Texas industrial landscape

Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers

Texas ranks 3rd in the nation for annual mesothelioma diagnoses, with 206 new cases and 350 deaths each year. The age-adjusted rate of 0.7 per 100,000 residents is near the national average. Between 1999 and 2021, more than 4,038 people in Texas were diagnosed with the disease.

Oil refineries, chemical plants, shipyards, and steel mills formed the backbone of asbestos exposure in key industries across Texas, particularly along the Gulf Coast and Houston Ship Channel corridors where industrial activity boomed from the early 1900s through the late 20th century. Workers at facilities like Brown Shipbuilding, Consolidated Steel Orange Shipyard, Bloodworth Bond Shipyard in Houston and Texas City, Exxon refineries, Pure Oil Union 76 Beaumont Works refinery, La Gloria Oil Refinery, and Koppers Chemical Plant faced heavy exposure from asbestos used in insulation, boilers, gaskets, and safety gear during ship construction, oil processing, and chemical production. What set this exposure history apart was the intense concentration in energy and maritime sectors fueled by wartime demands and petrochemical expansion, alongside landmark litigation like Claude Tomplaints 1966 lawsuit as a Texas insulation worker and Clarence Borels 1969 case tied to shipyards and refineries on the Texas Louisiana border, which ignited national asbestos legal precedents.

Beyond these industries, people encountered asbestos in power plants like City of Austin Power Plant, schools such as Anderson High School and Angleton High School, public buildings including City of Houston Court Building, and even orphanages like Corsicana State Home, contributing to widespread risks documented at 208 sites across 32 cities in 23 counties. Insulators, refinery operators, shipbuilders, and steelworkers in regions like Houston with 524 asbestos related deaths from 1979 to 2002, Beaumont Port Arthur with 451, and Dallas with 270 bore the brunt, often carrying fibers home on clothing to expose family members. Today, people with mesothelioma and asbestosis from this legacy continue seeking justice through trusts and lawsuits, as older structures still harbor asbestos and latency periods spanning decades prolong health impacts.

Filing Deadlines in Texas

Texas law sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. These deadlines, called statutes of limitations, determine how long you have to take legal action after a diagnosis.

Personal Injury
2 Years from Diagnosis
For claims filed by mesothelioma patients
Wrongful Death
2 Years from Death
For claims filed by surviving family members

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even if you believe you have time, consulting an attorney early ensures your case gets the attention it needs.

When the Clock Starts

In Texas, the statute of limitations typically begins on the date of diagnosis, not the date of asbestos exposure. This is known as the "discovery rule."

Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, this rule is essential. Without it, most patients would be barred from filing before they even knew they were sick.

The clock starts when:

  • You receive a formal mesothelioma diagnosis from a physician
  • You reasonably should have known you had the disease based on symptoms

Personal Injury Claims in Texas

Texas allows 2 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim for mesothelioma. These claims are filed by the patient during their lifetime and can seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
  • Lost wages: Income lost due to illness
  • Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life: Impact on daily activities and relationships

Wrongful Death Claims in Texas

Texas allows 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can be filed by:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (including adult children)
  • Parents (in some cases)
  • Estate representative

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and guidance

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Texas

Texas has 70 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 246 liable parties on record. Workers in these areas may have grounds for mesothelioma claims.

Map of documented asbestos exposure sites in Texas

Select a city to view specific exposure sites, companies, and facilities with known asbestos exposure history.

Houston 69 sites Dallas 20 sites Pasadena 11 sites Baytown 8 sites Tyler 8 sites Borger 7 sites Odessa 7 sites Deer Park 6 sites San Antonio 6 sites Sinton 6 sites Beaumont 5 sites Fort Worth 5 sites Texas City 5 sites Amarillo 4 sites Corpus Christi 3 sites Longview 3 sites Mesquite 3 sites Orange 3 sites Pt. Arthur 3 sites Abilene 2 sites Austin 2 sites Big Spring 2 sites Choc Bayou 2 sites Denison 2 sites Dumas 2 sites Falfurrias 2 sites Forth Worth 2 sites Freeport 2 sites Galena Park 2 sites Pt. Neches 2 sites
View all 32 cities
Victoria 2 sites Waco 2 sites

Texas has 6 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in Texas, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in Texas

Mesothelioma patients in Texas may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation. An experienced attorney can help pursue all available options.

Lawsuits and Settlements

Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Most cases settle before trial, with average mesothelioma settlements ranging from $1 million to $2.4 million. Total compensation can be significantly higher when combining multiple sources. Texas courts generally allow expedited scheduling for mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over 60 bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion for asbestos victims. These claims are separate from lawsuits and can be filed regardless of whether a company is still operating. Trust fund claims have their own deadlines and requirements.

Learn about trust fund claims →

VA Benefits

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma typically qualify for VA disability benefits, often at the 100% rating. These benefits can be received alongside lawsuit settlements and trust fund payments.

Learn about VA benefits →

Choosing a Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer

When selecting legal representation for a mesothelioma case in Texas, consider these factors. Our guide to choosing a mesothelioma law firm covers this in detail:

  • Experience with asbestos cases: Look for attorneys who focus on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation
  • Track record: Ask about past settlements and verdicts in similar cases
  • Resources: Firms need databases of products, companies, and expert witnesses
  • Knowledge of Texas courts: Familiarity with local procedures and judges matters
  • Communication: You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving updates

Most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal options.

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