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Juan’s Story
Throughout his life, Juan was unknowingly exposed to asbestos while working as a laborer — but he was never warned about the dangers. Decades later, the consequences of this negligence became clear when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Juan tragically passed away just 1 year after his diagnosis, but his wife Gloria continues to honor his memory. She hopes sharing their story will encourage others to take legal action and protect themselves from this dangerous mineral.
Asbestos: The Hidden Hazard
Juan and Gloria first met in Los Angeles, California, while he was working in a factory that produced metal products. At his job, metal was often melted down and forged.
By the end of each day, Juan’s uniform and shoes were covered in so much oil and grime that he had to shower before returning home.
At the time, the couple was unaware that Juan was regularly being exposed to asbestos at work. This heat-resistant mineral was commonly used throughout industrial settings, including in machinery and protective gear.
“There is asbestos in many things, and we don’t know it,” Gloria said, reflecting on how many workers are unknowingly put at risk every day.
They would later learn that Juan had also been exposed to asbestos while completing remodeling jobs and working at an auto mechanic shop in California — two other trades where asbestos-containing materials were frequently used.
Getting Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma
Years after Juan had first been exposed to asbestos, he began experiencing a stinging sensation in his body. He went to the doctor for an ultrasound, and when they got to his lungs, the doctor repeatedly asked Juan to breathe in and out.
This was the couple’s first sign that something might be seriously wrong. Chest X-rays were ordered, and fluid was removed from Juan’s lung.
Eventually, their worst fear was confirmed: Juan had cancer. However, the doctors couldn’t find the location of the tumor to determine what type of cancer he had.
“It took about 3 months until a physician found where it was with a camera,” said Gloria. “It was a pleural tumor located in the lining of the lung.”
Juan and Gloria had never heard of pleural mesothelioma. As the doctors went on to explain his diagnosis, the couple did their best to learn everything they could about it. In the process, they finally understood what had caused Juan’s illness.
“We were told his cancer was caused by asbestos exposure,” Gloria recalled. “That’s when we learned he could get compensation for this condition.”
Navigating the Legal Process
A nurse at the hospital was the first to suggest Juan and Gloria contact a mesothelioma law firm. She told them they could take legal action against the asbestos companies responsible for Juan’s illness.
At first, Juan felt hopeless. He spoke very little English, and his symptoms had worsened — he was struggling to breathe, having trouble sleeping, and relying on oxygen therapy.
To make matters worse, the first firm he spoke to unexpectedly dropped his case after 2 months.
“His brother-in-law insisted he call another number, and it turned out to be Simmons Hanly Conroy,” said Gloria. “Thank God. The firm assisted us with our issue, and even better, they had a Spanish interpreter.”
For Juan and Gloria, having Spanish-speaking legal support made all the difference. They didn’t think they could pursue a case given their limited English, but filing a lawsuit turned out to be easier than they expected.
“Simmons Hanly Conroy got in touch with him and came to our home to visit us. We didn’t even have to move or do anything, just receive letters and speak on the phone,” explained Gloria.
The Loss of a Loving Husband
Just 1 year after Juan had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, he passed away. His family was devastated — the man who had worked tirelessly to support and provide for them was gone far too soon. The life they had built together was forever changed.
Despite her grief, Gloria chose to continue with a mesothelioma claim after his death, determined to hold the companies responsible for his illness accountable.
While no amount of money could make up for the loss of her husband, Gloria found some comfort in her faith and the knowledge that justice was being served.
“I’d prefer to have him by my side than to receive compensation, but God wanted it that way,” said Gloria. “And so it was.”
The mesothelioma settlements that Gloria received after Juan’s passing provided her family with much-needed financial relief during this difficult time. Though the loss was immeasurable, the support allowed them to move forward while keeping Juan’s memory alive.
“It is, as they say, ‘between something and nothing, it’s better to have something,’” she expressed.
Encouraging Others to Take Action
With Simmons Hanly Conroy by her side, Gloria was able to take legal action against the asbestos companies that knowingly made and sold the dangerous products her husband was exposed to.
“If I had any questions, they’d always answer the phone,” she expressed. “When busy, I’d leave a message, and they’d call back ASAP.”
Gloria was especially grateful for the Spanish-speaking team at Simmons Hanly Conroy, who were incredibly accommodating and made sure she understood every step of the legal process.
“If they needed to come to your house, they would,” she said. “Don’t let language stop you. They are thorough and good at what they do.”
Beyond filing a mesothelioma claim, Gloria wants other families to know about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of early detection.
“If you work around asbestos, be extremely careful,” urged Gloria. “Don’t skip any medical checkups, so you can find out as early as possible if you have mesothelioma.”
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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.