Jose Sanchez-Martinez was a hard worker dedicated to building a better future for his growing family. After he accepted a construction job in Los Angeles, the family immigrated from Mexico to California.
He worked long days but continued to prioritize his family’s future and fill his free time painting vibrant canvases inspired by his heritage and Aztec culture.
But everything changed in 2016 when Jose was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. No longer able to work and concerned about how to provide for his family, Jose knew he had to seek help.
“Our story needs to be known by everyone since there are people who can help you through mesothelioma, which is so hard for both the family and the patient.”
Learn how Jose battled this cancer and found support, hope, and justice with help from our legal partners.
When Seemingly Common Symptoms Lead to a Rare Cancer Diagnosis
Alicia described her life with Jose as typical until he began to lose weight without changing his routine. She noted other symptoms, including fatigue, which disrupted his ability to work, spend time with his family, and pursue his passion for painting.
Jose didn’t want to go to the doctor, but he listened to Alicia’s concerns and made an appointment. The doctors took X-rays of his lungs and discovered the cause of his symptoms: a rare cancer called pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs.
“The pulmonologist told him he had cancer cells spread throughout his lungs and suggested that we go to the ER so they could study his case and find out what it was all about. Within a week, they diagnosed him with mesothelioma.”
The couple had no idea what to do next. They barely knew anything about mesothelioma, what treatment might look like, or how Jose even developed it in the first place.
For many families, a mesothelioma diagnosis comes as a shock. Read how other patients like Jose found hope and strength in our Free Survivors Guide.
Years of Asbestos Exposure on Construction Sites
After his diagnosis, Jose’s medical team explained that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. However, he couldn’t remember how he might have been exposed. It wasn’t until his doctors asked about his work history that he connected the dots.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in construction materials, including roofing products, due to its fire-resistance, durability, and low cost. As a roofer, Jose spent his days cutting, sanding, and shaping asbestos-containing building supplies.
These actions released hazardous asbestos into the air, putting Jose and other roofers at risk. To make matters worse, Jose was never warned about the dangers of these materials.
“He had no idea that he could get a health condition. No one ever told him about covering his airways or the risk he was taking. He really had no clue of the danger he was in or what could happen to him.”
For decades, asbestos companies hid the risks of their products to protect their profits. As a result, hard workers like Jose have continued to suffer the consequences of corporate greed.
Seeking Justice With Mesothelioma Legal Help
As Jose and Alicia processed the realities of the diagnosis, they feared for their future more than ever. They had heard about mesothelioma lawsuits, but like many families, they hesitated to pursue legal action, especially since their first language is Spanish.
However, as medical bills mounted and they learned that Jose’s illness was not his fault, they decided to seek support from Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mesothelioma Hope’s partner law firm. The help they found surprised them from the very first meeting.
“People don’t want any legal process because they are afraid of not being heard, of not being understood. But we were really lucky. Our legal team truly helped us navigate this legal case very easily.”
All of their fears about the legal process quickly faded as their mesothelioma lawyers walked them through each step with compassion and care. They explained complicated medical and legal terms in Spanish and got to know the family personally.
“I was with people who spoke my language,” Alicia recalled when thinking back to what made the process so effortless for her. She could easily share her story and the story of her beloved husband and companion, even as his cancer progressed.
Jose’s lawsuit was successful, securing mesothelioma compensation that Alicia contributes to helping her and the family get through his illness. Unfortunately, the lawsuit didn’t bring Jose’s health back, and he passed away at the age of 65.
A compassionate legal team, like the one that supported Jose and Alicia, can turn the legal process from daunting to hopeful. If someone you love is facing mesothelioma, get a Free Case Review to start the journey toward justice and peace of mind.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Get Personalized Help in the Fight Against Mesothelioma
Jose’s story highlights the importance of finding personalized help when battling mesothelioma.
Our team can help you:
- Get a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan
- Access top mesothelioma specialists
- Pursue expert legal assistance
- Find support groups and peer mentors
You don’t have to navigate this diagnosis alone. Get the help you need today by calling (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Survivors Guide to learn how families like Jose’s found support.
