Memphis Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney in Memphis, TN

The industries that built Memphis also left behind a legacy of danger. From riverfront docks and factories to older buildings throughout the city, asbestos was found in nearly every workspace where heat or friction was used. Decades later, these hidden hazards are silently making workers and residents seriously ill. A Memphis, TN, mesothelioma & asbestos exposure lawyer can help.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we have a dedicated legal team ready to look into your history of exposure and help you hold the right parties accountable, then guide you through seeking financial recovery.

Hire a Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has been fighting for workers and families in the Mid-South for nearly 40 years. Founding partners Mona Lisa Wallace and Bill Graham have led the firm through landmark cases that exposed how shipyards, factories, and freight companies made profit a priority over safety. Experienced and compassionate, the firm is a proven advocate for Memphis residents seeking justice and financial recovery after asbestos-related illness.

Industrial Exposure in Memphis Factories and Plants

The Memphis economy ran on factory power while simultaneously subjecting thousands of workers to asbestos exposure. Powerhouses and paper mills used asbestos to contain heat, while insulation and brake products circulated throughout the Mississippi River industrial corridor.

The CDC reports that over 2,600 new cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. Memphis remains one of the state’s historical hot spots for industrial exposure. These cases show decades of negligence and a legacy that still impacts families today.

Where Asbestos Lingers in Memphis

Asbestos remains present not only in factories, but also in Memphis’ old industrial infrastructure. When these buildings undergo repairs or demolition, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, endangering workers on-site and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Locating these sites enables your attorney to help you identify where you may have been exposed and to determine the party legally liable for your exposure. High-risk locations may include: 

• Downtown Memphis warehouses and shipping docks
• Older schools and public buildings undergoing renovations in Memphis
• Memphis residential neighborhoods near former industrial sites

Diagnosing Mesothelioma and Establishing Proof of Exposure

Medical records are the evidentiary bedrock of any asbestos claim. A Memphis asbestos lawyer collaborates with pulmonologists, pathologists, and other occupational health professionals to verify the connection between diagnosis and exposure.

Together, they can review a client’s employment history, product records, and testimony that link each symptom to a specific source. A clear evidentiary chain is critical to building your case and to ensuring your settlement includes coverage for long-term medical treatment.

How Tennessee Law Affects Your Right to File a Claim

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos through work in Memphis and Shelby County, you could qualify for compensation. Tennessee allows victims of asbestos-related disease one year from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim, and one year from the date of death for a wrongful death claim.

Mesothelioma requires decades to develop, which often leads victims to waste precious time before understanding their legal rights. A successful outcome requires immediate action after diagnosis, so your lawyer can protect records and identify witnesses while constructing a strong compensation claim.

FAQs

Why Was Asbestos So Common in Memphis Industries?

Memphis was once a manufacturing hub built on heat-resistant products. Asbestos was widely used in factories, shipping docks, and train depots to insulate materials and protect against machinery accidents. This material was cost-effective until its hazardous nature became impossible to overlook.

Unfortunately, many companies continued to use it long after the risks were known. The result is that workers in the industrial areas near the Mississippi River are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma many decades later.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Diagnosis?

An asbestos attorney can help you understand your rights and gather the evidence necessary to prove your exposure and file your claim before the deadline. Your attorney reviews your employment records, medical results, and product histories to identify the responsible companies.

In many cases in Shelby County, victims qualify for both legal claims and asbestos trust funds. A Memphis mesothelioma lawyer can coordinate both processes to help you secure maximum recovery for medical care and lost income.

Are Memphis Shipyards Linked to Asbestos Exposure?

Yes, Memphis shipyards have ties to asbestos exposure. Many Memphis repair docks and barge facilities would work with equipment covered in asbestos insulation. Ship repair workers, welders, pipefitters, and other workers were likely to inhale fibers while servicing vessels that traveled through the Mississippi River system.

Even warehouse and freight workers who unloaded contaminated cargo were at risk. The overlap between Memphis industries and maritime exposure is one of the region’s major causes of mesothelioma.

What Are the Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Illnesses?

Asbestos-related diseases are slow to show symptoms, which is why so many Memphis workers are just now learning of their condition. The most common warning signs are chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time.

Some people experience fatigue, while others have fluid buildup around the lungs, called pleural effusion. Since these symptoms are common to many respiratory illnesses, it’s important to let your doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

Contact a Memphis Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

The hard work of Memphis residents built the city through their efforts on the docks and in factories, as well as throughout neighborhoods. Many of those same hands were also exposed to asbestos without warning or protection. The result of that negligence is that families are still discovering the cost at home and in hospitals all across the region.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we help families uncover the truth about their exposure and fight for recovery with compassion and determination. Hire a mesothelioma & asbestos exposure lawyer today to protect your rights and your family’s future. Book a confidential consultation today to discuss your claim and get the compensation and justice you’ve always deserved.