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Options Available for Lubbock Residents with Mesothelioma or Their Loved Ones

Lubbock residents who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have several legal options. One option may be to file a claim against an existing asbestos trust. These trusts were established when asbestos companies faced many lawsuits and filed bankruptcy as a result of overwhelming liability. Some of these companies formed special trusts to help manage claims made by former workers, consumers or others who were exposed to asbestos because of the companies’ products. When a trust is available, a claimant may be able to make a claim against the trust without having to go through the traditional path of litigation. The process to acquire compensation through an asbestos trust may be more streamlined and faster.

Another legal option is to file a lawsuit against an asbestos manufacturer or other defendant that was responsible for your exposure. A lawsuit alleges why the defendant is responsible for the damages that you have suffered, such as your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. If mesothelioma resulted in the death of your loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the defendant to seek compensation for funeral expenses, burial expenses, lost support, loss of consortium and loss of companionship.

It is important that you seek legal assistance from a qualified mesothelioma attorney. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys can discuss your claim and advise you on which legal strategy will best address your issue and support your interests. We can explain what to do first. However, our lawyers are advocates for you and your family who are ready to assist you with the overwhelming issues that often arise after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We can discuss your treatment options, how to pay for treatment, insurance issues and how to take care of your family while your case is pending.

Contact our Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer Advocates today to get started on your claim.

Why It Is Important to File a Mesothelioma Claim or Lawsuit

Filing a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit can help you receive compensation for the losses you have suffered due to asbestos exposure, including medical expenses, lost wages and other financial burdens. Additionally, a claim or lawsuit can help you hold the defendant responsible for its negligent actions. You can seek justice against the company, which may have known the dangers of its products and still exposed innocent individuals to it.

Asbestos trusts only have a limited amount of funds and may not be re-funded. Filing a claim as quickly as possible helps increase the chance that your claim will be resolved and you will be provided compensation. A lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of your diagnosis in order to preserve your right to recovery.

Does Your Mesothelioma Attorney Have to Be Located in Lubbock?

In most situations, your mesothelioma attorney does not actually have to be located in Lubbock. Your attorney can discuss where your case will be filed. It may be filed in Lubbock, another city in Texas or a city in another state. Your attorney can travel to court, wherever it is located. Additionally, a qualified attorney can come to you.

What to Look for in a Lubbock Mesothelioma Lawyer

When you are considering hiring a lawyer to assist you with your mesothelioma case, it is important to meet with potential attorneys one-on-one. You can prepare a list of questions to ask potential attorneys, such as the following:

What Is Your Experience with Mesothelioma Cases?

Mesothelioma cases involve complex issues. A qualified attorney should have a solid understanding of how asbestos exposure can occur. He or she should also be familiar with expert witnesses who can explain this information to the jury. A mesothelioma case is not the time to hire a novice attorney.

What Is Your Track Record with Mesothelioma Cases?

Your attorney should have an established track record of success with mesothelioma, asbestos and toxic tort cases. Ask your attorney about how many cases he or she has filed, how many went to trial and the outcome of these cases.

Are You Experienced with Asbestos Trust Fund Claims?

You may be able to file an asbestos trust claim, so it is important that your attorney be experienced in filing claims with these trusts.

Do You Have Experience with the Veterans Administration?

If you are a disabled veteran, your attorney may be able to help you secure benefits based on asbestos exposure. Experience with the Veterans Administration can be critical.

Are You Willing to Travel?

Your lawyer should be willing to travel to you to discuss your case as well as traveling to visit experts and for court purposes.

What Is the Value of My Claim?

Your attorney should be able to determine the approximate value of your claim based on the specific circumstances surrounding it, based on previous case experience.

When you meet with potential attorneys, also try to determine how comfortable you are with them. You need to be able to discuss very private details of your life, so think about what it will be like working with them for months to come.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma in Lubbock

Mesothelioma patients in Lubbock have a number of treatment options, including visiting their own physician or oncologist. They may also choose to seek treatment through one of these cancer centers:

Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center

The Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center focuses on radiation oncology. It is part of Covenant Health, one of the largest health systems in the Lubbock area and serves over 1.2 million patients every year. It was established in 1995. It now has over 60,000 square feet of clinical space.

This medical center develops and supports oncology clinical research. Patients receive care from a highly-qualified team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, oncology nurses, cancer specialists and pharmacists. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary and holistic approach that treats the body, mind and spirit. This medical center provides state-of-the-art treatment and equipment.

UMC Southwest Cancer Center

The UMC Southwest Cancer Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to treat cancer, relying on the expertise provided by Texas Tech Physicians, combined with UMC’s technological and medical advancements. The center provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including various treatment options and support services like nutritional support, counseling and acupuncture. This center is nationally recognized as a leader in the cancer arena. The center provides screening for lung cancer and other forms of cancer. It also provides genetic testing and counseling. It also provides radiation therapy.

Clinical Trials in Lubbock

Covenant Health allows for clinical trials. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials in which they may gain access to new treatments that are on the cutting-edge of medicine. These trials are carefully structured and designed to answer specific questions involving new therapies, medical devices and treatment options.

The UMC Southwest Cancer Center also offers clinical trials. These trials are limited to individuals who meet specific criteria regarding their health and other factors. The center keeps an updated list of current clinical trials.

Lubbock Military Bases and VA Hospitals

Lubbock was home to the former Reese Air Force Base, which was later turned into the Reese Technology Center. It was first converted to the Lubbock Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School in 1942. Lubbock is also home to a US Naval Reserve Center.

Veterans have access to the Lubbock Outpatient Clinic where they receive primary care services. The clinic provides management of acute and chronic diseases. It also provides specialty care in a number of practice areas, including urology and ophthalmology. It also provides patient education and support services, including physical therapy, radiology, social services and mental health services.

Lubbock Job Sites Reported to Use Asbestos

Lubbock job sites and public buildings that may have used asbestos or included the dangerous material as part of its construction include the following:

• Bailey Boiler Works
• Bayless Elementary
• Citizens National Bank
• Clowe & Cowan, Inc.
• Estacado High
• Farmers Co-Op Compress
• Howell Insulation Company
• Jackson Delinting Manufacturing Company Inc
• Lubbock High School
• Lubbock Municipal Power and Light Department
• Luwter Inc.
• National Linen Service Corporation
• Plains Cooperative Oil Mill
• Reese Air Force Base
• Southwestern Public Service Company
• Texas Tech University
• Viking Insulation Company, Inc.
• Wortman Contractors

Lubbock Courts Where Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cases Are Settled and Tried

Asbestos and mesothelioma cases are filed in Lubbock County District Courts.

Example Mesothelioma Verdicts and Awards for People in Lubbock

All mesothelioma and asbestos cases are different and can result in very different outcomes. Many cases are settled well before trial. These settlements usually require clients to sign confidentiality agreements that prohibit them from disclosing how much compensation they receive. Often, these agreements include language that the defendant is not admitting any guilt or legal responsibility. An unaffiliated law firm from Lubbock secured a colossal landmark verdict to 21 steelworkers in 1998.

Contact our Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer Advocates today to get started on your claim.