Many occupations in the US entail some risk of asbestos exposure, and this exposure can potentially lead to mesothelioma, an incurable and terminal form of cancer. When it comes to plumbers & pipefitters, asbestos exposure is a consistent issue whenever they are working in older buildings or handling components made with asbestos. It’s vital to know your legal options for claiming compensation if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Legal Options for Plumbers’ & Pipefitters’ Asbestos Exposure
For many years throughout the US, asbestos was widely used in many applications until the health risks became apparent. When asbestos fibers enter the body, usually through the lungs, they can become embedded and gradually develop into mesothelioma. Despite the fact that asbestos use has declined significantly over the past several decades, new cases of mesothelioma continue to appear because of asbestos exposure that happened many years ago.
The American Cancer Society reports that there are roughly 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the US each year, so this is not a very common form of cancer. However, mesothelioma is both incurable and terminal. The rate at which it progresses varies based on the frequency and intensity of exposure, and those with a genetic predisposition to cancer are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
When it comes to plumbers & pipefitters, asbestos exposure can occur whenever they work in boiler rooms, utility rooms, or in older buildings that may still contain asbestos insulation, pipe coverings made with asbestos, or even old flooring made with asbestos. Additionally, their work duties often entail a risk of asbestos exposure:
Removing old pipe coverings could release asbestos fibers into the surrounding area. Some plumbing projects in older buildings may require asbestos abatement and/or professional removal.
Cutting and grinding old cement pipes also poses a risk of exposure. Some of these older pipes contain asbestos, and cutting and grinding can release asbestos particles.
Block insulation used on boilers, water heaters, and other plumbing mechanisms may also contain asbestos.
Many of the joint compounds, thermal adhesives, and sealants used for plumbing and pipefitting projects contain harmful chemicals, including asbestos.
One of the most challenging aspects of mesothelioma is the fact that asbestos exposure takes a very long time to cause noticeable symptoms. It’s possible for someone to be exposed to asbestos and not show any symptoms for many years or even decades. Once symptoms appear, however, the disease has likely reached an advanced stage.
You should hire an asbestos exposure lawyer to help you determine your legal options after asbestos exposure. Some individuals who are exposed to asbestos at their job and develop adverse medical conditions are eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits from their employers. However, if you have been diagnosed later in life, you may learn that the company responsible for your exposure is no longer operating.
Many US companies that used to manufacture asbestos products were required to establish mesothelioma trust funds to compensate anyone in the future diagnosed with mesothelioma because of their products. You may qualify to file a claim to one of these trusts, and your asbestos exposure attorney can guide you through the process.
You may also have grounds to file a personal injury case for asbestos exposure, and an experienced attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability for your damages. You may have grounds to claim compensation for all medical expenses related to your diagnosis, any lost earnings, and your pain and suffering.
The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, PA have extensive experience representing plumbers & pipefitters. Asbestos exposure may be difficult to prove, but we have a long record of success with mesothelioma cases that many other firms do not accept. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services and how we can help with your case.
FAQs
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. Once asbestos enters the body, it can gradually develop into mesothelioma, and just once is enough for this to happen. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with heavy and/or repeated exposure and because of genetic predisposition to developing cancer. Increased and repeated exposure can also increase the speed at which the disease progresses.
Can You Recover From Asbestos Exposure?
You cannot recover from asbestos exposure if the exposure causes mesothelioma. This is an incurable and terminal cancer. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs, and the average five-year survival rate for all stages of pleural mesothelioma is only 15%. Mesothelioma treatment focuses on preserving quality of life, managing symptoms, and slowing the disease’s spread as much as possible.
How Do You Prove Liability for Asbestos Exposure?
Proving liability for asbestos exposure will likely require various records and other evidence that an experienced attorney can gather on your behalf. You will need to pinpoint the most likely source of the exposure and then identify the party or parties responsible. These cases often require careful review of decades’ worth of evidence, so you need to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer with proven experience to help you build your case.
How Long Does Asbestos Exposure Take to Cause Symptoms?
The time that asbestos exposure takes to cause symptoms varies, but many people do not start showing signs of mesothelioma until many years after exposure, usually decades. Once the first symptoms of mesothelioma appear, they are often mistaken for other, less serious conditions, but they will rapidly worsen without medical intervention.
Why Should I Hire an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer?
You should hire an asbestos exposure lawyer because these are inherently difficult cases that often entail substantial damages. You need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you trace the source of the asbestos exposure that caused your condition, determine your legal options for claiming compensation, and accurately calculate the total damages you are eligible to asbestos exposure claim.
For plumbers & pipefitters, asbestos exposure is a very real danger most days on the job. If you worked as a plumber or pipefitter and have developed mesothelioma, it is vital to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer as soon as possible to help you build your case. The team at Wallace & Graham, PA, is ready to help, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced asbestos exposure attorney.
About the author:
William M. Graham
Managing Partner of
Wallace & Graham, P.A.
William M. Graham is the Managing Partner at Wallace & Graham, P.A. in Salisbury, NC, where he focuses on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar (1991). Graham earned his J.D. from Antioch School of Law and is recognized for his dedication to clients affected by asbestos-related illnesses. His practice reflects deep expertise and commitment to client advocacy.
Se Habla Español 
