Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure

For decades, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, insulation, and countless industrial products because of its heat resistance and durability. Over time, extensive research revealed the truth: inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can cause life‑altering diseases, including mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

Asbestos exposure remains a serious public health issue. Many people were exposed without ever being told the material was dangerous, and symptoms often appear long after the initial contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How is Brayton Purcell LLP different from other firms that handle asbestos cases?
Many firms advertise asbestos-related legal services only to refer cases elsewhere. At Brayton Purcell LLP, we handle every case in-house. Our seasoned attorneys have taken thousands of asbestos cases to trial and are nationally recognized for delivering exceptional results and steadfast client support. When you choose our firm, we will prepare and take the case to trial, file claims with asbestos bankruptcy trusts, and pursue a workers’ compensation claim, even if you retired years ago.
2Do I need a lawyer with experience handling mesothelioma cases?
Mesothelioma cases involve complex evidence, long exposure timelines, and industry-specific knowledge. Brayton Purcell LLP has handled thousands of asbestos exposure claims and maintains one of the largest asbestos product information databases in the country.
3Can family members sue for secondhand asbestos exposure?
Yes. People exposed through contaminated work clothes or household contact may have legal rights. Brayton Purcell LLP has represented spouses and children in cases involving secondhand asbestos exposure. If you became ill after a family member worked near asbestos, contact our firm to discuss your options.
4What should I know before hiring an attorney for a mesothelioma case?
Not all firms that handle asbestos claims take cases to trial. Brayton Purcell LLP prepares every mesothelioma case as if it will go to trial, using medical evidence, exposure history, and qualified testimony to build the case. If you have been diagnosed, contact our firm to discuss your legal options.
5What is the difference between asbestosis and silicosis?
Both are serious lung diseases caused by inhaling harmful dust. Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos. Silicosis is caused by breathing crystalline silica dust, for example from the fabrication of artificial stone slabs, which contain high levels of nano-sized silica particles. Brayton Purcell LLP represents people diagnosed with either disease and has extensive experience litigating asbestosis and artificial stone silicosis cases to trial verdict. If you have been diagnosed, contact our firm for a free evaluation of your asbestosis or silicosis claim.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers become embedded in the mesothelium, the thin lining that surrounds the lungs, abdomen, or in rare cases the heart. These microscopic fibers can trigger a slow‑moving but aggressive cancer that often remains hidden for decades after exposure. Early signs—such as chest or abdominal discomfort, breathing difficulty, persistent coughing, or gradual fatigue and weight loss—tend to resemble more common illnesses, which can delay recognition. Because of this long latency, understanding any past asbestos exposure is essential for identifying potential risk.

Who Is at Risk?

  • Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy, who encountered asbestos in ship insulation and equipment

  • Construction, manufacturing, and industrial workers exposed in refineries, power plants, shipyards, steel mills, and automotive facilities

  • Family members who came into contact with asbestos fibers carried home on work clothing

  • People living in older buildings where asbestos may still be present in insulation, flooring, or roofing

Even brief or indirect exposure can lead to illness decades later.

Why This Matters

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and many individuals are left trying to understand when exposure may have occurred and what it means for their future. In a moment filled with uncertainty, having clear information and steady guidance becomes especially important.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos‑related illness, you may have legal options that can help support your medical and financial needs. Taking time to understand your exposure history—and seeking professional guidance promptly—can play a meaningful role in shaping your path forward.

Choosing Your Asbestos Attorney

Brayton Purcell LLP: A Leader in Asbestos Litigation

Brayton Purcell LLP has spent over 40 years representing people harmed by asbestos, building a strong record in asbestos litigation and guiding thousands through these complex cases.

We are known for:

  • Extensive experience with asbestos‑related diseases, including mesothelioma
  • Thorough investigation of exposure history across industries and worksites
  • A professional, compassionate approach that recognizes the human impact behind every case

This isn’t just legal work — it’s about protecting your future and honoring your story.

Take Action Today

Call (855) 335‑8606 for a free consultation. You can also contact our legal team online to discuss your situation confidentially.

Union representatives and shop owners: Connect directly with Hugh Cook at hcook@braytonlaw.com.

Your health, your history, and your future matter. We are here to help you pursue justice with strength and clarity.

Client Testimonials

Why Clients Choose Brayton Purcell LLP
  • Brayton Purcell has done a lot of work for me and I appreciate very much what you’ve done, what everyone has done…Thank you very, very much and I appreciate everything that has been done.
  • I just wanted to thank you so very much for all the work that you’ve done for us. This has allowed me to help my daughter an awful lot…This allowed me to buy her her first home, also put away a savings bond and started a little annuity for her. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this had you not worked so hard to get the monies that you did. I just want to let you know I really appreciate it.
  • On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for the way your firm handled my late husband’s case. Everyone that I dealt with was courteous, patient, and prompt in responding to my questions and concerns. Thank you very much for the excellent job, and most of all for your support during the process. Your guidance and the resolution to our case has brought closure to a difficult chapter in my life.
  • When The Brayton-Purcell Firm took my case I had almost given up hope of ever getting before a jury. I had a difficult and long standing case and had already been with two firms. Brayton-Purcell attorney Jason Rose worked closely with me, keeping me updated and giving me access to him which gave me a feeling of having someone truly on my side; a feeling that they were putting their whole effort into my case. Just getting this case a court date was an amazing feat. When we went to trial I met Gil Purcell and watched these two work professionally against great odds. They knew what they were doing, knew how to adapt to issues as they came up and all the while helped me hold up. We received a terrific verdict and are now in the appeal process. I have confidence that the Brayton-Purcell appellate team will be as competent and compassionate for me as my trial team was. Coming together with this firm has brought me a sense of confidence and peace that I wasn’t sure I was going to get a chance to feel.
  • I’d like to thank Brayton & Purcell for all the work your firm has done for me. I have asbestosis and without Brayton Purcell representing me the likelihood of getting compensated by asbestos manufacturers and the material suppliers of asbestos products would be zero. The law partners who run the show already know this, but I am going to write it down anyway. Every contact I had with anyone at Brayton Purcell LLP be it phone, fax, email and or personally, I’ve been treated courteously and promptly by your great employees.
  • From my first contact with your firm, I have been treated with respect, compassion, and in a most professional manner. …Nothing will ever take away this pain of loss but the settlement will help provide since I have health problems and am unable to work.
  • Your work has allowed us to continue to live our lives without fear of financial ruin and to be able to plan a future. . .
  • . . .Thank you for all you have done for me and for Bill before he died. You have been so caring. . .