Houston Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you worked around asbestos, an experienced Houston mesothelioma lawyer can help you take legal action and recover damages. Houston is the largest city in Texas and a key economic center. It has a long, extensive history of asbestos use in many industries, putting workers at risk of serious illnesses.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Right now, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds for people who have been affected by asbestos. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Houston, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.

While financial compensation cannot erase the challenges posed by an incurable condition or permanent loss, it can provide critical support for patients and families. These recoveries offer the means to seek necessary medical treatments and improve quality of life. The funds can help cover healthcare costs, ensuring that you or your loved ones have access to the best possible care and support services.

In addition to medical benefits, financial compensation can also aid in restoring stability and peace of mind during a difficult time. By alleviating some of the financial burdens, families can focus on what truly matters—supporting each other and navigating the path ahead.

Houston Asbestos Facts

• Texas has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths, with over 15,000 between 1999 and 2017.
• Of those, 2,124 occurred in Houston and Harris County, the highest number in the state.
• Oil and shipping, two major Houston industries, were heavy users of asbestos and responsible for much of the exposure.

Understanding Mesothelioma: Causes and Development

Mesothelioma Defined:
Mesothelioma is a rare, but aggressive cancer primarily affecting the protective linings of the lungs, abdomen, and, less commonly, the heart. These linings, called mesothelium, play a critical role in protecting internal organs and facilitating smooth movements.

How Does It Develop?
The primary culprit behind the development of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers, once widely used in construction and manufacturing due to their durability and heat resistance, are incredibly hazardous. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge permanently in the body.

Routes of Exposure:

• Occupational Hazards:
  Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing may have been exposed to asbestos, often unknowingly inhaling or coming into contact with these fibers.
• Environmental and Secondary Exposure:
  Living with an asbestos-exposed worker can also lead to exposure, as fibers can cling to clothing and hair. Additionally, older buildings may still harbor asbestos materials, posing a risk to residents.

Statistics Snapshot:
In the United States alone, approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, underscoring the ongoing impact of past asbestos use.

Understanding how mesothelioma develops underscores the critical importance of asbestos safety measures and the need for ongoing medical research and awareness initiatives.

When Should I Hire a Houston Asbestos or Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Talk to a top Houston mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a devastating illness with a poor prognosis. Time is of the essence when it comes to getting legal advice and seeking compensation.

Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos and most asbestos exposure is negligent, you have a right to seek compensation with the help of a lawyer. Mesothelioma is primarily linked to asbestos exposure, a hazardous material once commonly used in construction and various industries. The risk of developing this aggressive cancer increases significantly for individuals who work, attend school, or reside in environments laden with asbestos fibers.

Those at greatest risk include workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, where asbestos was frequently used. Additionally, people who live near asbestos mines or processing plants, or in older buildings where asbestos was used, may also face heightened exposure.

If you’ve been exposed to such environments and developed mesothelioma, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. As most asbestos exposure is due to negligence or lack of adequate safety measures, consulting with a lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Get for Mesothelioma?

You might qualify for one or more types of mesothelioma claims:

• Personal injury lawsuit
• Wrongful death lawsuit
• Asbestos trust fund claim
• Veteran benefits claim

Mesothelioma lawsuits usually end in settlements, which average between $1 million and $1.4 million. Trust funds pay out a little less but are often the only option if the asbestos companies that exposed you went bankrupt.

You can file for VA benefits if you were exposed to asbestos during military service. These include monthly disability compensation.

How to Choose a Houston Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma and asbestos claims are complicated, so choose your legal representation carefully. Look for an experienced asbestos attorney backed by a large firm in Houston. The importance of hiring a mesothelioma attorney cannot be overstated, as they focus on crucial aspects such as:

• Protecting your rights and interests
• Pursuing all of your legal options for mesothelioma compensation
• Resolving your claim as favorably and efficiently as possible

The right lawyer should be able to offer you:

• A free initial consultation to review your case
• A clear explanation of your legal options
• Investigators to find the evidence of asbestos exposure that will prove your case
• Medical experts to connect asbestos exposure to your illness
• Experience negotiating mesothelioma settlements and litigating in court
• A fast resolution of your case with quick compensation
• Maximum compensation
• Contingency payment and no up-front fees

With exceptional advocacy at every phase of your claim, you can expect:

• Personalized, responsive service that addresses your unique situation
• Optimal chances of bringing your claim to the best possible outcome

By ensuring you have a dedicated legal team, you can focus on your health while they manage the intricacies of your case, providing peace of mind and confidence in your pursuit of justice.

How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Houston?

You were most likely exposed to asbestos on the job. Several important industries and many workplaces in the area used asbestos.

Houston has long been home to energy production companies that used asbestos-containing materials. Oil drilling and refining facilities sprang up around the city after oil discovery in Houston in the early 1900s. Asbestos was added to oil rigs and other machinery to protect them from the effects of high heat and to prevent fires. Asbestos was also incorporated into pipelines and most of the various components in oil refineries. Shipyards also used large amounts of asbestos during the process of constructing ships. Engine parts, boilers, gaskets, insulation, and even wiring for electronic devices contained some amount of asbestos. It protected vessels, cargo, passengers, and crew from overheating and fires.

However, the risk of developing mesothelioma is not limited to those working in these industries. Individuals who are at the greatest risk include:

• Construction, demolition, and abatement workers who directly handle asbestos-containing materials.
• Residents and students who live or study in older buildings where asbestos might be present in flooring, insulation, ceilings, and roofing materials.

In these environments, even those not directly handling asbestos might still face exposure due to the fibers present in the air. This highlights the importance of awareness and protective measures for anyone potentially exposed to this hazardous material, whether in industrial settings or daily living environments.

Asbestos use in Houston oil facilities and shipyards decreased gradually after 1973 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued reports which officially connected asbestos exposure to mesothelioma and other deadly illnesses.

Lingering asbestos in industrial sites, ships, and even homes and public buildings remains a health issue in the city.

Houston Refining (Lyondell-Citgo Refinery)

One example of a local company that used asbestos is the Gulf Coast’s Houston Refining facility. It once belonged to Citgo Petroleum, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA oil company.

In the early 2000s, PDVSA sold the refinery to Lyondell Chemical, which renamed the refinery the Lyondell-Citgo Refinery (LCR).

In 2006, Lyondell purchased Citgo’s share of the facility and renamed it Houston Refining. Name changes could not hide the fact that this refinery was built when asbestos was in standard use. It has been cited as a significant source of pollution and incidences of cancer in workers.

Houston-Area Shipyards

Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has made it a major shipbuilding community. Shipyards contributed to Houston’s industrial growth during both World Wars and the postwar era.

The shipyard built thousands of ships for civilian operators and the U.S. Navy, including hundreds of warships and mass-produced Liberty cargo ships used during World War II.

The majority of these vessels were constructed with asbestos-containing materials. As a result, shipyard workers and others who worked and lived aboard these ships were exposed to harmful asbestos.

Houston shipyards include:

• Bloodworth Bond Shipyard
• Brown Shipbuilding Corporation
• Platzer Boat Works
• Schmidt Barge Yard
• Todd-Houston Shipbuilding Corporation/Houston Shipbuilding Corporation

Not all of these are still in operation, and some have changed hands. But all used asbestos at one point in time.

Platzer (later Trinity Marine), for instance, built tug boats and tank barges at its Greens Bayou facility from 1925 to 1997.

First Wave Marine acquired the shipyard and operated it as a repair yard until 2002. Many tugs and barges were built with asbestos-based materials and parts. Many are still in service today.

Currently, Southwest Shipyard is a primary provider of repair and refit services for several types of vessels. Southwest began operating in 1954, during the peak period of asbestos use in U.S. shipyards.

Although their Houston-area facilities have participated in asbestos-abatement programs, former employees were still exposed to asbestos.

People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.

– Jingjing Z.

What Are the Standard Treatment Options for Mesothelioma?

When it comes to addressing mesothelioma, several treatment paths are typically considered, each based on individual health status and the specific characteristics of the disease. Here’s a closer look at the standard treatment options:

1. Surgery: This approach may be used to remove the tumor or affected tissue. It’s often an option if the cancer is detected early and localized.
2. Radiation Therapy: By using high-energy rays, radiation therapy targets and shrinks cancer cells. It can be a standalone treatment or coupled with surgery and chemotherapy to enhance results.
3. Chemotherapy: Utilizing powerful drugs, chemotherapy aims to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It’s a common approach that can be used before surgery to reduce tumor size or after to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the patient’s unique circumstances. Doctors tailor treatment plans specifically to a patient’s health and how advanced the disease is to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Exploring Additional Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Patients

When it comes to managing mesothelioma, traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often the cornerstone. However, patients might be curious about what additional options are available to complement these standard therapies. Here’s a closer look:

1. Palliative Care: This option focuses on enhancing the patient’s quality of life by easing symptoms such as pain or difficulty breathing. It’s a supportive approach aimed at making everyday life more comfortable.
2. Clinical Trials: These are research studies that offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments that aren’t yet widely available. They provide an opportunity to try experimental therapies that could potentially improve outcomes.
3. Alternative Treatments: While not a replacement for conventional care, therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or meditation can offer emotional and physical relief, helping patients cope better with the condition’s impacts.

Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to discuss these additional options and determine what might work best for their specific situation. The goal is to create a comprehensive care plan that aligns with both medical needs and personal preferences.

Mesothelioma Treatment in Houston

Mesothelioma is a complicated illness that is difficult to treat. Houston is one of the best places to receive mesothelioma care, with several specialists in the area:

Dr. David C. Rice, M.B.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
1-877-632-6789

Dr. Anne Tsao, MD, Anderson Mesothelioma Program
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 432
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-6363

Dr. Stephen Swisher, MD, Thoracic Surgeon, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1489
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-2121

Getting Legal Help in Houston

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.