Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a product that was commonly used for many decades in a variety of trades. Workers in any type of construction were often exposed to the mineral fiber without knowing it. In the 1970s, Federal regulation of asbestos started and in 1989, all new uses of asbestos were banned in the U.S.
Asbestos is naturally occurring mineral that consists of long, thin fibrous crystals. However, when the thin fibers separate, are inhaled and get trapped in the lining of the lungs, it can cause irreparable scarring. The scarring alone can be fatal; but, the exposure can also cause cancer, such as mesothelioma.
There are three main forms of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial, which are named after the areas of the body affected: the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdomen and the lining of the heart. At the Law Offices of Michael R. De La Paz in Texas, we work on behalf of the men, women and children exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed or have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation.
In Texas, mesothelioma cases typically arise from exposure to asbestos in petrochemical plants and refineries. At one time, asbestos was used as insulation, but was later discovered to be a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Once it was known that breathing asbestos fibers could cause cancer, corporations began the tedious and expensive task of removing the asbestos products. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
Though most diagnoses of mesothelioma are attributable to direct exposure on the job, there have been cases where family members subjected to second-hand asbestos exposure. When a worker returned home after a day in the refineries, he or she brought home fibers on body and clothing. The fibers, when inhaled, became lodged in the respiratory systems of family members and led to additional cases the disease.
Personal injury attorney Michael R. De La Paz is aware of the devastating consequences that result from a mesothelioma diagnosis. The future for mesothelioma patients is bleak and painful. While numerous expensive treatments are available, there is no cure. You may be able to file a claim to receive compensation to help defray your medical expenses, pain and suffering or the loss of a family member who died from mesothelioma.
Attorney De La Paz personally reviews each mesothelioma case and works diligently to recover damages for his clients. When you turn to the Law Offices of Michael De La Paz, we stand ready to fight to protect your legal rights and your best interests.
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, call our law firm at (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553. We encourage you to take advantage of a free case evaluation and find out what legal remedies are available. For our Spanish speaking clients, se habla español.
Contact Our Firm Immediately With Your Legal Concerns.
The Law Offices of Michael De La Paz represents clients throughout Texas in all areas of personal injury and consumer law.
The law firm serves cities including, but not limited to San Antonio, San Marcos New Braunsfels, Austin, Port Aransas, Rockport, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, Del Rio, Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Dallas, Fort Worth, Kingsville, Alice and Harlingen as well as the counties of Bexar, Travis, Dallas, Harris, Tarrant, Jefferson, Hays, Cameron and Val Verde.