Many businesses in Austin, especially those in the construction industry, used asbestos, putting workers at risk of exposure and deadly illnesses. If you encountered asbestos at work, an experienced Austin mesothelioma lawyer may be able to assist you.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Austin, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
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Austin Asbestos Facts
- Austin, the capital of Texas, has had hundreds of asbestos-related deaths.
- Many companies, including Fuller-Austin Inc. and the Holly Power Plant, have contributed to asbestos exposure in the city.
- Older buildings also continue to pose a risk with aging asbestos construction materials.
What Is Mesothelioma and What Causes it?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the tissue surrounding the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdominal organs (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Inhaled or ingested fibers of asbestos cause damage to tissues in the body, resulting in illness in some people. Symptoms usually don’t appear for many years. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is often in the late stages and has a poor prognosis.
Most asbestos exposures occurred in the workplace in the past. Many companies used asbestos as an insulating material. Some of the industries that used asbestos most heavily include construction, energy, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive.
Asbestos materials shed tiny fibers that become part of the dust in the air and on surfaces. Without adequate protection, workers can inadvertently inhale or ingest the fibers.
When Do I Need an Austin Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you need a lawyer immediately. Because mesothelioma is caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure, you have a right to take legal action. A lawsuit or mesothelioma claim can help you seek compensation for your expenses.
Top-rated Austin, Texas, asbestos attorneys are available to review your case, provide advice, and give you the best chance of getting fair compensation.
Choosing an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer
Asbestos cases are complicated. To get compensation, you need to know where and when you were exposed to asbestos. You also need to prove that exposure led to your illness. Building a case requires experience, specialized knowledge, and extensive resources.
When looking for an asbestos attorney in Austin, look for someone with experience handling and winning mesothelioma lawsuits. They should be part of a larger asbestos firm with the resources to take your case.
They should offer a free initial consultation to review your situation and explain your options. They should also offer contingency payment, so you pay no fees until they win your case.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Austin, TX?
Most negligent asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace. Many of the industries and workplaces in Austin used asbestos in the past and exposed workers. These are a few examples.
Fuller-Austin
Fuller-Austin Inc., established in 1962, was an insulation company that installed, distributed, and sold asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) throughout Texas.
Gas plants, refineries, and power plants in Austin used Fuller-Austin’s asbestos insulation. In 1974, the company stopped using asbestos materials in its products.
Many workers affected by exposure to asbestos in Fuller-Austin products filed lawsuits. Unfortunately for these victims, the company went into bankruptcy in 1998.
The company set up an asbestos trust for exposure victims. The fund includes enough money for an estimated 77,000 asbestos-related claimants.
Holly Power Plant
Located in East Austin, the Holly Steel Power Plant has been a source of concern for Austin residents for several years.
In 2007, the plant was officially closed after complaints about the health hazards of living around the plant. The concerns revolved around asbestos used in the plant. In May of 2013, crews began tearing the power plant down.
However, the project was extended after even more asbestos was found during the demolition.
According to TRC Environmental, the company hired to demolish the plant, several internal areas of the plant contained asbestos not previously marked.
Although the demolition was needed and would protect future residents, many employees and contractors faced daily exposure to the harmful fibers of asbestos from 1965 until the plant shut down.
Austin Police and Fire Departments
Older buildings in Austin were typically built with asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, siding, cement board, and other materials.
The aging asbestos in the Austin Police Department became an issue during the 2019 renovations.
Work done on the Downtown Patrol Building stirred concerns among employees. They believed the air might have become contaminated with asbestos fibers, and some complained of respiratory issues.
The problem has been addressed, but it highlights the ongoing risks of asbestos in the older city and public buildings.
Firefighters in the city also face asbestos risks when going into blazes. In May 2021, over 100 Austin firefighters risked exposure to asbestos when they fought a huge warehouse fire. The city will cover health screenings for the firefighters.
Additional Austin Sites with Asbestos
Many Austin businesses, ranging from power plants, steel mills, paper mills, and more, used asbestos and put many people’s lives at risk.
Many Austin public buildings were also associated with heavy usage of asbestos during their construction and are still in use today.
Schools
- Cunningham Elementary School
- David Crockett High School
- Govalle Elementary School
- Gullett Elementary School
- Harris Elementary School
- J.E. Pierce Middle School
- Jones Road Elementary School
- Odom Elementary School
- Allen Middle School
- Anderson High School
- Manor High School
- Manor Elementary School
- Huston-Tillotson College
- University of Texas
- Travis High School
- Travis Heights Elementary School
Hospitals
- Austin State School Hospital
- St. David’s Medical Center
- Scottish Rite Dormitory
Additional Public Buildings
- Austin City Auditorium
- Crestview Baptist Church
- Austin Governor’s Mansion
- Harvey Smith Building
- Memorial United Methodist Church
- Saint John’s Methodist Church
- Saint Teresa’s Parish
- South Austin Recreation Center
- Austin State Capitol Building
- Texas Department of Mental Health
- Texas State Library
- Texas School For The Blind
Mesothelioma Treatment in Austin
Austin and nearby cities are home to top-notch cancer treatment facilities, offering excellent care for victims of asbestos exposure:
- Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center. 7979 Wurzbach Road, Urschel Tower, Room U627, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, 1-800-340-2872
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 2201 Inwood Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75390, 1-866-460-4673
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, remember that you may qualify for significant financial compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
