Albert’s Story

Albert Manring, a dedicated electrician with over four decades of experience, crossed the country throughout his career in pursuit of providing for his family. However, many of the facilities that employed Albert used asbestos materials, regularly placing him in harm’s way.

Albert’s years of hard work tragically resulted in a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. Although he lost his battle with the disease in 2019, Albert found solace in knowing the asbestos attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy would be able to secure justice for his family.

An old black and white photo of Albert Manring

Military & Career Asbestos Exposure

Albert was born in Fairfield, Illinois in 1928. He met and married his wife Juanita when he was just 16 years old, and the two began a loving relationship that spanned over 74 years. The couple had four children and were later blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to being a dedicated family man, Albert was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He joined the military in 1947, and during his service, he worked as a flight crewman on R4D aircraft in Missouri.

Unfortunately, all branches of the military used asbestos during the 20th century, especially the U.S. Navy. As a result, 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses can be traced back to exposure in U.S. Navy ships or shipyards.

After serving his country, Albert embarked on a career as an electrician. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 649 and worked for various contractors, causing his family to relocate multiple times to be closer to different job sites.

At these job sites, Albert worked in and around production lines, boiler rooms, electrical substations and more. Most of the environments he worked in contained asbestos material, and Albert likely spent years unknowingly inhaling the fibers while on the job.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to appear. Yet surprisingly, it wasn’t a persistent cough or shortness of breath that led to the diagnosis of Albert’s cancer in 2017.

“Dad was always proud of being a veteran. He was proud of our country. He raised all of his kids to be proud of the country.”

– Linda, Albert’s Daughter

An Accident Leads to a Tragic Discovery

Upon retiring, Albert and Juanita settled in Roxana, IL. However, their lives took an unexpected turn when Albert experienced a sudden fall at home that resulted in a head injury.

During his visit to the hospital to get checked out, Albert’s doctors discovered several nodules on the lining of his lungs. After a tissue biopsy, Albert was officially diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Although his medical team determined that Albert wasn’t a candidate for surgery, he soon began undergoing immunotherapy treatments to slow the progression of his disease.

“Mesothelioma” was not a new term to Albert and Juanita. They were friends with the parents of John Simmons, the founder of Simmons Hanly Conroy, a leading national mesothelioma law firm.

As a result, the couple was aware of their ability to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the companies responsible for Albert’s illness.

An Accident Leads to a Tragic Discovery background image

Holding Asbestos Companies Accountable

Many asbestos companies knew their products posed a significant health risk to their employees and customers. However, they hid this information from the public to protect their profits.

The consequences of this concealed information have been profound. Every year, thousands of families are forced to watch their loved ones suffer from a disease that could have been prevented if asbestos companies had acted ethically.

“I watched my dad dwindle away for two years. I took him to every doctor’s appointment and every meeting he had to go to.”
Linda, Albert’s Daughter

Mesothelioma patients and their families may be able to file a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim to pursue compensation and hold companies accountable for their actions. This compensation can help pay for medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses.

When John Simmons founded Simmons Hanly Conroy in 1999, he pledged to support the mesothelioma community. To this day, he has kept his promise by raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos and funding research aimed at finding a cure for mesothelioma.

Since Albert had known John’s parents for years, he was familiar with his character — and he was confident the mesothelioma lawyers at the firm would be able to help his family.

“When he got the diagnosis, there was no other attorney that he wanted to go to besides John Simmons, because he knew John was an honest, upstanding man,” Linda explained. “And he would have people working for him that were the same way.”

“If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, come see the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm. They will be there, by your side, the whole way through.”

– Linda, Albert’s Daughter

Honoring Albert’s Legacy at Miles for Meso

Less than two years after his initial diagnosis, Albert passed away at the age of 90. His family was left heartbroken over the loss of their beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Before Albert passed away, he attended the annual Miles for Meso event hosted by Simmons Hanly Conroy. His family made the heartfelt decision to honor his legacy by continuing to attend the race each year, even after his death.

Miles for Meso is more than just a fundraising event — it is a celebration of the lives of mesothelioma warriors like Albert and their families.

Since it started in 2009, Miles for Meso has raised over $925,000 for mesothelioma research and asbestos awareness groups. The race draws participants from across the country and unites those impacted by mesothelioma in a shared mission to combat this disease, advance vital research efforts and create a community of support.

At this year’s race, “Team Al” walked in memory of Albert and earned the title of second-place fundraising team. Albert’s daughter Linda was also recognized as a top individual fundraiser.

Honoring Albert’s Legacy at Miles for Meso background image
Help for Families Impacted by Mesothelioma background image

Help for Families Impacted by Mesothelioma

After Albert and Juanita contacted Simmons Hanly Conroy, their legal team got to work seeking justice on behalf of the Manring family.

Albert’s family continues to find peace in their memories of him, and they’ve remained close with the mesothelioma lawyers who fought on his behalf.

“Hiring Simmons Hanly Conroy was the best decision my dad ever made,” said Linda.

While it’s impossible to prepare for a mesothelioma diagnosis, our team can provide support and assistance during the uncertainty that follows. Filing a mesothelioma claim can help pay for medical bills, burial expenses, lost wages and more.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to learn more about how we may be able to help you and your family. It costs nothing to speak with us.

The Simmons Hanly Conroy Difference

As a national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has the resources and experience to help families across the country who have been impacted by mesothelioma.

In addition to filing your mesothelioma lawsuit on your behalf, the firm’s compassionate team offers support and guidance to all clients as they navigate the challenges associated with this rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Simmons Support Team
Simmons Hanly ConroyWritten by:

Editorial Team

The Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.