, not when the asbestos exposure occurred. While Minnesota's 4-year personal injury period is longer than many states, prompt action is still recommended to preserve evidence and maximize recovery.

Can Minnesota mining workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Minnesota mining workers who were exposed to asbestos or asbestos-like mineral fibers and later diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and in some cases VA benefits. Workers exposed through taconite mining, vermiculite processing, or other mining operations may be connected to multiple sources of compensation.

Do Minnesota veterans qualify for additional benefits?

Yes. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation in addition to civil lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Many Minnesota veterans experienced dual exposure — first during military service, then in post-service mining or industrial employment. Our attorneys help veterans pursue all available compensation sources simultaneously.

How much compensation can Minnesota mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on exposure history, the number of responsible parties, severity of illness, and case-specific factors. Minnesota cases involving mining or industrial exposure may connect to multiple asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families. Call 1-800-400-1805 or submit a form above for a free evaluation.

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

Minnesota Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at a Minnesota mine, power plant, paper mill, or industrial facility, do not wait. The Minnesota statute of limitations is 4 years from diagnosis for personal injury. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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