National Asbestos & Mesothelioma Attorneys
Were you exposed to asbestos on the job?
Workers in shipyards, refineries, construction sites, and factories were exposed to asbestos for decades — often without knowing the risk. If you or a family member developed mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Tell us about your situation
What We Do
Our Practice
Hotze Runkle PLLC is a plaintiff-side litigation firm. Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is the heart of our practice — it is what we know best and where we deliver results.
Primary Practice
Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
The vast majority of what we do is fight for workers and families harmed by asbestos. We handle mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis claims — pursuing every available avenue, from liable manufacturers to the over $30 billion held in asbestos trust funds, to VA benefits for veterans. We represent clients in all 50 states and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
Secondary Practice
Catastrophic Injury
Serious personal injury cases involving catastrophic harm to individuals and families.
Learn moreAsbestos-Related Illnesses
Diseases We Fight For
Asbestos fibers, once inhaled, can remain dormant for decades before triggering life-threatening illness. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following, contact us immediately.
Mesothelioma
An aggressive cancer of the lung lining, abdominal lining, or heart lining caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Latency period of 20–50 years.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Workers exposed to asbestos face a significantly elevated lung cancer risk. Smokers with asbestos exposure face an exponentially higher risk than either factor alone.
Asbestosis
Chronic scarring of lung tissue from inhaled asbestos fibers, causing progressive breathing difficulty, persistent coughing, and chest tightness.
Pleural Disease
Pleural plaques and effusions are documented markers of asbestos exposure and may indicate elevated risk of cancer development.
Who Is at Risk
High-Risk Occupations
Asbestos was used extensively in industrial settings throughout the 20th century. If you worked in any of these industries, you may have been exposed without knowing it.
Shipyard Workers
Navy and merchant ships were insulated throughout with asbestos. Shipbuilders, welders, pipefitters, and electricians in shipyards faced extreme daily exposure.
Construction Trades
Drywall, insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, and joint compound all contained asbestos. Demolition workers face ongoing risk in older structures.
Oil & Gas Refineries
Pipe insulation, boilers, and heat shields at refineries were heavily laden with asbestos. Refinery workers, pipefitters, and boilermakers were routinely exposed.
Manufacturing
Factories producing brake pads, gaskets, textiles, and building materials used asbestos as a heat-resistant additive. Mill workers faced daily exposure.
Auto Mechanics
Brake pads, clutch facings, and gaskets in older vehicles contained asbestos. Mechanics were exposed to asbestos dust during every brake or clutch repair.
Electricians & Pipefitters
Electrical and pipe insulation was made with asbestos through the 1980s. Electricians and pipefitters worked with these materials on a daily basis.
Our Process
How We Handle Your Case
Asbestos litigation involves multiple defendants, dozens of trust funds, and strict deadlines. We manage every step.
Free Case Evaluation
We review your diagnosis, work history, and exposure details — at no charge — to determine if you have a claim.
Investigation
We research your work sites and the products you used, identifying every manufacturer and property owner who may be liable.
Filing Claims
We file simultaneously against responsible companies and all applicable asbestos trust funds to maximize your recovery.
Settlement or Trial
We negotiate aggressively — and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if defendants refuse to pay fairly.
What You Can Recover
Compensation for Asbestos Victims
Asbestos claims can be filed through lawsuits, trust fund claims, VA benefits, or workers' compensation. We pursue every available source on your behalf.
Medical Expenses
Past and future costs of mesothelioma or lung cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials.
Lost Income
Wages lost due to illness and projected future earnings if the disease prevents you from returning to work.
Pain & Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by an asbestos-related diagnosis and treatment.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Over $30 billion remains in trusts established by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers. We identify and file against every applicable fund.
VA Benefits
Veterans — especially Navy veterans — are heavily represented among mesothelioma patients. We help eligible veterans pursue VA claims alongside civil litigation.
Wrongful Death
If a family member died from mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, surviving family members may be entitled to significant compensation.
Common Questions
Asbestos & Mesothelioma FAQ
Answers to the questions our attorneys hear most often.
Can I still file if the company went bankrupt?
Yes. Many asbestos manufacturers went bankrupt but were required to establish trust funds for victims. Over $30 billion sits in these trusts. We file on your behalf regardless of whether the company still exists.
How long do I have to file?
Each state's statute of limitations varies, but most start at the date of diagnosis — not the date of exposure. Contact us immediately after a mesothelioma or lung cancer diagnosis to protect your rights.
I smoked — does that disqualify me?
No. Smokers exposed to asbestos face a dramatically elevated lung cancer risk, and the asbestos exposure is independently actionable. Smoking does not bar you from compensation.
Who is responsible for my exposure?
Manufacturers, distributors, employers, and property owners who used asbestos-containing products can all be liable. We identify every potentially responsible party to maximize your recovery.
How much is a mesothelioma case worth?
Results vary based on your diagnosis, work history, and number of defendants. Mesothelioma cases can result in settlements or verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Do I have to go to court?
Most asbestos cases settle before trial. However, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers fully prepared to litigate in court if that produces the best outcome for you.
Client Testimonials
Committed to Earning Your Trust
"It's good to know that someone cares enough to help when uncertainty seems to be the norm these days. I'm glad you're in my corner."
"You all are helping the guys who labored hard for 40 years… We need more people like you in the world."
"It's great to know you are a good law office that really wants to help working class people."
"I can tell that y'all are genuinely interested in my case and care about my well being."
"You guys really do make a difference — thank you."
"You handled everything. I didn't have to worry about the legal side at all — just focus on my health."
Our Attorneys
Meet the Team
Patrick Hotze, Ryan Runkle, and Karen Shanks have dedicated their careers to fighting for workers and families harmed by asbestos exposure.
Patrick Hotze
Patrick has spent his career representing asbestos exposure victims, recovering significant verdicts and settlements for clients throughout the country.
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Ryan Runkle
Ryan focuses his practice on asbestos mass tort litigation, bringing deep experience in defendant identification and maximum recovery strategies.
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Karen Shanks
Karen brings meticulous legal knowledge and personal commitment to every asbestos case, ensuring clients receive the attention their situation demands.
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Talk to an asbestos attorney today.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, don't wait. Our attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge — and you pay nothing unless we win.
(877) 919-0830 Toll Free · Available Nationwide(512) 476-7771 Austin Office