Attorney 911 / The Manginello Law Firm
Toxic Exposure & Dangerous Industry Worker Legal Guide
Reagan County, Texas
If You Worked in Reagan County, Texas — Your Health Was at Risk. And Someone Knew.
For decades, workers in Reagan County built the infrastructure, fueled the economy, and powered the nation — often without knowing the dust they inhaled, the chemicals they handled, or the fibers embedded in their lungs would one day try to kill them.
You didn’t know.
Your employer did.
The companies that supplied the materials knew.
The government agencies that set the safety standards knew — and often set them too low.
Now, you’re sick. Or your spouse is sick. Or your parent is gone — and you’re left wondering why.
This isn’t bad luck. This isn’t aging. This is exposure. And someone is responsible.
At Attorney 911, we don’t just fight for compensation. We fight for justice. We fight for accountability. And we fight with insider knowledge — because our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the other side. He knows how corporate defendants evaluate claims, suppress evidence, and exploit legal loopholes. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, asbestosis, silicosis, Parkinson’s disease, kidney cancer, or any occupational illness after working in Reagan County — you have rights. And we know how to enforce them.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7. Hablamos español.
Reagan County’s Industrial History: A Timeline of Exposure
Reagan County sits in the heart of West Texas, where oil, gas, and industrial activity have shaped the economy for over a century. But with industry came toxic exposure — often hidden, always dangerous.
| Era | Industry | Exposure Risks | Who Was Exposed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920s–1940s | Oil discovery (Big Lake Oil Field) | Benzene, crude oil vapors, silica dust, asbestos in drilling equipment | Drillers, roughnecks, refinery workers, truck drivers |
| 1940s–1970s | WWII & Cold War military expansion | Asbestos in aircraft, vehicles, and buildings; radiation at nearby nuclear sites | Military personnel, mechanics, construction workers, veterans |
| 1950s–1980s | Oil boom & refinery expansion | Benzene, hydrogen sulfide, asbestos insulation, chemical solvents | Refinery operators, pipefitters, boilermakers, insulators |
| 1980s–2000s | Oilfield services & fracking | Silica sand, diesel exhaust, frac chemicals, NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) | Frac sand handlers, truck drivers, well servicing crews, roustabouts |
| 2000s–Present | Wind energy & infrastructure | Fiberglass, resins, heavy metals, electrical hazards | Wind turbine technicians, electricians, construction workers |
Every era left its mark — in the soil, in the air, and in the bodies of Reagan County workers.
The Diseases That Should Have Been Prevented
If you worked in Reagan County and now have any of these conditions, your exposure history may explain why.
1. Mesothelioma & Asbestos-Related Diseases
What it is: A rare, aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart — caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.
How Reagan County workers were exposed:
- Oilfield equipment: Asbestos was used in drilling mud, pipe insulation, gaskets, and brake linings on oilfield trucks and rigs.
- Refineries & power plants: Every refinery, compressor station, and power plant built before 1980 contained asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers, and turbines.
- Construction & demolition: Schools, courthouses, and industrial buildings in Reagan County were built with asbestos-containing materials. Demolition workers released fibers into the air.
- Military & veterans: Reagan County is near Goodfellow Air Force Base and Dyess Air Force Base — both sites with documented asbestos exposure in military buildings and aircraft.
The science they hid from you:
- Asbestos fibers are biopersistent — once inhaled, they stay in your lungs for decades, causing chronic inflammation.
- Your body’s immune system sends macrophages to destroy the fibers — but they can’t. The failed immune response creates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and lead to cancer.
- No safe level of exposure exists. Even brief, intense exposure can cause mesothelioma 20–50 years later.
Latency period: 15–50 years — meaning workers exposed in the 1970s–1990s are being diagnosed today.
Prognosis: Median survival is 12–21 months. But with treatment, some patients live 5+ years.
Who knew?
- Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace, and dozens of other companies suppressed research dating back to the 1930s proving asbestos caused cancer.
- The Sumner Simpson letters (1935) show corporate executives agreeing to suppress medical research to keep profits flowing.
- The EPA tried to ban asbestos in 1989 — but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Texas) overturned the ban in 1991, keeping asbestos legal for 33 more years.
You may qualify for:
✅ Asbestos trust fund claims (60+ active trusts with ~$30 billion in remaining assets)
✅ Personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants
✅ VA benefits (if exposed during military service)
✅ Workers’ compensation (if exposure occurred at work)
Average compensation:
- Trust fund claims: $25,000–$400,000+ (per trust)
- Lawsuits: $1M–$2M+ settlements; $5M–$11.4M+ verdicts
- Landmark verdicts in Texas: $60M+ for refinery workers
2. Benzene Exposure & Blood Cancers (AML, MDS, NHL)
What it is: Benzene is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) that damages bone marrow and causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
How Reagan County workers were exposed:
- Oil refineries & chemical plants: Benzene is a natural component of crude oil and is produced during refining.
- Gasoline handling: Truck drivers, gas station attendants, and mechanics were exposed to benzene vapors.
- Oilfield operations: Benzene is present in drilling mud, produced water, and natural gas condensate.
- Industrial solvents: Used in degreasing, painting, and maintenance operations.
The science they hid from you:
- Benzene is metabolized by CYP2E1 into benzene oxide and muconaldehyde — toxic compounds that bind to DNA in bone marrow stem cells.
- These metabolites cause chromosomal aberrations (t(8;21), t(15;17), inv(16)) — the hallmark genetic mutations in benzene-related AML.
- No safe threshold exists. The OSHA PEL is 1 ppm, but benzene causes cancer at levels below the legal limit.
Latency period: 5–30 years — meaning workers exposed in the 1980s–2000s are being diagnosed now.
Prognosis:
- AML: 5-year survival is 28% (lower for benzene-related cases).
- MDS: 30% progress to AML; median survival is 1–3 years for high-risk cases.
- NHL: 5-year survival is 73%, but varies by subtype.
Who knew?
- ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and other oil companies knew benzene caused leukemia by the 1960s–1970s.
- Internal documents show Dow Chemical and Standard Oil suppressed research on benzene toxicity.
- The OSHA PEL was set at 10 ppm in 1971 — 10x higher than today’s 1 ppm standard. Workers exposed before 1987 were exposed to legally “permissible” levels that were still deadly.
You may qualify for:
✅ Personal injury lawsuits against refineries and chemical companies
✅ Workers’ compensation (if exposure occurred at work)
✅ Third-party claims against equipment manufacturers and contractors
Average compensation:
- Settlements: $500,000–$2M+
- Verdicts: $2M–$20M+ (ExxonMobil benzene verdict: $725M in 2024)
3. Silicosis & Lung Disease (From Fracking & Construction)
What it is: Silicosis is a progressive, incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust — found in sand, concrete, and fracking operations.
How Reagan County workers were exposed:
- Fracking operations: Silica sand is used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing. Workers handling sand were exposed to airborne silica dust.
- Construction & demolition: Cutting concrete, brick, and tile releases silica.
- Oilfield sandblasting: Used to clean equipment and pipes.
The science they hid from you:
- Silica dust causes lung fibrosis — scarring that permanently reduces lung function.
- No treatment exists. The only cure is a lung transplant.
- Accelerated silicosis (5–10 years of exposure) can be fatal within months.
Latency period: 5–20 years — meaning workers exposed in the 2000s–2010s are being diagnosed now.
Prognosis:
- Chronic silicosis: Progressive disability; median survival 10–20 years.
- Accelerated silicosis: Rapid progression; median survival 2–5 years.
- Acute silicosis: Fatal within weeks to months.
Who knew?
- OSHA issued a Hazard Alert for silica in fracking in 2012 — but enforcement was weak.
- Frac sand companies knew the risks but failed to provide adequate respiratory protection.
- Construction companies routinely violated OSHA’s silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153).
You may qualify for:
✅ Personal injury lawsuits against frac sand suppliers and employers
✅ Workers’ compensation (if exposure occurred at work)
✅ Third-party claims against equipment manufacturers
Average compensation:
- Settlements: $250,000–$1M+
- Verdicts: $1M–$10M+ (engineered stone silicosis verdict: $52.4M in 2024)
4. Radiation Exposure & Cancer (RECA & EEOICPA)
What it is: Exposure to ionizing radiation from uranium mining, nuclear weapons testing, and nuclear facility work increases the risk of leukemia, lung cancer, bone cancer, and thyroid cancer.
How Reagan County workers were exposed:
- Uranium mining & milling: Reagan County is near historical uranium mining sites in West Texas and New Mexico.
- Nuclear weapons testing: Downwinders — people who lived near test sites — were exposed to radioactive fallout.
- DOE nuclear facilities: Workers at Pantex Plant (Amarillo) and other sites were exposed to beryllium, uranium, and plutonium.
The science they hid from you:
- Radiation damages DNA through ionization — causing mutations that lead to cancer.
- Latency period: 10–40 years — meaning workers exposed in the 1950s–1980s are being diagnosed now.
Who knew?
- The U.S. government knew about radiation risks but suppressed research to avoid liability.
- Manhattan Project scientists documented health effects in workers — but kept the data classified.
- RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) was passed in 1990 — but excluded many exposed workers until the 2025 expansion.
You may qualify for:
✅ RECA compensation ($50,000–$150,000)
✅ EEOICPA benefits ($150,000–$400,000+)
✅ Personal injury lawsuits against government contractors
Average compensation:
- RECA: $50,000–$150,000 (lump sum)
- EEOICPA: $150,000–$400,000+ (medical + wage loss)
5. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) Contamination
What it is: PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and industrial processes — linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and immune suppression.
How Reagan County residents were exposed:
- Military bases (Goodfellow AFB, Dyess AFB): PFAS-containing AFFF firefighting foam contaminated groundwater.
- Oilfield operations: PFAS used in drilling fluids and hydraulic fracturing.
- Industrial facilities: PFAS released into air and water from chemical plants and refineries.
The science they hid from you:
- PFAS bioaccumulate in the body — meaning levels increase over time.
- No safe level exists. The EPA’s MCL is 4 ppt — but PFAS cause harm at lower concentrations.
- 3M and DuPont knew about PFAS toxicity by the 1970s but suppressed the research.
Latency period: 10–30 years — meaning exposures in the 1990s–2010s are causing disease now.
Who knew?
- 3M internal documents (1970s) show they knew PFAS accumulated in blood and caused health effects.
- DuPont’s C8 studies (1960s–1980s) proved PFAS caused cancer and birth defects — but they classified the data.
You may qualify for:
✅ Personal injury lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers
✅ Class action settlements (3M: $12.5B; DuPont: $1.18B)
✅ Government claims for contaminated water
Average compensation:
- Individual settlements: $50,000–$500,000+
- Class action per-person: $5,000–$100,000+
The Corporate Playbook: How They Fight Your Claim (And How We Fight Back)
Corporate defendants and their insurance companies have spent decades perfecting strategies to deny, delay, and minimize toxic exposure claims. Here’s what they’ll try — and how we stop them.
| Their Tactic | How They Use It | How We Counter It |
|---|---|---|
| “You can’t prove which product caused your disease.” | In asbestos cases, they argue: “Our product was only one of many you were exposed to.” | Substantial factor test: We don’t need to prove which fiber caused your mesothelioma — only that their product was a substantial factor in your cumulative exposure. We reconstruct your entire work history to identify every product and every employer. |
| “The statute of limitations has expired.” | They claim: “Your exposure was 30 years ago. It’s too late to file.” | Discovery rule: In Texas, the statute of limitations begins when you discover the injury and its cause — not when the exposure occurred. For mesothelioma with a 20–50 year latency, the clock starts at diagnosis. |
| “Workers’ comp is your only remedy.” | Employers argue: “You can’t sue us. Workers’ comp is your exclusive remedy.” | Third-party liability: You can sue manufacturers, property owners, and contractors — even if your employer is protected. These claims have no damage caps and include pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not. |
| “Our company didn’t exist when the exposure occurred.” | Defendants argue: “The company that exposed you went bankrupt. We’re a different entity.” | Successor liability: If a company acquired the product line or continued the same business, they inherit liability. We trace every merger, acquisition, and bankruptcy to identify responsible parties. |
| “We followed OSHA standards.” | They claim: “We complied with all regulations. We’re not liable.” | Regulatory compliance ≠ safety: OSHA standards are minimum requirements — not “safe” levels. We prove they knew the standards were insufficient (internal memos, suppressed research) and that a reasonable company would have done more. |
| “You can’t prove general causation.” | They hire “experts” to claim: “Our product doesn’t cause [your disease].” | IARC, EPA, and NIOSH classifications: Benzene (Group 1 carcinogen), asbestos (Group 1), silica (Group 1). We retain board-certified toxicologists to dismantle their junk science. |
| “You were a smoker / had pre-existing conditions.” | They argue: “Your disease was caused by smoking, not our product.” | Synergistic effect: Smoking + asbestos = 50x lung cancer risk — meaning the asbestos exposure is even more dangerous for smokers. We prove that but for the exposure, you wouldn’t have developed the disease. |
| “We didn’t know it was dangerous.” | They claim: “At the time, the science wasn’t clear.” | Corporate concealment documents: The Sumner Simpson letters (1935), Monsanto Papers, 3M internal memos, and DuPont C8 studies prove they knew and hid the risks. We have the smoking guns. |
| “The bankruptcy trust is your only remedy.” | They argue: “You can only file a trust fund claim. You can’t sue us.” | Multiple pathways exist: You can file trust fund claims AND sue solvent defendants. We pursue both simultaneously to maximize your recovery. |
| “The government contractor defense protects us.” | Contractors claim: “The government approved our product. We’re immune.” | Boyle v. United Technologies (1988) limitations: The defense only applies if the government required the specific design. For asbestos, contractors chose to use it because it was cheap — the government didn’t mandate it. |
The Compensation Pathways: How We Get You Paid
Most law firms pursue one compensation pathway. We pursue all of them — simultaneously.
| Pathway | Available For | How It Works | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims | Mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer | File claims with 60+ active trusts (Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace, etc.). Payment percentages range from 5%–100%. | $25,000–$400,000+ (per trust) |
| Personal Injury Lawsuit | All toxic exposure cases | Sue solvent defendants (refineries, chemical companies, manufacturers) for full damages. | $1M–$20M+ settlements; $5M–$100M+ verdicts |
| Workers’ Compensation | Workplace exposure | File for medical benefits and wage replacement (does not prevent third-party claims). | $50,000–$500,000+ |
| Third-Party Claims | Construction, refinery, maritime workers | Sue property owners, general contractors, and equipment manufacturers (not barred by workers’ comp exclusivity). | $500,000–$10M+ |
| VA Benefits | Veterans with service-connected exposure | File for disability compensation, healthcare, and dependency benefits. | $3,600–$45,000+/year |
| RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) | Uranium miners, downwinders, nuclear workers | File for lump-sum compensation ($50,000–$150,000). | $50,000–$150,000 |
| EEOICPA (Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act) | DOE nuclear workers | File for medical benefits and wage loss compensation ($150,000–$400,000+). | $150,000–$400,000+ |
| Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) | Military personnel & families exposed to contaminated water (1953–1987) | File a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. | $150,000–$450,000+ (projected) |
| FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) | Railroad workers | Sue railroad employers for negligence (not workers’ comp). | $500,000–$3M+ |
| Jones Act | Maritime workers (seamen) | Sue vessel owners for negligence + maintenance and cure (no-fault benefits). | $500,000–$5M+ |
The Attorney 911 Difference: Most firms pursue one pathway. We pursue all available pathways — because every dollar counts when you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and a lifetime of disability.
The Urgency: Why You Can’t Wait
Every day you delay, your case gets weaker. Here’s why:
| What Disappears | Why It Matters | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| Co-workers | Witnesses retire, move, or die. Without their testimony, proving exposure becomes harder. | We locate and interview co-workers immediately to preserve their statements. |
| Employment records | Companies purge old records. Without proof of where you worked and what you handled, your case weakens. | We subpoena records before they’re destroyed. We reconstruct work histories using union records, pay stubs, and tax documents. |
| Facilities | Refineries, plants, and buildings are demolished or remediated. Physical evidence is lost forever. | We inspect sites (if still standing) and analyze historical photos and blueprints. |
| Trust fund assets | Asbestos bankruptcy trusts reduce payment percentages as claims increase. The Manville Trust pays 10% today — down from 100% at inception. | We file claims as quickly as possible to lock in current payment percentages. |
| Statutes of limitations | In Texas, the discovery rule gives you 2 years from diagnosis to file — but some states have statutes of repose that create absolute deadlines. | We analyze your deadlines immediately and file before the clock runs out. |
| Corporate restructuring | Defendants file bankruptcy, spin off liability, or dissolve to avoid paying. | We trace corporate successor chains to identify all responsible parties. |
| Your health | Mesothelioma, AML, and silicosis are progressive diseases. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove the full extent of your damages. | We connect you with top specialists to document your condition and preserve evidence for your claim. |
The bottom line: The sooner you call, the stronger your case.
The Evidence We Preserve: What You Need to Prove Your Claim
Toxic exposure cases live or die on evidence. We don’t just file claims — we build cases.
| Evidence Type | What We Collect | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medical records | Pathology reports, imaging (CT/PET scans), pulmonary function tests, blood panels | Proves your diagnosis and links it to occupational exposure. |
| Employment records | Pay stubs, union records, job descriptions, OSHA logs, safety training records | Proves where you worked, what you handled, and how long you were exposed. |
| Exposure documentation | Industrial hygiene reports, air sampling data, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) | Proves what substances you were exposed to and at what levels. |
| Co-worker testimony | Affidavits, depositions, witness statements | Corroborates your exposure history and work conditions. |
| Corporate records | Internal memos, board minutes, safety reports, marketing materials | Proves what the company knew and when they knew it. |
| Government records | OSHA citations, EPA enforcement actions, NIOSH health hazard evaluations | Proves regulatory violations and employer negligence. |
| Product identification | Purchase orders, shipping manifests, product labels | Proves which manufacturers’ products you were exposed to. |
| Site inspections | Photos, videos, blueprints, historical imagery | Proves work conditions and exposure pathways. |
| Expert testimony | Industrial hygienists, toxicologists, pulmonologists, oncologists | Proves causation — that your exposure caused your disease. |
We don’t wait for evidence to come to us. We go get it — before it disappears.
The Attorney 911 Advantage: Why We’re Different
1. We Have an Insider on Your Side
Lupe Peña used to evaluate toxic exposure claims for the defense. He knows how corporate legal teams build their cases against you — because he used to build them. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
2. We’ve Fought — and Won — Against the Biggest Corporations
Ralph Manginello was part of the litigation team in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion — one of the largest industrial accident cases in U.S. history ($2.1 billion total recovery). He knows how to take on billion-dollar corporations and win.
3. We Don’t Just File Claims — We Build Cases
Most firms file and forget. We investigate, document, and litigate — because we know that every piece of evidence can mean the difference between a $50,000 settlement and a $5 million verdict.
4. We Pursue Every Available Pathway — Not Just One
Most firms pursue one compensation pathway. We pursue all of them — trust funds, lawsuits, workers’ comp, VA benefits, government programs — to maximize your recovery.
5. We Answer 24/7 — Because Legal Emergencies Don’t Wait
We don’t use call centers. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get Ralph Manginello or a live member of our team — not an answering service.
6. We Speak Your Language — Literally
Hablamos español. Many Reagan County workers are Spanish-speaking. We ensure no language barrier stands between you and justice.
7. We Treat You Like Family — Because That’s What You Are
Toxic exposure cases are personal. We don’t treat you like a case number. We treat you like family — because when corporations poison you, they poison your family too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Exposure in Reagan County
1. I was exposed decades ago. Is it too late to file a claim?
No. In Texas, the statute of limitations for toxic exposure cases begins when you discover the injury and its cause — not when the exposure occurred. For mesothelioma with a 20–50 year latency period, the clock typically starts at diagnosis.
2. My employer says workers’ comp is my only option. Is that true?
No. Workers’ compensation is one option — but it’s often the smallest. You can also file:
- Third-party claims against manufacturers, property owners, and contractors (not barred by workers’ comp exclusivity).
- Asbestos trust fund claims (if exposed to asbestos).
- Personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants.
Workers’ comp does not include pain and suffering — but third-party claims do.
3. The company that exposed me went bankrupt. Can I still sue?
Yes. Many bankrupt companies established trust funds to compensate future claimants. For asbestos, there are 60+ active trusts with ~$30 billion in remaining assets. We file claims with every trust you qualify for.
4. How much is my case worth?
It depends on:
- Your diagnosis (mesothelioma, AML, silicosis, etc.)
- Your exposure history (duration, intensity, documentation)
- The defendants (solvent companies, trust funds, government programs)
- Your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Average ranges:
- Mesothelioma: $1M–$2M+ settlements; $5M–$11.4M+ verdicts
- Benzene/AML: $500,000–$2M+ settlements; $2M–$20M+ verdicts
- Silicosis: $250,000–$1M+ settlements; $1M–$10M+ verdicts
- PFAS contamination: $50,000–$500,000+ (individual); $10B+ (class actions)
- RECA/EEOICPA: $50,000–$400,000+
- Camp Lejeune: $150,000–$450,000+ (projected)
Every case is unique. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation.
5. I’m undocumented. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We’ve helped hundreds of undocumented workers recover millions in settlements. Hablamos español.
6. I’m a veteran. How do VA benefits interact with a lawsuit?
VA benefits and civil lawsuits are separate. You can receive VA disability compensation AND file a personal injury lawsuit or trust fund claim. The two do not offset each other.
7. What if I was exposed at multiple jobs?
We identify every exposure source. For asbestos, we file claims with every trust fund whose products you were exposed to. For benzene, we sue every refinery and chemical company responsible. We don’t stop until we’ve identified every possible defendant.
8. How long will my case take?
It depends on the pathway:
- Asbestos trust fund claims: 3–12 months
- Personal injury lawsuits: 1–3 years
- Mass torts (Camp Lejeune, Roundup, PFAS): 3–7+ years
- RECA/EEOICPA: 6–18 months
We expedite cases for terminal patients whenever possible.
9. What if I don’t know what I was exposed to?
That’s our job. We reconstruct your work history, identify every product and substance you handled, and connect them to your diagnosis. You don’t need to know — we’ll find out.
10. I already hired another attorney, but they’re not communicating. Can I switch?
Yes. You can switch attorneys at any time. If your current firm isn’t pursuing all available claims, isn’t communicating, or isn’t fighting for maximum compensation, you have options. Many of our clients came to us after their first attorney missed claims or settled too quickly.
Where to Get Treatment in Reagan County & Beyond
If you’ve been diagnosed with an occupational disease, getting the right medical care is critical — for your health and your legal case.
Nearest Cancer Centers & Specialists
| Facility | Location | Specialties | Distance from Big Lake, TX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Medical Center | San Angelo, TX | Oncology, pulmonology, occupational medicine | 65 miles |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, TX | #1 cancer hospital in the U.S. — mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer | 320 miles |
| Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center | Houston, TX | Hematology/oncology, thoracic oncology | 320 miles |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, TX | Pulmonary disease, occupational cancer | 350 miles |
| University Medical Center | Lubbock, TX | Oncology, pulmonology | 180 miles |
Occupational & Environmental Medicine Programs
| Program | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| UTHealth Houston — Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health | Houston, TX | Occupational disease evaluation, exposure assessment, NIOSH-funded research |
| Texas A&M School of Public Health | College Station, TX | Occupational health research, exposure studies |
| Occupational Medicine Clinic at Shannon Medical Center | San Angelo, TX | Work-related injury and illness evaluation |
Support Organizations
| Organization | Services | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation | Clinical trial matching, peer support, research funding | www.curemeso.org / 1-877-363-6376 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Financial assistance, clinical trials, support groups | www.lls.org / 1-800-955-4572 |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation | Support for asbestosis and silicosis patients | www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org |
| American Lung Association | Lung disease education, advocacy, Lung Helpline | www.lung.org / 1-800-LUNGUSA |
| CancerCare | Free counseling, financial assistance, support groups | www.cancercare.org / 1-800-813-HOPE |
| Wounded Warrior Project | Veterans benefits counseling, mental health support | www.woundedwarriorproject.org |
| National Veterans Legal Services Program | Free legal assistance for VA claims | www.nvlsp.org |
Clinical Trials
New treatments are being tested every day. Search ClinicalTrials.gov for:
- “Mesothelioma” + “Texas”
- “AML” + “benzene”
- “Silicosis” + “fracking”
- “PFAS” + “kidney cancer”
Ask your oncologist about eligibility.
The Next Step: What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an occupational disease after working in Reagan County, here’s what to do next:
1. Get a Medical Evaluation
- See an oncologist (for cancer) or pulmonologist (for lung disease).
- Ask for pulmonary function tests (for asbestosis/silicosis) or bone marrow biopsy (for leukemia).
- Request imaging (CT/PET scans for mesothelioma, X-rays for silicosis).
2. Preserve Evidence
- Gather employment records (pay stubs, union records, job descriptions).
- Document your exposure history (where you worked, what you handled, how long).
- Save medical records (diagnosis reports, treatment plans, test results).
- Identify co-workers who can corroborate your exposure.
3. Contact Attorney 911
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We’ll evaluate your exposure history, diagnosis, and legal options.
- We’ll preserve evidence before it disappears.
- We’ll file claims with every available pathway.
4. Don’t Talk to the Other Side
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies or corporate representatives.
- Do not sign anything without legal review.
- Do not accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
5. Focus on Your Health
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Join a support group (see organizations above).
- Let us handle the legal fight — so you can focus on getting better.
You Are Not Powerless. You Have Rights.
For decades, corporations knew their products and workplaces were dangerous. They chose profits over people. They hid the risks. And now, you’re paying the price.
But you are not powerless.
You have rights.
You have legal pathways to compensation.
And you have Attorney 911 — a team that knows how to fight back, how to hold them accountable, and how to get you the justice you deserve.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The consultation is free. The call is confidential. And we don’t get paid unless you do.
Hablamos Español.
We Answer 24/7.
No Fee Unless We Win.
Attorney 911 — Your Legal Emergency Lawyers
1-888-ATTY-911
www.attorney911.com
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact us for a free consultation about your specific situation.
