Albuquerque Mesothelioma Lawyer

An Albuquerque mesothelioma lawyer can help if you have been injured by asbestos. Several industries and job sites in the city exposed workers to asbestos. Workers and residents alike have faced risks from asbestos in buildings constructed during the mid-1900s, a time of peak asbestos use.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Albuquerque, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Understanding Asbestos Trust Funds

An estimated $30 billion has been set aside by asbestos companies into trust funds specifically for compensating individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases. These funds were established as a result of numerous asbestos companies filing for bankruptcy, allowing them to reorganize while still ensuring victims receive due compensation.

Here’s how it works:

• Eligibility: If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a claim.
• Filing a Claim: The process generally involves providing medical documentation and proof of exposure.
• Payout Timeline: Many claims are processed and paid out within 90 days, offering timely financial relief.

By understanding these funds and how they function, you can effectively pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Our resources will guide you through the necessary steps, ensuring you have the support needed to navigate this complex process.

Albuquerque Asbestos Facts

• Approximately one-third of asbestos-related deaths in New Mexico have occurred in and around Albuquerque.
• This includes almost 500 deaths in Bernalillo County between 1999 and 2017.
• Construction booms in Albuquerque coincided with the peak use of asbestos in building materials.
• Many older buildings in the city still contain asbestos.

Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Connection to Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This disease is predominantly linked to exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction, automotive industries, and other sectors for its heat-resistant properties.

How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma

When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and are easily inhaled or swallowed. These tiny fibers can then penetrate the body’s major organs, especially the lungs. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Initial Exposure: Inhaled or ingested, these fibers are difficult for the body to expel.
• Long-term Irritation: Over time, asbestos fibers can cause significant irritation and inflammation to the healthy tissue of organs.
• Latency Period: The development of mesothelioma isn’t immediate. Distressingly, it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to emerge after initial exposure.

Why Is It So Dangerous?

The delayed onset of mesothelioma symptoms means many individuals are diagnosed at advanced stages, complicating treatment efforts. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal swelling, often mistaken for less serious conditions.

The Takeaway

Understanding the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma underscores the importance of workplace safety regulations and public awareness. Recognizing symptoms and seeking early medical evaluation can significantly impact outcomes for those at risk due to previous exposure.

Why do companies continue to use asbestos despite being aware of its dangers? The answer is complex, rooted in practicality and economics.

Durable and Cost-Effective

1. Strength and Versatility: Asbestos is incredibly strong and heat-resistant, making it ideal for a variety of applications, including insulation and fireproofing.
2. Cost Efficiency: It’s a cheaper alternative compared to other materials that offer similar benefits. This economic advantage has historically driven companies to prioritize immediate financial gains over long-term health considerations.

Regulatory Loopholes and Historical Context

• Historical Prevalence: Asbestos saw widespread use before its dangers were fully understood. Many industries became reliant on it, ingraining its use into manufacturing processes. Changing these deeply embedded practices proved challenging.
• Regulatory Gaps: In some regions, regulations are either insufficient or not strictly enforced, allowing companies to legally use asbestos with little consequence. This legal leniency offers an opportunity that some businesses exploit.

Profit Over Safety

• Short-Term Gains: Companies often weigh the cost of using asbestos against potential legal and health-related expenses. Sadly, some opt for short-term profit margins, underestimating the long-term risks and liability.

Credible Alternatives Exist

It’s critical to note that safer alternatives to asbestos are available, though they may be more expensive or less well-known. Encouraging a shift towards these alternatives is essential in reducing the health risks associated with asbestos use.

Such choices highlight a concerning intersection of economics, regulation, and ethics within corporate decision-making.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, Asbestos Lawsuits

If you have mesothelioma, you have a right to seek compensation for negligent asbestos exposure. Many workplaces and asbestos companies put Albuquerque workers at risk of exposure and serious illness.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can determine which types of claims or lawsuits you are eligible to file, including:

• Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit
• Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
• Asbestos trust fund claim
• Veteran benefits claim

Starting a lawsuit to pursue financial compensation for mesothelioma can be a complex journey, but you’re not alone. Expert legal teams are ready to guide you every step of the way, making the process as seamless as possible for you and your family.

Multiple Compensation Avenues

You may be eligible for compensation through various channels, many of which don’t require a court appearance:

• Asbestos Trust Funds: With an estimated $30 billion allocated by asbestos companies, these funds are available to individuals who have developed asbestos-related illnesses.
• Mesothelioma Lawsuit: While most cases are settled out of court, experienced attorneys are prepared to go to trial if necessary, aiming to secure significant compensation through settlements.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits: Veterans with mesothelioma can access medical and financial benefits through the VA. Specialized attorneys can assist in preparing and filing VA claims to secure the benefits you deserve.

Comprehensive Legal Support

You’ll have a dedicated legal team on your side, including senior partners, experienced attorneys, paralegals, medical staff, and investigators, ensuring you receive the personalized care and attention necessary for your case. This robust support network is designed to help you navigate the legal landscape and secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in New Mexico

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in New Mexico, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial. This legal concept sets a deadline for filing your claim, ensuring that cases are brought forward within a specific time frame.

What Does It Entail?

In New Mexico, mesothelioma patients and their families must adhere to strict timelines to pursue legal action. This statute of limitations typically starts when the illness is diagnosed or, in some cases, when the patient could reasonably have been expected to know about the connection between their symptoms and asbestos exposure.

Why Act Quickly?

• Timely Claims: Ensuring that your claim is filed within this period is essential to protect your legal rights. Missing this deadline could mean losing the opportunity for compensation.
• Gathering Evidence: Early action allows your legal team to gather necessary evidence while memories are fresh, and relevant documents are easier to access.

Steps to Take

1. Consultation: Contact a knowledgeable asbestos attorney in New Mexico immediately after receiving a diagnosis. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
2. Documentation: Collect medical records, employment history, and any other evidence of asbestos exposure.
3. File Promptly: Ensure that your claim is filed within the state’s statute of limitations to have it considered by the courts.

By understanding these legal timelines, you can take prompt action to seek justice and secure the potential compensation you deserve.

Overview of Albuquerque Mesothelioma Settlements

Curious about the compensation secured in past Albuquerque mesothelioma cases? Here’s a detailed look at the settlements that victims in the region have achieved:

Notable Settlements

• $2.5 Million was awarded to a U.S. Army veteran who also worked as a drywaller in Albuquerque.
• $5.11 Million was granted to a technician based in Edgewood, highlighting the severity and impact of these cases.

Additional Settlements in the Area

• Mechanical Work Compensation: An Edgewood mechanic received $3.21 million, showcasing the importance of proper compensation for industrial exposure.
• Assembly Line Worker: Affected by pleural mesothelioma, an Albuquerque assembly line worker secured $1.28 million.
• Electrical Industry Case: A union electrician in Rio Rancho received a settlement of $2.18 million.

Highlighted Cases for Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma cases, common due to asbestos exposure, also resulted in significant settlements:

• $1.45 Million for an Albuquerque patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
• Two construction-related cases in Albuquerque saw settlements of $1.28 million for a construction worker and $1.21 million for a union roofer, both with pleural mesothelioma.

Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts

It’s crucial to note that the amounts received can vary widely. Factors like the degree of exposure to asbestos, individual age, type and stage of diagnosis, and other personal conditions significantly influence the compensation awarded. While historical settlements provide a frame of reference, results can differ for every case, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Understanding VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for a range of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are designed to provide both medical and financial assistance. Here’s an overview of what veterans can access:

Medical Benefits

• Access to High-Quality Healthcare: Veterans can receive care from specialized VA medical centers where professionals are experienced in handling asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
• Treatment Options: Coverage includes surgeries, chemotherapy, and other necessary treatments to manage mesothelioma.

Financial Benefits

1. Disability Compensation: Veterans may be eligible for monthly payments if their mesothelioma diagnosis is connected to asbestos exposure during military service. This compensation is tax-free and varies based on the level of disability.
2. Pension Benefits: Veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled due to mesothelioma might qualify for VA pensions.
3. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): If a veteran passes away due to mesothelioma, their surviving spouse and dependent children may be entitled to DIC benefits.

Assistance With Claims

Veterans can seek guidance from VA-accredited representatives to navigate the claims process. These professionals assist in preparing, submitting, and tracking VA benefit claims to ensure veterans receive the support they rightfully deserve.

By leveraging these resources, veterans with mesothelioma can effectively access the health care and financial assistance they need.

Why File a Mesothelioma Claim in Albuquerque, New Mexico

A mesothelioma claim or lawsuit is important because it provides much-needed compensation that covers:

• Past and ongoing medical expenses
• Future expected medical costs
• Travel costs for treatment
• Home care
• Medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Most cases of mesothelioma resulted from negligent asbestos exposure. The companies responsible can and should be held accountable.

Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Albuquerque

Top-rated New Mexico attorneys working with Albuquerque asbestos victims can help you get the compensation you deserve. Choose a lawyer with proven experience and wins for asbestos clients.

Look for an asbestos attorney who is part of a larger firm. They need the resources of a large law firm to investigate your case, find evidence, build a case, and take your case all the way to court if necessary.

The right lawyer should provide you with a free initial consultation. They should also offer contingency payment so you pay nothing until they help you win compensation.

When you’re considering hiring a mesothelioma lawyer in Albuquerque, it’s crucial to understand the cost structure. Many reputable law firms operate on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront fees or hourly charges. You only pay if you receive compensation, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of seeking justice.

This arrangement allows you to focus on your case without worrying about legal expenses, making it a risk-free option for pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys are dedicated to handling every step of the legal process on your behalf. From initial consultation to final verdict, we manage all the complexities of your case, ensuring you can focus on your health and family.

Rest assured, there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with us. This client-friendly approach means that you can pursue justice without financial strain, knowing that your legal team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Comprehensive Support Team for Mesothelioma Clients

Mesothelioma clients receive the full backing of a robust team dedicated to their case. This includes:

• Senior Legal Experts: Gain the advantage of experienced partners who guide your case with legal expertise.
• Skilled Attorneys: A group of seasoned lawyers ensures every aspect of your case is meticulously handled.
• Paralegals: These professionals provide crucial support, managing complex paperwork and client communication efficiently.
• Medical Professionals: Access to medical staff who offer insights and assistance tailored to your health needs.
• Investigators: A team dedicated to uncovering the crucial details and evidence necessary to strengthen your case.

With this comprehensive support structure, each client receives the focused attention and personalized care that their unique situation deserves.

How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Albuquerque?

Determining when and where you were exposed to asbestos is one of the most important things an Albuquerque lawyer will do for you. Asbestos cases are complicated and require solid evidence of exposure and illness. Many workplaces in Albuquerque exposed workers to asbestos.

Asbestos Industries in Albuquerque

The Spanish founded Albuquerque as a remote outpost in the early 1700s. It remained remote until the railroads arrived in the mid-1860s.

By the turn of the 20th Century, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad turned the city into a popular tourist destination that combined such modern amenities.

Albuquerque industrialized and grew to include important facilities, including high-tech manufacturing plants, airports, and aviation manufacturing facilities. All of these industries used asbestos at some point.

Albuquerque also became a tourist destination, with Route 66 passing through the city. The increasing number of motorists that passed through the area created a demand for motels, gas stations, and restaurants; these businesses were often constructed with asbestos.

Government Facilities

The government has also been an essential employer in Albuquerque. Kirtland Air Force Base employed and continues to employ many military members and civilians.

Most of the buildings contain or once contained asbestos. Abatement projects are ongoing there.

Sandia National Laboratories is a National Nuclear Security Administration research lab known to contain asbestos materials.

Vermiculite Processing

Several vermiculite processing plants in Albuquerque put past workers at risk of asbestos exposure. These facilities used vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mine in Libby, Montana that was contaminated with asbestos:

• Allied American Gypsum Company
• American Gypsum Company/Centex
• Solico Inc./Southwest Vermiculite Company
• Southwest Vermiculite Company

Workers in the facilities and nearby residents could have inhaled loose fibers of asbestos from the vermiculite.

Asbestos in Older Buildings

Albuquerque experienced its population and construction boom in the middle of the heaviest use of asbestos in building materials. Asbestos lingers in many older homes, workplaces, and public buildings.

Assessments for asbestos have become common and routine in Albuquerque. Buildings built in the city before 1971 almost certainly contain asbestos, but the material has been found in those from as recently as 1985.

One-quarter of Albuquerque’s current office buildings were built during the asbestos period, meaning workers are still at risk of exposure.

Issues at the Gateway Center illustrate how asbestos continues to be an issue throughout the city. The city of Albuquerque bought the old Lovelace Hospital to turn it into the Gateway Center, a homeless shelter and services center.

The renovations have experienced numerous setbacks, most recently in 2023, because of asbestos. The need to abate asbestos has delayed the opening of the Gateway Center. City officials were found to have violated regulations regarding asbestos testing and reporting. People were likely exposed as a result.

Other Albuquerque Job Sites with Asbestos

Several of these workplaces and buildings are still in use today. However, strict state and federal regulations require routine inspections and maintenance of any public building that contains asbestos.

Hospitals

• St. Joseph Community Health
• New Mexico VA Healthcare System

Power, Gas, Coal, and Electric Companies

• Albuquerque and Cerrillos Coal Company
• Albuquerque Gas & Electric
• Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
• Reeves Power Plant (also known as Reeves Generating Station)

Additional Job Site and Buildings

• Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center
• Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company
• Albuquerque Water Utility Authority
• Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District
• Excelsior Laundry Company
• Geo. S. Thomson Company
• Imperial Laundry Company
• Kent Nowlin Construction Company
• Kirtland Air Force Base
• New Mexico Pump & Equipment
• University of New Mexico
• J. Corber & Company
• Nalley’s Inc.
• Columbia Asbestos Company

How Long Before Mesothelioma Appears After Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma is a serious illness caused by exposure to asbestos. Understanding the timeline for its development is crucial, especially for those who may have been exposed in the past.

Delayed Onset
Mesothelioma does not appear immediately after asbestos exposure. Instead, it can take a long time to manifest. In many cases, individuals may begin to develop symptoms anywhere from 10 to 50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos fibers.

Why Such a Long Latency?
The reason for this extended latency period lies in how asbestos fibers interact with the body. When inhaled or swallowed, these indestructible fibers can lodge themselves into the lining of vital organs, such as the lungs. Over time, they irritate and damage healthy tissues, leading to the slow, progressive development of cancerous cells.

Monitoring and Early Detection
Due to this lengthy gestation period, those who have worked in industries with potential asbestos exposure—such as construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing—should remain vigilant. Regular health check-ups and monitoring for any abnormal symptoms can help in early detection and treatment.

In summary, while it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure, being informed and attentive to health changes can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Cancer Treatment in Albuquerque

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Cancer Center offers medical services and treatments to cancer patients in Albuquerque and other parts of the state.

Founded in 1973, UNM Cancer Center is one of the nation’s 86 medical facilities with the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designation.

The UNM Cancer Center’s team of oncologists, surgeons, and medical researchers treat over 10,000 patients a year, including those with pleural mesothelioma.

UNM Cancer Center

1201 Camino de Salud NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-272-2839

When my husband was diagnosed we had no idea what to do. Our doctor said we should reach out to an attorney to talk about compensation. After talking to several firms we found the mesothelioma lawyer center and were grateful we did. They helped with every step of the way. If you need a meso attorney then I would recommend contacting them

– Isabelle D.

Getting Legal Help in Albuquerque and Additional Information

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.