Michigan Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Settlement Results & Companies That exposed their workers

Michigan is known for its rich manufacturing history, from the automotive giants in Detroit to the industrial hubs in Flint and Grand Rapids. While this legacy brought prosperity and growth to the state, it also left behind a dangerous and often hidden threat to workers and families alike—asbestos exposure. Factories, shipyards, and construction sites across Michigan relied heavily on asbestos for its heat resistance and durability, putting countless individuals at risk of future health complications.

If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in Michigan and have since received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

The legal team at Vogelzang Law understands the devastating toll an asbestos diagnosis takes on you and your family. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of securing more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements, our firm is here to fight for justice on your behalf. Our compassionate team includes an experienced Michigan asbestos exposure lawyer committed to securing the resources and compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Vogelzang Law for Your Michigan Asbestos Exposure Claim?

At Vogelzang Law, we know that asbestos-related diseases are life-altering, often arising decades after the initial exposure. You don’t just need any law firm; you need one that truly understands the complexities of asbestos litigation and treats you with the respect and care you deserve. Here’s why Vogelzang Law is the right choice for your Michigan asbestos exposure claim:

First and foremost, we are litigators. For over 20 years, we’ve aggressively represented clients across the United States, including many from Michigan. During this time, we’ve learned that every case is as unique as the individual affected. That’s why we approach each claim with personalized attention, digging deep into your work history, exposure risks, and medical records.

We also pride ourselves on the partnerships we build with our clients. This is not just a transaction for us—it’s a relationship. From the initial consultation to navigating the legal process and potential trial, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

When you work with Vogelzang Law, you gain more than experienced attorneys. You gain passionate advocates who will fight tirelessly to hold negligent companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Verdicts & Settlements

Vogelzang Law has the resources and experience of a large firm but remains dedicated to giving your case the personal attention that only our experienced attorneys can offer. We are fully committed to serving our clients suffering from asbestos-related diseases and obtaining the legal compensation they deserve. Your case will never be part of a class-action lawsuit, and you will never be treated like a case number.

Past Michigan Verdicts and Settlements*

  • $3.4 Million – Insulator
  • $2.7 Million – Industrial Electrician
  • $1.5 Million – Power Plant Employee
  • $1.3 Million – Window Glazier
  • $1.2 Million – Laborer
  • $504K – Foundry Employee
  • $282K – Laborer

*Previous results and settlements do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Each case is unique and is dependent upon the individual facts and legal issues involved.

How Does Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used throughout the 20th century in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Known for its exceptional resistance to heat, fire, and chemical damage, asbestos became a critical component in thousands of products ranging from insulation to automotive parts. Unfortunately, despite its practical uses, asbestos poses a severe health hazard when its fibers become airborne and inhaled.

When microscopic asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can enter the lungs or other parts of the body, leading to long-term health complications. The dangers of asbestos exposure have been widely documented since the mid-20th century, yet manufacturers continued to use it for decades, disregarding the well-being of workers and the public.

Michigan’s history as a manufacturing powerhouse meant that asbestos was heavily integrated into its factories, power plants, and even homes. Workers in industries like automotive manufacturing, steel production, and construction were particularly vulnerable. Tragically, many were unaware of the dangers until decades later, when they were diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

Complications from Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers, often decades earlier, can lead to severe and life-threatening illnesses. These conditions profoundly affect individuals and their families, turning everyday life into a battle for health, peace of mind, and justice. Below are the main complications caused by asbestos exposure that Vogelzang Law handles on behalf of our clients.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. It develops in the mesothelium, a thin tissue lining that protects the lungs, heart, abdomen, and, in rare cases, the testicles. This devastating disease affects approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States yearly, and Michigan residents are among them.

Mesothelioma often takes decades to develop after initial asbestos exposure, making it challenging to detect until it has reached advanced stages.

Lung Cancer

While mesothelioma is the disease most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, asbestos can also cause other types of serious lung damage, including lung cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can scar lung tissue and eventually cause cells to mutate and grow uncontrollably. These resulting tumors can obstruct breathing and spread to other body parts.

Unfortunately, like mesothelioma, lung cancer often doesn’t present symptoms until the disease is in a more advanced stage.

Asbestosis

Not all asbestos-related conditions are cancerous, but they can still profoundly affect your health and quality of life. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Over time, the fibers scar the lungs, leading to persistent symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and fatigue. For those who worked in Michigan’s industrial settings where asbestos was prevalent, the risk of developing asbestosis is alarmingly high.

Although asbestosis is not cancer, it can make you more vulnerable to developing mesothelioma or lung cancer over time. The physical toll it takes on your body can also significantly limit your daily activities, preventing you from working or enjoying life the way you once did.

Who Is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure in Michigan?

Michigan’s rich manufacturing history, from its automotive industries in Detroit to its industrial hubs in Flint, has come with an unfortunate legacy of asbestos exposure. Many industries relied on asbestos for its fireproof, durable qualities, which unknowingly put workers and their families at risk. Specifically, individuals at higher risk include:

  • Automotive Workers: Factories producing cars and their parts frequently used asbestos for fire-resistant brake pads, clutches, and insulation in vehicles. Workers in these facilities were put in direct contact with the dangerous fibers.
  • Construction Workers: Those handling insulation materials, drywall, roof shingles, or plumbing often came into contact with asbestos-containing materials while on the job.
  • Shipyard Employees: Michigan’s shipbuilding industry relied heavily on asbestos for insulating pipes, boilers, and other ship components. Both workers in shipyards and those performing repairs on older ships were at significant risk.
  • Industrial and Factory Workers: Michigan’s industrial past saw widespread use of asbestos in steel production, power plants, and other manufacturing facilities, exposing numerous workers over the decades.
  • Family Members of Workers: Secondary asbestos exposure often occurs when workers unknowingly bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes or shoes, putting loved ones at risk.

Sadly, exposure wasn’t limited to just the workplace. Many older buildings in Michigan, including homes, schools, and hospitals, contain asbestos in insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring, posing a threat to renovators, maintenance personnel, and residents.

If you live in Michigan and suspect past exposure to asbestos, monitoring your health and consulting with experienced attorneys can guide you in protecting your future.

Michigan Asbestos Companies

Numerous companies may be legally responsible for exposing their workers to harmful asbestos-ridden environments, resulting in life-threatening asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. If you have worked for one or more of these companies and been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a free case evaluation.

Let us help you get the legal representation you deserve.

Michigan companies that manufactured asbestos products

  • American Axle – Three Rivers, MI
  • Ascension Borgess Hospital – Kalamazoo, MI
  • B.C. Cobb Power Plant – Muskegon, MI
  • Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant – Charlevoix, MI     
  • Brunswick Bowling Products/Brunswick Corporation – Muskegon, MI
  • Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry – Muskegon, MI
  • Coca-Cola – Paw Paw, MI
  • Denso Manufacturing – Battle Creek, MI
  • Domtar Paper Mill – Port Huron, MI  
  • Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant – Bridgman, MI
  • Dow Chemical Company – Midland, MI
  • Escanaba Paper Mill – Escabana, MI
  • Ferris College – Big Rapids, MI
  • Filer City Paper Mill – Manistee/Filer City, MI
  • General Motors – Lansing, MI
  • Georgia Pacific Paper Mill – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Gerber Products Plant – Fremont, MI
  • Grand Valley State University – Allendale, MI
  • Great Lakes Works – Ecorse, MI
  • GTE Building (k/n/a Verizon) – Muskegon, MI
  • Hillsdale Power House/Endicott Generating Station – Litchfield, MI
  • Hooker Chemical – Montague, MI
  • International Paper Plant – Three Rivers, MI
  • James River Paper Mill – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Kellogg Plant – Battle Creek, MI
  • Leprino Foods Company – Allendale, MI
  • Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant – Ludington, MI
  • Marathon Oil Corporation – Muskegon, MI
  • Mead Johnson / Bristol Myers – Zeeland, MI
  • Menasha Paper Mill – Otsego, MI
  • Monroe Power Station – Monroe, MI
  • Palisades Nuclear Generating Station – Covert, MI
  • Pfizer Manufacturing Plant – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Plainwell Paper Mill – Plainwell, MI
  • Ralston Purina Cereal Plant – Battle Creek, MI
  • Rock Tenn Paper Mill – Otsego, MI
  • S.D. Warren Co./Scott Paper Co. – Muskegon, MI
  • Steelcase Inc. – Grand Rapids, MI
  • Sun Chemical – Muskegon, MI
  • Upjohn – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Welch Foods Plant – Lawton, MI
  • Western Michigan University – Beam Power Plant – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Weyerhaeuser Company – Grayling, MI
  • Wyandotte Chemicals Plant – Wyandotte, MI
  • Zeeland Chemical Co./Vertellus Health & Specialty Products – Zeeland, MI

Who May Be Eligible to File an Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit?

Not everyone exposed to asbestos can file a claim, but lawsuits can often be a viable option for individuals or families affected by asbestos-related illnesses. You may be eligible to file an asbestos exposure lawsuit if:

  • You Have a Confirmed Diagnosis: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis linked to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. A medical diagnosis is a critical piece of evidence in your claim.
  • You Can Identify the Source of Exposure: A strong case typically requires connecting your exposure to asbestos-containing products or workplaces. Law firms like Vogelzang Law have the skills and resources to investigate and track down this vital information.
  • Lost Income or Mounting Medical Bills Are Affecting You: If you’ve incurred costly medical expenses, lost wages due to your illness, or experienced a decline in your overall quality of life, you may be entitled to recover damages for these financial and emotional burdens.
  • You Lost a Loved One to an Asbestos-Related Illness: Families of individuals who have passed away due to mesothelioma or other conditions caused by asbestos exposure may also file wrongful death lawsuits seeking compensation and justice.

Eligibility can vary based on state laws and other factors, making it essential to consult legal professionals with experience handling asbestos-related claims.

Contact the Michigan Asbestos Exposure Lawyers Vogelzang Law Today

Nicholas J. Vogelzang
Nicholas J. Vogelzang, Michigan Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

When dealing with the life-altering aftermath of asbestos exposure, a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer can be your greatest ally. Here’s how Vogelzang Law can support you:

  • Thorough Case Investigation: We will investigate your history of exposure, pinpoint liable parties, and build a strong case with the evidence needed for success.
  • Professional Legal Guidance: Our team has over 20 years of experience handling asbestos litigation and understanding the unique challenges of these claims.
  • Maximizing Compensation: We fight to help you recover costs for medical treatments, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
  • Compassionate Advocacy: Your well-being is our priority. From handling the legal burden to offering emotional support, you’ll never face these challenges alone.
  • No Financial Burden: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no upfront cost to you.

Time is critical to protecting your rights. Contact Vogelzang Law today at (616) 319-1874 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Justice and compensation may be closer than you think, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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