Get a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Asbestos Mesothelioma Case

Our attorneys fight for victims with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure

Some of the most serious and most complicated cases we deal with at Smith & Hassler involve mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. We know because our Houston personal injury lawyers have more than 30 years of experience handling these cases throughout Texas.

One of the most valuable lessons we have learned is the importance of getting straight to work on these complex cases. That’s because the evidence needed to build a strong case can disappear over time. More importantly, you need help now. That’s why we want to meet with you right away. Simply contact us and schedule your free consultation. We know how the legal system works when it comes to mesothelioma in Texas.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that can often not be treated. Mesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of tissue found on the outer lining of a person’s internal organs. While mesothelioma can affect many different internal organs, this form of cancer often occurs in the tissue surrounding the lungs. This type of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma. There are other rarer kinds of mesothelioma that affect other parts of the body, including the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), the heart, and the testicles.

How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Asbestos is a small, fiber-like mineral that was once commonly used in many building materials, including insulation. Many companies used asbestos in their products because it is resistant to heat and durable.

However, in the 1970s and 1980s, strict government regulations banned the use of asbestos after officials discovered that exposure to asbestos caused lung cancer. If someone inhales or ingests asbestos, the fibers can become trapped in the lungs. Over time, these small asbestos particles can lead to mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.

The latency period for asbestos mesothelioma typically ranges between 20 and 50 years from the initial exposure. This means that individuals exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms of mesothelioma until decades after exposure.

What are common symptoms of mesothelioma caused by asbestos?

There are many warning signs of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. Some of the most common symptoms of this form of cancer include:

Shortness of breath
Chronic chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Fluid in the lungs

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. See a doctor right away and tell them you think you might be suffering from mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos.

What are the chances of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure?

The chances of getting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure depends on specific factors. These include:

Duration and intensity of exposure: Long-term occupational exposure to asbestos creates a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Type of asbestos: Different types of asbestos fibers may pose different levels of risk. For example, crocidolite (also known as “blue asbestos”) is considered more potent in causing mesothelioma than other types of asbestos.
Genetic factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that increases asbestos mesothelioma risk.
Smoking: Smoking doesn’t directly cause mesothelioma, but it can increase the risk of lung cancer in people exposed to asbestos.

How much asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma?

There is no universally agreed-upon “safe” level of asbestos exposure. Even low levels of exposure have been linked to the development of mesothelioma in some cases. However, higher amounts of exposure typically increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

What jobs are often associated with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure?

While anyone can theoretically develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work, certain professions are often more likely to develop this aggressive form of lung cancer due to the nature of their work. Specifically, their job may have exposed them to asbestos on a regular basis.

These occupations are among the most at risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos:

Electricians
Demolition workers
Roofers
Contractors
Plumbers
Brake mechanics
Military personnel

If you were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers at work, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any health problems. Then talk to us. Our attorneys want to help.

What should I do if I have mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure?

There are several, important steps you should take if you have mesothelioma or believe you do due to asbestos exposure at work. These steps include:

Tell your employer you believe you may have mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
Seek immediate medical treatment.
Contact our law firm to pursue an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.

The sooner a doctor can treat you – and the sooner we can start building your legal case – the better. That’s why we want to meet with you.

What makes mesothelioma cases caused by asbestos exposure so complicated?

There are many reasons why mesothelioma cases due to being exposed to asbestos at work can be so complicated. Reasons why include:

Your employer denies any wrongdoing.
You no longer work for the company.
The company you worked for is no longer in business.
You worked for several different companies where you were exposed to asbestos.

Many people develop mesothelioma years after they were exposed to asbestos at work. That’s why these legal cases are often so challenging.

Our Houston personal injury attorneys fight for mesothelioma victims

Some law firms avoid tough legal cases. We thrive on them. That’s because our Houston personal injury lawyers understand what’s at stake. The financial impact of mesothelioma can be staggering. Between medical care and possible lost income, your mesothelioma expenses can easily add up to thousands or even millions of dollars. Corporations know this. That’s why many of them vigorously fight legal claims against them.

We can mount a strong legal defense on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve. Learn more about your rights. Contact our Houston law firm and schedule your free case evaluation right now. Our Houston mesothelioma attorneys can fight for your rights.