Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer
For nearly half a century, the asbestos industry knowingly concealed the dangers of asbestos, resulting in millions of workers, their families, and members of the public contracting mesothelioma and other deadly asbestos-related illnesses. Lanier Law Firm’s Texas mesothelioma lawyers specialize in bringing these companies to justice.
Legally Reviewed By: Sam E. Taylor
Managing Attorney | Mesothelioma & Asbestos in Houston
- Page Last Updated:
- April 2, 2024
Legally Reviewed By: Sam E. Taylor
Managing Attorney | Mesothelioma & Asbestos in Houston
- Page Last Updated:
- April 2, 2024
Why hire an attorney with experience in handling mesothelioma cases in Texas?
Where in Texas can I seek treatment?
What are my legal options if I have been exposed to asbestos?
Where does The Lanier Law Firm accept cases?
When should I contact an attorney about my Mesothelioma case in Texas?
Approximately 15,348 Texans died from asbestos exposure from 1999 to 2017. Of these, 2,688 were from mesothelioma, 10,752 were from asbestos-related lung cancer, and 2,012 were from asbestosis, according to the Environmental Working Group.
These deaths could have been prevented had the companies that manufactured, processed, and used asbestos chosen to do the right thing. Instead, these companies chose to sacrifice the health and well-being of their workers and the public to maximize profits.
Fortunately, Texas laws recognize these companies’ responsibility for the harm that occurred to their workers. The Texas mesothelioma lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm specialize in holding these companies accountable and helping asbestos-exposure victims recover significant compensation.
The Lanier Law Firm Is One of the World’s Most Experienced and Successful Mesothelioma Law Firms Right Here in Texas
We have been accepting asbestos cases for more than 25 years. During that time, our successful litigation strategies have allowed us to build a reputation as one of the most respected mesothelioma law firms in Texas and across the nation.
We have won more than $20 billion in compensation for our clients, including the following mesothelioma verdicts and settlements in Texas:
- $115 million verdict for 21 steelworkers diagnosed with mesothelioma
- More than $4 million in settlements from multiple defendants on behalf of the family
of a doctor exposed to asbestos in a shipyard where he worked before attending
medical school - $2.1 million in settlements from multiple defendants on behalf of a deceased oil field
worker’s family - $1.6 million settlement for the family of a deceased woman with mesothelioma who
worked at a manufacturing plant
These are only a few remarkable results our attorneys have achieved for our clients. Results like these are the reason our peers have consistently selected our firm and our attorneys for such honors as:
- Best Law Firms, Tier I ranking (U.S. News and Best Lawyers)
- The Largest Verdict in the U.S. in 2018, according to U.S. News and the National Law Journal
- Trial Lawyer of the Year – Mark Lanier
- Best Lawyers in America – 12 attorneys
- To 10 Super Lawyers in Texas – Mark Lanier, multiple years
Our reputation as a skilled team of formidable trial lawyers gives our clients an advantage when negotiating settlements. Most defendants do not want to face us in court and are thus more amenable to accepting responsibility and agreeing to a fair and reasonable settlement.
We provide a personalized approach and treat our clients with compassion and concern. Below are examples of the feedback we consistently receive from our satisfied mesothelioma clients:
“The Lanier Law Firm is totally awesome. When I have had bad days, they have lifted me up. They truly care. You do not find that at very many places. I feel so blessed having them and all they have done for my family. They are family. They are the best of the best.” — Carla Hunter
“I can’t recommend a greater firm than The Lanier Law Firm! All members are fantastic and will work tirelessly to get the result you want. Sam Taylor is very knowledgeable and does excellent work in his field, so you’ll know you’re getting the best with him.”
— Owen Meaney
“Sammy Taylor at Lanier Law Firm has represented me, and he did a phenomenal job! Sammy is the perfect blend of professional and straightforward while still being empathetic to his clients’ needs. He was able to give me a better understanding of my situation and our steps moving forward. Sammy is a great communicator while being all class and plenty of relentlessness.”
— Shawn Stone
Our Features Texas Mesothelioma & Asbestos Attorneys
Mark Lanier
Mark Lanier is consistently recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in America. He is known as a zealous advocate for individuals in personal injury and product liability claims against major corporations.
Mark won the largest verdict in Texas in 2016, according to VerdictSearch and Texas Lawyer, as well as the third largest verdict, with $1 billion and $502 million, respectively. Mark’s $118 million verdict on behalf of 21 asbestos victims is considered one of the largest asbestos liability awards in U.S. history.
He has earned the respect of his peers and received numerous honors, including
- Best Lawyers in America every year since 2006
- Texas Super Lawyers
- Trial Lawyer of the Year by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- The Texas Trailblazer Award of 2019
Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor is the Managing Attorney of the Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma litigation team out of The Lanier Law Firm’s Houston office. Sam is a Texas native and a successful trial lawyer rated in the top five percent of Texas lawyers. Mr. Taylor was named as one of the Top Attorneys in Texas with his selection to the Texas Super Lawyers list every year since 2008.
He has successfully tried more than 50 civil trials and 40 personal injury trials, including mesothelioma cases. He is board-certified in civil trial law and has been named a fellow of the Texas Bar Association.
Why hire an attorney with experience in handling mesothelioma cases in Texas?
Mesothelioma is a specialized area of law that requires specific knowledge of asbestos companies, products, and health effects. Although your asbestos exposure and mesothelioma case may seem straightforward, the large companies responsible for asbestos exposure make every maneuver possible to avoid taking responsibility.
Effectively Stand Up to Large Corporations
Asbestos companies may resort to such tactics as the following:
- Stalling the case, hoping you will die before your case moves forward
- Blaming you for your illness
- Claiming you were exposed to asbestos elsewhere
- Refusing to admit to the asbestos exposure or knowledge of harm
The Texas mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm are familiar with these tactics. We know how to thwart them to ensure asbestos companies answer for the harm they have caused.
Identify Your Sources of Exposure
Many of our clients are unaware of how they were exposed to asbestos. Some were exposed through multiple sources but were unaware of them all. An experienced Texas mesothelioma lawyer can help you identify all sources of exposure to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Lanier Law Firm has built one of the largest collections of asbestos products in the world to help clients identify sources of asbestos exposure.
Determine the Correct Claim Type and Venue
You may be eligible to file multiple claims in various jurisdictions. The experienced lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm can ensure your mesothelioma claim is filed in the jurisdiction most favorable to you and that you file every type of claim for which you qualify.
Asbestos Exposure in Texas
Asbestos exposure may occur in the home, in public buildings, and even in natural environments. However, the workplace is the most common source of asbestos exposure.
Which industries had the highest levels of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure has been significant in the following Texas industries:
- Oil refineries
- Steel mills and foundries
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Automobile factories
- Ships and shipyards
- Railroads
- Construction companies
Which workers have the highest risks of asbestos exposure?
The following workers may have directly handled asbestos or asbestos-containing products, or they may have been involved in the repair, destruction, or removal of these products:
- Automotive workers
- Firefighters
- Construction workers
- Roofers
- Tile setters
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Demolition workers
- Boilermakers
- Millwrights
- Welders
- Power plant workers
- Asbestos inspection and removal workers
- Navy and Coast Guard veterans
Texas Companies Who Exposed Their Workers to Asbestos:
A vast number of companies in Texas have exposed workers to asbestos. Some of the largest such employers include the following:
- Todd Shipyard/Todd Shipping Company
- Bethlehem Steel/Bethlehem Shipping Company
- Gulf Oil
- Gulfport Shipping Company
- Chevron Phillips Chemical
- Lyondell Chemical
- Texas Chemical
- Lone Star Industries
- Texaco Oil
- BNSF Railway
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Asbestos-related illnesses are painful and deadly. No known cure for these illnesses exists, and the prognosis is often poor. Asbestos-related illnesses include the following:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Other cancers
Where in Texas can I seek treatment?
When selecting a treatment center for mesothelioma, it is important to choose a location with a specialized mesothelioma center. General oncologists may be able to treat other cancers, but mesothelioma is rare and requires specialized knowledge for diagnosis and treatment.
Texas is home to some of the finest mesothelioma treatment centers in the nation, including the following:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77030
Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas
3500 Gaston Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75246
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75390
Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
6620 Main St., Suite 1325
Houston, Texas 77030
Houston Methodist Cancer Center
6565 Fannin St.
Houston, Texas 77030
What are my legal options if I have
been exposed to asbestos?
Being exposed to asbestos alone is insufficient to constitute a legal mesothelioma claim. The civil justice system generally requires damages to have been suffered before a lawsuit can be filed. Asbestos exposure increases your risk of contracting a related illness, but it does not guarantee it.
However, if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to file a mesothelioma claim. Multiple claim types are available depending on the specific circumstances of your exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos through multiple sources, you may qualify to file multiple claims.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
The two types of mesothelioma lawsuits are personal injury and wrongful death suits. Personal injury lawsuits are filed by individuals who have been harmed. Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by family of a deceased individual whose death was precipitated by the wrongful acts and omissions of asbestos companies.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
In a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, you must prove that you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and that the defendant exposed you to asbestos. You may be able to recover the following damages:
- Economic damages
- Noneconomic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the verifiable monetary losses caused by your diagnosis. These losses may include lost income and lost earning capacity if you were still working at the time of your diagnosis. Economic damages also include medical expenses and the cost of services you can no longer perform for yourself.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are the subjective, intangible losses brought on by your illness. Pain and suffering damages are the most well-known economic damages, but they can also include such losses as the following:
- Loss of society
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are awarded to punish a defendant whose conduct was fraudulent, malicious, or grossly negligent.
Asbestos companies notoriously concealed evidence of the harm asbestos exposure can cause. This conduct often meets the criteria for a court to award these types of damages.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In the tragic death of an individual due to an asbestos-related illness, the immediate family members could recover economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages. Recoverable economic and non-economic damages include:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Lost income of the deceased
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of support
- Loss of companionship
If the deceased already filed a lawsuit, the Texas wrongful death law allows the family to continue the case and collect the damages awarded to the deceased. This is known as a survival action.
Trust Fund Claims
Section 524(g) of the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code allows companies with asbestos liabilities to file for bankruptcy on the condition that they establish trust funds for the benefit of asbestos-exposure victims.
If your source of asbestos exposure is a bankrupt company, you may be able to file an asbestos trust fund claim for economic and non-economic damages without having to file a civil lawsuit. This is typically a faster process.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your asbestos exposure occurred on the job, you may qualify for a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits include free medical care, monthly disability benefits, and death benefits.
Unlike most states, Texas employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation. Employers who carry this coverage are protected from lawsuits. Thus, workers who are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim cannot also file a lawsuit against the employer.
If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation or you were a subcontractor, you may file a lawsuit against the employer.
In either case, you can also file a lawsuit against third parties who sold asbestos products to your employer.
VA Claims
If you were exposed to asbestos in the line of active military duty, you may qualify for VA benefits, which include free medical care and monthly tax-free disability compensation. While you cannot sue the military, you can sue the parties that supplied asbestos to the military, in addition to obtaining VA benefits.
Where does The Lanier Law Firm accept cases?
The Lanier Law Firm accepts cases throughout the state of Texas. No matter your Texas location, our mesothelioma lawyers will travel to you and try your case in the venue that is most convenient and advantageous for you. We will travel to meet with you at your home to discuss your case.
Whether you live in a major city such as Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas, or you live in a rural Texas town, we live and breathe Texas.
According to Texas State Records, these counties have experienced the most asbestos-related deaths from 1999 to 2017:
| Harris County | 2,214 deaths |
| Dallas County | 842 deaths |
| Tarrant County | 750 deaths |
| Jefferson County | 697 deaths |
| Bexar County | 634 deaths |
When should I contact an attorney about my Mesothelioma case in Texas?
Texas has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of diagnosis.
While this may seem like more than sufficient time, promptly speaking with an attorney is crucial due to the time it may take to identify all sources of exposure and prepare your case against the large, resourceful asbestos companies responsible for your condition.
How much does a Texas
mesothelioma attorney cost?
Our law firm charges no upfront fees. We advance your case costs and absorb all the associated risks, so contacting a lawyer with The Lanier Law Firm is risk-free. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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