South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma has claimed hundreds of lives in South Dakota due to preventable asbestos exposure in power plants, industrial sites, military bases, and aging infrastructure. The nationally recognized mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm provide compassionate, personalized legal care to help victims and their families pursue justice and secure compensation through lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and VA claims. With no upfront costs and decades of proven results, our South Dakota mesothelioma lawyers are ready to stand by your side.
- Content Reviewed by:
- Darron E. Berquist
- Page Last Updated:
- December 1, 2025
Navigate This Page
- Why Choose Our South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyers?
- Our Firm’s Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
- Which Employers Exposed Workers to Asbestos in South Dakota?
- Which Occupations in South Dakota Are at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
- What Compensation is Available for Mesothelioma in South Dakota?
- Asbestos Laws and Regulations in South Dakota
- How Can Our South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys Help Your Case?
- Areas Of South Dakota That We Serve
- Contact Our Award-Winning South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys
- South Dakota Asbestos and Mesothelioma Case FAQs
- Related Posts
- States We Serve
Mesothelioma has taken a heartbreaking toll on South Dakota families. From 1999 to 2020, at least 486 people in the state lost their lives to mesothelioma, with 154 of those deaths occurring between 2018 and 2023 alone. The only known cause of this aggressive cancer is asbestos exposure, which often occurred in workplaces where safety protocols failed to protect employees.
Certain workers in South Dakota have a heightened risk of occupational asbestos exposure, including construction workers, power plant operators, oil refinery employees, and military veterans. Industrial sites, aging buildings, and older infrastructure have also been linked to asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable legal team as soon as possible.
Why Choose Our South Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyers?
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in a mesothelioma case. The award-winning attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm bring more than three decades of trial experience and a nationally recognized reputation for taking on— and defeating—some of the world’s most powerful corporations. The Lanier Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for asbestos victims across the country. Our firm is deeply committed to providing high-quality, personalized Legal Care by offering serious and sound legal representation with no upfront costs to families like yours.
Our Firm’s Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
As a top national mesothelioma law firm, The Lanier Law Firm has secured some of the highest mesothelioma settlements and verdicts across the United States, highlighting our experience, courtroom strength, and relentless commitment to achieving justice. Notable recoveries include:
Client Testimonials
Every mesothelioma case we handle is personal to us. With a proven track record of success nationwide, our dedicated team has the experience and resources to fight for you after a mesothelioma diagnosis. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from our clients.
“I lost my husband to Mesothelioma. The Lanier Law Firm was there for me from the moment my husband passed. Their kindness and support during this difficult time of my life helped me to deal with all the issues going on in my life. They were my only friends, and I am glad they were they to support me.”
Debra Doyle
“Working with the Lanier Law Firm for the last 9 years has been an easy experience, especially working with Darron Berquist. He has been handling a mesothelioma case for my father who passed away in 2013. Always so kind, helpful, and respectful to my mother after he passed. I am now doing the paperwork for my mother, and he is equally kind, helpful, and respectful of me. It has been a pleasure working with The Lanier Law Firm on a matter that is not pleasant at all.”
Winnie Owens
“I have worked with The Lanier law firm for 14 years with my aunt’s asbestos case. They have truly been AWESOME each and every time we corresponded, whether by email, phone or text. I highly recommend them and could not be more pleased! Do not hesitate to call them and begin working with them!”
Michael Simmons
Call 800-723-3216 now speak with our mesothelioma attorneys and learn how we can make a difference for you and your family. Consultations are free.
Which Employers Exposed Workers to Asbestos in South Dakota?
Utility Companies and Power Plants
- Pathfinder Power Plant
- Angus Anson Power Plant in Sioux Falls
- Black Hills Power and Light Company
- Consolidated Power and Light Company
- Custer Electric Light, Heat, and Power Company
- Northern States Power Co.
- Otter Tail Power Company
- Northwestern Public Service Company
- Sierra Valley Co-op Association
- Sioux Valley Co-op Association
- Custer Electric Light, Heat, and Power Company
- Watertown Light and Power Company
- Healy Plumbing & Heating Co.
Military
- Rapid City Air Force Base
- Ellsworth Air Force Base
Health Care and Education
- South Dakota State University
- Sioux Valley Hospital
- South Dakota State Hospital
- Yankton State Hospital
Manufacturing and Industrial
- Aberdeen Mill Company
- Amdak Corporation
- John Morrell & Co
- Rapid City Lime Co.
- South Dakota Cement Plant
These are some of the known asbestos exposure sites in South Dakota, but many more exist across the state in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
Which Occupations in South Dakota Are at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Many South Dakota workers faced daily asbestos exposure in industries that relied heavily on this hazardous material. The following occupations were especially at risk, often due to unsafe working conditions in key facilities across the state.
Military Personnel in South Dakota Bases
Veterans and active-duty service members, particularly those stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the former Rapid City Air Force Base, were often exposed to asbestos through insulation, piping, and construction materials used in aircraft, barracks, and maintenance facilities.
South Dakota Power Plant and Industrial Workers
Plant employees at Pathfinder Power Plant, Angus Anson Power Plant, Black Hills Power and Light, and other utilities were routinely exposed to asbestos in turbines, boilers, pipe insulation, and electrical components. Industrial sites such as John Morrell & Co., South Dakota Cement Plant, and Amdak Corporation also put plant workers at risk due to the extensive use of asbestos in machinery and infrastructure.
Worker Exposure in South Dakota's Construction Industry
Construction professionals, including contractors, plumbers, electricians, and drywall installers, faced significant risk while working on aging structures or new builds containing asbestos. Those involved in building or renovating institutions like South Dakota State University, Sioux Valley Hospital, or power facilities across the state may have handled or worked near asbestos materials.
Maintenance Worker Exposure in South Dakota
Custodians, HVAC technicians, and building maintenance workers were exposed while repairing boilers, piping, insulation, or roofing in facilities such as Yankton State Hospital, Custer Electric Light, and other commercial or public utility buildings. Even routine upkeep in older structures could result in prolonged asbestos exposure.
What Compensation is Available for Mesothelioma in South Dakota?
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Fortunately, individuals and families in South Dakota have multiple legal avenues to pursue the compensation for mesothelioma they need and deserve.
The most common route is filing a personal injury or asbestos-related wrongful death lawsuit. These legal actions seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from asbestos exposure. While many mesothelioma claims are resolved through settlements, The Lanier Law Firm’s nationally recognized mesothelioma attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure maximum compensation.
Another option for many victims is pursuing compensation through asbestos trust funds. Many companies that produced or used asbestos have filed for bankruptcy. The courts required them to establish trust funds to ensure that exposure victims would still receive compensation. These claims can often be processed faster than lawsuits and may provide additional recovery from multiple sources. Companies linked to South Dakota mesothelioma cases that have established asbestos trust funds include the following:
- Johns-Manville
- Owens Corning
- Armstrong World Industries
- Babcock & Wilcox
- United States Gypsum (USG)
- Combustion Engineering
Veterans sickened by exposure to asbestos during military service, including those who were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, may be eligible to file a mesothelioma VA claim. Mesothelioma is classified as a 100 percent disabling condition, meaning eligible veterans can receive over $3,800 per month in tax-free VA compensation, in addition to health care benefits and assistance for dependents.
In some cases, mesothelioma workers’ compensation claims may also provide financial relief, although they generally do not cover the full extent of damages available through an asbestos lawsuit or trust fund. An experienced South Dakota mesothelioma lawyer from The Lanier Law Firm can evaluate your case and guide you through every available compensation pathway.
Get a Free Legal Consultation
- Skilled mesothelioma attorneys focused on securing justice for South Dakota residents
- Over $20 billion recovered for clients across the nation
- No upfront costs or fees
Asbestos Laws and Regulations in South Dakota
In South Dakota, strict state and federal regulations govern the handling of asbestos-containing materials in construction, renovation, and demolition projects. Contractors are required to inspect for asbestos, follow approved abatement procedures, and properly dispose of hazardous materials. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides oversight in coordination with EPA standards. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to penalties, and in some cases, responsible parties can be held liable through legal action by an experienced South Dakota mesothelioma attorney.
The state also has a three-year statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits that begins to run on the date of diagnosis or the date of death for wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly and consult a knowledgeable attorney about your legal options.
How Can Our South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys Help Your Case?
The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm are here to help you identify liable parties, pursue justice, and secure the highest possible compensation for your diagnosis. With decades of trial success and a commitment to personalized legal care, our team is prepared to guide you through every step of the process.
Our dedicated South Dakota mesothelioma attorneys will do the following for you:
- Provide convenient on-site consultations while delivering the highest standards of Legal Care
- Investigate, determine the source of your asbestos exposure, and collect all necessary evidence
- Negotiate with insurers, employers, and asbestos trusts
- File your lawsuit within the legal deadline to protect your right to compensation
- Fight for you in court, fearlessly litigating against powerful companies to pursue the compensation you deserve
Areas Of South Dakota That We Serve
The Lanier Law Firm proudly represents mesothelioma victims and their families across all regions of South Dakota, offering compassionate, experienced legal support wherever you are located.
From the West River region’s more rural counties to the East River’s urban and agricultural centers, our attorneys are here to help. We serve clients in the following counties:
- Brookings County
- Brown County (Aberdeen)
- Custer County
- Lawrence County (Deadwood)
- Lincoln County
- Meade County
- Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)
- Pennington County (Rapid City)
Contact Our Award-Winning South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys
A mesothelioma diagnosis can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. With decades of experience and a reputation for obtaining impressive courtroom results, our legal team is ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact The Lanier Law firm today to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation or call us at 800-723-3216.
Darron E. Berquist specializes in asbestos exposure and product liability. He was part of the team that secured a $4.69 billion jury verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson, linking asbestos in talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).
South Dakota Asbestos and Mesothelioma Case FAQs
Who Is Eligible To File a Claim for Mesothelioma in South Dakota?
Individuals exposed to asbestos who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible to file a legal claim for compensation. Additionally, surviving family members of those who died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. The experienced attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm can help determine who is legally responsible and work to hold liable parties accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in South Dakota?
South Dakota law places strict time limits on when you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
These legal deadlines are known as statutes of limitations:
- Personal Injury Claims – Must be filed within 3 years of diagnosis
- Product Liability Claims – Must be filed within 3 years of injury or discovery
- Wrongful Death Claims – Must be filed within 3 years of the date of death
Missing a deadline can permanently prevent you from pursuing compensation, making it essential to speak with a South Dakota mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible.
How Much Does Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer in South Dakota Cost?
There is no upfront cost to hire The Lanier Law Firm. The firm advances all case-related expenses and often invests substantial resources into building the strongest case possible with no upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. This ensures clients can pursue justice without added financial stress.
Why Should You Trust the Lanier Law Firm to Handle your Mesothelioma Case?
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Are you eligible?
What is the average settlement?
How long will it take?
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