Tulsa Mesothelioma Lawyer

Contact an experienced Tulsa mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal options if you have an asbestos-related illness. The timing of construction and oil booms in Tulsa coincided with heavy asbestos use. Workplace exposure put people at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.

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

Tulsa Asbestos Facts

• Between 1999 and 2017, there were over 2,600 asbestos-related deaths in Oklahoma.
• Tulsa and Tulsa County had the second-highest number of deaths in that period, with 396.
• The long history of the energy industry in Tulsa has contributed to significant asbestos exposure in the area.

About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Most people with mesothelioma were negligently exposed to asbestos at work. Many industries and workplaces in Tulsa used asbestos and put workers at risk.

Asbestos can cause a couple of different types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the chest and causes symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pains. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen and causes pain, bloating, and digestive symptoms.

Asbestos in the workplace causes mesothelioma by shedding fibers into the air. Workers then inadvertently inhale or ingest the fibers. The fibers cause inflammation and damage inside the body, which causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis in some people.

Do I Need a Tulsa Mesothelioma Lawyer?

If you have mesothelioma, you need an experienced mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer. Asbestos exposure is negligent, so you can hold companies accountable for your illness. They should have protected you from asbestos and didn’t.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Tulsa is crucial for several reasons:

• Receive Compensation: Legal action offers the opportunity to receive compensation that can alleviate the burden of costly medical expenses and treatments.
• Secure Your Family’s Future: Beyond immediate financial relief, compensation from a lawsuit can help secure your family’s financial stability, providing peace of mind for the future.
• Hold Companies Accountable: Many asbestos companies knowingly hid the dangers of their products. By filing a lawsuit, you take a stand against this negligence and ensure justice is served.

A top Tulsa, Oklahoma, mesothelioma lawyer can help you take legal action to seek compensation from asbestos companies. They can investigate your past asbestos exposure and determine which companies are responsible.

The right asbestos lawyer will find evidence to prove your case, explain your options, and give you the best chance of recovering damages. Taking these steps not only supports your personal cause but also contributes to holding negligent companies accountable for their actions.

What Are the Benefits of Starting a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Embarking on a mesothelioma lawsuit can be pivotal for both financial security and peace of mind. Here’s how pursuing legal action can be advantageous for you and your family:

Financial Relief

Navigating the burdensome costs associated with mesothelioma treatment can be daunting. A lawsuit can provide you with the finances needed to manage medical bills, ensuring that both short-term needs and long-term care plans are covered.

Multiple Avenues for Compensation

Not all compensation involves lengthy court battles. Here are some accessible options:

• Asbestos Trust Funds: To address claims from affected individuals, asbestos companies have established trust funds estimated to total around $30 billion. These funds can be a direct source of compensation without court intervention.
• Settlements: Many mesothelioma cases are resolved through settlements before reaching the courtroom. By negotiating a settlement, families can often secure timely and substantial compensation.
• Veterans Affairs Benefits: For veterans affected by mesothelioma, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers pathways to obtain medical and financial support. Legal support can aid in navigating VA claims to access these benefits.

Expert Guidance

Engaging experienced attorneys ensures a smoother journey through the legal maze. They provide crucial support at every turn, from gathering evidence to advocating on your behalf, making an overwhelming process manageable.

Ensuring Family Well-being

Beyond direct financial relief, successful lawsuits offer reassurance that your family’s future is protected. With secured funds, they can focus on healing and personal matters without financial strain.

In essence, a mesothelioma lawsuit serves as a vital tool, offering both immediate financial support and long-term security for those facing the challenges of this disease.

How to Choose a Tulsa Mesothelioma Lawyer

Asbestos cases are very complicated. Winning them requires experience, expertise, and extensive resources. When hiring a mesothelioma lawyer in Tulsa, look for these characteristics:

• A lawyer with experience handling and winning mesothelioma lawsuits and claims
• A lawyer who is part of a larger firm with investigators, medical experts, and adequate resources to take your case
• Free initial consultations and contingency payment, so you pay nothing until they win
• The ability to come to you if you are too sick to travel
• Nationwide reach and jurisdiction in other states, as asbestos cases often cross state lines

When considering costs, rest assured that hiring a mesothelioma lawyer doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Most reputable firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs. They only receive payment if your case results in compensation. This allows you to pursue justice without the worry of upfront legal expenses.

By choosing a lawyer with these qualities, you can focus on your health and recovery while your legal team handles the complexities of your case.

Examples of Mesothelioma Settlements in the Tulsa Area

When it comes to mesothelioma cases, several individuals in the Tulsa area have secured significant settlements. These settlements vary widely depending on factors like exposure history, age, and diagnosis. Here are some examples:

1. High-Profile Settlements:
   • A secretary in Tulsa received a substantial settlement of $3.92 million.
   • An asbestos worker from Claremore was awarded $3.6 million.
   • In Okmulgee, a pipefitter and machinist secured $3.73 million.
2. Additional Notable Cases:
   • $3.11 million was awarded to a Tulsa resident suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
   • An electrical worker in Tulsa received $2.1 million.
   • A notable settlement of $3 million went to a Tulsa oil company worker diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
   • A U.S. Navy veteran affected by pleural mesothelioma was granted $1.5 million.
   • Another U.S. Navy veteran, this time in Chouteau, received $2.7 million.
   • A laborer in Tulsa, dealing with peritoneal mesothelioma, obtained $1.18 million.

These figures highlight the potential compensation available in mesothelioma cases, though outcomes can differ significantly based on individual circumstances. It’s essential to understand that each case is unique, and there’s no promise of a specific result.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in Oklahoma

When considering filing a mesothelioma claim in Oklahoma, it’s essential to understand the state’s statute of limitations. This legal time frame determines how long you have to file a claim after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Key Points to Consider:

• Time Limit After Diagnosis: Typically, the statute of limitations in Oklahoma for personal injury claims, including mesothelioma cases, is two years from the date of diagnosis. This means you need to take legal action within this period to ensure your case is heard.
• For Families of Deceased Victims: In unfortunate situations where a mesothelioma patient has passed away, the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
• Why Timeliness Matters: Filing within these time limits is crucial. Missing the deadline may result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Given these constraints, it is imperative to consult with experienced asbestos attorneys in Oklahoma promptly. They can provide guidance and ensure all legal paperwork is filed correctly and on time, maximizing your chances for a successful claim.

Navigating these legal waters can be complex, but understanding these timelines is your first step toward securing justice and compensation.

How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Tulsa, Oklahoma?

Many industries and workplaces in Tusla used asbestos and exposed workers. These are just a few examples of where you might have encountered asbestos in the city.

Sinclair Oil Corporation

Sinclair Oil is a petroleum corporation with fueling stations throughout the Midwest and Western parts of the U.S. Sinclair Oil also operated refineries in Tulsa.

Before the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict regulations on asbestos use in the 1970s, Sinclair Oil used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in equipment, machinery, products, and construction materials.

Since amphibole asbestos is heat-proof, a fire retardant, and helps block reactive chemicals, it was one of the leading choices of asbestos for oil companies.

Common uses of asbestos in oil refineries, like Sinclair’s, included:

• Thermal insulation and insulation materials, such as pipes, gaskets, and conduits
• Refinery equipment, such as sealants, sheets, and metal gaskets
• Construction products, such as floor, ceiling, and roofing tiles, as well as work surfaces and walls
• Protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, masks, work uniforms, textile cloths, and aprons

Skelly Building

The Skelly Building, the headquarters of Skelly Oil, was a major contributor to asbestos-related diseases among the people who built it. The former 9-story building was constructed in 1921, with several renovations over subsequent decades.

Although the building was demolished to make room for a new parking lot, this only happened after workers had been exposed to asbestos for years.

In 1960, a Tulsa carpenter, whose name wasn’t made public, was assigned to re-size drywall sheets at the Skelly building. As he cut and re-sized the drywall sheets, he exposed asbestos fibers but had no idea he was inhaling them.

Decades later, the building worker was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was never made aware of the risks.

Remediating Tulsa Buildings

Tulsa’s rapid growth in population and construction came when the industry used asbestos in insulation and many other building materials.

Now, many of those aging buildings pose exposure risks for workers and residents.

In 2019 the EPA awarded Tulsa a Brownfield grant of $500,000 to clean up asbestos and toxic sites within older buildings and industrial sites.

The city plans to use the funds to remediate asbestos and other toxic substances in Air Force Plant #3 at the Tulsa International Airport and to renovate an old oil company building downtown.

In 2020, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the city of Tulsa agreed to partner on major asbestos remediation in the Abundant Life Building.

Constructed in the 1950s, the building contains a lot of asbestos. Remediating the building, which is currently vacant, will take over $2 million to complete.

Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Tulsa

The case of the worker at the Skelly Building is just one of many tragic examples of Tulsa workers and residents exposed to asbestos. Many other buildings and workplaces in the city used asbestos and put workers at risk.

Schools, Churches, and Hospitals

• Mcclain High School
• University of Tulsa
• Oral Roberts University
• St. Francis Hospital
• St. John’s Hospital
• First Baptist Church
• Edison Middle School
• Hillcrest Medical Center

Banks

• First National Bank
• National Bank of Tulsa

Oil Companies

• Bareco Oil Company
• City Services Oil Company
• Sunray Oil Refinery
• Humble Oil
• Skelly Oil
• Stanolind Oil and Gas Company

Petroleum Companies

• Mid-Continent Petroleum Corporation
• Warren Petroleum Corporation

Additional Companies and Buildings

• American Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)
• Douglas Aircraft Company
• American Airlines
• McDonnnell Douglas Aircraft Company
• Armstrong World Industries
• Bryant Refractory Company
• Tulsa City Hall
• Douglas Aircraft Company
• Carpenter’s Union (Local 943)
• Tulsa City-County Library (downtown)
• Gulf Pipe Line Company
• Jones & Laughlin Steel Company
• Lone Star Pressure Precision Company
• Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company
• Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation
• Tulsa Assembly Center
• Thermal Systems Incorporated
• Tulsa Ice and Packing Company
• Tulsa International Airport
• Union Carbide Corporation
• Waite Phillips Building
• The Thorpe Company
• Tulsa Rig and Steel
• Trigen Oklahoma
• Wheeler Drywall
• Maloney Crawford Tank Company

Cancer Treatment in Tulsa

The nearest cancer treatment centers to Tulsa are in Oklahoma City:

• Stephenson Cancer Center. Part of the University of Oklahoma, the Stephenson Cancer Center is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a Cancer Center. It provides comprehensive, cutting-edge care and access to clinical trials.
• INTEGRIS Health Cancer Center. INTEGRIS also offers treatment for a variety of cancer types. There are five locations, including two in Oklahoma City and one each in Yukon, Enid, and Grove.

How Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Can Assist Veterans with Mesothelioma

Veterans who have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during military service may find crucial support through Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. These benefits are designed to provide both medical care and financial assistance, helping veterans manage their condition effectively.

Medical Assistance

• Specialized Treatment: The VA offers access to specialized healthcare facilities where veterans can receive treatment from experts familiar with mesothelioma. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or other necessary medical interventions.

Financial Support

• Compensation Options: Eligible veterans can apply for disability compensation, which provides a monthly financial benefit to help cover the costs associated with the disease.
• Pension Programs: Veterans with limited income and resources might qualify for pension programs that provide additional financial relief.

Claims Assistance

Veterans are encouraged to work with experienced VA-accredited claims agents or attorneys. These professionals can guide them through the paperwork and legal process, ensuring that veterans receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.

This firm was extremely professional and responsive. If you have any meso questions, I’d highly recommend them.

– Michael L.

Legal Help in Tulsa

Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for information on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. Fill out our form today. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.