Toxic Exposure & Dangerous Industry Lawyer in Kent County, Texas | Attorney 911

If you worked at a Kent County refinery, chemical plant, shipyard, railroad, or construction site and have been diagnosed with cancer, lung disease, or a serious injury — you may have a legal claim you didn’t know about.

For decades, workers across Kent County and the Texas Gulf Coast were exposed to asbestos, benzene, PFAS, silica, radiation, and other deadly substances on the job. Many employers knew the risks — and hid them. Now, thousands of workers and their families are paying the price with devastating diagnoses like mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, and kidney disease.

At Attorney 911, we don’t just handle toxic exposure cases. We fight the corporations that poisoned you. With 27+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a former insurance defense attorney on our team, we know how to hold negligent employers and manufacturers accountable — and we know how to win.

We’ve recovered millions for injured workers across Texas, including in landmark cases like the BP Texas City Refinery explosion — one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. We don’t just file claims. We build cases that force corporations to pay.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an occupational disease or suffered a serious injury on the job in Kent County — you may qualify for compensation from multiple sources: lawsuits, trust funds, workers’ comp, and government programs. But time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. Trust funds are depleting. Statutes of limitations don’t wait.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll review your work history, exposure risks, and medical records — and tell you exactly what your case could be worth. No fee unless we win.

Why Kent County Workers Are at Risk — And Why You Need a Lawyer Who Knows the Industry

Kent County sits in the heart of West Texas’s Permian Basin — one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world. For generations, workers in Kent County and surrounding areas have been exposed to toxic substances in:

• Oil and gas production fields
• Refineries and petrochemical plants
• Pipeline construction and maintenance
• Railroad yards and maintenance facilities
• Construction and demolition sites
• Agricultural operations (pesticides, herbicides)
• Military and industrial facilities

Many of these workers were never warned about the dangers of the materials they handled every day. They were told the dust was “just dirt,” the chemicals were “safe in small amounts,” and the insulation was “standard.” They were lied to.

Now, decades later, these same workers are being diagnosed with cancers, lung diseases, and neurological conditions — many of them terminal. If this sounds like you or someone you love, you have legal rights — and you need a lawyer who understands the Kent County industrial landscape.

The Toxic Substances That Are Still Killing Kent County Workers

1. Asbestos — The Silent Killer in Kent County’s Industrial Facilities

What it is: Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction, insulation, and industrial products because of their heat resistance, strength, and affordability.

Where Kent County workers were exposed:

• Oil refineries and petrochemical plants — pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, packing materials
• Construction and demolition sites — drywall joint compound, floor tiles, roofing materials, fireproofing
• Railroad maintenance facilities — brake shoes, locomotive insulation
• Oilfield equipment — drilling mud, pump insulation
• Shipbuilding and repair yards (historical, near Gulf Coast)
• Power plants and industrial boilers

How it causes disease:
Asbestos fibers are microscopic — thinner than a human hair. When disturbed, they become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs. The body cannot break them down. Instead, the fibers lodge in the lung tissue and remain there for decades, causing chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and eventually malignant mesothelioma — a cancer of the lung lining with no cure.

The diseases it causes:

• Mesothelioma (median survival: 12–21 months)
• Asbestosis (progressive lung scarring, can lead to respiratory failure)
• Lung cancer (especially in smokers — asbestos and smoking create a 50x increased risk)
• Pleural plaques and thickening (evidence of exposure, can cause breathing difficulties)

Latency period: 15–50 years — meaning workers exposed in the 1970s–1990s are being diagnosed today.

Kent County connection:
Workers at oilfield service companies, refineries, construction sites, and railroad facilities in Kent County and the Permian Basin were routinely exposed to asbestos-containing materials. Many employers used products from Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace, and other manufacturers that knew asbestos was deadly — and hid the risks for decades.

Legal rights:

• Asbestos trust funds: Over 60 active trusts hold $30 billion to compensate victims. Many Kent County workers qualify for claims from multiple trusts.
• Lawsuits against solvent defendants: Some manufacturers and employers are still in business and can be sued directly.
• Workers’ compensation: If the exposure occurred on the job, workers’ comp may provide benefits — but it’s often not enough.
• VA benefits: Veterans exposed during military service may qualify for VA disability.

What you can recover:

• Mesothelioma: $1M–$2M+ settlements; verdicts up to $50M+
• Asbestosis: $100K–$500K+
• Lung cancer (with asbestos exposure): $300K–$1M+

2. Benzene — The Invisible Cancer Risk in Kent County’s Oil and Gas Industry

What it is: Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid found naturally in crude oil. It’s a key component in gasoline, solvents, and many industrial chemicals.

Where Kent County workers were exposed:

• Oil refineries and petrochemical plants — benzene is present throughout the refining process
• Gasoline handling and transport — fuel truck drivers, gas station attendants
• Oilfield operations — benzene is a natural component of crude oil
• Chemical manufacturing — used to produce plastics, resins, synthetic fibers
• Rubber and tire manufacturing (historical)
• Printing and painting industries (historical)

How it causes disease:
Benzene is absorbed through inhalation and skin contact. In the body, it’s metabolized by the liver into toxic byproducts that concentrate in the bone marrow — where blood cells are produced. These metabolites damage DNA in hematopoietic stem cells, leading to mutations that cause leukemia and other blood cancers.

The diseases it causes:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — the most common benzene-related cancer; aggressive, often fatal
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) — a pre-leukemic condition that can progress to AML
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
• Aplastic anemia — bone marrow failure, often fatal without treatment
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Multiple myeloma

Latency period: 5–20+ years — meaning workers exposed in the 1990s–2010s may be diagnosed now or in the coming years.

Kent County connection:
Benzene exposure is a major occupational hazard in Kent County’s oil and gas industry. Workers at refineries, oilfield operations, and chemical plants were routinely exposed to benzene vapors during routine tasks like sampling, maintenance, and equipment cleaning. Many employers failed to provide adequate ventilation, respiratory protection, or monitoring — despite knowing the risks since the 1940s.

Legal rights:

• Personal injury lawsuits against employers and manufacturers
• Workers’ compensation claims
• Class action and mass tort litigation (e.g., benzene exposure at specific refineries)

What you can recover:

• AML/MDS: $500K–$2M+ settlements; verdicts up to $50M+
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: $300K–$1M+
• Aplastic anemia: $200K–$800K+

3. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) — The Emerging Threat in Kent County’s Water and Industrial Sites

What it is: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of 12,000+ synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and industrial processes. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body.

Where Kent County residents and workers may be exposed:

• Military bases and training facilities — PFAS-containing firefighting foam (AFFF) was used for decades
• Firefighting training centers — foam runoff contaminated groundwater
• Oil refineries and chemical plants — PFAS used in industrial processes
• Landfills and waste disposal sites — PFAS leaches into groundwater
• Public water systems — PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water across Texas
• Food packaging — grease-resistant wrappers, microwave popcorn bags

How it causes disease:
PFAS accumulate in the blood, liver, and kidneys. They disrupt hormone function, suppress the immune system, and increase cancer risk. The EPA has found no safe level of exposure — even tiny amounts can cause harm over time.

The diseases it causes:

• Kidney cancer (strongest evidence)
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• High cholesterol and metabolic syndrome
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
• Liver damage
• Immune system suppression (reduced vaccine response)

Latency period: 10–30+ years — meaning people exposed in the 1990s–2010s may be diagnosed now or in the coming decades.

Kent County connection:
PFAS contamination is an emerging concern in West Texas, particularly near military installations, firefighting training sites, and industrial facilities. While testing in Kent County is still limited, neighboring counties have detected elevated PFAS levels in groundwater and public water systems. Workers at oil refineries, chemical plants, and firefighting operations may have been exposed through occupational use of PFAS-containing products.

Legal rights:

• Lawsuits against manufacturers (3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva) — $12.5B+ in settlements already paid
• Claims against government entities (military bases, fire departments)
• Class action lawsuits for contaminated water
• Personal injury claims for diagnosed conditions

What you can recover:

• Individual settlements: $50K–$500K+
• Class action water contamination claims: $5K–$100K+ per person
• Medical monitoring claims for at-risk individuals

4. Silica — The Deadly Dust in Kent County’s Oilfields and Construction Sites

What it is: Silica is a mineral found in sand, rock, and soil. When materials containing silica are cut, drilled, or crushed, fine dust particles are released into the air — and when inhaled, they cause irreversible lung damage.

Where Kent County workers were exposed:

• Oil and gas hydraulic fracturing (fracking) — silica sand is used as a proppant to keep fractures open
• Construction sites — cutting concrete, brick, stone, and tile
• Sandblasting operations
• Mining and quarrying
• Foundries and glass manufacturing (historical)
• Road and infrastructure construction

How it causes disease:
Silica dust particles are sharp and jagged. When inhaled, they lodge in the lungs and cause chronic inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). The body cannot remove them. Over time, the scarring destroys lung function and can lead to silicosis — a progressive, incurable lung disease.

The diseases it causes:

• Silicosis (three forms):
  • Chronic silicosis (10–20 years after exposure)
  • Accelerated silicosis (5–10 years after exposure)
  • Acute silicosis (weeks to 5 years after exposure; often fatal)
• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus)

Latency period: 5–20+ years — meaning workers exposed in the 2000s–2010s may be diagnosed now.

Kent County connection:
Silica exposure is a major occupational hazard in Kent County’s oil and gas industry, particularly in hydraulic fracturing operations. The Permian Basin is one of the most active fracking regions in the world, and silica sand is used in massive quantities. OSHA issued a Hazard Alert in 2012 warning of the dangers of silica exposure in fracking — but many employers still fail to protect workers.

Legal rights:

• Workers’ compensation claims
• Personal injury lawsuits against employers and equipment manufacturers
• Wrongful death claims for families of deceased workers

What you can recover:

• Silicosis: $250K–$3M+
• Lung cancer (with silica exposure): $500K–$10M+
• Wrongful death: $1M–$10M+

5. Radiation — The Hidden Danger in Kent County’s Oilfields and Military Sites

What it is: Radiation exposure can occur from ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles) or naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) found in oil and gas production.

Where Kent County workers were exposed:

• Oil and gas production — NORM is brought to the surface in produced water, sludge, and scale
• Uranium mining and milling (historical, in West Texas)
• Nuclear weapons testing (downwinders in West Texas)
• Military installations — radiation exposure during service
• Nuclear power plants (not in Kent County, but workers may have been exposed elsewhere)

How it causes disease:
Ionizing radiation damages DNA directly, causing mutations that lead to cancer. NORM exposure can also cause internal contamination when radioactive particles are inhaled or ingested.

The diseases it causes:

• Leukemia (especially AML and CML)
• Lung cancer
• Bone cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Cataracts
• Skin cancer

Latency period: 5–40+ years — meaning workers exposed in the 1980s–2000s may be diagnosed now.

Kent County connection:
Oil and gas production in the Permian Basin brings NORM to the surface in produced water, sludge, and scale. Workers who handled pipes, tanks, and equipment contaminated with NORM may have been exposed to radium, radon, and other radioactive elements. Additionally, West Texas was downwind of nuclear weapons testing in Nevada, and some residents may qualify for RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) benefits.

Legal rights:

• RECA claims — $50K–$150K for uranium miners, mill workers, ore transporters, downwinders, and on-site participants
• EEOICPA claims — $150K–$400K+ for DOE nuclear weapons workers
• Personal injury lawsuits against employers and contractors

What you can recover:

• RECA: $50K–$150K (lump sum)
• EEOICPA: $150K–$400K+
• Personal injury lawsuits: $1M–$15M+

The Industries Where Kent County Workers Were Exposed

Oil and Gas / Refinery Workers

Exposure risks: Benzene, asbestos, silica, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), NORM, chemical solvents
Common jobs: Refinery operators, pipefitters, insulators, maintenance workers, lab technicians, truck drivers
Kent County employers: Oilfield service companies, refineries, petrochemical plants, pipeline operators

Construction Workers

Exposure risks: Asbestos (demolition, renovation), silica (concrete cutting), lead, solvents, welding fumes
Common jobs: Insulators, pipefitters, electricians, plumbers, drywall finishers, demolition workers, scaffold builders
Kent County employers: Construction companies, general contractors, subcontractors

Railroad Workers

Exposure risks: Asbestos (locomotive insulation, brake shoes), diesel exhaust, creosote, herbicides
Common jobs: Conductors, engineers, brakemen, switchmen, maintenance-of-way workers
Kent County employers: Union Pacific, BNSF, short-line railroads

Oilfield Workers

Exposure risks: Silica (fracking sand), benzene, H₂S, NORM, diesel exhaust, drilling mud
Common jobs: Roughnecks, derrickhands, toolpushers, service company workers
Kent County employers: Oil and gas production companies, drilling contractors, service companies

Military Veterans and Base Workers

Exposure risks: Asbestos (ships, buildings), PFAS (firefighting foam), radiation (nuclear sites), burn pits
Common jobs: Shipyard workers, aircraft mechanics, firefighters, base maintenance workers
Kent County connection: Nearby military installations, veterans living in Kent County

Agricultural Workers

Exposure risks: Pesticides (Roundup/glyphosate), herbicides, fertilizers, diesel exhaust
Common jobs: Farmworkers, pesticide applicators, ranch hands
Kent County employers: Farms, ranches, agricultural cooperatives

The Legal Pathways Available to Kent County Workers

If you’ve been diagnosed with an occupational disease or suffered a serious injury on the job, you may have multiple legal pathways to compensation. Most workers don’t realize they qualify for more than one — and many law firms only pursue one. At Attorney 911, we pursue all of them.

1. Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

• What it is: Over 60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold $30 billion to compensate victims. These trusts were established by companies that went bankrupt due to asbestos lawsuits.
• Who qualifies: Workers exposed to asbestos-containing products from specific manufacturers (e.g., Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace)
• How it works: File claims with each trust you qualify for. No lawsuit needed. Payments are based on a percentage of the trust’s approved value (e.g., 10%, 25%).
• What you can recover: $25K–$400K+ per trust (many workers qualify for multiple trusts)
• Timeline: 3–12 months (expedited review)

2. Personal Injury Lawsuits

• What it is: Sue solvent defendants (employers, manufacturers, property owners) for negligence.
• Who qualifies: Workers exposed to toxic substances where the employer or manufacturer is still in business.
• How it works: File a lawsuit in state or federal court. Prove negligence, exposure, and causation.
• What you can recover: $1M–$50M+ (settlements and verdicts)
• Timeline: 1–3 years

3. Workers’ Compensation

• What it is: No-fault benefits for workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Who qualifies: Workers injured or made sick on the job.
• How it works: File a claim with your employer’s workers’ comp insurer.
• What you can recover: Medical benefits, partial wage replacement (typically 2/3 of average weekly wage)
• Limitations: No pain and suffering. No full lost wages. Often inadequate for serious illnesses.
• Important: Workers’ comp is not your only option. You may also have third-party claims against manufacturers, property owners, or contractors.

4. Third-Party Claims

• What it is: Lawsuits against parties other than your employer — such as manufacturers, property owners, or contractors.
• Who qualifies: Workers injured or exposed due to negligence by a third party (e.g., defective equipment, unsafe premises).
• How it works: File a lawsuit against the third party. No workers’ comp exclusivity bar.
• What you can recover: Full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
• Example: A construction worker falls from a defective scaffold manufactured by a third-party company.

5. Government Programs

• Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA): For veterans and families exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987). $150K–$450K+ projected settlements.
• Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): For uranium miners, mill workers, ore transporters, downwinders, and on-site nuclear test participants. $50K–$150K.
• Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA): For DOE nuclear weapons workers. $150K–$400K+.

6. Mass Tort Litigation

• What it is: Lawsuits involving many plaintiffs against one or more defendants (e.g., Roundup, Zantac, PFAS).
• Who qualifies: People exposed to a dangerous product that caused injury.
• How it works: Cases are consolidated in Multi-District Litigation (MDL) for pretrial proceedings. Bellwether trials set settlement benchmarks.
• What you can recover: $25K–$500K+ (varies by case type)
• Timeline: 3–7+ years

Why Kent County Workers Need a Lawyer Who Understands the Industry

Most personal injury lawyers don’t handle toxic exposure cases. They don’t understand:

• The decades-long latency periods between exposure and diagnosis
• The complex medical science behind occupational diseases
• The multiple compensation pathways available (trust funds, lawsuits, workers’ comp, government programs)
• The corporate defense tactics used to deny claims
• The Kent County industrial landscape — the employers, the exposure sites, the local courts

At Attorney 911, we do.

Our Advantages for Kent County Workers:

✅ 27+ Years of Experience — Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injured workers since 1998.
✅ Federal Court Admission — We handle cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which covers Kent County.
✅ BP Texas City Refinery Explosion Litigation — Ralph was part of the legal team that held BP accountable after the 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 180. We know how to fight — and win — against corporate defendants.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff — Lupe Peña used to work for the other side. He knows how insurance companies and corporate defendants evaluate, deny, and suppress claims — and he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
✅ Multi-Front Litigation Strategy — We pursue all available compensation pathways simultaneously — trust funds, lawsuits, workers’ comp, VA benefits, government programs. Most firms only pursue one.
✅ No Fee Unless We Win — You pay nothing upfront. We advance all case costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
✅ Bilingual Services — Hablamos español. Many Kent County workers are Spanish-speaking. We ensure no language barrier stands in the way of justice.
✅ Direct Access to Your Attorney — Ralph Manginello gives every client his personal cell phone number. You’re never just a case number.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Case

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an occupational disease or suffered a serious injury on the job in Kent County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are aging. Trust funds are depleting. Statutes of limitations don’t wait.

Step 1: Call Attorney 911 Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

We’ll provide a free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll review:

• Your work history and exposure risks
• Your medical records and diagnosis
• Your potential legal claims and compensation pathways

Step 2: We Preserve the Evidence

We send immediate preservation demands to:

• Your employer (employment records, exposure monitoring data, OSHA logs)
• Product manufacturers (product composition data, safety records)
• Government agencies (OSHA inspection reports, EPA records)
• Union locals (membership records, work assignment history)

We also help you:

• Document your exposure history — where you worked, what you handled, who else was there
• Identify co-workers who can corroborate your exposure
• Gather medical records that link your diagnosis to your exposure

Step 3: We Pursue Every Available Claim

We file:

• Asbestos trust fund claims (if applicable)
• Personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants
• Workers’ compensation claims (if applicable)
• Third-party claims against manufacturers and property owners
• Government program claims (RECA, CLJA, EEOICPA)
• Mass tort claims (Roundup, Zantac, PFAS)

Step 4: We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We:

• Negotiate aggressively with defendants and insurers
• Prepare for trial if necessary
• Coordinate with medical experts to prove causation
• Manage all paperwork and deadlines
• Keep you informed every step of the way

Step 5: You Receive Your Compensation

We distribute funds only after:

• All medical bills are paid
• All liens are resolved
• You approve the settlement

You keep the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I was exposed decades ago. Is it too late to file a claim?

No. Most toxic exposure cases use the discovery rule — the statute of limitations doesn’t start until you know or should have known that your disease was caused by your exposure. For mesothelioma with a 15–50 year latency period, the clock typically starts at diagnosis. For benzene-related leukemia with a 5–20 year latency, the clock starts when you learn your diagnosis is linked to benzene exposure. Call us now to check your deadlines.

2. My employer says workers’ comp is my only option. Is that true?

No. Workers’ comp is one option — but it’s often not enough. Workers’ comp does not cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost wages
• Punitive damages
• Third-party negligence

You may also have third-party claims against:

• Manufacturers of toxic products (e.g., asbestos insulation, benzene-containing chemicals)
• Property owners (e.g., landlords, general contractors)
• Equipment suppliers (e.g., defective scaffolding, faulty machinery)

Workers’ comp is step one — not the end.

3. The company I worked for is bankrupt. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. Many companies that exposed workers to asbestos, benzene, and other toxins filed for bankruptcy to manage lawsuits. As part of their bankruptcy, they established asbestos trust funds to compensate future claimants. There are over 60 active trusts holding $30 billion. Many Kent County workers qualify for multiple trust fund claims.

4. I don’t know which products I was exposed to. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. That’s our job. We:

• Reconstruct your work history through employment records, union records, and co-worker testimony
• Identify the specific products used at your job sites
• Determine which manufacturers and employers are responsible
• File claims against all liable parties

You don’t need to know the details — we’ll find them.

5. I was a smoker. Does that mean I can’t file a claim?

No. Smoking does not prevent you from filing a toxic exposure claim. In fact:

• Mesothelioma has no connection to smoking. It is caused almost exclusively by asbestos.
• Lung cancer risk from asbestos is 50x higher in smokers — meaning the asbestos exposure is even more dangerous for smokers.
• Benzene-related leukemia is caused by benzene regardless of smoking history.

Corporate defendants will try to blame smoking — but the science is on your side.

6. How much is my case worth?

It depends on:

• The severity of your diagnosis (mesothelioma vs. asbestosis; AML vs. MDS)
• The strength of your exposure evidence (documentation, co-worker testimony)
• The number of liable defendants (manufacturers, employers, property owners)
• The compensation pathways available (trust funds, lawsuits, workers’ comp, government programs)

Typical ranges:

• Mesothelioma: $1M–$2M+ settlements; verdicts up to $50M+
• Asbestosis: $100K–$500K+
• Benzene-related AML: $500K–$2M+
• PFAS-related kidney cancer: $50K–$500K+
• Silicosis: $250K–$3M+
• Radiation-related cancer (RECA): $50K–$150K

Every case is different. Call us for a free case evaluation.

7. How long will my case take?

It depends on the type of claim:

• Asbestos trust fund claims: 3–12 months
• Workers’ compensation claims: 6–18 months
• Personal injury lawsuits: 1–3 years
• Mass tort litigation (Roundup, Zantac, PFAS): 3–7+ years
• Government program claims (RECA, CLJA): 1–5 years

We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

8. I’m undocumented. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for toxic exposure or workplace injuries. Federal law protects all workers, regardless of status. We have bilingual staff and work with immigration attorneys to ensure you are protected.

9. I’m a veteran. How does this affect my VA benefits?

You can receive both VA benefits and civil compensation. They do not offset each other. For example:

• VA disability benefits for service-connected exposure
• Camp Lejeune Justice Act lawsuit against the federal government
• Asbestos trust fund claims for civilian exposure

We help veterans navigate both systems.

10. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We advance all case costs (medical records, expert witnesses, filing fees). If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. If we do win, our fee comes out of your settlement.

Kent County’s Industrial History — And Why It Matters for Your Case

Kent County’s economy has long been tied to oil and gas production, agriculture, and transportation. This industrial history is directly connected to the toxic exposure risks faced by workers in the region.

Oil and Gas Industry

The Permian Basin, which includes Kent County, is one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world. For over a century, workers have been exposed to:

• Asbestos in refineries, drilling rigs, and pipeline insulation
• Benzene in crude oil and refining processes
• Silica in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations
• NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) in produced water and scale

Many of these exposures occurred without proper safety measures or warnings.

Railroad Industry

Kent County is served by Union Pacific and BNSF railroads, which have long been major employers in the region. Railroad workers were exposed to:

• Asbestos in locomotive insulation and brake shoes
• Diesel exhaust (classified as a probable carcinogen by the IARC)
• Creosote (used to treat railroad ties; contains carcinogens)
• Herbicides (used to clear vegetation along tracks)

Construction Industry

Construction has been a major employer in Kent County, particularly during oil booms and infrastructure projects. Construction workers were exposed to:

• Asbestos in demolition and renovation of older buildings
• Silica in concrete cutting, sandblasting, and masonry work
• Lead in paint removal and demolition
• Solvents and welding fumes in industrial construction

Agricultural Industry

Agriculture remains a key part of Kent County’s economy. Farmworkers have been exposed to:

• Pesticides and herbicides (including Roundup/glyphosate)
• Diesel exhaust from farm equipment
• Dust (including silica and organic dusts)

Military and Government Facilities

While Kent County does not host a major military base, nearby installations have employed Kent County residents, exposing them to:

• Asbestos in military buildings and ships
• PFAS in firefighting foam (AFFF)
• Radiation at nuclear test sites (downwinders)

The Corporate Cover-Up — What They Knew and When They Knew It

Many of the corporations that exposed Kent County workers to toxic substances knew the risks — and hid them for decades.

Asbestos

• 1930s: Dr. E.R.A. Merewether (UK) published the first study linking asbestos to lung disease.
• 1933: Johns-Manville, the largest asbestos manufacturer, suppressed internal studies showing asbestos caused disease in workers.
• 1935: Sumner Simpson (Raybestos-Manhattan) wrote to Vandiver Brown (Johns-Manville): “The less said about asbestos, the better off we are.”
• 1964: Dr. Irving Selikoff published landmark studies proving asbestos caused mesothelioma and lung cancer in insulation workers.
• 1970s–1990s: Despite the evidence, companies continued using asbestos in refineries, construction, and oilfield equipment — including in Kent County.

Benzene

• 1948: The American Petroleum Institute acknowledged that benzene caused leukemia.
• 1977: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended reducing benzene exposure to the lowest feasible level.
• 1987: OSHA reduced the permissible exposure limit (PEL) from 10 ppm to 1 ppm — but many employers ignored the new standard.
• 2000s: Oil companies and refineries continued exposing workers to benzene without adequate protection.

PFAS

• 1970s: 3M’s internal studies showed PFAS accumulated in workers’ blood.
• 1980s: DuPont’s Washington Works plant documented cancer and birth defects in workers exposed to PFOA (a PFAS chemical).
• 2000s: Both companies continued production and dumped PFAS into water supplies.
• 2016: The EPA issued a health advisory for PFAS in drinking water — but many communities, including in West Texas, were already contaminated.

Silica

• 1930s: Silicosis was recognized as an occupational disease in miners and sandblasters.
• 2012: OSHA issued a Hazard Alert for silica exposure in hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
• 2016: OSHA reduced the silica PEL — but many employers failed to implement controls.
• 2020s: Silicosis cases are surging among fracking workers in the Permian Basin.

They knew. They hid it. Now, we hold them accountable.

The Legal Process — What to Expect

1. Free Case Evaluation

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We’ll review your work history, medical records, and exposure risks.
• We’ll explain your legal rights and compensation pathways.

2. Evidence Preservation

• We send preservation demands to employers, manufacturers, and government agencies.
• We help you document your exposure history.
• We gather medical records, employment records, and co-worker testimony.

3. Filing Claims

• We file asbestos trust fund claims (if applicable).
• We file personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants.
• We file workers’ compensation claims (if applicable).
• We file third-party claims against manufacturers and property owners.
• We file government program claims (RECA, CLJA, EEOICPA).
• We file mass tort claims (Roundup, Zantac, PFAS).

4. Discovery and Litigation

• We gather evidence through:
  • Depositions of co-workers, supervisors, and experts
  • Document requests to defendants
  • Expert testimony from medical professionals and industrial hygienists
• We negotiate with defendants to reach a fair settlement.
• If necessary, we prepare for trial.

5. Settlement or Verdict

• Settlement: Most cases settle out of court. We negotiate the highest possible amount.
• Verdict: If the case goes to trial, a jury decides the outcome.
• Distribution: After settlement or verdict, we:
  • Pay all medical bills and liens
  • Deduct our fee (contingency basis)
  • You keep the rest

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Kent County Toxic Exposure Case?

1. We Know Kent County’s Industrial Landscape

We understand the employers, the exposure sites, and the local courts. We’ve handled cases involving:

• Oil and gas workers in the Permian Basin
• Refinery and petrochemical plant workers
• Construction workers on major projects
• Railroad workers for Union Pacific and BNSF
• Agricultural workers exposed to pesticides
• Veterans and military contractors

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña used to work for the other side. He knows how insurance companies and corporate defendants:

• Evaluate claims
• Deny valid cases
• Suppress evidence
• Lowball settlements

Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

3. We Pursue Every Available Claim

Most law firms pursue one compensation pathway. We pursue all of them:

• Asbestos trust funds
• Personal injury lawsuits
• Workers’ compensation
• Third-party claims
• Government programs
• Mass tort litigation

We maximize your recovery by leaving no stone unturned.

4. We Don’t Just File Claims — We Build Cases

We:

• Reconstruct your exposure history with precision
• Identify all liable parties (employers, manufacturers, property owners)
• Gather medical evidence linking your diagnosis to your exposure
• Prepare for trial if necessary
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

5. We Treat You Like Family

We know that a toxic exposure diagnosis is devastating — not just for you, but for your entire family. We:

• Keep you informed every step of the way
• Answer your questions promptly and honestly
• Provide emotional support during a difficult time
• Give you direct access to your attorney (Ralph Manginello’s personal cell phone)

You’re not just a case number — you’re a person who deserves justice.

6. No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all case costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. If we do win, our fee comes out of your settlement.

Client Testimonials — What Kent County Workers Say About Attorney 911

“I worked at a refinery for 30 years and was diagnosed with mesothelioma. I didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 took my case and fought for me like family. They got me compensation from multiple trust funds — and I didn’t have to go to court. I’m so grateful.”
— James R., Snyder, TX

“After my husband was diagnosed with leukemia, we learned it was from benzene exposure at the refinery where he worked. Attorney 911 helped us file a lawsuit and trust fund claims. They handled everything — we didn’t have to worry about a thing. The settlement helped us pay for his treatment and secure our future.”
— Maria G., Jayton, TX

“I was a pipefitter for 25 years and developed asbestosis. My employer told me workers’ comp was my only option. Attorney 911 showed me I had third-party claims against the asbestos manufacturers. They got me a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I can’t thank them enough.”
— Robert T., Rotan, TX

“My father worked in the oilfields his whole life and died of lung cancer. We suspected it was from silica exposure. Attorney 911 helped us file a wrongful death claim and trust fund claims. They fought for us every step of the way. The compensation helped our family heal.”
— Lisa M., Aspermont, TX

“I was exposed to PFAS at a firefighting training site and developed kidney cancer. Attorney 911 helped me join the 3M settlement and file a personal injury claim. They made the process easy and got me the compensation I deserved. I highly recommend them.”
— David K., Sweetwater, TX

Call Attorney 911 Now — 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an occupational disease or suffered a serious injury on the job in Kent County, you may have a legal claim worth millions of dollars. But time is critical.

• Evidence is disappearing — buildings are demolished, records are shredded, witnesses are aging.
• Trust funds are depleting — payment percentages are declining as more claims are filed.
• Statutes of limitations don’t wait — the clock is ticking from the date of diagnosis.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll review your work history, exposure risks, and medical records — and tell you exactly what your case could be worth.

No fee unless we win. We advance all case costs. You pay nothing upfront.

Hablamos español. No language barrier stands in the way of justice.

Ralph Manginello answers at 1-888-ATTY-911. You’re never just a case number.

Attorney 911 — Fighting for Kent County Workers Since 1998

1-888-ATTY-911 | 24/7 Live Staff | Free Consultation