Iowa Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawsuits: Deadlines, Claims, and Legal Options

From the agricultural equipment plants of Des Moines to the power stations along the Mississippi River, Iowa's industrial backbone has left a devastating legacy of asbestos exposure. Our comprehensive database documents 1,246 asbestos exposure sites across 204 Iowa communities—from the Square-D Manufacturing Plant in Cedar Rapids to the DuPont facility in Clinton that helped power America's agricultural and industrial growth. From the Carnation Company processing plants to Iowa State University's heating systems, the Hawkeye State's industrial legacy includes too many sites where workers encountered asbestos-containing materials.

Iowa offers strong protections for mesothelioma families. The state follows a discovery rule that protects victims of diseases with long latency periods, uses modified comparative fault that still allows recovery if you're 50% or less at fault, and permits both wrongful death and survival claims. Iowa's courts understand that asbestos diseases develop decades after exposure and have established favorable precedents for workers' rights.

Time is critical. Iowa's two-year discovery rule means your family's deadline to file began when you learned your illness was caused by asbestos exposure. Don't let corporate defendants benefit from delay—your family deserves experienced advocates who understand both Iowa's industrial history and its favorable legal environment.

This page is part of our broader mission. I started this firm after learning that the cancers that killed my father and grandparents were caused by asbestos—something we didn't realize until it was too late to hold anyone accountable. That experience is why we built this site: to make sure no other family misses their chance.

— Firm Founder, Justinian Lane

If you’re trying to make sense of complex legal and medical terms, our Asbestos Lexicon explains the terminology in plain English. For a deeper understanding of how mesothelioma lawsuits actually work—from proving liability to calculating damages—visit our Complete Guide to Mesothelioma Lawsuits.

Free Case Review | No Fees Unless We Win | Call 833-4-ASBESTOS

Iowa Asbestos Law Summary

Iowa Asbestos Law Details

Iowa allows individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases to file lawsuits under a well-defined legal framework that incorporates both statutory and case law. The state uses a modified comparative fault system, applies joint liability only in limited circumstances, and permits both wrongful death and survival claims. While Iowa does not cap compensatory damages, it limits how medical costs can be proven and restricts punitive damages to cases of willful or wanton misconduct. Plaintiffs must also navigate Iowa’s unique approach to causation and its treatment of collateral source payments.

Statutes of Limitations and Repose

In Iowa, asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations (Iowa Code § 614.1). Iowa applies a discovery rule to all personal injury claims, meaning the clock starts when the injured person knew or reasonably should have known the illness was caused by asbestos exposure. This makes Iowa favorable for asbestos plaintiffs, as mesothelioma often appears decades after exposure.

There is no asbestos-specific statute of repose applicable to private parties in Iowa. However, medical malpractice claims are subject to a six-year repose period from the date of the alleged act or omission, with some exceptions (Iowa Code § 614.1(9)(a)).

Wrongful death actions must be brought within two years of the decedent’s death, and survival actions are permitted under Iowa Code § 611.20, which states that all causes of action survive and may be brought by the estate.

Eligibility to Sue

Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or asbestosis may file a personal injury claim in Iowa. After death, the decedent’s estate may bring a wrongful death action on behalf of beneficiaries, and may also assert a survival claim for damages incurred before death. Iowa law also allows parents to recover for loss of services and companionship following the death of an adult or minor child (Iowa Code § 613.15A).

Spouses and children may pursue loss of consortium claims in connection with the injured person’s suffering or death (Madison v. Colby, 348 N.W.2d 202 (Iowa 1984)).

Workers’ Compensation Limitations

Under Iowa Code § 85.20, the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act is the exclusive remedy for employees injured by asbestos exposure during the course of employment. This means most workers cannot sue their employer in court for asbestos-related injuries.

However, Iowa allows claims against third parties, such as manufacturers, suppliers, or property owners. The employer or workers’ comp insurer may assert a statutory lien on any third-party recovery, and may bring a subrogation claim if the injured employee does not act (Iowa Code § 85.22).

Damages and Caps

Iowa allows recovery of economic and noneconomic damages in asbestos cases. There are no general caps on compensatory damages, but damages must be proven as reasonable and necessary. Plaintiffs must present evidence (typically expert testimony or paid invoices) to establish the reasonable value of medical services (Pexa v. Auto Owners Ins. Co., 686 N.W.2d 150 (Iowa 2004)).

Punitive damages are available when the defendant acted with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others. The plaintiff must prove this by clear, convincing, and satisfactory evidence, and punitive damages are only allowed if there is an award of actual damages (Iowa Code § 668A.1).

If the jury finds the defendant’s conduct was directed at the claimant personally, the full award goes to the plaintiff. Otherwise, only 25% is paid to the plaintiff, with the remainder going to the state's Civil Reparations Trust Fund (Iowa Code § 668A.2).

Comparative Fault and Joint Liability

Iowa uses a modified comparative fault system under the Iowa Comparative Fault Act (Iowa Code Chapter 668). Plaintiffs may recover only if they are 50% or less at fault, and their damages are reduced in proportion to their share of fault (Iowa Code § 668.3(1)(b)).

Joint and several liability applies only to economic damages, and only if a defendant is found 50% or more at fault (Iowa Code § 668.4). For noneconomic damages, each defendant pays only their share, regardless of fault percentage.

Collateral Source Rule

Iowa follows a limited collateral source rule. The jury is allowed to consider only what was actually paid for medical services, not the full amount billed. Charges are admissible only if paid or validated by expert testimony as reasonable (Pexa, supra).

In medical malpractice cases, plaintiffs may not recover for losses covered by insurance, employee benefits, or public programs, except for Medicaid and family assets (Iowa Code § 147.136).

Standards of Proof and Causation

In asbestos cases, Iowa requires plaintiffs to prove that the defendant’s conduct was both the actual and legal cause of their illness. The Iowa Supreme Court follows the Restatement (Third) of Torts, meaning causation is determined not by the “substantial factor” test but by whether the injury falls within the scope of the risk created by the defendant’s actions. The focus is on whether the conduct increased the probability of the type of harm that occurred, and whether the harm was a foreseeable consequence (Thompson v. Kaczinski, 774 N.W.2d 829 (Iowa 2009)).

Iowa does not follow the federal Daubert standard. Instead, it uses a traditional relevance and reliability framework for expert testimony under Iowa Rule of Evidence 5.702. Trial courts act as gatekeepers, but the threshold for admissibility is generally lower than in Daubert jurisdictions. Expert testimony must assist the jury, be based on sufficient facts or data, and be the product of reliable principles applied to the case. This more permissive standard can benefit asbestos plaintiffs presenting complex medical causation evidence, as long as the methodology is sound and tied to the facts.

Wrongful Death and Survival

Iowa permits wrongful death and survival claims by statute (Iowa Code § 611.20). The estate may recover for pain and suffering before death, medical costs, and the value of the estate that the decedent likely would have accumulated during a normal life expectancy (Iowa-Des Moines Nat’l Bank v. Schwerman Trucking, 288 N.W.2d 198 (Iowa 1980)).

Punitive damages and consortium claims (spouse, parent, or child) are allowed in wrongful death actions where supported by the evidence.

How Iowa’s Laws Work in Practice

Meet Sharon, a 69-year-old retired laboratory technician from Cedar Rapids. From the 1970s through the early 1990s, she worked in several school and hospital buildings, many of which had aging pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and HVAC components containing asbestos. In August 2024, after experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Because Iowa applies a discovery rule to personal injury claims, Sharon’s two-year statute of limitations began in August 2024—when she was formally diagnosed and made aware of the asbestos connection. This means she has until August 2026 to file her lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1). The long delay between her exposure and her diagnosis doesn’t prevent her from bringing a claim, as Iowa law recognizes the latency period of diseases like mesothelioma.

If Sharon were to pass away from mesothelioma, her family could bring a wrongful death claim, and her estate could pursue a survival action under Iowa Code § 611.20. These claims could recover for her pain and suffering before death, her medical bills, and even the value of the estate she would likely have accumulated had she lived a full life expectancy.

Because Sharon was exposed while working in school labs and hospital basements, her attorneys would investigate third-party liability—such as contractors who installed asbestos materials or manufacturers of those products. Iowa law bars lawsuits against employers in most cases where workers’ compensation applies (Iowa Code § 85.20), but it allows claims against third parties, such as suppliers or property owners. If Sharon had received workers’ compensation benefits, the employer or insurer could assert a lien on any third-party recovery (Iowa Code § 85.22).

To prove liability, Sharon’s attorneys must show both factual and legal cause. In Iowa, courts apply the Restatement (Third) of Torts and focus on whether Sharon’s exposure to asbestos was the type of harm that the defendant’s conduct made more likely to occur (Thompson v. Kaczinski, 774 N.W.2d 829 (Iowa 2009)). Iowa courts do not require the older “substantial factor” test, but do require a logical and foreseeable link between the conduct and the outcome.

Sharon’s legal team will present expert testimony on exposure history and medical causation. Because Iowa doesn’t use Daubert, the judge applies a more flexible test under Iowa Rule of Evidence 5.702, focusing on whether the expert’s testimony is reliable and helpful to the jury.

Sharon can recover full economic and noneconomic damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If her attorneys prove that any company acted with willful and wanton disregard, the jury may award punitive damages, provided the claim is supported by clear, convincing, and satisfactory evidence (Iowa Code § 668A.1). If the jury finds the misconduct was directed personally at Sharon, she may receive 100% of the punitive award; otherwise, only 25% would go to her, and the rest to the state’s Civil Reparations Trust Fund (Iowa Code § 668A.2).

Because Iowa restricts recovery to actual medical costs, Sharon’s team must show what was actually paid for care—not just what was billed. This can be proven through documentation or expert testimony, but not through inflated charges alone (Pexa v. Auto Owners Ins. Co., 686 N.W.2d 150 (Iowa 2004)).

This is a hypothetical example based on real Iowa law. Every case is different. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call 833-4-ASBESTOS to understand how Iowa’s legal system may affect your rights.

Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Family's Iowa Mesothelioma Case?

Our proprietary database contains detailed records of 1,246 asbestos exposure sites across 204 Iowa communities—from Des Moines' industrial facilities to the power plants along the Mississippi River. While other firms spend months investigating your exposure history, we often know within days which companies owe you compensation.

The Result? Faster trust claims, stronger lawsuits, and maximum recovery for your Iowa family—because we've already done much of the detective work your case requires.

Learn more about our firm and our database

Iowa Database Highlights:

If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, our firm can begin helping your family today. Here's how:

Asbestos Trust Claims

Hundreds of companies have set aside billions specifically for asbestos victims. These claims often resolve faster than lawsuits and don't require going to court. Our Iowa database contains detailed records of which trust-affiliated companies supplied materials to sites across the state—from Des Moines' Iowa Power Plant to Cedar Rapids' Square-D Manufacturing facilities.

For example, if you worked at facilities where U.S. Gypsum products were used—such as Iowa State University's buildings in Ames or construction projects throughout Iowa—our database shows that U.S. Gypsum established a trust specifically for workers exposed to their asbestos-containing drywall and building materials. We can file your U.S. Gypsum Asbestos Trust claim immediately, potentially recovering $155,000 to $450,000 for mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Lawsuits

You can hold companies accountable through Iowa's favorable court system. Our database strengthens your case with documented evidence and court precedents from Iowa worksites. We don't just argue you were exposed—we can cite specific depositions and trial records that already established liability at facilities like the Deere & Company plants in Des Moines.

Our database contains detailed records from Iowa's industrial sites, including testimony about which defendants' products were used in agricultural equipment manufacturing, power generation, and construction. This gives us crucial evidence about product failures and safety violations specific to Iowa's industrial environment.

Asbestos Disability Claims

Both Social Security and VA benefits provide monthly income while you pursue other compensation options. These are benefits you've already earned, and our specialized records help identify exposure sources that support disability claims. Iowa's extensive agricultural and industrial history means many residents have multiple potential exposure sources.

Our records are particularly valuable for workers who served at Iowa's military installations or worked in the state's defense-related manufacturing, helping prove exposure that gets disability claims approved faster.

Learn more about the legal options available to your family

Ready to Pursue Your Iowa Mesothelioma Case?

Whether you were exposed to asbestos at Des Moines' industrial facilities, Cedar Rapids' manufacturing plants, or any of Iowa's documented exposure sites, our experienced mesothelioma team is ready to fight for your rights.

Why Time Matters in Iowa:

• Two-year filing deadline from diagnosis under Iowa's discovery rule

• Multiple trust claims may be available beyond your lawsuit

• Modified comparative fault allows recovery if you're 50% or less at fault

• Evidence preservation becomes more difficult as time passes, especially for older industrial sites

What We'll Do for Your Iowa Family:

• Free case evaluation to determine all available compensation sources

• Immediate trust claim filings using our proprietary database of Iowa exposure sites

• Aggressive lawsuit preparation against manufacturers and premises owners

• Strategic use of Iowa's joint liability rules to maximize recovery from responsible defendants

Get started today. Our Iowa mesothelioma team understands the unique industrial history of the Hawkeye State and is ready to put that expertise to work for your family.

Free Case Review | No Fees Unless We Win | Call 833-4-ASBESTOS