Asbestos exposure has long been a serious occupational hazard, particularly for individuals who worked in industries such as mining, manufacturing, construction, and railroads. In states like New Mexico, where industrial development and military installations played a significant role in economic growth, asbestos was commonly used in various applications. Unfortunately, while asbestos was once valued for its durability and heat-resistant properties, its harmful health effects were not widely understood until thousands of workers and their families had already been exposed.
For individuals in New Mexico who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, financial compensation may be available. With over $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds, those affected by asbestos exposure—whether through direct contact in the workplace or secondary exposure at home—may qualify for financial relief. At Sammons & Berry, P.C., we specialize in helping asbestos victims navigate the claims process, ensuring they receive the compensation they are entitled to without the stress of litigation.
This article will explore the history of asbestos use in New Mexico, the serious health risks associated with exposure, and how individuals and families can pursue asbestos claims to ease the financial burden of medical expenses, lost income, and suffering.
The History of Asbestos Use in New Mexico
New Mexico has a unique industrial history that contributed to widespread asbestos exposure. While the state is not as heavily industrialized as others, it has long been home to industries where asbestos use was common. The following sectors played a major role in asbestos exposure across the state:
Military Installations
New Mexico is home to several military bases and testing facilities, including Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range. The U.S. military relied heavily on asbestos for decades, using it in barracks, shipyards, aircraft, and other facilities due to its fireproofing and insulation properties. Veterans and civilian contractors who worked on these bases may have been exposed to asbestos while constructing or repairing military equipment and infrastructure.
Mining and Manufacturing
New Mexico has a history of mining operations, including copper, uranium, and natural gas extraction. Asbestos was often found in these environments, either naturally occurring in rock formations or used in protective gear and machinery components. Workers in these industries faced daily exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, increasing their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases later in life.
Railroads and Transportation
New Mexico has long served as a critical transportation hub, with railroad lines running through the state to connect major cities and industrial centers. Asbestos was widely used in railroad operations, particularly in locomotive insulation, brake linings, and gaskets. Workers who built, repaired, or maintained railroad equipment were regularly exposed to asbestos dust, making railroad employment a significant risk factor for asbestos-related illnesses.
Construction and Infrastructure
Asbestos was frequently used in the construction of homes, schools, and commercial buildings throughout New Mexico. Materials such as insulation, roofing, ceiling tiles, and cement contained asbestos, and individuals who worked in construction, demolition, or renovation projects may have been exposed while handling or disturbing these materials.
Despite growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, its use continued in some industries well into the late 20th century. Many individuals exposed decades ago are only now experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, underscoring the need for legal assistance in securing compensation.
The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous because it often goes unnoticed until it is too late. The microscopic fibers released when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed can become lodged in the lungs or other organs, leading to severe and life-threatening diseases. Because asbestos-related illnesses typically have long latency periods—sometimes taking 20 to 50 years to develop—many individuals are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment difficult.
Mesothelioma: A Deadly Cancer Linked to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium, the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Unlike other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, making it a significant concern for workers in high-risk industries.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
- Persistent chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic fatigue
- Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Unexplained weight loss
Because mesothelioma is difficult to detect in its early stages, it is often diagnosed after it has spread, limiting treatment options.
Lung Cancer and Asbestosis
Lung cancer is another major health risk associated with asbestos exposure. While smoking is a well-known cause of lung cancer, asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk—especially for individuals who smoked during their working years. Symptoms may include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged asbestos exposure. Unlike cancer, asbestosis results in lung scarring that makes it progressively harder to breathe over time. Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Chest tightness
- Reduced lung function
While asbestosis itself is not fatal, it increases the risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer later in life.
Other Forms of Cancer Linked to Asbestos Exposure
In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure has been associated with several other types of cancer, including:
- Throat cancer (laryngeal cancer) – Caused by inhaled asbestos fibers that become lodged in the voice box, leading to tumors and difficulty swallowing.
- Esophageal cancer – When asbestos fibers are swallowed, they can cause inflammation and cellular damage in the esophagus, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Stomach cancer – Chronic exposure to ingested asbestos fibers can contribute to tumor development in the stomach lining.
- Colon cancer – Asbestos fibers can travel through the digestive system and become embedded in the colon, leading to cancerous growths over time.
Given the severe health consequences of asbestos exposure, individuals diagnosed with these conditions should seek medical and legal assistance as soon as possible.
How to Seek Asbestos Compensation in New Mexico
Filing an asbestos compensation claim can seem overwhelming, but it is a crucial step for individuals who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. The financial burden of medical treatment, loss of income, and physical and emotional suffering can be significant. However, compensation is available to help alleviate these hardships.
At Sammons & Berry, P.C., we assist clients in navigating the complex claims process, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Many individuals mistakenly believe that filing a claim requires them to sue their former employer, but this is not the case. Instead, asbestos trust funds were created to provide financial relief to victims without requiring lengthy lawsuits or court appearances.
With over $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds, there is financial assistance available for those who have suffered due to exposure. Whether you were directly exposed at your workplace or through secondary exposure at home, we can help you take the necessary steps to file your claim.
The Claims Process
The process of securing compensation through asbestos trust funds is designed to be as straightforward as possible. However, gathering the right documentation and ensuring eligibility can be challenging without professional assistance. Our firm simplifies this process, guiding clients through each step:
- Free Consultation
The first step in seeking asbestos compensation is scheduling a free consultation with our legal team. During this consultation, we will discuss your work history, medical diagnosis, and possible sources of asbestos exposure. This initial assessment helps determine whether you qualify for compensation and which asbestos trust funds may apply to your case. - Gathering Evidence
To build a strong claim, we collect and organize all necessary documentation, including:- Employment records that verify where and when asbestos exposure occurred
- Medical records confirming a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease
- Statements from former coworkers or industry experts supporting your history of exposure
- Any additional supporting documents that strengthen your case
- Filing with Asbestos Trust Funds
Instead of filing a lawsuit, we submit claims directly to the asbestos trust funds that apply to your case. These trust funds were established by companies that used asbestos in their products or workplaces but later declared bankruptcy. Rather than going to court, victims can access these funds without taking legal action against former employers. - Receiving Compensation
Once the claim is reviewed and approved, compensation is provided. The amount of compensation varies depending on factors such as the severity of the illness, the level of exposure, and the specific trust fund’s payout schedule. These funds can help cover medical treatments, lost income, travel expenses for specialized care, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Why Choose Sammons & Berry, P.C.?
At Sammons & Berry, P.C., we understand the devastating impact of asbestos-related diseases, and we are committed to helping individuals and families receive the financial compensation they deserve. With years of experience handling asbestos claims, we provide professional, compassionate legal support.
- Nationwide Representation – While we specialize in helping clients in New Mexico, we assist individuals across the country in filing asbestos claims. No matter where you live or where your exposure occurred, we can help.
- No Upfront Costs – Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. There are no hidden fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
- No Court Appearances Required – Many people hesitate to file a claim because they assume it involves going to court or suing their employer. However, our claims process does not require lawsuits, court hearings, or depositions. We handle everything for you, making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Our goal is to ensure that every victim of asbestos exposure receives the maximum compensation available. We handle all of the paperwork and legal complexities so you can focus on your health and your family.
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure and Compensation
Many people associate asbestos-related diseases with direct workplace exposure, but secondhand asbestos exposure is just as dangerous. Secondhand exposure occurs when individuals who worked with asbestos unknowingly brought the harmful fibers home on their clothing, shoes, skin, or hair, exposing family members to the same risks.
In New Mexico, secondhand exposure was especially common in families where a parent or spouse worked in industries such as railroads, construction, mining, or the military. Workers often returned home covered in asbestos dust, which would settle on furniture, carpets, and clothing. This resulted in prolonged exposure for family members, even if they never set foot in an asbestos-contaminated worksite.
Who Is at Risk?
- Spouses – Many spouses of asbestos workers were exposed while washing contaminated work clothes. Before protective regulations were enforced, asbestos-covered uniforms were washed alongside regular laundry, causing fibers to spread in enclosed laundry areas.
- Children – Young children were often unknowingly exposed to asbestos when hugging or sitting on a parent’s lap after work. Asbestos dust clung to workers’ hair, skin, and clothing, leading to daily exposure for children.
- Household Members – Any individual living in the same home as a worker who handled asbestos-containing materials may have been exposed through airborne fibers in the home environment.
Health Risks of Secondhand Exposure
Like primary asbestos exposure, secondhand exposure can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma – Even brief exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma decades later. Many secondhand exposure victims were diagnosed without ever working in an asbestos-contaminated environment themselves.
- Lung Cancer – Individuals exposed to asbestos through family members face an increased risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they also smoked.
- Asbestosis and Other Cancers – Prolonged secondhand exposure can lead to asbestosis, as well as cancers of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and colon.
Filing a Claim for Secondhand Exposure
If you developed an asbestos-related illness due to secondhand exposure, you may still qualify for compensation through asbestos trust funds. Just like primary exposure victims, individuals suffering from secondhand exposure can file claims to receive financial assistance.
At Sammons & Berry, P.C., we have experience helping spouses, children, and other family members who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos through their loved ones. We will:
- Investigate your exposure history to determine how asbestos fibers entered your home
- Gather medical records and evidence proving secondhand exposure as the cause of your illness
- File claims with the appropriate asbestos trust funds to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve
Many victims of secondhand exposure do not realize they are eligible for compensation. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contact us today to learn more about your rights.
Taking the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness in New Mexico, taking legal action may provide the financial relief you need. Compensation can help cover the cost of medical treatments, lost wages, travel expenses, and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
At Sammons & Berry, P.C., we are committed to making the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our no-risk, no-obligation consultation allows you to explore your options without any financial commitment.
See if you qualify for compensation
Sammons & Berry, P.C.
800-519-1440
View our Google Listing
View our Facebook
