Mesothelioma Lawyers Oklahoma
According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 334 people were killed by asbestos exposure in Oklahoma from 1979 to 2001. These deaths primarily centered in Oklahoma and Tulsa Counties, covering the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
If you or someone you love has mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) because you were exposed to asbestos while working in Oklahoma, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason understand the stressful and complicated mesothelioma legal process. We are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of success. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their heirs. Our attorneys provide a free mesothelioma case evaluation, and there is no up front cost to you for our services.
Asbestos Exposure in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is primarily a ranching and agricultural state, but it also has major industries where asbestos exposure has historically been a problem. Industries in Oklahoma where workers may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos include oil refineries, power plants and several vermiculite processing plants.
Oil production has been a major industry in Oklahoma for generations. As late as 2005, Oklahoma relied upon petroleum processing for more than 15 percent of its revenue. Because asbestos is heat and flame resistant as well as impervious to many corrosive and toxic chemicals, it was used extensively in the construction of oil refining facilities. It was also used to insulate and protect the many pieces of equipment that operated at hot temperatures inside oil refineries, putting many oil refinery workers at high risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who repaired and maintained the asbestos insulation used in furnaces, tanks, boilers, ovens, heat exchangers and pumps were especially prone to asbestos fiber inhalation.
Workers in oil refineries often wore protective gear, including gloves and facemasks, made from asbestos fibers to protective them from heat-creating elements. This clothing may have put them into direct contact with dangerous asbestos fibers. When asbestos is inhaled or ingested, the thin fibers that make up this mineral can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
From 1940 – 1990, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mined in Libby, Montana was shipped to processing plants throughout the United States. According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 1,001 shipments, representing over 93,000 tons, of vermiculite was shipped from Libby to 3 locations in Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Duke and Southard. The vermiculite was processed into attic insulation and other products and sold for construction purposes around the state and across the country, putting many people at risk of asbestos exposure. Eight executives of W.R. Grace & Company, the owner of the Libby, Montana mine, were indicted on criminal charges for conspiracy and violations of the Clean Air Act.
Oklahoma is home to several power plants and power stations. Because of the high amount of heat that normally builds up during power generation, asbestos was commonly used, prior to 1980, to protect power plant equipment exposed to extremely high temperatures. Asbestos was used to shield boilers, generators, turbines and gaskets for valves, pumps and pipe fittings. Workers sometimes wore clothing made from asbestos fibers, including facemasks. When this clothing frayed or became damaged, dangerous asbestos fibers were released into the air.
Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Mesothelioma in Oklahoma
If you or a member of your family has been affected by asbestos cancer in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma to meet with you in person.
If you are in need of mesothelioma medical information or treatment, visit our list of Oklahoma mesothelioma treatment centers. Mesothelioma attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are here to help.
Call Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason for a free consultation.