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Bob’s Story
Bob Guinn worked hard to provide for his family. However, he didn’t know that some of the products he used as a drywaller contained asbestos — and the companies that made these products failed to warn about the risks.
After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, Bob defied the odds, outliving his initial prognosis by years and leaving behind a legacy of resilience and selflessness for his loved ones.
A Family Man’s Exposure to Asbestos
As a child, Bob idolized his dad and sought every opportunity to spend more time with him. He worked as a drywaller, and Bob eagerly tagged along to job sites in his free time.
“I started going to work with him when I was about 8 years old,” said Bob. “I used to mix the powdered mud for my dad, and there was a lot of dust that came from the sack mud and the contents of the bag, and that’s how I contracted this mesothelioma.”
Following in his dad’s footsteps, Bob became a drywaller himself and later worked as a rancher in Idaho.
He was a devoted father to his own three children, and eventually, he became a grandfather — a role that brought him immense joy. For Bob, family was everything. His life revolved around the people he loved.
Unfortunately, the materials that Bob worked with during his career often contained asbestos, a dangerous substance used in products like drywall mud and joint compound.
During his childhood days helping his dad and his own career as a drywaller, Bob unknowingly breathed in tiny asbestos fibers from the airborne dust. These fibers remained in his body for years, irritating healthy tissue.
Fighting Back Against Mesothelioma
Decades after he was first exposed to asbestos, Bob was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. His thoracic surgeon gave him just 6-12 months to live — but he refused to let this prognosis define him.
“I don’t care what the doctor says. I’m going to fight,” he told his family.
Despite the cancer’s toll on his body, Bob remained courageous and determined as he underwent treatment.
“I used to be this big, strong, tough guy, and nothing bothered me. And now, I’m less than that,” said Bob. “Mind-wise I’m not, but it’s taken away a lot of my physical abilities. It’s disheartening sometimes, but you can’t give in.”
Bob defied expectations, far outliving his initial prognosis. For four years after his diagnosis, he devoted himself to spending time with loved ones and giving back to others.
One of his most selfless acts was helping to build a home for a mother who survived breast cancer. Through it all, Bob never complained about his illness, inspiring everyone around him with his strength and generosity.
Taking Legal Action for Asbestos Exposure
After Bob was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he saw a commercial on TV about taking legal action for asbestos exposure.
At the time, Bob hadn’t realized that many asbestos companies knew their products were dangerous but hid the risks to keep making money.
Determined to hold these companies accountable for their negligence, Bob decided to pursue justice and compensation by filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.
“I’ve never filed a lawsuit before in my life. It’s been a good experience, working with Simmons Hanly Conroy. They make you feel like you’re somebody and that you do matter,” said Bob.
Throughout the legal process, Bob quickly formed a close bond with his attorneys, who not only helped him secure the money he deserved but also treated him like family.
The Simmons Hanly Conroy Difference
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our asbestos lawyers are committed to providing compassionate support and experienced legal help to families impacted by mesothelioma.
We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a cancer diagnosis takes on patients and their loved ones, and we’re here to make the legal process as stress-free as possible.
“Sometimes you get the wrong interpretation of lawyers and attorneys — they’re good people. They’re humans too. They’re just trying to help you out,” said Bob.
Our team can travel to meet you at a location of your choosing, so we can get to know more about you, your family, and your asbestos exposure history.
Attorney Melissa Crowe Schopfer met with Bob at his home in Idaho, and they spent hours talking about his life and sharing stories. Afterward, Bob invited Melissa to stay for a home-cooked meal and meet his extended family.
This personal connection grew into a lasting bond. Even after his case was resolved, Melissa and other attorneys at the firm kept in touch with Bob and celebrated major milestones together.
“They’ve become family,” explained Bob. “Melissa called us when her babies were born, and we called her when our grandbaby was born. It’s a great family.”
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Written by:Simmons Hanly ConroyThe 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.