Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Asbestos might sound like a problem of the past, but for many families in Oklahoma, it’s still a very real concern. Even though the material hasn’t been widely used in new construction for decades, it lingers in older homes, schools, and workplaces. That continued presence puts people at risk of developing serious health problems—especially mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Asbestos is a mineral once praised for its heat resistance and strength. It was commonly used in insulation, ceiling tiles, cement, and floor coverings. But it came with a hidden cost. When asbestos is disturbed—through construction, renovations, or even everyday wear—it can release tiny fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can damage the lungs and, over time, lead to serious diseases.
Most buildings constructed before 1980 still contain asbestos in some form. That means people working in schools, industrial plants, or older homes may still be exposed during repairs or maintenance without even knowing it.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, asbestos remains present in many public buildings built before 1980. — Oklahoma DEQ Asbestos Program
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It’s almost always caused by asbestos exposure. When someone breathes in asbestos fibers, they can stay in the body for years. Over time, they cause inflammation and scarring, which may lead to cancer.
One of the most dangerous aspects of mesothelioma is its latency period. It usually takes 30 to 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. By the time it’s diagnosed, the disease is often in an advanced stage.
Mesothelioma often remains undiagnosed until it has progressed into later stages, making early detection and legal consultation critical. — National Cancer Institute
Common symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and unexplained weight loss. Because these symptoms are similar to other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed.
You might think asbestos is no longer a threat, but that’s not the case. It still exists in many older structures across the country—including in Oklahoma. A recent report from a major U.S. city revealed that many public schools built before 1980 contain over 11 million square feet of asbestos.
The problem is that asbestos isn’t dangerous unless it’s disturbed. However, once disturbed, even during routine maintenance, the fibers can become airborne. Teachers, students, construction workers, and janitors are especially vulnerable if proper precautions aren’t taken.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to regulate asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), yet millions of square feet of material remain in use. — EPA Asbestos Fact Sheet
Location Type | Common Asbestos Materials | Risk Factors |
| Older Schools | Pipe insulation, ceiling tiles | Children, staff, maintenance |
| Industrial Sites | Boilers, fireproofing materials | Long-term worker exposure |
| Residential Homes | Floor tiles, roofing, drywall | Renovations, repairs |
| Military Bases | Barracks, shipyards | Veterans and civilian workers |
Oklahoma law allows people diagnosed with mesothelioma to file lawsuits against individuals accountable for their exposure. These cases usually fall under product liability or toxic tort law. In most situations, the companies that manufacture or use asbestos-containing materials can be held accountable.
Under Oklahoma law, victims have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim. That’s why it’s important not to wait. Even if exposure happened decades ago, your right to seek justice starts from the date you learned about the illness—not the date of exposure.
In many cases, former employers, property owners, or asbestos manufacturers may be liable. Some of these companies have set up trust funds for victims after filing for bankruptcy. These funds allow eligible individuals to receive compensation without going to trial.
Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit involves several key steps. First, you’ll need to confirm the diagnosis with medical records. Then, an attorney will help identify where and how the exposure occurred. This process may involve work history, military records, or property inspections.
Once the exposure source is confirmed, your attorney can file a claim. Most cases are settled out of court, but some may go to trial. Compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, wrongful death damages.
Each case is different. The amount of compensation and the timeline depends on many factors, including how long ago the exposure happened and how severe the illness is.
Mesothelioma cases require legal experience and a strong understanding of product liability law. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has helped many Oklahoma families understand their rights after a diagnosis tied to asbestos.
They work closely with medical professionals, investigators, and other experts to build a strong case. If you have questions about your legal options or aren’t sure where the exposure happened, the firm can help you find answers.
Mesothelioma cases often involve past jobs, old school buildings, or military service. We help connect the dots so families can get the help they need. — Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Mesothelioma typically develops 30 to 50 years after initial exposure. This long latency makes tracing exposure sources complex, especially for older buildings or job sites.
Yes, but it depends on when you were diagnosed. In Oklahoma, you generally have 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a mesothelioma-related claim.
Possible liable parties include former employers, product manufacturers, property owners, or companies that failed to warn about known hazards.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Exposure may have occurred at a job site, school, military base, or through home renovation. A legal team can help investigate your history and identify potential exposure sources.
Many asbestos manufacturers created trust funds before declaring bankruptcy. You may still qualify for compensation through these trusts without going to court.
Although asbestos might no longer be commonly used, its dangers are far from gone. The risk of exposure remains in many of Oklahoma’s older buildings, and the effects of that exposure can take decades to surface. Mesothelioma is one of the most serious consequences—and one that demands both medical care and legal action.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers understands the impact of asbestos exposure and offers compassionate legal support to families throughout Tulsa and beyond. A free consultation can help you understand your rights and the next steps.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
