- $50 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
Houston Mesothelioma Lawyer
A Houston mesothelioma lawyer specializes in asbestos litigation and has experience filing claims for residents. The top mesothelioma lawyers in Houston work at the best nationwide firms, which have the expertise and resources to handle filing claims for Texans.
Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: May 31, 2024
Find a Top-Rated Asbestos Law Firm in Houston, TX
Houston families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis should hire a skilled asbestos lawyer to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma attorneys in Texas have helped many Houston residents secure compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
- Firms with local knowledge and experience have successfully filed mesothelioma cases for Houston residents. A few of the top nationwide firms have offices in Houston.
- Mesothelioma cases in Houston stem from similar job sites and occupations. Houston asbestos attorneys have litigated these cases and possess important evidence on how exposure occurred.
- Nationwide law firms know about laws at the state and federal level. This knowledge is essential for winning asbestos cases Texas residents file.
An advantage of hiring an asbestos law firm with an office in Houston is the ability to visit the office for consultations. If you happen to prefer an attorney at a top nationwide firm without a Houston office, they will travel to you or meet with you via video conferencing. Virtual consultations may be important for people undergoing cancer treatment that can compromise the immune system.
The top nationwide mesothelioma law firms can file in practically any state. They have experienced asbestos lawyers licensed to practice and provide support anywhere in the United States. This is important for Houston residents because few Texans choose to file mesothelioma claims in the state, according to a KCIC industry report.
When Do You Need to Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?
It’s wise to consider hiring a mesothelioma attorney soon after the diagnosis. While you focus on treatment, your attorney will get to work on your case. When you hire an attorney matters because every state has legal deadlines, called statute of limitations, to file a mesothelioma claim. These time limits vary from state to state.
Texas offers two years to file, but few Texans file mesothelioma claims in their home state. Most file in other jurisdictions based upon their asbestos exposure history and the companies responsible for their exposure. Nationwide firms have mesothelioma lawyers in each state to handle claims throughout the U.S.
Hiring an attorney early helps you ensure they have enough time to investigate your case, collect evidence and build a strong claim. Additionally, early action may help you receive compensation more quickly, which can cover medical expenses and provide financial support.
Get help finding a top attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve.
Get Help NowHouston Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos exposure in Houston has primarily occurred at job sites that need fireproofing materials to prevent dangerous fires. Companies used asbestos because it was affordable and durable.
- Chemical plants: Facilities throughout Houston that processed chemicals exposed workers to asbestos fireproofing materials. Examples include Houston Chemical, Retzloff Chemical Plant and Stauffer Chemical Company.
- Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base: Records show asbestos flooring and glue were removed from this base in Houston, indicating the history of asbestos use in military bases.
- Metal works: High temperatures in metal production facilities meant asbestos was used in protective clothing and other products. Houston metal works included Armco Steel Mill and Houston Pipe & Steel.
- Oil refineries: Many employees worked around asbestos products at oil refineries in Houston including Marathon Oil, Signal Oil Refinery and Phillips 66.
- Power plants: Power generation plants in Houston, including Fisk Electric Co. and Greens Bayou Power Plant, used asbestos in electrical panels, arc chutes, firebricks and more.
- Shipyards: The U.S. Navy once required the use of asbestos on ships. Houston shipyards known for asbestos exposure include Brown Shipyard and Platzer Shipyard.
- Tire plants: A Michelin Tire Co. distribution center in Houston is associated with asbestos litigation.
- Vermiculite processing: Asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana, was processed in a facility in Houston. Processing operations generated asbestos dust.
Asbestos exposure in these facilities put workers and their families at risk of direct and secondary asbestos exposure. While six asbestos deposits exist in the state, most exposure to asbestos in Texas has occurred in occupational settings.
Occupations & Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure in Houston
The jobs and industries known for occupational exposure in Houston generally involve heavy industrial work around high temperatures or materials that can catch fire. Asbestos was used in these fields because it resisted heat and chemical corrosion.
- Chemical plants
- Construction
- Insulation work
- Manufacturing
- Metal work
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Shipyards
- Tire plants
Exposure to asbestos fibers in these occupations has caused Houston workers to develop mesothelioma. U.S. courts may hold manufacturers who produced asbestos products used in these occupations liable when their products cause asbestos-related diseases.
A mesothelioma lawyer can recommend the type of claim you should file depending on which asbestos product manufacturers are responsible for your exposure. They may recommend a mesothelioma lawsuit or filing claims with asbestos trust funds. Some cases qualify for both types of legal claims. A lawyer can explain your legal options and help you make informed decisions.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Claims
Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when people who work with asbestos bring microscopic asbestos fibers home on their clothes, shoes, hair and skin. Everyday actions, such as a parent hugging their child or a spouse doing laundry, can result in exposure. In these moments, asbestos fibers can be inhaled, and exposure over time puts people at risk of related diseases.
Secondary exposure to asbestos causes the same serious health problems as direct exposure. Tiny asbestos fibers get trapped in the lungs and their pleural lining, causing illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
While it can still occur today, secondary asbestos exposure was a bigger concern in the past before asbestos regulations were introduced in the 1970s. Many spouses and children of asbestos workers have developed mesothelioma because of past secondary exposure.
How to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer for Your Exposure Case
Houston residents can research online, take advantage of free consultations and weigh the pros and cons of different firms to find the right mesothelioma lawyer for them. It’s important to find someone you’ll feel comfortable working with through the litigation process.
- Research: Look for nationwide law firms that have handled cases in Texas. Some nationwide firms have offices in Houston and elsewhere in Texas. Visit their websites to learn about their experience and track record.
- Experience: Find a lawyer who has navigated the complex legal process involved in asbestos cases. You want a firm that focuses on asbestos cases with a long and successful track record of fighting for their client’s rights.
- Free Consultation: The top mesothelioma law firms offer a free initial consultation to learn more about your case. Take this opportunity to ask questions about their experience and get a feel for the lawyer’s expertise. You can learn a lot about how they communicate during this meeting.
- Local Knowledge: A lawyer familiar with Texas’s laws and courts is advantageous. Find a lawyer at a nationwide firm who has filed claims for Texans. This kind of lawyer will know the best way to handle your claim.
- Communication and Compassion: Find a lawyer with clear communication skills who can explain complex legal matters in simple terms. One who is empathetic and understands what your family is facing is important as well.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma in Houston, an experienced attorney can help you seek justice and compensation. Mesothelioma compensation can be used to pay medical bills and more.
Top-Rated Mesothelioma Law Firms in Houston
Houston residents with mesothelioma have access to several top law firms within driving distance in Texas. Families should consider choosing a nationwide mesothelioma law firm because they know the best state in which to file your claim.
Cooney & Conway, for example, has offices in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. The firm has secured more than $7 billion in asbestos verdicts and settlements.
- $500 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a “Hall of Fame” law firm by The Legal 500
- $600 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- 30+ Years Experience
- $8.5 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
- $8.9 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
- $7 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a National Tier 1 Firm by U.S. News & World Report in 2022
The vast majority of mesothelioma plaintiffs in Texas file out-of-state, according to data in a 2023 KCIC industry report. Plaintiffs file elsewhere because Texas courts often favor asbestos defendants over mesothelioma plaintiffs in cases involving mesothelioma-related damages.
Firms that practice nationwide have the skill and resources required to stand against big corporations that used asbestos. They have experienced lawyers, researchers and experts who are dedicated to proving your case.
What Is It Like Working with a Houston Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Working with a mesothelioma lawyer involves communication throughout the legal process, gathering personal information to support your case, and discussions about when to settle. Your lawyer will handle all legal matters surrounding your case, from collecting evidence to negotiating a settlement, allowing you to focus on treatment and recovery.
- Consult an Asbestos Lawyer: The first step is to find a qualified mesothelioma lawyer in Houston. An attorney who specializes in asbestos-related cases can help you understand your rights and options.
- Confirm Eligibility to File: The lawyer will assess your case to confirm that you are eligible to file a legal claim. They’ll gather information about your asbestos exposure and the resulting health issues.
- Filing Legal Claims: If you’re eligible, your lawyer will help you file a legal claim against the responsible parties, such as asbestos manufacturers or employers who exposed you to asbestos.
- Discovery of Evidence: During the legal process, there is a “discovery” phase where both sides collect evidence. Your lawyer will work to build a strong case on your behalf, including gathering medical records, work history and other relevant documents.
- Settlement or Trial: Most mesothelioma cases settle out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the defendants to reach a fair compensation amount. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will make the final decision and issue a verdict.
The timeline for a mesothelioma lawsuit varies, but generally takes 12 to 18 months. Claims with asbestos trust funds often resolve much sooner.
A mesothelioma lawyer will help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for fair compensation. They will advocate for your legal rights every step of the way and may be able to recommend cancer centers for mesothelioma treatment in Texas.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Mesothelioma Compensation?
You can learn more about your eligibility for compensation through a consultation with a skilled mesothelioma lawyer. They will ask questions about the history of your work, health, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer diagnosis.
They will then collect evidence of your work history, medical records, proof of asbestos exposure and testimony from coworkers. This information helps to build a strong case and supports your eligibility for compensation.
Coping with mesothelioma and the legal process may seem overwhelming, but your lawyer will handle every legal aspect and guide you along the way. You can focus on your health while your law firm works to secure the compensation you deserve.
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