Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyer

Dallas mesothelioma lawyers help area residents and workers with illnesses related to asbestos exposure take legal action and seek compensation. As the third-largest city in Texas, Dallas has an extensive history of asbestos use across many industries.

Keep in mind that if you or a loved one has mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Dallas, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Dallas Asbestos Facts

• Nearly 15,500 people in Texas died from asbestos-related diseases between 1999 and 2017.
• During that period, Dallas had the second-highest number of asbestos deaths at nearly 842.
• The oil industry in the area has been a major contributor to asbestos exposure.

About Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer diagnosed in about 3,000 people every year. Mesothelioma is aggressive and often diagnosed in later stages when the prognosis is poor. It is a devastating illness that most often affects the tissue around the lungs. This is known as pleural mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was once used heavily in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and many other industries for its insulating properties.

Workers handling or near asbestos often inhaled or ingested tiny asbestos fibers. Inside the body, the fibers caused damage, leading to later illnesses in some exposed workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer and asbestosis.

Understanding Secondary Asbestos Exposure: A Dallas Perspective

Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when individuals indirectly come into contact with asbestos fibers through family members or others who have been directly exposed. This is particularly worrying in places like Dallas, where a robust industrial sector heightens the risk.

Workers in industries that handle asbestos-related materials often carry these microscopic fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin. Once home, these fibers can easily transfer to household surfaces—such as furniture and carpets—where they may become airborne and pose serious inhalation hazards.

This indirect exposure can result in severe health issues for family members, including diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The concern in Dallas is magnified due to the city’s industrial activities, which increase the likelihood of workers bringing asbestos fibers into their home environments.

By understanding how secondary exposure occurs, residents can better take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from these potentially dangerous health effects.

Legal Options for Mesothelioma Claims

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, and nearly all cases of exposure are considered negligent. This means you have a right to take legal action against the companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos and causing your illness.

Types of claims you can make if you have mesothelioma include:

• Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a personal injury because it is caused by negligence. You can sue the companies responsible to seek compensation through a settlement or jury award.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. If the companies that exposed you went bankrupt, you cannot sue them. You should be eligible for a trust fund claim. Bankrupt asbestos companies set up these trusts to compensate future claimants.
• Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Claim. You can sue asbestos companies for wrongful death if you lost a loved one to mesothelioma.
• VA Benefits Claim. If you can connect your mesothelioma to asbestos exposure during military service, you can qualify for VA benefits and compensation.

When mesothelioma law firms prepare to file claims, there are several critical factors they consider to ensure a successful case outcome:

1. Statute of Limitations: One of the first considerations is the legal deadline for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations. This varies not only between states but also based on specific details of the case. For instance, where exposure took place can influence the filing deadline.
2. State-Specific Laws: Each state has unique legal frameworks and requirements for mesothelioma claims. Experienced lawyers understand these nuances and strategize accordingly to navigate local laws effectively.
3. Proof of Exposure: Establishing a clear link between asbestos exposure and the diagnosed disease is crucial. This involves gathering evidence such as medical records, employment history, and potential sources of exposure.
4. Client’s Medical Conditions and Needs: Law firms assess the extent of the client’s health challenges and their immediate needs to prioritize actions that can expedite financial relief or compensation.
5. Potential Compensation Sources: Identifying all possible avenues for compensation, such as trust funds set up by bankrupt asbestos companies or potential settlements from ongoing lawsuits, is a key task.

By focusing on these elements, law firms build robust cases aimed at securing the best possible outcome for individuals affected by mesothelioma.

What Steps Are Involved in Asbestos Litigation?

Navigating the complex process of asbestos litigation can be overwhelming. Here’s a clear breakdown of the essential steps involved:

1. Hire a Qualified Asbestos Attorney:
   Begin by seeking out a skilled lawyer who specializes in asbestos-related cases. Their expertise is crucial in crafting the most effective approach for your unique circumstances.
2. Assess Eligibility:
   The process starts with your attorney thoroughly investigating your history of exposure to asbestos. This assessment helps confirm whether you qualify to file a claim. It involves identifying how and when you were exposed, and linking it to the products that caused your health issues.
3. Initiate a Claim:
   Once eligibility is determined, your lawyer will guide you through filing a formal claim. This involves meticulous paperwork and must be done in the correct legal venue to ensure it proceeds smoothly.
4. Discovery Process:
   During this phase, both your attorney and the opposing parties engage in gathering evidence. This includes conducting interviews, collecting documents, and taking depositions. The goal is to build a robust case that supports your claim.
5. Reach a Resolution:
   Most asbestos cases don’t end up in court trials. Instead, your lawyer will work diligently to negotiate a settlement that compensates you fairly, avoiding the stress and unpredictability of a courtroom decision.

By understanding these steps, you can approach asbestos litigation with confidence and the knowledge needed to navigate this challenging journey.

Why Work With a Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyer?

You have a right to seek compensation. Mesothelioma is deadly and very expensive to treat. Companies that failed to protect you can and should pay. To make them pay, you need an experienced asbestos lawyer.

Asbestos cases are complicated, so don’t settle for just any lawyer. Look for a top Dallas mesothelioma lawyer who works as part of a large asbestos firm. They will have the experience and resources needed to give you a good outcome. The right lawyer will explain your options, provide advice, take legal action on your behalf, and maximize the compensation you receive.

Understand the Process:

1. Find the Right Attorney: Start by seeking a legal professional with a proven track record in handling mesothelioma cases. Their experience is crucial in identifying the best strategies tailored to your situation.
2. Determine Your Eligibility: A knowledgeable lawyer will delve into your exposure history to assess your qualifications for filing a claim. This involves identifying the asbestos products responsible for your diagnosis.
3. File Your Claim: Your attorney will guide you through filing your claim correctly in the appropriate court. They ensure every detail is managed meticulously, setting the foundation for a strong case.
4. Enter the Discovery Phase: This involves gathering evidence through research, interviews, and depositions. Your lawyer, along with the defendants, will build a robust case during this critical phase.
5. Resolution: Most cases settle before reaching trial. Your attorney’s goal is to secure compensation through settlement, sparing you the stress of a courtroom battle.

A good Dallas mesothelioma lawyer not only handles all aspects of the legal process but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your treatment and recovery. By partnering with an experienced attorney, you can navigate the legal complexities with confidence.

The Role of Mesothelioma Law Firms in Evidence Gathering for Claims

Mesothelioma law firms play a crucial role in meticulously assembling the evidence necessary for a successful claim. These legal experts delve deep into the client’s past to gather vital information.

Key Evidence Collection Activities:

• Employment and Exposure History: Attorneys compile comprehensive employment records to trace where and how asbestos exposure likely occurred. This step helps pinpoint potential sources and responsible parties.
• Medical Documentation: Law firms work closely with healthcare providers to obtain detailed medical records. This documentation is crucial in proving the link between the illness and asbestos exposure.
• Expert Consultations: To strengthen the case, lawyers collaborate with medical specialists who can provide expert testimony. These experts establish a scientific connection between asbestos exposure and the subsequent diagnosis.

By undertaking these meticulous steps, mesothelioma law firms build a strong foundation for their clients’ claims. Such thorough preparation ensures that claimants have the best chance of securing the compensation they deserve.

How Was Asbestos Used in Dallas?

Dallas has long been a major hub for big businesses. Its first significant commodity was cotton. By the late 19th Century, oil extraction and refining became a keystone of the Texas and Dallas economies.

The growth of oil led to an increase in other industries around Dallas, including transportation and communications. This emergence as a major city coincided with peak asbestos use in several prominent industries, including oil and construction.

As the city grew, buildings were constructed with asbestos. Many of these older public buildings and private residences still contain asbestos materials. Some still pose serious health risks for workers and residents.

Asbestos was also used during the construction of old schools in the city and continues to cause issues.

For instance, in 2019, the Dallas School District closed the Morrison Campus Alternative School after ceiling materials with asbestos fell to the floor, putting students and staff in danger of exposure.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Dallas?

If you have mesothelioma, you were probably exposed to asbestos at work. One or more of your past workplaces likely contained asbestos, which you might have even handled. There are many examples of companies and industries in Dallas that used asbestos.

Texas Vermiculite Company

Dallas was once home to the Texas Vermiculite Company, which processed the mineral vermiculite for use in several products.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that the facility received nearly 400,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mines in Libby, Montana.

Workers at the facility processed the shipments of Libby vermiculite between 1967 and 1993. Workers at the plant during this time period were likely exposed to asbestos.

The site continues to be an issue. Soil testing on the site of the former plant in 2022 found asbestos. It could continue to harm workers and nearby residents.

Dallas Job Sites with Asbestos

Some of the biggest contributors to asbestos exposure in Dallas included oil companies, power generation and distribution facilities, construction companies, railroads, manufacturers of machinery, government agencies, and auto repair shops.

Although EPA regulations were eventually put in place to limit asbestos use, workers suffered long-term exposure at several Dallas job sites:

• A.F. Hoffman Boiler Works
• American Airlines/Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport
• APG Firebrick of Texas
• Armstrong Cork Company
• B&B Engineering and Supply Co.
• Babcock & Wilson
• Baylor University Hospital
• Chance-Vought Aircraft/LTV
• Coca-Cola Enterprises Dallas
• Dallas Convention Center
• Dallas Electric Light & Power (Luminant)
• Dallas Ice Factory Light & Power Company
• Dallas Gas Company
• Dallas Consolidated Electric Street Railway Company
• Dallas Railway Company
• Diamond Alkali (Diamond/Shamrock Corporation)
• Eugene B. Smith & Company
• First International Bank Building
• Fuller-Austin Insulation, Dallas Division
• GAF Plant
• Gulf Oil Company
• Holman Boiler Works
• Iola Portland Cement Works
• Jones-Blair Paint Company
• Lone Star Gas Plant
• Texas Power & Light Company
• Oak Cliff Planing Mill
• Parker-Fallis Insulation
• Parkland General Hospital
• Dallas Dressed Beef & Packing Company
• Texas Instruments

Can I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos in Dallas?

Yes, unfortunately, people are still at risk for asbestos exposure throughout Dallas. The threat comes from older buildings that still have asbestos materials in them. The materials can deteriorate over time, causing exposure. Renovations and demolitions also increase the risk of exposure.

The Valley View Center is one example of how asbestos persists in Dallas buildings, putting people at risk. It has taken years for demolition to begin on the shuttered property. In 2022, a fire destroyed part of the building, injuring firefighters. They could also have been exposed to asbestos while putting out the fire.

Dallas firefighters have been put at risk of exposure to asbestos through their stations. Dallas Fire Station 57 closed in 2017 after inspections turned up asbestos in the flooring. Other stations are likely to be contaminated as well.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Texas

Dallas is home to an expert cancer care center, but patients can also access treatment throughout the state. These are facilities designated comprehensive cancer centers by the National Cancer Institute:

• Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2201 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75390, 214-645-4673
• Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, 713-798-1354
• M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, 713-792-2121
• Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7979 Wurzbach Road, Urschel Tower, Room U627, San Antonio, TX 78299, 210-450-1000, Cancer Information Line: 1-800-340-2872

The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center made my husband and I feel much better about dealing with Meso. They made sure we received everything we could and they also made sure he saw the best medical attention possible. They arranged visits with doctors that they personally knew and recommended. We can’t imagine dealing with this without Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.

– Natalie F.

Legal Help in Dallas

If you’ve been a victim of asbestos exposure and suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, there is a good chance you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.