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Options Available for Midland and Odessa Residents Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Odessa or Midland, it is important that you learn about your legal rights. Treatment for mesothelioma can be very expensive, so it is important to explore all of your options for possible compensation. You may be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent defendant who contributed to your asbestos exposure. Another option may be to file a claim against an asbestos trust fund. These trusts were established by asbestos companies that faced daunting liability for exposing workers and consumers to dangerous levels of asbestos. If a trust claim is available, you may be able to pursue this route without going through the entire process of litigation.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can walk you through your legal options and explain what your next steps should be. Our lawyers are advocates for you and your family who are ready to assist you with overwhelming issues that often come along with a mesothelioma diagnosis. We can help determine whether insurance will pay for your care and how to take care of your family while your legal claim is pending.

Top Reasons to File a Mesothelioma Claim or Lawsuit

Some important reasons to file a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit include:

1. Secure Financial Compensation

Treatment for mesothelioma may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other advanced medical techniques. This treatment is often very expensive. Additionally, mesothelioma can be a disabling condition that prevents a person from working or earning a living. A mesothelioma claim or lawsuit can help you secure financial compensation to ease the financial burdens associated with this serious illness.

2. Seek Justice

In many mesothelioma cases, it has been revealed that the defendant company knew about the dangers of its products and still continued to subject people like you to it. Filing a mesothelioma claim or lawsuit can help you hold these negligent companies accountable for their reckless behavior.

3 Mesothelioma Lawsuits are Time-Sensitive

Mesothelioma lawsuits must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations. If you miss this filing deadline, your case can be dismissed and you can lose the opportunity to secure financial compensation and seek justice against the negligent company.

Does Your Mesothelioma Attorney Need to Be Located in Odessa or Midland?

Your mesothelioma attorney may not need to be located in Odessa or Midland. Lawsuits may be filed in different jurisdictions, such as the area where the business is headquartered, where business operations occurred or where you worked. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assess which jurisdiction will be best to file your particular claim. He or she can also travel to you and travel to the court where your case is heard.

Characteristics to Look for in an Odessa or Midland Mesothelioma Attorney

When looking for a mesothelioma attorney in Odessa or Midland, look for the following characteristics:

Knowledge

Mesothelioma cases are based on asbestos exposure. It is important you select a lawyer who is familiar with how this exposure can occur. Your mesothelioma attorney should be able to determine how possible exposure occurred and gather evidence to support your claim.

Experience

Mesothelioma cases are different than any other type of case. It is critical that the attorney you select has specific experience working on these cases. Experienced attorneys may have existing research and connections that can help support your claim. They may also have access to experts who can help with your claim as well. Additionally, it is important to select someone who has experience in trial work and does not simply settle all cases.

Additionally, if your case involves unique factors, it is important to select an attorney experienced with these. For example, if you are a veteran, you should choose an attorney who has experience with the Veterans Administration. If you can file an asbestos trust fund claim, work with an attorney who has previously advanced these claims.

Case History

When you interview potential lawyers to hire for your mesothelioma case, ask about the outcome of the cases the attorneys have handled. Have they settled every case? What was the settlement amount? How many cases went to trial? How many cases did they win? If your attorney has a track record of success, this can position him or her in a place of authority to advocate for a good outcome in your case.

Resources

Mesothelioma cases can be expensive to advance. They may require hiring expensive experts who can help establish exposure or damages. They may also require extensive travel. It is important that you select a law firm with adequate resources to take you case all the way.

Personalized Attention

Make sure that the attorney you meet for your initial consultation will actually be the attorney who handles your case. Some law firms may refer your case to another attorney and split the legal fees with the other firm. You want to know who specifically will be working on your case.

Good Communication

You may be working with your mesothelioma attorney for many months to come, so it is important that he or she is a good communicator. You need someone you trust and feel comfortable with because you will be discussing private details of your life with this person. You should have a good rapport with your lawyer and their staff. Your attorney should be able to explain your case and respond to you in a timely manner.

Able to Evaluate Your Potential Compensation

A skilled mesothelioma attorney can estimate the potential compensation you may be able to receive based on the specific facts of the case. An attorney can base this potential value on the damages you have suffered, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Travel expenses incurred due to medical treatment
• Caregiver expenses
• Anticipated future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Disability caused by exposure
• Funeral expenses
• Burial expenses
• Pain and suffering

Treatment Options in Odessa and Midland for Mesothelioma

Midland and Odessa patients with mesothelioma may seek treatment for their disease from one of the following:

Odessa West Texas Cancer Center

The Odessa West Texas Cancer Center is part of Texas Oncology, a comprehensive cancer care center that provides world-class care for individuals with various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma. The center offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment options, including advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, genetic testing, image-guided radiotherapy, high dose rate brachytherapy, and modulated radiation therapy. These techniques are designed to more precisely locate deadly cancer cells while minimizing the negative side effects of treatment. The center also provides several support services to patients and their families, including education, financial counseling, new patient orientation and support groups. Pharmacy services are also available to patients.

Midland Allison Cancer Center

The Midland Allison Cancer Center is also part of Texas Oncology. Patients benefit from cutting-edge medical techniques while being able to receive treatment close to home. The center provides diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy treatment, infusion, medical oncology and radiation therapy services. It also offers an on-site pharmacy and laboratory services for greater convenience for patients. The center uses a team approach to customize treatments based on each patient’s specific illness and needs. They also have specialists available for consults and follow-up care in oncology and other specialties. Their professionals provide holistic treatment to patients. Support services including social services and financial counseling are available to patients.

Dr. Timothy George

Dr. Timothy George is an Odessa oncologist who is affiliated with the Medical Center Health System and Odessa Regional Medical Center. He is one of three doctors who specialize in Oncology at Odessa Regional Medical Center. He uses diagnostic tools such as biopsies, X-rays and endoscopies to diagnose cancer. Dr. George helps treat cancer patients. He has over 20 years of experience in medicine. He specializes in general oncology and hematologic oncology.

Odessa and Midland Clinical Trials

The Odessa West Texas Cancer Center allows Odessa and Midland eligible patients to participate in clinical trials. The Midland Allison Cancer Center also participates in clinical trials to test new drugs and techniques.

Midland and Odessa Military Sites and VA Hospitals

The Midland International Air & Space Port served as an Army airfield during World War II, including serving as a bombardier training base. The Permian Basin Community Based Outpatient Clinic is located in Odessa and provides medical services to area veterans on an outpatient basis.

Midland/Odessa Asbestos Site Exposure List

Individuals who worked in the following areas may have been exposed to dangerous asbestos in Midland or Odessa:

• Amoco Production Company
• Associated Oil
• Butadiene Plant
• Chevron Refinery
• Dart Industries
• El Paso Natural Gas Company
• El Paso Products
• Erectors Construction
• General Tire & Rubber
• Huntsman Polymers Corp
• Leona Lee Corporation
• Linde Air Products Company
• Odessa Butadiene Company
• Odessa Coliseum
• Permian High School
• Permian Pipe Fabrication Inc
• Phillips Petroleum Company
• Pillar & Parks
• Radar Domes
• Rexall Chemical Company
• S & W Insulators
• Richardson
• Shell Oil Company
• Southwestern Portland Cement
• Star Insulation Company, Inc.
• Texaco Oil Refinery
• Texas-Eastern Substation
• Tidewater Associated Oil Company
• Weathermasters, Inc.
• Weskem Corp
• Western Insulation Company
• Wyoming Refining

Midland and Odessa Courts Where Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cases Are Tried and Settled

Midland County state district courts primarily hear cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos. The United States District Court Western District of Texas hears federal cases based on asbestos exposure or mesothelioma.

Example Verdicts and Awards for Odessa and Midland Residents

The possible financial awards that Odessa or Midland claimants can receive depends on a number of factors, including the level of exposure they experienced and how they have been affected by it. Most settlement amounts are kept confidential, so it is difficult to determine what an average settlement is. One unaffiliated law firm reported a huge award to a former Odessa chemical plant worker and his family who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 74 and who was exposed to asbestos on the job.