Houston Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

How Our Asbestos Lawyer in Houston Fights for You

Why Choose Us

Filing an asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit can be complicated, but when you have an experienced Houston asbestos attorney on your side, we take the burden off of you. There are many lawyers out there, but here are some reasons why we believe Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is your best choice:

• We have more than 35 years of experience.
• We get results and have recovered $1 billion for our clients. Visit our client victories page to read about real cases — and real money — the dedicated attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have won.
• We know how to deal with insurance companies and can often win a settlement through negotiations, without having to go to trial.
• We provide great customer service and are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
• Terry Bryant and two additional attorneys are board certified.
• We have a 98% positive group of satisfied clients who give testimonials to our service.
• We are recognized in our field — our law firm has received several Better Business Bureau awards.
• We offer free initial consultations to get you started.
• We have the resources of a skilled legal team, investigators, and expert witnesses to go up against a large medical institution or insurance company.
• We offer a No-Fee Guarantee, which means you pay us nothing unless you get your money.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have years of experience successfully holding responsible parties accountable for damages due to their negligence — and winning money for our clients. We can do the same for you.

What We Do

When you meet with our Houston asbestos exposure lawyers, we want to hear how you were exposed to asbestos and its effects on your life. Based on the facts, we can estimate whether you have a valid case and what kind of settlement to ask for. We will:

• Investigate your case and gather evidence to determine how you were harmed and who was responsible
• Speak with your doctors and obtain medical records to estimate how much compensation you could receive
• Determine whether you should seek compensation through an asbestos trust fund or a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit
• Get testimony from experts as to the harm you received and how it affects your life and family
• Handle negotiations for a fair settlement with insurance companies and other attorneys to avoid going to court
• Take your case to trial, if necessary, and present it in front of a judge and jury
• Make sure that you receive a check from the at-fault party.

If you have suffered mesothelioma or any other illness due to asbestos exposure, it is important to document everything related to your illness.  Keep all work-related and medical reports, any bills that you paid out of pocket, as well as any correspondence related to your illness.  The more information we have, the better we can serve you and the more compensation you may be able to receive.

We will be there for you throughout the entire legal process, answering your questions and keeping you informed on the progress of your case.  For a free consultation, give us a call at (713) 973-8888.

Our Houston Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Knows the Industries That Make Products Containing Asbestos

Even though the United States banned the use of asbestos in 1989, the companies that were making products containing asbestos before that date are still allowed to do it.  Some of the industries that are still allowed to use asbestos are:

• Shipbuilding
• Building demolition
• Railroads
• Plumbing
• Cement manufacturing
• Oil refineries
• Construction companies.

This is just a small list of the industries that continue to use asbestos to make their products, even though it is highly regulated.

In addition to the above industries that are still making products using asbestos, there are certain types of jobs that will increase the odds that one will be exposed to asbestos.  Some of those jobs include:

• Boilermakers
• Construction workers
• Firefighters
• Painters
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Laborers.

If you worked for any of these industries and have symptoms of mesothelioma, reach out to the Houston asbestos exposure attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888.

Houston Mesothelioma Attorney Understands Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you were exposed to asbestos while on the job, you may be able to get benefits through a workers’ compensation claim.  Under Texas law, employers in the state do not have to carry worker’s compensation.

That means that if your employer does have workers’ compensation, you can make a claim and get medical benefits and a monthly check.  That said, this also means that you can’t sue your employer for injuries sustained due to asbestos exposure.

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation, you will be able to sue your employer.  It is important to find out whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance as that information will be utilized by your Houston asbestos exposure lawyer to decide how to proceed.

Our Houston Asbestos Lawyer Knows Asbestos Damages

For over 60 years, asbestos has been known to be a human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In April 2019, the EPA issued a final rule to ensure that asbestos products that are no longer on the market cannot return to commerce without the Agency’s evaluating them and putting on restrictions. Asbestos is also regulated under Texas laws (Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 295), which govern asbestos removal and disposal as well as worker training and safety.

The Health Hazards of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially for well over a century, but its use dramatically increased during World War II. Since then, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) have been used in many industries, such as the following:

• Building and construction have used it to strengthen cement and plastics; as insulation; and for roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The mineral has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles, paints, spray-on coatings, adhesives, and plastics.
• Shipbuilders used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes.
• The automotive industry still incorporates asbestos into vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads.
• The mineral is found in vermiculite-containing garden products, and other ACMs are used in talc-based products.

People are most often affected in the workplace, where tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When breathed in, they become trapped in the lungs and can remain there for years. Over time – since workers are typically exposed to asbestos daily – the fibers eventually overwhelm the lungs. The resulting scarring and inflammation degrade the victim’s ability to breathe and lead to serious health problems.

Enough evidence has been gathered to clearly establish that asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen), as well as cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovaries. Growing evidence also links asbestos exposure to higher risks of stomach, pharynx, and colorectal cancers.

When you have suffered serious injury due to asbestos exposure, our asbestos lawyers will do everything possible to hold the responsible parties accountable.

To win your lawsuit, our asbestos injury attorneys would have to show that another party, the defendant in the case, was negligent and at fault for causing the vehicle accident and the damages you received. This means showing the following legal elements:

• Duty: The defendant had a duty not to cause harm.
• Breach: The defendant breached this duty by actions or failure to act.
• Causation: This breach caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered damages as a result.

In addition to the manufacturer of the asbestos, responsible parties that may be named as defendants include:

• The property owner where you were working
• The owner of the company you worked for
• An employer who didn’t warn of the dangers of asbestos or provide you with proper protection
• Violators of the Texas Occupations Code Section 1954.001 that requires that buildings be inspected for the presence of asbestos whenever they’re demolished or renovated.

Our attorneys would seek to locate all potentially negligent parties and name them as defendants, as they all may have assets and insurance that could go toward a settlement.

Damages Our Asbestos Exposure Lawyer May Recover

There are two types of lawsuits our asbestos exposure lawyers may file in Texas:

• Personal Injury: Asbestos victims may file a personal injury lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for their disease.
• Wrongful Death Lawsuit: This lawsuit may be filed when an eligible family member seeks compensation from those responsible for their loved one’s death.

Our asbestos attorneys in Houston can help you seek all forms of compensation for which you are eligible.

In a successful asbestos lawsuit, we may win an award for compensation that covers both your economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are for monetary losses such as:

• medical and rehabilitation bills and expected future medical expenses
• lost wages and future earning capacity
• funeral costs, in case of death.

Texas law does not put a cap on how much a victim may receive in economic damages.

Non-economic damages are for losses that don’t have such a clear-cut dollar value but negatively affect your life, including:

• pain and suffering
• emotional anguish and stress
• loss of quality of life and consortium.

Punitive damages may also be awarded in rare cases where the injury was caused by actions that were wantonly reckless and negligent.

Our Houston Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Can Also Help with Asbestos Trust Fund Claims and Veterans Benefits

Mesothelioma Trust Fund Claims

Besides lawsuits, there are two other ways in which those who have injuries from asbestos can obtain compensation:  asbestos trust funds and veterans benefits claims.

Asbestos trust funds (also called mesothelioma trust funds) were created by companies after they were inundated with asbestos-related lawsuits.  After declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the courts forced these companies to start trust funds to compensate past and future asbestosis victims.

Getting compensation from a mesothelioma trust fund can help you with numerous financial issues that you may be having due to your illness.  There are three major ways that trust fund compensation can help:

• It can replace your income if you are unable to work.
• It can bring in added income so that you will be able to save money for the future of your family.
• The money can assist in paying for treatments for your asbestos-related illness.

In order for an injured party to get compensation from a trust fund, they have to meet eligibility requirements.  Those include:

• Documented proof that they were exposed to asbestos
• A validated asbestos diagnosis from a medical professional.

In addition, the injured party doesn’t have to be the one to file a claim with an asbestos trust fund.  If you have a family member who has died of an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to file a claim.  Also, if the family member is too sick to file a claim, a family member or lawyer can do so for them.

Veterans Claims Benefits

Veterans who have developed asbestos-related illnesses as a result of being in the service can also file a claim with the United States Veterans Affairs.  There are some eligibility requirements for submitting a VA claim.  Those requirements are:

• The claimant did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
• You will need to prove that you were exposed to asbestos while in the military.
• You will need documentation from your medical professional stating that you have an asbestos-related illness.

In terms of compensation, the VA has a rating system for asbestos victims.  The higher the rating, the more compensation you will get.  For example, asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are a 100% rating.  For a 100% disability rating, the usual compensation is around $3,100 per month, but could increase if you have dependents.

If you are thinking about filing a claim with a trust fund or the VA, you should contact Houston asbestos exposure lawyer Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation.

In every situation, our asbestos attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call (713) 973-8888 to get started.

Houston Asbestos Lawyer Answers Your Questions

When dealing with asbestos damages, you are bound to have questions and concerns. While these are best addressed at your free consultation, to get you started, here are some answers to questions our attorneys are often asked.

How Long Do I Have to File an Asbestos Claim in Houston?

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos claim in Texas is two years from the diagnosis.  However, always speak directly to an attorney to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.  Therefore, as soon as you are diagnosed, you should contact an experienced Houston asbestos exposure lawyer.

How Much Money Will I Get for Being Exposed to Asbestos?

That depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, any costs for your losses, and much more.  Every case is different, so the payouts will vary.

Will I Have to Attend Court Hearings?

At some point, you may have to testify in court.  However, we understand how hard it might be because of your injuries, so we will try to avoid court appearances as much as possible.

What Happens If the Company that Exposed Me to Asbestos Filed for Bankruptcy?

If a manufacturer of asbestos goes into bankruptcy, they must set up a fund for asbestos victims.  If you can prove to the court that you were exposed by the asbestos manufacturer, you may be able to get a settlement.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer?

Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law works on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we only get paid unless you get compensated either from a settlement or a jury.  You will not have to pay any money out of pocket.

Get Help from Our Asbestos Attorneys in Houston

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, GI tract cancer (e.g. colon cancer), or asbestosis, it’s important to know your legal compensation rights and avenues. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we will help determine whether you have a valid claim for asbestos injury, conduct thorough research, hire the right experts to build the strongest possible case to win you the money you need to rebuild your life — whether through negotiations or courtroom trial. We believe our job is to get justice for our clients — and we take it seriously. We combine a deep knowledge of the law, years of experience in negotiation and litigation, a compassionate approach to our clients, and the tenacity to go up against large corporations — and win.

Choosing an asbestos injury lawyer from Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law may be one of the most important decisions you make. We look forward to hearing from you. To schedule your free initial consultation, give us a call today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.