background image

Oscar’s Story

Since the early 1900s, city planners used materials made with asbestos to build cities within the United States. As a result, many construction workers experienced dangerous exposures to asbestos. Workers like Oscar spent years helping build our nation’s cities and unknowingly put their own lives in danger.

Oscar was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2013 after 35 years of dedicated service to the underground construction industry where he installed water, sewer and drain pipe in and around Phoenix, Arizona. The majority of the water pipe Oscar installed throughout his career was asbestos cement pipe.

Holding the Responsible Accountable with a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Oscar was still working when he was diagnosed. The family was devastated, but rallied to support him. His daughter, Isabel, was just 19 years old and a college freshman. After class, she would go to her parents and take Oscar to his chemotherapy treatments.

In early 2014, Oscar asked Isabel what she wanted for her birthday. She told him she wanted him to marry her mom, Lupe. While the couple was dedicated to each other for over 25 years, going through the pomp and ceremony of marriage had never been a high priority.

But now with Oscar’s diagnosis, it was important. Isabel planned for Oscar to purpose during her birthday dinner. It was tradition for the family to go out for dinner on birthdays. Every year, after Isabel would blow out her candles, her mom always asked, “What did you wish for?”

That year, Isabel told her, “I wished that dad would propose to you.” Lupe turned around, and there was Oscar with the ring.

The next month, they were married. Oscar passed away a few months later a happily married man. Following his death, the family decided to file a mesothelioma claim and hold those responsible accountable.

Oscar’s team of mesothelioma lawyers got to work finding past co-workers to speak about Oscar’s exposure.

“I’ve never seen a group of co-workers more loyal to a man and family than Oscar’s co-workers,” said his attorney. “They took time off work and their own lives to give depositions on Oscar’s behalf.”

The case eventually resolved in financial compensation. During the mediation hearing, the three family members remembered Oscar.

“This won’t change our lives,” Oscar’s son, Oscar, Jr. told his attorney. “These companies could pay a billion dollars and I’m still going to wake up tomorrow, grab my shovel and go to work. And my mom is still going to work two jobs and my sister is going to go to school. The bottom line is there is no money that could make up for the loss of my dad.”

Learn More About Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Download our guide: Asbestos Litigation, Your Guide to the Legal Process.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help you cover medical expenses and secure your family’s future well-being for years to come. Our mesothelioma lawyers will make the process as easy as possible for you and guide you through the legal system. Learn more about what to expect when filing a mesothelioma lawsuit by downloading our free introductory guide.

Download The Guide
Learn More About Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit background image

Do You Have Legal Questions?

Questions? Contact Us for a free legal consultation. Call (800) 326-8900.

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.