Iowa industrial landscape

Iowa Mesothelioma Lawyers

Iowa ranks 36th in the nation for annual mesothelioma diagnoses, with 22 new cases and 35 deaths each year.

Manufacturing and agricultural equipment production formed the backbone of Iowa's asbestos exposure history, with major industrial corridors developing across the state's largest cities and counties. John Deere's Dubuque Works facility, operating since 1946 on a 1,500-acre property, exposed hundreds of workers to asbestos-containing brake pads, linings, and clutch facings in older equipment, with mechanics and technicians breathing in airborne dust during maintenance and repair work. P.M. Lattner Manufacturing in Cedar Rapids, established in 1918, used asbestos extensively in boiler production, exposing employees to asbestos gaskets, bearings, cement, and insulation in heated components. Donohoo Steel Treating operated a facility where heat treating equipment operators faced continuous asbestos exposure from insulation and sealing materials in pipes, stoves, furnaces, and tanks prior to the 1980s. The Clinton Corn Processing plant employed over 700 people who encountered asbestos-containing materials covering production equipment, pipes, and machinery throughout the facility, with exposure intensifying when aged asbestos became flaky and airborne. Iowa's exposure history became distinctive through the convergence of heavy manufacturing with agricultural equipment production and the state's receipt of contaminated ore shipments, with 353 shipments totaling nearly 14,000 tons of asbestos-containing ore arriving in Iowa from the W.R. Grace mining operation in Libby, Montana between 1948 and 1993.

Documented asbestos exposure sites span 20 cities across 15 counties. The geographic distribution of asbestos exposure extended across multiple Iowa counties and cities, with Polk County recording 285 asbestos-related deaths between 1999 and 2017, followed by Linn County with 276 deaths, reflecting the concentration of industrial activity in these regions. Power plant workers and farming equipment workers faced the highest risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer, while construction workers, electricians, and maintenance personnel at industrial sites encountered exposure across the state. People with asbestos-related illnesses were not limited to occupational settings, as family members of workers developed increased cancer risk from asbestos fibers carried home on clothing and bodies. Companies including Weil-McLain faced legal accountability after being found guilty of consciously disregarding worker safety and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to people harmed by exposure. Nearly 1,000 Iowa residents have died from asbestos-related diseases, with the state ranking 28th nationally for asbestos-related deaths and recording approximately 414 deaths from mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer between 1999 and 2013, establishing a legacy of occupational and environmental contamination that continues to affect people decades after initial exposure.

Filing Deadlines in Iowa

Iowa law sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. These deadlines, called statutes of limitations, determine how long you have to take legal action after a diagnosis.

Personal Injury
2 Years from Diagnosis
For claims filed by mesothelioma patients
Wrongful Death
2 Years from Death
For claims filed by surviving family members

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even if you believe you have time, consulting an attorney early ensures your case gets the attention it needs.

When the Clock Starts

In Iowa, the statute of limitations typically begins on the date of diagnosis, not the date of asbestos exposure. This is known as the "discovery rule."

Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, this rule is essential. Without it, most patients would be barred from filing before they even knew they were sick.

The clock starts when:

  • You receive a formal mesothelioma diagnosis from a physician
  • You reasonably should have known you had the disease based on symptoms

Personal Injury Claims in Iowa

Iowa allows 2 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim for mesothelioma. These claims are filed by the patient during their lifetime and can seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
  • Lost wages: Income lost due to illness
  • Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life: Impact on daily activities and relationships

Wrongful Death Claims in Iowa

Iowa allows 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can be filed by:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (including adult children)
  • Parents (in some cases)
  • Estate representative

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and guidance

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Iowa

Iowa has 43 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 105 liable parties on record. Workers in these areas may have grounds for mesothelioma claims.

Map of documented asbestos exposure sites in Iowa

Select a city to view specific exposure sites, companies, and facilities with known asbestos exposure history.

Davenport 13 sites Des Moines 11 sites Clinton 7 sites Fort Madison 6 sites Cedar Rapids 5 sites Decorah 4 sites Fort Dodge 4 sites Muscatine 4 sites Bettendorf 3 sites Dubuque 3 sites Ft. Madison 3 sites Mason City 3 sites Burlington 2 sites Keokuk 2 sites Lansing 2 sites Marshalltown 2 sites Mason 2 sites Ottumwa 2 sites Palo 2 sites Wayland 2 sites

Iowa has 1 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in Iowa, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in Iowa

Mesothelioma patients in Iowa may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation. An experienced attorney can help pursue all available options.

Lawsuits and Settlements

Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Most cases settle before trial, with average mesothelioma settlements ranging from $1 million to $2.4 million. Total compensation can be significantly higher when combining multiple sources. Iowa courts generally allow expedited scheduling for mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over 60 bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion for asbestos victims. These claims are separate from lawsuits and can be filed regardless of whether a company is still operating. Trust fund claims have their own deadlines and requirements.

Learn about trust fund claims →

Choosing a Iowa Mesothelioma Lawyer

When selecting legal representation for a mesothelioma case in Iowa, consider these factors. Our guide to choosing a mesothelioma law firm covers this in detail:

  • Experience with asbestos cases: Look for attorneys who focus on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation
  • Track record: Ask about past settlements and verdicts in similar cases
  • Resources: Firms need databases of products, companies, and expert witnesses
  • Knowledge of Iowa courts: Familiarity with local procedures and judges matters
  • Communication: You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving updates

Most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal options.

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