What should I do if I have been exposed to asbestos?

There is no definitive early screening test for mesothelioma, but your doctor may be able to assess your risk by performing imaging scans and blood tests to identify changes in the lungs that could indicate cancer. Early detection and initiation of treatment may result in improved prognosis. Symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic common, less serious conditions, resulting in a delayed diagnosis.

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Legally Reviewed By: Sam E. Taylor
Managing Attorney | Mesothelioma & Asbestos in Houston

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Why should I choose the mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm?

When should you hire a mesothelioma or asbestos attorney?

How was I exposed to asbestos fibers?

What should I do if I have been exposed?

What kind of compensation can I recover?

How long do I have to file an asbestos claim?

Do I need a lawyer to help me with my asbestos claim?

At The Lanier Law Firm, we believe no one is above the law. Our Houston mesothelioma lawyers specialize in offering individuals the same level of legal representation to everyone. We pride ourselves on our success in standing up to large companies on behalf of individuals who have experienced serious harm on account of the greed and negligence of such companies.

From 1979 to 2002, mesothelioma—an aggressive, malignant form of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissues surrounding the internal organs—claimed the lives of 264 residents of Houston, Texas.

The Environmental Working Group reported in 2005 that Houston, Beaumont and Dallas were the “top Texas metropolitan areas for reported asbestos mortality from 1979 through 2002,” with Houston reporting 524 deaths.

There is no known cure for mesothelioma.

Why should I choose the Houston mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm?

When you hire The Lanier Law Firm to handle your mesothelioma case, you can count on us for the following:

A detailed investigation into your life and work history to discover all sources of exposure to asbestos
Fast, competent handling of trust fund claims
Skillful negotiation and, if necessary, litigation in your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit
Sound legal advice
Personalized, compassionate service delivered with integrity, transparency, and respect
Attorneys who will travel to you if you are unable to meet in our office
No upfront fees for our service: we charge a percentage of your mesothelioma compensation after you receive it

Our attorneys’ passion is representing the rights of individuals whose lives have been forever changed by the grievous misconduct of money-hungry companies that harmed them in exchange for labor and profit.

The below testimonials are from real clients who received extraordinary results due to hiring The Lanier Law Firm:

“I truly want to thank you for your tenacity in winning battles for your clients of mesothelioma. Our family is very grateful to know of your tireless efforts not only helping us but so many others that share the same story.”

— Kathleen R.

“The Lanier Law firm has been such a blessing for our family. My mother passed away from mesothelioma. The many settlements my father received allowed him to live comfortably until he passed away at 95. The Lanier law firm was very professional and always answered our questions promptly. I am very grateful for all of their guidance. I would recommend using their services if one of your loved ones is in this same situation.”

— N. Katkowski

The Lanier Law Firm is one of the leading mesothelioma law firms in the world. We are known worldwide and throughout Texas for our extraordinary case results, such as the below:

When should you hire a mesothelioma or asbestos attorney?

“The question of when a person should contact a lawyer following a mesothelioma diagnosis is an important one for two reasons, basically. Number one, the statute of limitations in different states can serve to bar a claim if it’s not brought timely. That statute of limitations can vary from state to state, and it can be as short as one year.

The second reason is it’s very important when the diagnosis occurs and the person contacts us to look at the case, an extensive evaluation and investigation of the exposure history needs to take place as soon as possible. Frequently, victims of mesothelioma have to go through chemotherapy treatments or deteriorate fairly quickly in terms of their health, and so it’s always best that we initiate the investigation as soon as possible to have the best chance of figuring out how a person was exposed to asbestos going back 20, 30, and 40 years ago.” – Sam Taylor

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How was I exposed to asbestos fibers?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have almost certainly been exposed to asbestos fibers and most likely over an extended time period. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses often have extended latency periods of 20 to 50 years after exposure. This can create challenges when trying to determine the source of exposure.

Identifying the exposure source is critical to filing a claim for financial compensation. Our Houston asbestos lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm have successfully helped clients track down even the most obscure sources of exposure as far back as 50 years, thanks to over three decades of experience and extensive familiarity with the sources of exposure.

Past Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos at work was the most common source of exposure. Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals that are nonconductive, chemically inert, and resistant to heat and fire, making them desirable in industrial and commercial applications.

Industries That Use Asbestos Products

In Texas, the most common industries where asbestos was used are as follows:

Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act

The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act created standards for building owners and contractors to protect the health and safety of the public and especially workers by performing the following:

Complete asbestos surveys to determine if asbestos is present and in what quantities
Hire only licensed asbestos professionals in asbestos-related activities, such as removal
Notify the Texas Department of Health Toxic Substances Control Division/Asbestos Programs Branch using the required two-page form in the following circumstances:

Secondary Occupational Exposure

Secondary exposure to asbestos most commonly occurs when workers transport asbestos fibers home on their work clothes. Housewives have the second-highest mortality rate from malignant pleural mesothelioma after those exposed directly. The highest rates of exposure most likely occur while laundering tainted clothing.

Household Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos construction products were used to build many homes throughout Texas, especially homes built prior to 1980. The most common locations of asbestos in older homes include the following:

Roofing shingles
Siding shingles
Vermiculite attic insulation
Textured paint and patching compounds in wall and ceiling joints, which were used prior to 1977
Artificial ashes and embers for gas fireplaces

Paper, millboard or cement sheets around wood-burning stoves
Vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring
Hot water pipe and steam pipe coatings
Oil and coal furnaces
Fire doors
Fire-rated wallboard

Asbestos products are not limited to the construction of the home. Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products, including the following common household products:

What should I do if I have been exposed?

Early detection and initiation of treatment of most cancers are known to result in improved prognosis. Symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic common, less serious conditions, resulting in a delayed diagnosis. While there is no known cure for mesothelioma, an early diagnosis can result in better outcomes:

There is no definitive early screening test for mesothelioma, but your doctor may be able to assess your risk by performing imaging scans and blood tests to identify changes in the lungs that could indicate cancer.

Can I file a claim if I know I was exposed to asbestos?

Texas personal injury laws require that you experience an injury before you can file a claim for damages. Asbestos exposure increases your risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, but it does not guarantee you will develop these conditions.

What kind of mesothelioma compensation can I recover?

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation:

Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, and costs associated with ongoing care
Noneconomic damages: pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of society, and similar damages without a measurable monetary value
Exemplary damages: punitive damages in cases where companies failed to warn workers of the dangers, even though they were aware, especially in cases of intentional coverups

The type and amount of compensation you can receive will vary based on the severity of your condition, your life span, the details of your exposure, the circumstances of the negligent company, and the types of claims you are eligible to file.

Trust Fund Claims

The significant number of workers harmed by the misconduct of asbestos manufacturers has led to the bankruptcy of many of these companies, which reorganized under Chapter 11 U.S. Code § 524(g), setting up trust funds for the benefit of asbestos exposure victims.

These mesothelioma trust funds allow claimants to file a claim directly without going through the state tort system. As a result, the process is faster, and victims may receive compensation sooner.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits are the primary options for plaintiffs injured by companies that have not gone bankrupt. In many cases, multiple sources of asbestos exposure can be identified, and you may be eligible to file personal injury lawsuits against solvent responsible parties and trust fund claims against bankrupt companies.

Personal injury lawsuits claiming mesothelioma or other injuries stemming from asbestos exposure require experienced Houston mesothelioma attorneys who are aware of all your legal options and well-equipped to stand up against large companies.

Our Houston personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who have won significant settlements, but we are also skilled trial lawyers with a track record of winning substantial verdicts in court.

We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement for each client, but when the amount offered by the opposing party is insufficient, we are well prepared to take the case to trial.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Families whose loved ones pass away because of mesothelioma can file asbestos trust fund claims as well as wrongful death lawsuits against companies. Family members can receive the following compensation:

Medical bills
Funeral and burial expenses
Pecuniary damages: the projected lifetime earnings of the deceased, had they survived
Pain and suffering of the deceased
Pain and suffering of the family
Loss of companionship
Loss of parental guidance

How long do I have to file an asbestos claim in Texas?

The statute of limitations for asbestos claims varies based on the type of claim. Asbestos trust funds individually set their own statutes of limitations.

The state of Texas has set the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits at two years after diagnosis. VA claims can be filed at any time after diagnosis.

It is important to contact a Houston asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure the lawyer has adequate time to build your case before the statute of limitations runs out.

Do I need a Houston mesothelioma lawyer to help me with my asbestos claim?

The association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is well established, but this does not mean asbestos cases are simple.

The negligent companies leverage vast resources to fight against paying their victims the damages they rightfully owe. You need a personal injury attorney on your side to fight just as vigorously to ensure these companies compensate you generously for the harm they have caused.

During our 32 years of experience representing mesothelioma victims, our attorneys have witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by mesothelioma, and we are passionate about getting justice and ensuring our clients receive compensation that will provide access to the most advanced treatment available and financial security for victims and their families.