Situated in Travis County, Austin’s economy primarily comes from the technology, education, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. The construction business is also predominant in Austin, and during its rapid growth during the 1970s and 80s, masses of residential homes, commercial buildings, and facilities were created. In addition, the preservation of Austin’s multitude of historical sites over the years has kept construction workers in constant business. As with most other cities prior to the late 1970s however, several companies in Austin relied heavily on asbestos for its insulation and fire-resistant properties.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading mesothelioma attorneys in Austin, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
Fuller-Austin Asbestos Settlement Trust
Fuller-Austin Inc., established in 1962, is an insulation company that installed, distributed, and sold asbestos-containing materials throughout Texas, including the Austin area. Several gas plants, refineries, and power plants in Austin used Fuller-Austin’s insulation. In 1974, the company discontinued asbestos use in its products, and in turn, started removing asbestos-containing materials instead of providing them.
However, there were so many workers that were affected by exposure to asbestos after Fuller-Austin supplied insulation that the company went into bankruptcy in 1998. Consequently, a bankruptcy fund was set up for future victims. The fund is set up for an estimated 77,000 asbestos-related claimants from people throughout Texas and Louisiana.
Holly Power Plant
Holly Steel Power Plant, located in East Austin, has been a source of concern Austin residents for several years. In 2007, the plant was officially closed down after residents continuously complained about the health hazards of living around the plant, which has been associated with high asbestos use. In May of 2013, crews began tearing the power plant down. However, the project was extended as more and more asbestos was found during the demolition. According to TRC Environmental, the company hired to demolish the plant, there were several internal areas of the plant that contained asbestos that was not previously marked.
Although the demolition provided a sense of safety to Austin residents, thousands of employees and contractors that were employed at Holly Steel Power Plant faced daily exposure to the harmful fibers of asbestos from 1965 until its early 1990s shutdown.
Unfortunately, thousands of Austin businesses, ranging from power plants, steel mills, paper mills, and more used asbestos for numerous decades, putting lives of a multitude of workers at risk.
Several Austin public buildings were also associated with heavy usage of asbestos during their construction. Many of these buildings are still open today, but must adhere to strict federal and state guidelines in order to promote safety and leave asbestos undisturbed:
Schools
- Cunningham Elementary School
- David Crockett High School
- Govalle Elementary School
- Gullett Elementary School
- Harris Elementary School
- J.E. Pierce Middle School
- Jones Road Elementary School
- Odom Elementary School
- Allen Middle School
- Anderson High School
- Manor High School
- Manor Elementary School
- Huston-Tillotson College
- University of Texas
- Travis High School
- Travis Heights Elementary School
Hospitals
- Austin State School Hospital
- St. David’s Medical Center
- Scottish Rite Dormitory
Additional Public Buildings
- Austin City Auditorium
- Crestview Baptist Church
- Austin Governor’s Mansion
- Harvey Smith Building
- Memorial United Methodist Church
- Saint John’s Methodist Church
- Saint Teresa’s Parish
- South Austin Recreation Center
- Austin State Capitol Building
- Texas Department of Mental Health
- Texas State Library
- Texas School For The Blind
Getting Medical Help Around Austin
It’s highly recommended that people with asbestos-related diseases seek treatment by cancer care facilities backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Although there are no NCI-designated facilities located in Austin, there are a few options within the state of Texas, including:
- Cancer Therapy & Research Center: University of Texas Health Science Center, 7979 Wurzbach Road, Urschel Tower, Room U627, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, 1-800-340-2872
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2201 Inwood Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75390, 1-866-460-4673
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, remember that you may qualify for significant financial compensation. Remember to fill out our from to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on top asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
