Mesothelioma Lawyers New Mexico
According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 168 people died from exposure to asbestos in New Mexico from 1979 to 2001. Bernalillo County, home to Albuquerque, suffered the highest number of deaths at 57. Santa Fe County suffered the next highest number of deaths at 19.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) due to asbestos exposure while working in New Mexico, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of success. We understand the stressful and complicated mesothelioma legal process. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their heirs. Our expert mesothelioma lawyers have the tools and knowledge to determine the specifics of your asbestos exposure. Our attorneys provide a free mesothelioma case evaluation, and there is no up front cost to you for our services.
Asbestos Exposure in New Mexico
Industries in New Mexico where workers may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos include oil refinieries, power plants and manufacturing. Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, it was widely used in oil refineries due to its high fire resistance and flame retardant qualities. Asbestos insulated oil refinery equipment that needed to operate at very hot temperatures. Furnaces, tanks, boilers, ovens, heat exchangers and pumps were often lined and covered with asbestos-containing materials. Workers who repaired and maintained this equipment were especially prone to asbestos fiber inhalation. Oil refinery workers sometimes wore protective gear, including gloves and facemasks made from asbestos fibers, to protect them from heat-creating elements. This clothing may have put them into direct contact with dangerous asbestos fibers. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, its thin fibers can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
New Mexico is home to several power plants and power stations. Because of the intense heat buildup during the power generation process, asbestos was commonly used prior to 1980 as an insulator and fire retardant. Asbestos protected power plant equipment regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as boilers, generators and turbines. Asbestos was also used to fireproof roof structures and floors. When floors and ceilings were repaired, asbestos dust was distributed throughout the powerhouse, putting everyone at risk of asbestos inhalation. Workers sometimes wore clothing made from asbestos fibers to protect them from high levels of heat.
From 1940 – 1990, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana and shipped to processing plants throughout the United States. According to the Environmental Working Group, almost 60 tons of that vermiculite was shipped to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Santo Domingo Pueblo. The vermiculite that originated at the Libby Mine had many uses, including attic insulation, an ingredient in fireproofing products, an ingredient in masonry fill, and as an additive in potting soils and fertilizers.
Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Mesothelioma in New Mexico
If you or a member of your family has been affected by asbestos cancer in New Mexico or any state in the U.S., contact Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason. Our mesothelioma attorneys are experts in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We have over thirty years of experience providing mesothelioma legal representation to clients across the United States. We offer a free case evaluation and can fly to New Mexico to meet with you in person.
If you are in need of mesothelioma medical information or treatment, please visit our list of New Mexico mesothelioma doctors. Our mesothelioma attorneys are here to help.
Call Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason for a free consultation.