Power Plant Workers and Asbestos Exposure
Compassionate Attorneys Fighting for Power Plant Workers Exposed to Asbestos
Power plant employees are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and asbestos due to prolonged exposure to asbestos-containing materials in their workplaces. Asbestos insulation, pipes, and boilers were all common items that workers at power plants had to handle on a regular basis, leading to the inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibers that can cause mesothelioma and other long-term health issues. These particles can be breathed in over time, causing damage to the lining of the lungs, heart, and other organs. These fibers can also become lodged in the lining of the abdomen where they accumulate and cause inflammation, resulting in mesothelioma. Asbestosis is another deadly condition caused to asbestos fibers that accumulate in the lungs over time and cause scarring, leading to difficulty breathing and lung failure.
If you are a power plant worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should not wait to explore your options for securing compensation. Call (855) 744-1922 or contact us online to discuss your case with us today.
How Are Power Plant Workers Exposed to Asbestos?
Power plant workers who were most likely to be exposed to asbestos were those that had hands-on roles, such as installers and maintainers of pipes and electrical systems. Asbestos insulation was commonly used in these areas, and working with the machinery often required cutting or sawing through existing asbestos products and applying fresh asbestos material. This put those working on the operations at risk of inhaling the harmful dust.
In some cases, workers were required to spray asbestos-insulating material directly onto hot machinery such as boilers. They also applied it to various parts such as pumps, gaskets, and seals. Other workers had to drill bolts into turbines, which caused a significant amount of asbestos dust to become airborne.
The workers at power plants who were not directly handling asbestos-containing products were still at risk of inhaling the toxic dust. Many plants had inadequate air circulation, allowing minuscule asbestos fibers to linger in the air for prolonged periods. This posed a significant threat to employees throughout the plant, from supervisors and administrators to engineers and office staff. By breathing in even small amounts of airborne asbestos over an extended period, these workers put themselves at risk of mesothelioma and other serious illnesses.
Asbestos Products Associated with Power Plants
Asbestos has historically been widely used in power plants due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Specifically, it was frequently utilized for the insulation of pipes, boilers, and other areas which were at risk of elevated temperatures. Asbestos could also be found in fireproofing materials, gaskets, valves, packing materials, and protective clothing. Unfortunately, due to the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers during the manufacturing process of these products, there is an increased risk of developing mesothelioma in those exposed to asbestos present in power plants.
Power plant workers may have been exposed to a variety of asbestos-containing products, including:
- Acoustic plaster
- Blankets
- Boilers
- Cement
- Compounds
- Firebrick
- Gaskets
- Mastic
- Panels
- Pipe covering
Family Matters.
-
"We have been very pleased to be represented by them."- Murphy
-
"Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful."- Jeanne M.
-
"I called SWMW and the day after I called an attorney was in my town talking to me."- Bridget G.
Who Is Liable for Power Plant Asbestos Exposure?
In many cases, the company responsible for operating the power plant can be held liable for workers being exposed to asbestos. This is because these companies are often responsible for providing protective equipment and ensuring that safety standards are met. Additionally, they are expected to keep accurate records of any asbestos-related material they may have on-site and to take steps to minimize the risk of exposure by their workers. If a company fails to do this, it could be held responsible for any harm caused by asbestos exposure, including the development of mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease. Manufacturers of products containing asbestos that are used in power plants may also be held liable for injuries sustained by exposed workers.
Some examples of manufacturers of asbestos-containing products who have been held accountable through litigation include:
- Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co.
- Durabla Manufacturing Company
- General Electric
- Georgia-Pacific
- Johns Manville
- Kilnoise
How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma in Power Plant Workers
Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer that affects the thin membrane lining the outer surface of certain organs in the body. It is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can cause long-term scarring and damage to the mesothelial cells leading to this deadly illness. Power plant workers may not have been aware that their work clothes were contaminated with asbestos fibers, leading to the spread of these toxic particles among their family members. This secondary exposure is a well-documented source of mesothelioma.
While it is considered rare, mesothelioma has become increasingly common in recent decades due to the increased use of asbestos in industrial settings, including power plants. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and the prognosis for patients is often poor. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical intervention.
Getting Compensation for Power Plant Workers and Their Families
You and your family may have several options for securing compensation if you were ever a power plant worker who was later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another disease linked to asbestos exposure. Depending on what entity is responsible, you may be able to pursue a claim with an asbestos bankruptcy trust. Alternatively, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your loved one recently passed away because of a disease caused by asbestos exposure, you may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
At SWMW, our compassionate team of legal professionals can listen to your story, conduct an investigation, and walk you through all available legal options. Because people matter, we have dedicated our practice to representing mesothelioma victims, including power plant workers. Our fierce advocacy and litigation prowess have allowed our attorneys to recover over $750 million for our clients to date, and we are ready to put that experience and drive to work for you and your family.
We will fight on your behalf to get justice – because accountability matters. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling (855) 744-1922 or contacting us online today.
-
![]()
Decades of Cumulative Experience
Our team is comprised of dozens of highly talented and experienced attorneys ready to fight for your best outcome. -
![]()
Thousands of Clients Represented
Over the course of our firm's experience, we have helped thousands of victims and their families recover. -
![]()
National Reach
We come to you wherever you are in the United States to help you and your family recover. -
![]()
Resources + Personal Attention
A senior partner of our firm will be involved in your case, utilizing a team approach with massive resources uniquely applied to your case.
Because Justice Matters.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (855) 744-1922.