New Mexico Mesothelioma Lawyer

Workplace asbestos exposure in New Mexico has caused many people to get sick from asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma. Many victims and their families have sought legal help from trusted New Mexico mesothelioma lawyers.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in New Mexico, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

We are happy to offer assistance to asbestos victims in all areas of New Mexico, including:

Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, South Valley, Clovis, Hobbs, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Gallup, Los Lunas, Sunland Park, Deming, Las Vegas, Chaparral, Portales, Los Alamos, North Valley, Lovington, Artesia, Silver City, Española, Zuni Pueblo, Anthony, Grants, Socorro, Shiprock, Corrales, Bernalillo, Ruidoso, Bloomfield, Belen, Aztec, Raton, Kirtland, Truth or Consequences, Eldorado at Santa Fe, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Lee Acres, Meadow Lake, Taos, White Rock, Rio Communities, Placitas Cdp, North Hobbs, Tucumcari, Paradise Hills, Los Chaves, El Cerro Mission, Santa Teresa, Bosque Farms, Edgewood, Vado, Peralta, Holloman AFB, University Park, Milan, Sandia Heights, San Felipe Pueblo, Eunice, La Cienega, El Cerro, Tularosa, Chimayo, Clayton, Santa Rosa, Agua Fria, Dulce, Cannon AFB, Ruidoso Downs, West Hammond, Boles Acres, Lordsburg, Crownpoint, Valencia, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Ranchos de Taos, Doña Ana, Navajo, Bayard, San Ysidro Cdp, Pojoaque, Jal, Nambe, La Mesilla, Las Maravillas, Flora Vista, Jarales, Mesilla, Berino, Waterflow, Moriarty, Jemez Pueblo, Sandia Knolls, Questa, Arroyo Seco, Mescalero, Keeler Farm, and more.

Naturally-Occurring Asbestos in New Mexico

Most asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace, but in New Mexico, there are many natural deposits of this harmful mineral.

Workers in the state’s mining industry have been put at risk of exposure to asbestos deposits. Still, their activities also release fibers that contaminate surrounding areas and put residents at risk.

New Mexico’s mines include five coal mines, many uranium mines, and mines that extract manganese, beryllium, copper, potash, molybdenum, and other minerals.

Workers and residents in the area may be exposed to deposits of asbestos found in these mines through the air and the soil and dust.

Asbestos in the Oil and Natural Gas Industries

New Mexico is a significant producer of oil and natural gas. The U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) reports that New Mexico was the sixth-largest oil producer in the nation in 2010.

Oil and natural wells have been used in New Mexico for over a century. Most of the pre-1980 machinery contains insulation components and gaskets made with asbestos materials for fire safety reasons.

Workers in the petroleum and gas industry have long been at risk for asbestos exposure. They are in the “high-risk” groups prone to develop mesothelioma and other illnesses linked to asbestos.

Asbestos in New Mexico Buildings

Government buildings at the local, state, and federal levels built before 1980 often contain asbestos and cause exposure.

• The U.S. government was one of the largest purchasers of asbestos from such companies as Johns Manville and W.R. Grace.
• Federal agencies such as the Departments of Defense and Justice constructed military bases, law enforcement agency headquarters, housing, and even schools with asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, and floor tiles.
• After the  1970s, the government began using other materials like insulation and fire retardants in new facilities.
• However, many workers in the maintenance and renovation of older buildings were exposed to asbestos. Some of them later developed lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Which New Mexico Workplaces Are Known to Have Exposed Workers?

Power Plants

• Reeves Power Plant, Albuquerque
• Municipal Light Plant, Farmington
• San Juan Power Plant, Farmington
• Four Corners Power Plant, Fruitland
• Lovington Power Plant, Fruitland
• City Power Plant, Gallup
• Chino Mines Power Plant, Hurley
• Los Alamos Power Plant, Los Alamos
• Community Power and Light, Roswell
• New Mexico Light, Heat, and Power, Silver City

Lumber Companies

• Alamogordo Lumber Company, Alamogordo
• Southwest Lumber Company, Alamogordo
• Bates Lumber, Albuquerque
• Apache Lumber, Albuquerque

Schools and Medical Centers

• St. Joseph’s Hospital, Albuquerque
• V.A. Medical Center, Albuquerque
• New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
• Monterrey School, Roswell
• St. Mary’s Hospital, Roswell
• Agua Fria High School, Santa Fe
• Santa Fe General Hospital, Santa Fe
• New Mexico State Teachers College, Silver City
• Alta Vista Middle School, Carlsbad

Refineries and Gas Companies

•  Albuquerque Gas and Electric, Albuquerque
• Navajo Refining, Artesia
• El Paso Natural Gas Company, Gallup
• Plateau Refinery, Farmington
• City of Las Cruces Gas Distribution System, Las Cruces

Government Buildings and Military

• Federal Building- GCA, Albuquerque
• Manuel Lujan Building, Santa Fe
• Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo
• Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque
• Walker Air Force Base, Roswell

Asbestos Laws in New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Environment enforces asbestos regulations in New Mexico. New Mexico has its own state regulations but also follows the federal NESHAP rules and regulations:

• Notification must be given to the state before demolition projects begin, even if there is no asbestos.
• Facilities in New Mexico are defined as public, industrial, and commercial buildings, as well as residential homes, including townhomes and duplexes.
• Renovations require notification only if the total area of renovation is over 35 cubic feet, 160 square feet, or 260 linear feet.
• The area to be renovated or demolished must be thoroughly inspected for asbestos before, during, and after the project.
• A person trained to work around asbestos must be at the site at all times to ensure safety.
• It’s against both state and federal law to attempt to hide asbestos or dispose of it in a way not in accordance with NESHAP laws.
• Asbestos must be securely packaged and clearly labeled during transport and disposal.

For more information, contact the New Mexico Department of Environment at 800-224-7009.

New Mexico Medical Help

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, look for treatment at a facility backed by the National Cancer Institute, as these facilities typically staff specialists in asbestos diseases.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated facility in Albuquerque that concentrates on various cancers, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and more.

UNM has 83 board-certified, world-class oncologists experienced in every type of cancer.

Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Cases in New Mexico

• New Mexico has a statute of limitations that must be followed in order to file an asbestos-related lawsuit.
• Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2a:14-1 et seq, plaintiffs must file their case within three years of the diagnosis of the asbestos disease.
• Or, it can be filed within three years of when the disease should have been reasonably known.
• For wrongful death cases, plaintiffs must file within three years from the date of the victim’s death.

Legal Help in New Mexico

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.