Mesothelioma in Plumbers & Pipefitters
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- Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Compensation Options for Plumbers and Pipefitters Exposed to Asbestos
- Our Multi-Million Dollar Results for Plumbers and Pipefitters
- How Plumbers and Pipefitters Were Exposed to Asbestos
- Sources of Asbestos Exposure for Pipefitters and Plumbers
- Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Mesothelioma Lawyer for Plumbers and Pipefitters
Plumbers and pipefitters face a heightened risk of developing mesothelioma, a serious and rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The Gori Law Firm’s mesothelioma lawyers represent trade workers harmed by their exposure to hazardous asbestos materials. Our experienced legal counsel can help you navigate your mesothelioma claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Plumbers and Pipefitters
Plumbers and pipefitters are among the occupations most at risk for asbestos exposure. The nature of their work puts these trades at risk due to tasks such as installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems. These jobs sometimes entail interacting with asbestos-containing materials.
The Prevalence of Asbestos in Plumbing Materials
Asbestos was once a widely used component in construction and plumbing materials because of its heat resistance and durability. In the 1970s and 1980s, its usage declined in the United States as the public became aware of the hazards. However, the hazardous material is still present in older construction and the risks remain for plumbers and pipefitters today.
Plumbers and pipefitters are often required to work in confined spaces such as basements or crawl spaces, where the concentration of asbestos fibers could be high due to poor ventilation. These conditions significantly increase the risk of inhaling asbestos.
Recognizing the Health Risks
Long-term asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma can range from 20 to 50 years, meaning symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure. The risks can even extend to family members, who run secondary risks of asbestos-related illnesses from so-called “take-home” exposure by workers.
Due to the risks, plumbers and pipefitters exposed to asbestos should monitor their health closely and consult lawyers and health care providers familiar with asbestos-related diseases when symptoms arise.
Compensation Options for Plumbers and Pipefitters Exposed to Asbestos
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
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Navigating Claims With Your Mesothelioma Lawyer for Plumbers and Pipefitters
Filing an asbestos claim can be a viable option for pursuing compensation. You must prove the source of your asbestos exposure and its direct link to your disease. Mesothelioma cases require in-depth research and investigation to identify the source of your asbestos exposure and determine who is at fault.
At The Gori Law Firm, we have an extensive database on local and national asbestos exposure sites, including occupations and products that are known exposure sources. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will meticulously analyze your work history to determine the source of your asbestos exposure and build your case with solid evidence.
Mesothelioma claims vary. They can include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death actions, and workers’ compensation claims. We can help you determine the most appropriate claim to pursue, depending on your specific situation.
Accessing Asbestos Trust Funds
Many manufacturers of asbestos-containing products have filed for bankruptcy protection over the years as victims’ claims mounted against them. The courts have ordered these companies to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate victims.
If your illness resulted from exposure to a product manufactured by a company that has since declared bankruptcy, you may be able to file a claim with a trust fund. Your mesothelioma lawyer can guide you through filing a claim or accessing trust fund compensation.
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Our Multi-Million Dollar Results for Plumbers and Pipefitters
We Have Helped Pipefitters & Plumbers Who Worked in a Variety of Job Sites Across The Country, Such As:
- Factories
- Paper mills
- Power Plants
- Refineries
How Plumbers and Pipefitters Were Exposed to Asbestos
For most of the 20th century, the construction and plumbing industries relied on asbestos for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It is present in nearly every structure built before 1980. Veterans who worked as plumbers and pipefitters in the military are particularly at high risk since asbestos was widely used in the construction of ships, bases, military vehicles, and equipment.
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Plumbing
Before 1980, asbestos could be found in almost everything, including products critical to work performed by plumbers and pipefitters.
Asbestos products permeated the plumbing, piping, and construction trades, from insulation around pipes to joint compounds. Asbestos is typically not harmful when encased in intact products. However, when the products are disturbed, such as through handling, cutting, or removing these products, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air, posing a serious inhalation risk.
How Plumbers and Pipefitters Were Exposed to Asbestos
Some examples of routine tasks performed by plumbers and pipefitters that increase the risk of exposure include the following:
- Cutting and manipulating thermal pipe and block insulation: This often involved disturbing asbestos-containing insulation, releasing fibers into the air.
- Scraping and removing worn, brittle gasket and packing material from pipe flanges: Old, damaged asbestos materials are especially hazardous as they release fibers more easily than newer materials.
- Cutting and installing replacement gaskets and packaging: New materials could also contain asbestos, continuing the exposure cycle.
- Applying caulks, sealants, and adhesives to prevent leaks: Many of these products contain asbestos to enhance their durability and heat resistance.
- Working in confined spaces with poor ventilation: Confined spaces such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces could increase the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers.
- Removing insulated equipment: Removing equipment such as boilers, HVAC systems, ducts, and furnaces also poses a risk if they contain or are surrounded by asbestos insulation.
The Persistent Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Studies Link Work as a Plumber or Pipefitter to Increased Risk of Mesothelioma
The Evidence of Risk
- CDC Report on Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality: A comprehensive study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a higher incidence of mesothelioma among individuals working in occupations with known asbestos exposure, including plumbing and pipefitting.
- Pleural Mesothelioma Risk in the Construction Industry: This case study found notably increased risks for pleural mesothelioma for plumbers and pipefitters.
- Gambling With Asbestos - A Case Report of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: This case report details a 69-year-old male who was diagnosed with epithelioid malignant mesothelioma. A further investigation revealed his 20-year history as a plumber and maintenance engineer with considerable asbestos exposure.
- Asbestos-Related Disease in Plumbers and Pipefitters Employed in Building Construction: This research study traces the development of asbestos-related diseases in plumbers and pipefitters, noting their significantly increased likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
Sources of Asbestos Exposure for Pipefitters and Plumbers
Plumbers and pipefitters face significant risks of asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work. Common asbestos-containing products and materials include the following:
- Boilers
- Caulk and adhesives
- Gaskets and packing Chemical pipe, fittings, and sealants
- HVAC equipment
- Insulating cement
- Pipe fittings and flanges
- Pumps
- Thermal pipe insulation
- Valves
Understanding the sources of asbestos exposure is crucial for taking preventative measures and reducing your risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Mesothelioma Lawyer for Plumbers and Pipefitters
Plumbers and pipefitters are among the workers most vulnerable to asbestos exposure. Despite the decline in asbestos use in the United States since the 1980s, the occupational hazard persists. Long-term asbestos exposure can result in serious health issues like mesothelioma, a cancer with a latency period of up to 50 years.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. The Gori Law Firm has over 20 years of experience litigating mesothelioma claims. We have a proven track record of results, securing over $4 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We believe our clients get the best outcome when our entire team works together. Thus, our legal professionals work as a team to give our clients the personalized support and resources they need throughout their cases.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing a better future for you and your family.
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