From Wheezing Symptoms to Life-Changing Answers
Charlie was a U.S. Army veteran, husband, father of four, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with family, playing blackjack, and visiting casinos. In early 2022, his family noticed he had slowed down and was frequently wheezing.
His primary care physician sent him to the hospital with what appeared to be pneumonia. After doctors discovered fluid around his lungs and performed a biopsy, the family received devastating news: Charlie had pleural mesothelioma. The cancer was already advanced, and Charlie passed away less than a month later.
As soon as they heard the word "mesothelioma," Charlie's family began discussing legal options and researching law firms that handled asbestos cases. After learning more about our experience helping asbestos victims, Charlie's daughter Kelly reached out to Sokolove Law.
"From the very start, they made us feel completely at ease," Kelly said. "They were genuinely caring and took the time to explain everything, ensuring that we fully understood the entire process."
Because Charlie was living in Florida and his health was rapidly declining, Sokolove Law arranged virtual meetings and quickly began investigating his exposure history. The firm's legal team helped the Dowlings pursue answers and accountability during an incredibly difficult time.
Three Generations at Exxon and a Lifetime of Asbestos Exposure
Working at Exxon was a family tradition for the Dowlings. Charlie's father worked at the Exxon refinery in Bayonne, New Jersey before him, and his son would also work there years later, creating three generations of refinery workers at the same facility.
Charlie spent more than 30 years at the refinery, first as a laborer and later as an electrician. Throughout his career, he worked around boilers, furnaces, steam lines, and other equipment insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
During maintenance projects and shutdowns, Charlie worked alongside insulation crews and the dust generated by their work. Like many refinery workers at the time, he was never warned about the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
"We began discussing legal options as soon as we heard the word 'mesothelioma.' There was absolutely no question about where he had been exposed to asbestos," explained Kelly.
Years later, his diagnosis revealed the consequences of those exposures. Fortunately, by the time Charlie's son began working at the refinery years later, much of the asbestos had already been removed.
A Legal Team That Helped Carry the Burden
Like many families we help, the Dowlings had never worked with attorneys before. We helped guide them through the process while they focused on spending time together.
One experience in particular stood out to Kelly: After Charlie's passing, Sokolove Law continued building the family's wrongful death claim.
When a former co-worker who had agreed to provide testimony became difficult to reach, the legal team remained persistent. Their efforts paid off nearly 2 months later when contact was finally reestablished, helping strengthen the family's case.
"We can't overstate how much we appreciated our lawyer," said Kelly. "He was absolutely the best. Without his dedication and care, our case would have been much weaker after my father passed."
Kelly also appreciated how responsive the team remained throughout the process, answering questions, providing updates, and helping the family understand what to expect.
For Charlie's family, having trusted advocates handling the legal process made an incredibly difficult time easier to navigate.
Compensation That Continues Charlie's Legacy
Receiving the family's first settlement check was an emotional moment. While it brought a sense of relief, it also served as a reminder of everything Charlie and his loved ones had endured. "It felt surreal and deeply bittersweet," Kelly said.
Although no amount of money could replace Charlie, the recovery helped provide security and opportunities for the family he cared about most. It allowed them to invest in their future, honor Charlie's memory, and create something lasting for the next generation.
The compensation helped Charlie's family:
- Cover college expenses for all three grandchildren
- Purchase a family cabin in Pennsylvania
- Buy a condominium on Florida's Merritt Island
- Create long-term financial security
- Hold asbestos-related companies accountable
"The lawsuit has made a huge difference for our family," Kelly expressed.
Beyond the financial support, the outcome provided a sense of accountability and closure. For Kelly and her family, it represented recognition of the harm Charlie suffered and helped ensure that his legacy would continue to benefit the people he loved most.
Why Kelly Believes Families Should Know Their Rights
Today, Kelly encourages other families to learn about their legal options. For her, pursuing a mesothelioma claim was never about chasing money. It was about seeking accountability for a preventable tragedy and obtaining justice for her father.
She was also surprised by how straightforward the process turned out to be. "The majority of the settlements came in within the first year or so," she said.
Kelly hopes more people understand that many companies continued using asbestos-containing products long after the dangers were known. By seeking compensation from these negligent companies, families can also get help paying for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to mesothelioma.
"This isn't frivolous — it's about seeking justice for a wrongful death," said Kelly.
Seeking Justice After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Charlie Dowling passed away from pleural mesothelioma on April 26, 2022. He’s remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and hardworking refinery employee whose career helped support three generations of the Dowling family.
Sokolove Law was honored to help Charlie's family pursue accountability for the asbestos exposure that caused his illness. Today, Kelly hopes their story encourages other families to learn about their legal options and seek the help they deserve.
With more than 9,500 asbestos exposure cases nationwide, Sokolove Law handles the legal process, so families can focus on what matters most. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to learn how Sokolove Law may be able to help your family after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
