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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in North Dakota

North Dakota's oil industry, lignite coal power plants, and military installations created a pattern of asbestos exposure that many residents may not realize. From the Bakken formation oil fields to Basin Electric lignite coal plants, from Minot Air Force Base to Grand Forks AFB, workers across the state encountered asbestos in equipment, insulation, and facility construction. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities including oil and power operations used asbestos extensively. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, North Dakota families are still being diagnosed today.

Multiple Lignite Power Plants
$30B+ In Trust Funds Available
6 Years ND PI Statute of Limitations
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Mesothelioma Compensation for North Dakota Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$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.

$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.

$3,403,890 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.

$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.

$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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What Could Your Mesothelioma Case Be Worth?

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, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in North Dakota

North Dakota's mesothelioma risk stems from a combination of industries that define the state's economy: oil production, lignite coal power generation, military operations, and agriculture processing. While North Dakota does not have the heavy manufacturing or shipyard history of coastal states, its energy sector and military installations created significant asbestos exposure for thousands of workers over several decades.

The Bakken formation in western North Dakota has been a major oil-producing region since the 1950s, with oil field equipment, refineries, and processing facilities using asbestos in insulation, gaskets, and heat-resistant components. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities including oil and power generation operations used asbestos extensively across the country, and North Dakota's energy infrastructure was no exception.

North Dakota's lignite coal industry is among the largest in the nation. The state's abundant lignite reserves powered a network of coal-fired generating stations operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Minnkota Power Cooperative, and other utilities. These power plants used asbestos insulation in boilers, turbines, pipe systems, and electrical equipment. Maintenance workers, operators, and tradespeople at these plants faced sustained occupational asbestos exposure for decades.

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 workers exposed at North Dakota's power plants, oil fields, and military bases during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are being diagnosed now. A boiler mechanic who maintained asbestos-insulated equipment at a Basin Electric lignite plant in 1975 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later.

One notable aspect of North Dakota mesothelioma law is the state's 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is significantly longer than most states. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years. Even with the longer filing window, building a strong case requires time, and early legal consultation is important.

North Dakota's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

North Dakota is one of the nation's leading producers of lignite coal, powering multiple generating stations across the state. The Bakken formation has produced billions of barrels of oil since commercial production began. The state hosts two major Air Force bases that served as strategic nuclear deterrent sites during the Cold War. Agricultural processing facilities, grain elevators, and industrial operations across the state also used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any North Dakota power plant, oil field, military base, or industrial facility, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in North Dakota

Asbestos was used across North Dakota's energy, military, and industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the state.

Lignite Coal Power Plants

North Dakota's lignite coal power plants are among the most significant asbestos exposure sites in the state. These large generating stations used asbestos extensively in boiler insulation, turbine casings, pipe coverings, valve packings, gaskets, and electrical wiring insulation. Workers who maintained and operated these plants were exposed to asbestos fibers regularly, particularly during equipment overhauls and shutdowns.

  • Basin Electric Power Cooperative plants — Including Antelope Valley Station (Beulah), Leland Olds Station (Stanton), and Laramie River Station; asbestos in boiler insulation, turbines, and pipe systems
  • Minnkota Power Cooperative — Milton R. Young Station (Center) — Major lignite-fired generating station with asbestos in boiler systems, turbine housings, and facility insulation
  • Great Plains Synfuels Plant (Beulah) — Coal gasification facility with asbestos in process equipment insulation, piping, and facility infrastructure
  • Coal Creek Station (Underwood) — Lignite power plant with documented asbestos use in boiler insulation and generating equipment

Oil Fields & Refineries

North Dakota's oil industry, centered in the Bakken formation in the western part of the state, used asbestos in drilling equipment, wellhead components, refinery insulation, and gas processing facilities. Oil field workers who operated and maintained equipment encountered asbestos in gaskets, pipe insulation, pump packing, and heat-resistant materials.

  • Bakken formation oil operations — Drilling rigs, wellhead equipment, and field processing facilities with asbestos in gaskets, pump packing, and equipment insulation
  • Tesoro (now Marathon) Mandan Refinery — Major oil refinery with asbestos in pipe insulation, boiler systems, heat exchangers, and process equipment
  • Hess gas processing plants — Natural gas processing facilities with asbestos in high-temperature equipment insulation

Military Installations

North Dakota's Air Force bases played critical roles in America's strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Both major installations used asbestos extensively in barracks, maintenance facilities, missile silos, and base infrastructure.

  • Minot Air Force Base — Home to B-52 bombers and Minuteman III ICBMs; asbestos in hangars, maintenance shops, barracks, missile launch facilities, and base infrastructure
  • Grand Forks Air Force Base — Former bomber and missile base; asbestos in flight line facilities, maintenance buildings, barracks, and support structures
  • Missile silo complexes — Launch control facilities and missile silos across western and central North Dakota with asbestos in construction materials and equipment insulation

Agriculture Processing & Industrial Facilities

North Dakota's agricultural processing industry, including grain elevators, sugar processing plants, and food production facilities, used asbestos in equipment insulation, boiler systems, and building construction.

  • American Crystal Sugar (multiple locations) — Sugar beet processing with asbestos in boiler rooms, processing equipment insulation, and facility construction
  • Grain elevators and processing facilities — Asbestos in drying equipment insulation, boiler systems, and building materials across the state
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Basin Electric Plants Lignite Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbines, pipe coverings 1960s–1980s
Milton R. Young Station Lignite Power Generation Boiler systems, turbine housings, insulation 1970s–1980s
Tesoro/Marathon Mandan Oil Refinery Pipe insulation, boilers, heat exchangers 1950s–1980s
Bakken Oil Operations Oil Field Equipment insulation, gaskets, pump packing 1960s–1980s
Minot AFB Military Installation Hangars, barracks, missile facilities 1950s–1980s
Grand Forks AFB Military Installation Flight line facilities, barracks, infrastructure 1950s–1980s
Great Plains Synfuels Coal Gasification Process insulation, piping, facility infrastructure 1980s–1990s
American Crystal Sugar Agriculture Processing Boiler rooms, processing equipment, buildings 1950s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional industrial sites, agricultural facilities, and commercial buildings across North Dakota used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any North Dakota power plant, oil field, military base, or industrial facility before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in North Dakota Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in North Dakota carried a 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.

Power Plant Workers

Operators, mechanics, and maintenance workers at North Dakota's lignite coal power plants spent entire shifts surrounded by asbestos-insulated equipment. Basin Electric, Minnkota Power, and other operators ran plants where asbestos was used in boiler insulation, turbine casings, pipe coverings, and electrical components. During equipment shutdowns and overhauls, maintenance crews removed and replaced deteriorating asbestos insulation, creating concentrated fiber exposure.

Oil Field Workers

Workers in North Dakota's Bakken formation and other oil-producing regions operated and maintained equipment that contained asbestos in gaskets, pump packing, valve components, and insulation. Drilling rig workers, roughnecks, pump operators, and field mechanics encountered asbestos-containing components throughout their daily work. Refinery workers at the Mandan refinery and gas processing plant employees faced additional exposure from facility insulation.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers at North Dakota's power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities installed and maintained piping systems and boilers insulated with asbestos. During turnaround maintenance and equipment overhauls, these tradespeople removed old asbestos insulation in confined spaces, creating intense fiber concentrations. Asbestos-containing gaskets, packing materials, and valve components were standard in their work.

Military Personnel & Civilian Base Workers

Active-duty airmen and civilian employees at Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB were exposed to asbestos in hangars, maintenance shops, barracks, and base support buildings. Aircraft mechanics, facility maintenance crews, and missile silo workers handled asbestos-containing materials in brake pads, gaskets, building insulation, and equipment housings. Missile launch facility crews worked in underground structures built with asbestos-containing materials.

Electricians & Maintenance Workers

Electricians at North Dakota facilities ran wiring through walls, ceilings, and mechanical spaces insulated with asbestos materials. General maintenance workers performed repairs that frequently disturbed asbestos-containing materials in power plants, military buildings, and industrial facilities. Their daily work routinely released asbestos fibers from deteriorating insulation, ceiling tiles, and pipe coverings.

Construction & Agriculture Workers

Construction workers who built and renovated North Dakota's power plants, military bases, and commercial buildings handled asbestos-containing materials. Agricultural processing workers at sugar beet plants, grain elevators, and food production facilities were exposed to asbestos in boiler rooms, equipment insulation, and building materials. Even workers in non-industrial settings could encounter asbestos in older buildings across the state.

Documenting Your North Dakota Work History

If you held any of these positions at a North Dakota 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 military service records, union records, Social Security earnings statements, and coworker testimony to build your case.

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Based on your North Dakota work history, you may be connected to asbestos trust funds and legal claims.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in North Dakota

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. North Dakota's exposure profile — spanning power plants, oil fields, and military bases — produces patterns of mesothelioma consistent with prolonged occupational inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in North Dakota 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. Power plant workers, oil field employees, and military personnel who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years of occupational exposure are at the highest risk. Symptoms include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion).

Early detection significantly affects treatment options. If you worked at a North Dakota power plant, oil field, or military base 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.

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 North Dakota patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in North Dakota

While North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

North Dakota's Air Force bases played critical roles in America's strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, and both major installations used asbestos extensively in their construction and operations. Thousands of airmen and civilian base employees were exposed to asbestos during their service at these facilities.

Minot Air Force Base

Minot Air Force Base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing (B-52H Stratofortress bombers) and the 91st Missile Wing (Minuteman III ICBMs). Base buildings constructed from the 1950s through the 1970s used asbestos in hangars, maintenance shops, barracks, administrative buildings, and weapons storage facilities. Aircraft mechanics who worked on B-52s and support aircraft handled asbestos-containing brake pads, gaskets, and heat shields. Missile maintenance crews who serviced the launch control facilities and underground silos worked in structures built with asbestos insulation.

Grand Forks Air Force Base

Grand Forks Air Force Base served as a bomber and missile base during the Cold War era. Flight line facilities, maintenance hangars, barracks, and base support buildings were all constructed with asbestos-containing materials. The base's transition through different missions over the decades meant ongoing construction, renovation, and demolition activities that disturbed asbestos in older structures.

Veterans who served at North Dakota military installations 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 trust funds of companies whose products were used in military construction
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers

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 North Dakota veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, time is important — both the North Dakota statute of limitations and VA filing processes have specific requirements that should be addressed promptly.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in North Dakota

Asbestos exposure in North Dakota did not stop at the plant gate, the oil field perimeter, or the base fence. 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 led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never set foot in a power plant or oil field.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

North Dakota power plant workers, oil field employees, and military personnel typically arrived home with dust on their clothing that included asbestos fibers. Spouses who laundered contaminated work clothes released asbestos fibers into the household air. Children who had close contact with a parent in work clothing were also exposed. In North Dakota's smaller communities, where many families depended on the same employer, secondary exposure could affect multiple households.

Legal Rights of North Dakota Families

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 family member of a North Dakota worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys understand the evidence required to establish the connection between a worker's exposure and a family member's diagnosis.

Support Groups & Resources for North Dakota 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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North Dakota Resources

North Dakota Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting North Dakota 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.

Filing Deadline Check

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Statutes of limitations can be as short as 1 year. Find out if your family’s filing window is still open.

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Every state has strict deadlines for filing mesothelioma claims. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Answer three quick questions to understand where your family stands.

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Free Guide: North Dakota Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at a North Dakota power plant, oil field, military base, or industrial facility, this guide explains the legal options available to you after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • North Dakota power plant, oil field, and military exposure sites
  • North Dakota statute of limitations (6 years PI, 2 years WD)
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to ND energy sector cases
  • How to document your North Dakota work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits for Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB exposure
  • Secondary exposure rights for North Dakota workers' families

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Steps North Dakota Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. The following steps provide a clear path forward for North Dakota families facing this diagnosis.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. While North Dakota may require travel to specialized mesothelioma treatment centers, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and other regional centers are accessible. The Fargo VA Health Care System provides care for eligible veterans.
  2. Document your North Dakota work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at power plants, oil fields, military bases, or industrial sites. Include dates, job titles, employer names, and names of coworkers who can confirm your presence.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact: boiler maintenance, pipe insulation work, equipment repair, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and AFSC or MOS.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. North Dakota provides 6 years from the date of diagnosis for personal injury claims and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. While 6 years is longer than most states, building a strong case requires time to identify all responsible parties and file trust fund claims. Our firm provides free consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard records supporting your exposure history: old tax returns, Social Security earnings statements, military records (DD-214), union cards, medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. North Dakota mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from 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
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 North Dakota Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at a North Dakota power plant, oil field, military base, or industrial facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have experience with energy sector and military asbestos cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Representation Our attorneys handle mesothelioma cases across all 50 states, including North Dakota energy sector and military cases.
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 North Dakota

Why does North Dakota have mesothelioma risk?

North Dakota's oil industry (particularly the Bakken formation), lignite coal power plants operated by Basin Electric and others, and military installations including Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB all used asbestos-containing materials. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, industrial facilities including oil and power generation operations used asbestos extensively. Oil field equipment, power plant boilers and turbines, and military base buildings contained asbestos insulation that exposed workers for decades. The 20-to-50-year latency period means these exposures continue to produce new diagnoses today.

Were North Dakota oil field workers exposed to asbestos?

Yes. Oil field operations in the Bakken formation and other producing regions used asbestos in drilling equipment insulation, pipe gaskets, pump packing, and facility insulation. Refineries like the Tesoro/Marathon Mandan Refinery and gas processing plants used asbestos in boilers, heat exchangers, and piping systems. Workers who maintained, repaired, and operated oil field equipment were routinely exposed to asbestos fibers.

Can North Dakota power plant workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. North Dakota's lignite coal power plants used asbestos extensively in boiler insulation, turbine casings, pipe coverings, and electrical components. Workers who were exposed to asbestos at Basin Electric, Minnkota Power, or other utility plants and later diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims (over $30 billion available nationally), and other legal channels.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in North Dakota?

North Dakota allows 6 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. North Dakota's 6-year personal injury statute is one of the longest in the nation. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years. Even with the longer filing window, building a strong case benefits from starting early, as evidence and witnesses can become unavailable over time.

Do North Dakota military veterans qualify for additional benefits?

Yes. Veterans who served at Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB, or other North Dakota military installations and were exposed to asbestos may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation — in addition to civil lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Both bases housed strategic nuclear weapons systems in facilities built with asbestos. Our attorneys help veterans pursue all available compensation simultaneously.

Can family members of North Dakota workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. North Dakota power plant workers, oil field employees, and military personnel frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing spouses and children. Compensation is available through lawsuits, trust funds, and settlements.

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

North Dakota Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at a North Dakota power plant, oil field, military base, or industrial facility, do not wait. North Dakota allows 6 years for personal injury claims and 2 years for wrongful death. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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