MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used in various building materials and industrial applications because of its heat-resistant and insulating properties.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our Houston mesothelioma lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas are dedicated to helping you secure the financial compensation you deserve.

Do not wait to schedule a free case review from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer in Houston if you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease. Our compassionate attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas are here to help mesothelioma victims understand their legal options and rights, navigate the complexities of their cases, and pursue the compensation they deserve.

How Our Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help

At Williams Hart & Boundas, our Houston mesothelioma lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by asbestos exposure victims, mesothelioma patients, and their families. We are committed to providing you with legal help and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We have experience filing and handling personal injury, product liability, class action, and wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of lung cancer and mesothelioma patients.

We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue the maximum compensation available for mesothelioma patients. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how our Houston mesothelioma attorneys can help you fight for compensation for your devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer.

Types of Mesothelioma Cases We Handle

Our mesothelioma lawyers in Houston handle a wide range of mesothelioma cases. These cases include:

  • Occupational exposure: Mesothelioma cases arising from exposure to asbestos in the workplace, including construction sites, shipyards, factories, and other industrial settings
  • Secondhand exposure: Mesothelioma cases resulting from secondary exposure to asbestos, such as through contact with family members who worked with asbestos or asbestos-containing products
  • Environmental exposure: Mesothelioma cases resulting from exposure to asbestos in the environment, such as living near asbestos mines or industrial facilities that release asbestos fibers into the air or water
  • Military exposure: Mesothelioma cases involving veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service in the military, particularly in the Navy, where asbestos was widely used in ship construction and maintenance
  • Product liability: Mesothelioma cases involving defective products containing asbestos, such as asbestos-containing insulation, roofing materials, automotive parts, and consumer goods

Mesothelioma Lawsuits and the Legal Process

Mesothelioma lawsuits are legal actions filed by individuals or their families who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. These lawsuits seek compensation from companies responsible for exposing individuals to asbestos and failing to warn them of its dangers.

The legal process for pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit can be complex, but with the guidance of experienced attorneys from our mesothelioma law firm, you can seek justice and financial compensation for your injuries.

Case Evaluation

The first step in pursuing a mesothelioma legal claim is to consult with a Houston mesothelioma law firm whose experienced attorneys can evaluate your case. During the initial consultation, we will review your medical records, work history, and other relevant information to determine if you have a viable claim.

Investigation

Once retained, our mesothelioma lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence to support your claim. This investigation may involve obtaining medical records, employment history, and other documentation to establish the source and extent of your asbestos exposure.

Filing a Lawsuit

If our mesothelioma attorneys determine that you have a strong case, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure and resulting injuries. These parties typically include manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, employers who exposed you to asbestos on the job, and other potentially liable parties.

Discovery

During the discovery phase of your lawsuit, all parties exchange information and evidence relevant to your case. This evidence may include depositions, interrogatories, requests for the production of documents, and other discovery methods to uncover facts and build legal arguments.

Settlement Negotiations

In many mesothelioma cases, the parties may engage in settlement negotiations to resolve the matter out of court. Your mesothelioma law firm will work on your behalf to negotiate a fair and just settlement that compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Trial

If we cannot negotiate a settlement, your case may proceed to trial. Both sides will present evidence during the trial, call witnesses, and make arguments before a judge and jury. Our attorneys will advocate on your behalf to seek a favorable verdict and maximum compensation.

Verdict and Appeals

After hearing all evidence and arguments, the judge or jury will render a verdict determining liability and damages. If your Houston mesothelioma attorneys are successful, you will be awarded compensation for your injuries. However, either party may choose to appeal the decision if they believe there were errors in the trial process or legal system or legal issues that warrant review by the Texas Court of Appeals.

Legal Options for Mesothelioma Victims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have legal options for obtaining recovery. These options include the following:

  • Litigation: One of your options involves litigation. The lawsuit process begins with filing a complaint with the appropriate court, outlining the nature of your mesothelioma claim and the relief you seek. If your Houston mesothelioma lawyers are unable to reach a fair settlement, your legal claim can proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will hear evidence from all parties to decide liability and damages.
  • Alternative dispute resolution (ADR): ADR methods, such as mediation or arbitration, provide alternate ways to resolve legal disputes outside of traditional litigation. These processes are often faster, less expensive, and more flexible than going to court. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement, while arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator making a binding decision after hearing evidence and arguments from both sides.

To learn more about which legal option is best for you and your family, contact our award-winning team at Williams Hart & Boundas today. We will schedule a free case review with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to review the details of your case, answer your questions, and provide you with the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your future.

Compensation

If your mesothelioma lawyer in Houston prevails in your mesothelioma lawsuit, you may be entitled to various types of mesothelioma compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs associated with treating mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related illness
  • Lost wages: Compensation for lost income due to the inability to work and / or reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure
  • Emotional distress: Compensation for the emotional harm, commonly known as pain and suffering, caused as a result of the defendant’s actions
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for a spouse who has suffered a loss of companionship due to their partner’s mesothelioma or lung cancer
  • Exemplary damages: Also known as punitive damages, compensation in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct intended to punish the defendant for egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future
  • Wrongful death lawsuits: If mesothelioma resulted in a loved one’s death, the surviving loved ones can recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and survivor benefits

Statute of Limitations

It is important to note that mesothelioma lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, which imposes a deadline for filing a lawsuit, and failure to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims is generally two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the disease or, in cases of wrongful death, the date of death. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a long latency period, often taking 20 to 70 years or more to develop after asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex legal proceedings requiring the assistance of skilled attorneys focused on asbestos litigation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your disease. Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas can guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you achieve justice and financial compensation for your injuries.

Types of Mesothelioma

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other organs, causing inflammation and scarring and eventually leading to the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the protective lining covering the body’s internal organs. There are several types of mesothelioma:

  • Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma: This variation develops in the lining of the abdomen and accounts for approximately 20% to 25% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, difficulty eating, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Pericardial mesothelioma: This is a rare form of mesothelioma that affects the heart’s lining and accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, coughing, difficulty swallowing, fluid buildup around the heart, and fatigue.
  • Testicular mesothelioma: This rarest form of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all cases and develops in the lining of the testes. Symptoms may include a painless lump, a feeling of heaviness, or swelling in the scrotum.
  • Other rare forms: Less frequent forms of the disease include multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Then, if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, reach out to our mesothelioma law firm as soon as possible so we can get started filing your legal claim. If your loved one discovered the disease too late, leading to their untimely death, our mesothelioma law firm can file a wrongful death case to help your family recover compensation for the damages they suffered after their devastating loss.

A knowledgeable attorney from our acclaimed mesothelioma law firm can help you understand the potential sources of asbestos exposure, pursue compensation from responsible parties, and navigate the complexities of mesothelioma litigation.

Types of Asbestos Lawsuits, Claims, and Compensation

Asbestos lawsuits and claims can vary depending on the exposure circumstances, the type of asbestos-related diseases, injuries, or illnesses suffered, and the legal jurisdiction in which the case is filed. Common types of asbestos cases include:

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or through another party’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties to recover compensation. Personal injury lawsuits are filed by individuals who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure. These lawsuits seek compensation from companies that manufactured, distributed, or used asbestos-containing products and failed to warn individuals of the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

If a loved one has died as a result of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. In Texas, these lawsuits can be filed by the decedent’s spouse, children, or parents against the liable party or parties. They seek compensation for the financial losses and emotional suffering caused by the loss of their loved one.

Compensation in wrongful death lawsuits may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and consortium
  • Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct

Product Liability Lawsuits

Product liability lawsuits are filed against manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of asbestos-containing products that cause harm to individuals due to defects in design, manufacturing, or warning labels. These lawsuits typically allege that the defendants knew or should have known about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn consumers adequately.

Compensation in product liability lawsuits may include the same damages as personal injury lawsuits, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Many companies that manufactured or used products containing asbestos have established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims exposed to asbestos. These trust funds were created as part of bankruptcy proceedings to ensure funds are available to compensate current and future claimants.

To file a claim with an asbestos trust fund, you must submit evidence of your asbestos exposure and diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease. Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of your illness and other factors. Our Houston mesothelioma attorneys can help you identify and pursue compensation from these trust funds.

Veterans Benefits Claims

Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service might be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits may include disability compensation, healthcare, and survivor benefits for eligible family members. If you are a veteran, to qualify for VA benefits, you must provide evidence of your asbestos exposure during military service and a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease.

The asbestos litigation process can be complex. Consulting with an experienced Houston asbestos attorney can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue maximum compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries and losses.

Why Choose the Attorneys of Williams Hart & Boundas to Handle Your Mesothelioma Claim

Choosing the right law firm to represent you in a mesothelioma case is crucial. At Williams Hart & Boundas, we are proud to offer our clients:

  • Experience: Our award-winning legal team has extensive experience handling complex mesothelioma cases, understanding the science behind asbestos exposure, helping mesothelioma patients, and has successfully represented over 200,000 clients across Houston and around the country. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to pursue maximum compensation for our clients and continue our track record of success.
  • Compassion: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that mesothelioma can take on victims and their families. We approach each case with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to providing personalized attention and support to our clients throughout the legal process.
  • Aggressive advocacy: You can count on our aggressive advocacy to fight for your rights. We will provide you with zealous representation, explore all legal options and strategies, and be prepared to go to trial if necessary.
  • Experience: Mesothelioma cases involve complex legal and medical issues, including identifying sources of asbestos exposure, proving liability, and calculating damages. Our trial lawyers deeply understand these matters and work closely with medical experts, investigators, and other professionals to build strong cases and provide solid legal representation for our clients.
  • Resources: We have access to a vast network of resources, including medical experts, researchers, and industry specialists, who can provide invaluable support in investigating your case, documenting your injuries, and pursuing compensation from responsible parties.
  • Results: Our record of success speaks for itself. We have secured significant verdicts with billions won and settlements for mesothelioma victims and their families, helping them to recover the financial compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
  • No-Risk: Our trial lawyers will work on your mesothelioma case on a contingency basis. This means that you pay only if we recover compensation for you, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being without worrying about legal costs.

Do not wait to contact an experienced personal injury attorney from Williams Hart & Boundas to schedule a free case evaluation.

Attorneys Experienced in Overcoming Challenges in Mesothelioma Cases

Mesothelioma clients must overcome many challenges in mesothelioma cases. Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas have the experience necessary to overcome challenges, including:

The Lengthy Latency Period

Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after initial asbestos exposure. This extended latency period can make pinpointing the exact time and place of exposure difficult. However, our attorneys will:

  • Gather comprehensive work and military history, employment records, and residential history that may have involved exposure to asbestos-containing materials.
  • Consult specialists who can help reconstruct your exposure history based on your work history and environmental factors.
  • Thoroughly examine your medical records to document your diagnosis and link it to potential asbestos exposure.

Establishing Causation

One of the primary challenges in mesothelioma cases is establishing causation and demonstrating exposure to asbestos at the hands of the defendant caused your illness. We will:

  • Work with medical experts, oncologists, pathologists, and occupational health specialists to document your exposure history and link it to your mesothelioma diagnosis.
  • Gather evidence of the defendant’s use of asbestos-containing products and their failure to warn about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Identifying Responsible Parties

Mesothelioma cases often involve multiple defendants, including manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, contractors, and employers, who may have contributed to your asbestos exposure and may no longer be in business. Our lawyers will:

  • Conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially responsible parties and their roles in your asbestos exposure.
  • Review employment records, product documentation, company histories, and industry regulations to establish liability.
  • File suit against multiple companies who share responsibility for your asbestos exposure, if necessary.

Proving Negligence

You must demonstrate that the defendants breached their duty of care by exposing you to asbestos without adequate warnings or safety precautions. We will:

  • Present evidence of the defendant’s knowledge of the dangers of asbestos and their failure to take reasonable steps to protect workers and customers.
  • Use expert testimony, corporate documents, internal memos, and industry standards to support your claims of negligence.

Overcoming the Statute of Limitations

Mesothelioma cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which impose deadlines for filing lawsuits. However, since mesothelioma has a long latency period, it becomes challenging to file timely claims. Our attorneys will:

  • Explore exceptions to the statute of limitations, such as the discovery rule, which extends the filing deadline based on when you knew or should have known about your illness.
  • File lawsuits as soon as possible after diagnosis to preserve your legal rights.

Dealing with Bankrupt Defendants

Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products have filed for bankruptcy due to the high costs of asbestos litigation. As a result, obtaining compensation from bankrupt defendants can be challenging. Our lawyers will:

  • Determine if you qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds established by bankrupt companies to compensate victims of asbestos exposure.
  • Explore all avenues of compensation, including asbestos trust funds and lawsuits, to secure maximum recovery for you and your family.
  • Ensure your trust fund claim is submitted correctly and effectively.

Addressing Insurance Coverage Issues

Insurance companies may deny coverage or dispute liability for asbestos-related claims, leading to delays or denials of compensation. We will:

  • Review insurance policies, including commercial general liability (CGL) policies, employer coverage, and umbrella policies, to identify potential sources of coverage.
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters and, if necessary, litigate coverage disputes to secure compensation.

Managing Medical and Financial Challenges

Mesothelioma patients face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and financial hardships, impacting their ability to pursue litigation. We will:

  • Provide compassionate support and resources to you and your family, including assistance with medical care, financial planning, and access to support groups and community resources.
  • Seek interim compensation through settlements or trust funds to alleviate financial burdens during litigation.

Aiding With Complex Medical Issues

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Our team will work with your healthcare team to:

  • Secure your medical records to document the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.
  • Consult medical experts who specialize in mesothelioma to explain the link between your exposure and illness in court.
  • Ensure your lawsuit considers the ongoing medical care you will require due to your asbestos-related illness.

Handling Emotional Distress

A mesothelioma diagnosis and the corresponding litigation can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. We will:

  • Offer emotional support and counsel you and your family throughout the litigation process.
  • Maintain open communication, empathy, and sensitivity to your needs and concerns.

By addressing these challenges with diligence and compassion, our Houston mesothelioma attorneys help our clients navigate the legal process and achieve favorable outcomes in their cases.

Contact the Mesothelioma Lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas to Discuss Your Mesothelioma Today

Consulting with a Houston mesothelioma lawyer is crucial if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease. Mesothelioma cases involve complex legal issues, which our personal injury team can navigate expertly on your behalf. We will investigate your medical, work, and military histories to link your exposure and diagnosis, gather pertinent evidence to support your claim and file a lawsuit within Texas’ statute of limitations to secure compensation for your illness.

Our mesothelioma lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas have access to resources, databases, and experts who can substantiate your claim for damages. We will work tirelessly to negotiate with the insurance companies and prepare for litigation, if necessary, to pursue maximum compensation for you and your family. Contact our Houston mesothelioma attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas today to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning legal team.

Houston mesothelioma lawyers

The skilled Houston mesothelioma attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas are ready to discuss your case for free today. We believe that you and your family deserve justice and compensation for corporate negligence that results in illness and death. Contact our Houston mesothelioma lawyers today.