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Asbestos Related Diseases Straight Talk Is Good Business

Victoria Asbestos Lawyers

Legal Counsel for Asbestos-Related Diseases in Victoria, TX & Nationwide

Exposure to asbestos can increase an individual's risk for developing a number of diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been used for centuries in thousands of products. Because of its durability and ability to withstand extreme temperature, it was often referred to as a miracle mineral. 

However, as time passed, medical researchers discovered that the fibers released from the mineral could lead to serious health complications. At Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba, P.C., our legal team is committed to helping those who have been affected by asbestos file an asbestos claim.

For a free consultation with our Victoria asbestos attorneys, please contact us at (361) 678-3233. We can help you get started on your asbestos exposure lawsuit.

Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure?

If your exposure to asbestos was a result of negligence or a defective product, you may have grounds for filing an asbestos injury lawsuit. For example, if you were exposed to asbestos at work, you will need to prove the following in order to pursue a case against your employer:

  • That your employer had a duty to protect you from this hazardous exposure
  • That their negligence in some way led to the breaching of that duty
  • That their negligence directly contributed to your injuries

Similarly, if you were exposed to asbestos as a result of a defective product, you will need to prove one of the following:

  • There was a design defect
  • There was a manufacturing error
  • They manufacturer failed to warn about a potential hazard

Is There a Statute of Limitations on an Asbestos Claim?

Yes. Similar to other personal injury or wrongful death claims, you will need to file your asbestos claim before the statute of limitations run out. However, for asbestos/mesothelioma claims the clock doesn't start running until your condition has been diagnosed.

Where Can You Find Asbestos?

Fortunately, the majority of products used in America today no longer contain asbestos. However, homes and buildings constructed before 1980 still have traces of the mineral. While identifying asbestos with a visual inspection is difficult, having a knowledge of where asbestos can be typically found can help you avoid exposure.

Places where one can find asbestos include:

  • Building materials such as cement, caulk, siding, and insulation
  • Automotive parts, including brake linings and brake pads
  • Electrical materials, including cables, heating ducts, and furnaces
  • Materials used by the military on navy ships and vehicles
  • Some consumer products such as hair dryers, fume hoods, and baby powder

Asbestos Exposure Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term effects of asbestos exposure don't usually show themselves until 10 to 40 years after your initial exposure. Some of the common signs of asbestos exposure include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • A dry, persistent cough
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Clubbed fingertips or toes (appearing wider or rounder than normal)
  • Loss of appetite and weight

Common Asbestos-Related Diseases

Mesothelioma is possibly the most devastating asbestos-related disease, often resulting in death. It is a malignant tumor that attacks the peritoneum or the pleura, the thin membranes that surround the abdominal cavity and lungs, respectively. Malignant mesothelioma is almost always the result of exposure to asbestos.

Other asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Lung cancer
  • Asbestosis
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Pleural effusions
  • Pleural plaques
  • Pleuritis
  • Atelectasis

You may be asking yourself, "Can I sue for asbestos exposure?" If you have developed an asbestos-related disease, contact our asbestos lawyers in Victoria today at (361) 678-3233.

Testimonials

Local Knowledge, National Reputation

At Cole, Cole, Easley, & Sciba, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I was impressed with Jim's guidance and support.”
    Jim has provided legal counsel for me in several situations. I felt well-represented in a very professional way. The most difficult one was when I broke my neck in a car wreck. The insurance of the responsible party did not want to pay anything close to the amount I felt they owed. Jim led me through the process. It was a difficult case, but we settled during negotiations. I was impressed with Jim's guidance and support, and I was very pleased with the settlement. He is a great attorney!
    Cheryl O.
    “Excellent attorneys and staff!”
    Always willing to go the extra mile to serve their clients!
    Michelle H.
    “Attorney Sam Cole was the first attorney who treated me as a person instead of a paycheck.”
    I have gone through hell in the family court system in Texas against the father of my children, who is an attorney in our community with abundant legal resources. After years of fighting for my children, I was unjustly put in criminal contempt for not bringing my daughter to soccer practice despite following the custody agreement and the advice of my attorneys at the time. I asked about appeal options, and while the attorneys felt my case was justified, they said it would be a waste of my time and money and that only two percent of cases win on appeal. However, as a mother and a teacher, I wanted to clear my reputation and fight for what’s right. I hired a law firm to file a mandamus with the Court of Appeals, but the court denied our petition. Not wanting to give up, I decided to go to the Texas Supreme Court. After consulting with a few attorneys who were very discouraging and didn’t want to take my case, one referred me to Attorney Sam Cole. Sam told me my case was a long shot but agreed I was right and would fight for me if I wanted to proceed. He worked with me on my case and on a payment plan that worked for my situation. He always explained everything and answered questions with patience and understanding. He thoroughly researched all that had happened and the law that surrounded the issue. Sam treated me as a person and not just a paycheck, and had I lost in the Supreme Court, I would still be writing this review. However, the Supreme Court did rule in our favor, and after more than 2.5 years of this hanging over my head, I am completely vindicated. I hope the outcome of my case will help prevent this from happening to others in the future.
    Pamela J.
    “Best Attorneys in Victoria”
    A little over a year ago, I was in a car accident of no fault of my own. Initially, the person's Insurance company was ok with me. They took liability and told me to take my car to get it fixed. They also informed me they were sending a check for the repair and gave me a rental. After three days, they called and said they were voiding the check and totaling my car! My car had been at the repair shop and was 90% ready. I was SO stressed out, crying, and had no idea what to do! I went to see Luther Easley. I explained the situation to him, and he assured me he would handle it all for me. He gave me such peace of mind immediately. I cannot express the relief I had knowing he was handling everything for me. Luther was kind, patient, and very informative of each step he was taking regarding my case. He was honest, open, and upfront about everything. He never sugar-coated anything. It wasn't about the money for me, but Luther Easley was able to make them repair my vehicle AND won a substantial settlement for me. God forbid you were ever in a car accident or any other kind of accident, but if so, I would highly recommend Luther Easley at Cole Cole Easley Sciba Law Firm. He was the best! Also, his assistant, Donna, was so nice to deal with! The entire staff was very kind and professional! I know everyone thinks lawyers are just out to take your money, but in my situation, I was so grateful to have Luther Easley as my lawyer! He DESERVED and EARNED every penny! I would have been screwed without him; for lack of better words! Thank you, Luther Easley, and kudos to you! You truly are one of the best attorneys in Victoria!
    Trina H.
    “Professional group that actually cares about the best outcome for their clients.”
    Professional group that actually cares about the best outcome for their clients. They are not concerned about what they can get out of it, rather, they are concerned that the client gets the fairest outcome. Keep you informed and very considerate about how you feel in certain situations. They make sure you are comfortable with every aspect before moving forward.
    Bobby G.

Our Values

What Our Work Means To Us
  • Client Focus
    We communicate with clients clearly and tell them candidly what they can expect, given the specifics of the case.
  • Community Focus
    We believe in giving back to the Victoria community. We support various organizations financially and with our time.
  • Local Knowledge
    In 1954, Emmett Cole, Jr., returned to the crossroads area to found our practice after working a year at a Houston law firm.
  • National Reputation
    We have provided effective, ethical legal representation throughout Texas and nationwide for more than 50 years.
Contact Us Today! Outstanding Representation Since 1954