Mesothelioma in Texas

Asbestos Exposure in Texas

Texas ranks 5th in the US for mesothelioma incidence. Although it does have natural occurrences of amphibole and tremolite asbestos, there wasn’t any significant commercial mining.

Most asbestos exposure in Texas is tied to industrial use in shipyards, construction, factories, oil refineries, and the military from the 1890s until the late 1970s.

On average, there are 191 new mesothelioma diagnoses in Texas every year, which breaks down to 1 case for every 100,000 people. 

Unlike other states, the rate remains consistent even after adjusting for age, indicating that the high rate is driven by widespread, consistent asbestos exposure rather than an aging population. Roughly 141 people die of mesothelioma in Texas annually. 

If you or one of your loved ones has received a mesothelioma diagnosis linked to your exposure history in Texas, you may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Texas

A diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness can be incredibly expensive, costing victims and their families hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs and lost wages. Compensation from lawsuits, trust funds, the VA, and other sources can help victims and their families regain financial stability.

Texas victims may have multiple options for compensation, with payouts for eligible claimants averaging over $1 million. However, the precise amount of money a claimant qualifies for depends on multiple factors, such as age, medical costs, number of dependents, and the types of compensation you can pursue.

Claimants who choose to settle out of court receive an average of  $1 million to $1.4 million, while claimants who successfully pursue a trial verdict typically recover $5 million to $11.4 million. Some victims are eligible to pursue compensation from multiple companies.

We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and identify the options available to you, given the unique circumstances of your claim.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation in Texas

Compensation Type	Time to File in Texas	Why it Matters	Time to Receive Compensation
Personal Injury Lawsuit	2 Years (from diagnosis)	Allows asbestos exposure victims to seek compensation from solvent asbestos companies.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Wrongful Death Lawsuit	2 Years (from passing)	Allows surviving family members to pursue compensation from solvent asbestos companies for losses related to the death of a loved one.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Secondhand Exposure	2 Years (from diagnosis)	Allows the loved ones of asbestos workers to pursue justice and compensation if they’ve been injured by secondary asbestos exposure.	6-24 months Average settlement: $1-$1.4 million Average verdict: $5-$11.4 million
Asbestos Trust Fund Claim	1-2 Years (Depending on the specific trust)	Allows both injured workers and surviving dependents to seek compensation from bankrupt asbestos companies.	As little as 90 days Average claim: $180,000 (for a single trust before application of payment percentage)
VA Benefits/Workers’ Compensation	Provides an alternative compensation path that does not require a lawsuit.	Provides veterans and families with monthly payments and other forms of support. Applying for other types of compensation will not put your VA benefits at risk.	As little as 90 days Average payout: Over $4,000 per month
Multiple Forms of Compensation	1-2 Years (Depending on which options you pursue)	Gives claimants a combination of trust fund compensation, lawsuit settlements, VA benefits, and more to create a compensation package that best meets their current and future needs.	As little as 90 days Average combined compensation: Over $1 million

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Texas

To receive compensation in Texas, victims must first meet strict requirements. These eligibility standards can vary depending on the state in which you file and the type of compensation you choose to pursue.

Most eligibility requirements can be sorted into three broad categories:

• Proof of Exposure: Documentation showing exposure to specific asbestos-containing products or presence at work sites where asbestos was used.
• Medical Eligibility: Diagnosis with an asbestos-related illness backed by documentation and testing that links the condition to the patient’s exposure history.
• Statute of Limitations: The deadline to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Texas is 2 years from the date of diagnosis or death. Failure to comply with this deadline can result in a loss of eligibility.

Unlike in criminal proceedings, civil claims place the burden of proof on the claimant. Asbestos claims in particular often require significant documentation to prove eligibility.

Common forms of documentation used to prove eligibility:

• Medical records
• Proven diagnosis
• Death certificate
• Employment records
• Eyewitness account
• Paystubs

Collecting all the documentation needed to build a strong asbestos claim can be challenging, especially for mesothelioma victims, where the latency period between exposure and diagnosis is usually between 20 and 60 years. 

Working with an asbestos litigation expert eases the burden of locating critical documents, helping ensure you have the most complete claim possible before filing. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma but aren’t sure if you qualify, don’t wait to reach out.

Our patient advocates can help you determine your eligibility for free.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Texas

Texas’s long history of industrial asbestos use has harmed thousands of workers and residents. Today, it ranks 5th in the US for mesothelioma incidence, making it a major jurisdiction for asbestos litigation. 

Most asbestos lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements, giving claimants a quicker route to compensation without the stress of a trial.

According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, the national average for mesothelioma settlements is $1 to $1.4 million. Texas settlements generally fall within this range, though compensation varies by claimant.

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Texas

Texas has an unusually long history of industrial asbestos use, beginning in the 1890s and continuing until the late 1970s. Asbestos was a popular industrial additive and insulating material across dozens of industries including shipbuilding, manufacturing,  petrochemical processing, and construction.

Additionally, multiple branches of the United States military in Texas used asbestos components in their facilities, vehicles, and vessels. 

Major manufacturers like W.R. Grace, which processed over 396,910 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in a Dallas facility, contributed to serious health and environmental damage that persists to this day. 

Shipyard Workers 

Texas was a thriving hub of the shipbuilding industry, with facilities dedicated to both commercial and military vessels in the Houston Ship Channel and the Gulf Coast. These shipyards used asbestos components for insulation and in engine rooms due to their light weight, durability, and resistance to heat and fire. 

Anyone working in a shipyard was at risk, but those who worked most closely with asbestos, including insulators, laggers, plumbers, pipefitters, boiler technicians, welders, and engine room employees, face the highest risks for asbestos-related illnesses.

Texas shipyards with known asbestos exposure:

• Bethlehem Steel Shipyard (Beaumont)
• Brown & Root Shipyard (Anahuac, Houston, Orange)
• Gulf Port Shipyard (Orange, Port Arthur)
• Todd Shipyard (Galveston, Houston)

Factory Workers

Factory employees could be exposed to asbestos in various ways. Many manufacturers used asbestos components in their facilities and machinery. Others added asbestos or components containing asbestos to their products. 

Although the exact route of exposure varied depending on the types of products a facility produced, the workers with the highest risk are generally maintenance workers, machinists, welders, mixers, and others who regularly came into direct contact with asbestos.

Texas manufacturers that used asbestos:

• W.R. Grace (Dallas)
• Johns Manville (Denison, Houston, Reddam)
• Johnson & Johnson (Dallas, Sherman) 
• Thorpe Insulation (Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Houston)
• Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Co. (Dallas)

Refinery Workers

Texas oil refineries on the Gulf Coast relied on asbestos components in their facilities, machinery, and employee protective clothing. Asbestos provided additional durability and resistance to heat, fire, and chemical corrosion. 

Anyone who worked in an oil refinery was likely exposed to some degree of asbestos. However, workers who installed, repaired, or removed asbestos insulation, valves, and gaskets face the highest risks. 

Texas oil refineries with known asbestos exposure:

• Amoco (Chocolate Bayou, Texas City)
• Arco (Beaumont, Houston, Pasadena
• Chevron (El Paso, Houston, Odessa, Port Arthur)
• Exxon (Alice, Baytown, Hawkins, Kingsville, Pasadena)
• Mobil (Beaumont, Chaison, Houston, West Columbia)
• Shell (Deer Park, Houston, Orange, Pasadena)
• Texaco (Amarillo, Beaumont, Bellaire, El Paso, Port Arthur, Odessa, Port Neches, Texas City)

Construction Workers 

Asbestos was a popular additive in construction materials for most of the 20th century. Most residential, commercial, institutional, and military structures built before 1980 included asbestos components. 

Anyone working in the construction industry, including carpenters, roofers, drywallers, plumbers, flooring installers, insulators, HVAC technicians, and more, was at risk. Exposure risks for construction workers persist today because of asbestos-containing products still installed in older structures.

Common asbestos-containing construction products:

• Adhesives
• Caulk
• Ceiling tiles
• Cement
• Drywall
• Floor tiles
• Glazing compound
• HVAC components
• Insulation
• Joint compound
• Lagging
• Mastic
• Plaster
• Putty
• Roofing felt
• Shingles
• Spackling
• Transite board

Family Members & Loved Ones

The family members and loved ones of asbestos industry workers are also at high risk of experiencing asbestos-related illnesses due to secondary exposure in the home.

Asbestos fibers entered the home on workers’ hair, skin, and clothing, where other household members could encounter them during chores like laundry. 

Top Exposure Sites in Texas

There are 7,050 known asbestos job sites in Texas. Major manufacturers across the state, such as Johns Manville, Exxon, Johnson & Johnson, W.R. Grace, and others, knew that the asbestos they used in their facilities and products was dangerous, but they continued using it anyway, injuring thousands of people.

Victims can pursue compensation from these companies, securing the funds they need to pay for treatment and create financial stability while holding those responsible for their injuries accountable.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Texas

Asbestos exposure victims injured by solvent companies must pursue compensation through personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. While not as time-efficient as pursuing asbestos trust fund compensation, asbestos lawsuits typically offer much higher compensation. 

Solvent Texas asbestos companies:

• Celanese
• Exxon
• Johnson & Johnson 
• Procter & Gamble 
• Shell

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Texas

Some manufacturers fail under the weight of their asbestos liabilities. When these asbestos companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, they are required to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate all of their current and future victims. 

There are 60 active asbestos trust funds in the United States, which have paid out over $20 billion to victims and their families. Over $30 billion remains in these trust funds to pay future claimants.

Companies with asbestos trust funds that operated in Texas:

• Armstrong Cork Company/Armstrong World Industries (AWI)
• Johns Manville
• Owens Corning/Fibreboard
• W.R. Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Texas

Navigating the complexities of applying for mesothelioma compensation alone can feel impossible, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional demands of treatment. That’s why most potential claimants choose to work with asbestos litigation experts who can help ensure their case proceeds smoothly.

Mesothelioma specialists not only provide critical support and guidance throughout the compensation process but also secure higher average payouts. 

Our partner law firm has helped Texas claimants secure the justice and compensation they deserve for over a decade. Their experience and specialization in mesothelioma litigation allow them to offer clients a smooth, low-stress filing experience.

1. Meet With a Mesothelioma Attorney
   1. Your initial consultation allows you the opportunity to ask your prospective lawyer questions. The goal is to help you understand your options, the potential value of your case, and what you can expect from the compensation process. 
2. Gather Evidence & Documentation
   1. If you choose to move forward, your legal team will handle gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. Even if you’re unsure where to find certain records, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help track down employment histories, medical records, and more to support your claim.
3. File Claims
   1. Next, your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court, asbestos trust fund, or other compensation program. Because many victims qualify for compensation from multiple sources, your legal team may pursue several claims at the same time to help secure the maximum recovery available.
4. Claim Discovery or Review
   1. Once your lawyer files your claim, the defendant(s) will review the information. They may conduct their own investigation or request additional supporting evidence. Your lawyer will handle all communication during this stage. 
5. Settlement, Trial, or Liquidation
   1. Often, a strong claim results in an offer of payment, either through the trust liquidation process or through a negotiated out-of-court settlement. In some cases, your claim may proceed to trial, where your attorney will represent you and your case until it is resolved.

Many asbestos exposure victims can apply for trust fund compensation from multiple trusts. Trusts often pay within 90 days of filing and never require you to set foot in a courtroom.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Texas

As the originating jurisdiction of the controversial “Texas Two-step” strategy, which allows companies to pass their asbestos liability to underfunded subsidiaries created solely to file for bankruptcy, it’s no surprise that the rules governing Texas asbestos litigation are constantly shifting. 

Dedicated asbestos litigation specialists like those at our partner law firm stay on top of these changes, proactively designing strategies to keep their clients on track for fair compensation in a complex litigation field. 

Texas litigation changes:

• Senate Bill 15: Passed in 2005, this bill established strict medical criteria claimants must meet, transferred pending claims to two multidistrict litigation courts (MDL) for more efficient processing, moved pending cases filed by unimpaired claimants to inactive dockets to wait until the claimant meets the medical criteria for impairment, prevents the bundling of cases for settlement, and extended the statute of limitations to two years.
• Senate Bill 749: Expanded on the changes made in SB 15. It prohibits the postponement of trials for plaintiffs suffering from malignant illnesses. 
• House Bill 1325: Required the MDL courts established in 2005 to dismiss all the cases with unimpaired plaintiffs sitting in inactive dockets. However, it preserves these plaintiffs’ right to refile once they meet the medical criteria for impairment. 
• House Bill 1492: Requires plaintiffs to file all their claims against bankruptcy trusts first and then present all trust claim-related documentation to the defendants before the case goes to trial.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Texas?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the thin lining surrounding organs. Only about 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, and many excellent oncologists have never treated a mesothelioma patient.

While local cancer doctors can be a critical and supportive part of a mesothelioma patient’s care team, working with specialized mesothelioma providers gives patients access to benefits such as cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

 Top mesothelioma treatment providers in Texas:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
• Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)
• Mays Cancer Center (San Antonio)
• UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)

Our expert patient advocates can help you find the right doctor to handle your case through our Doctor Match program. We have relationships with over 500 top mesothelioma treatment providers nationwide and can help you get seen quickly, whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or treatment. 

In addition to being rare, Mesothelioma is also expensive to treat, costing an average of $400,000 annually. Many patients and their loved ones also have to contend with travel and lodging costs when getting treatment out of town. Compensation from lawsuits, trust funds, the VA, and other sources can be critical for easing financial strain.

Our expert patient advocates can help you determine your eligibility for compensation at no cost through a complimentary case assessment. No matter where you are in your mesothelioma journey, we want to help connect you to the resources you need most. 

How We Can Help

Mesothelioma is physically, emotionally, and financially devastating, but patients and their loved ones don’t have to face the challenges of pursuing compensation and securing care alone. We can help determine your eligibility, find and schedule care with top providers, and connect you with expert legal guidance.

Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been helping mesothelioma claimants get the justice and compensation they deserve for over a decade. They’ve helped clients nationwide secure over $500 million in asbestos settlements and verdicts, including over 300 clients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. 

Their Houston office provides Texas clients across the state with expert mesothelioma litigation support, balancing the efficiency and resources of a national firm with the deep knowledge and customer-focused approach of a local business. 

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you’re struggling with medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, or other financial burdens, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today to get a free case consultation to determine your eligibility, learn more about your options, and connect with medical and legal resources.