Plumbers and pipefitters are at high risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Many building materials used in the plumbing industry before the 1980s contained asbestos, putting these tradespeople in danger of inhaling or ingesting harmful fibers on the job. If you or a loved one worked as a plumber or pipefitter and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the dedicated mesothelioma lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP can help recover the compensation you deserve.
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How Are Plumbers Exposed to Asbestos?
Plumbers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of different ways. First of all, it depends upon whether they’re doing commercially related plumbing or residential related plumbing, but a variety of different factors go into when, where, or how a plumber would be exposed to asbestos. If they’re working with heating systems, pipes that are carrying steam or, in some instances, hot water, the thermal insulation material surrounding the pipes can be made of asbestos. If there are boilers involved in the work that they do, there are a variety of different asbestos-containing components associated with boilers like external insulation, sometimes internal insulation. Sometimes, there can be asbestos rope material in boilers especially the cement material in different parts. So, it really just depends upon the level of work that they’re doing. Even if they are changing gaskets in valves and pumps, they can be exposed to asbestos from removing those gaskets. A lot of folks can remove those gaskets with wire brushes or sanding equipment, and that creates dust and can expose plumbers to that kind of work. So, it really just depends whether they’re doing residential jobs. Obviously, if you’re repairing a toilet, it’s going to be very different than changing a gasket on a commercial pump or valve on a steam line.
How Meirowitz & Wasserberg Plumber Pipefitter Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help You
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, we’re proud to have nationally recognized trial attorneys who are highly compassionate and aggressive in fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims. Our partners, Samuel Meirowitz and Daniel Wasserberg, have earned reputations as driven attorneys who consistently deliver outstanding results.
Ranked among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, our firm has decades of combined experience, having secured over $360 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Some of our many satisfied client testimonials include:
We are so fortunate that we met Samuel Merowitz. My husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma four years ago because of asbestos exposure. We met Sam and his coworkers and they took the case with such compassion and dedication. They provided professional, accurate, efficient legal advice and more. Because of them, our lives are much better now. We are so thankful for having them by our side.
What can I say Bonnie was always here for me very professional with a personal touch,, she took the time to get to know me and my family, she was available to me for any concerns or questions I had. She shows a very genuine caring for her clients,, she help guide me through this whole process with my asbestos case,, my only hope from day one was to find a Attorney to fight for me and she is an asset to your firm please keep her on board. I could never thank her enough for her efforts in my case. My hope in the future is to travel to the big city and share my gratitude for all Bonnie has done for myself and family Thank you will never be enough,, David Furman.
Tragically, my husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He passed away from this terrible cancer about one year after he was diagnosed. The first law firm we hired was one of those big firms and they were unable to do anything for us. After they told us they couldn’t help us with our asbestos case, someone recommended that I contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP. I am so glad I did. Daniel Wasserberg has been so supportive from start to finish. He has always taken the time to explain things to me. He has done everything he said he would do and more. He has handled some difficult people involved with this asbestos case in a way that benefitted the case. I can’t say enough good things about Mr. Wasserberg and his law firm. If you or a loved one has a mesothelioma diagnosis or a potential asbestos related lung cancer case, I would recommend this law firm without any reservations. They are great people!
Importance of Legal Representation for Plumbers & Pipefitters Exposed to Asbestos
Choosing a mesothelioma lawyer with experience and a proven track record is crucial for plumbers and pipefitters. In cases of occupational exposure, it can be challenging to determine all avenues for compensation and track down potentially liable parties. That’s because many product manufacturers or businesses have declared bankruptcy or gone out of business.
An attorney with experience handling asbestos cases knows where to look and how to determine liable parties based on the specific circumstances of your case. They will also be acutely aware of the statute of limitations that applies in your case and work quickly to preserve your right to seek compensation. Our skilled legal team has experience handling asbestos exposure cases for plumbers and pipefitters. We’ll handle everything so you can focus on your health and family.
Compensation Options for Plumbers and Pipefitters Exposed to Asbestos
Plumbers and pipefitters diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to various forms of mesothelioma compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death, in the case of a family member’s passing
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our asbestos trial team obtained a settlement of $100,000,000+ for an 89-year-old millwright who contracted lung cancer from asbestos exposure and whose case was initially rejected by another asbestos law firm.
Exposure Risks for Plumbers & Pipefitters
Most people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to either low levels of asbestos for a long period, high levels for a short period, or a mixture of each. When plumbers and pipefitters cut, drill, or disturb asbestos-containing materials, microscopic fibers become airborne. Once inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become trapped in the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining, causing inflammation and scarring that may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Plumbers and pipefitters face numerous asbestos exposure risks on the job, including:
- Cutting or drilling into asbestos-cement pipes
- Removing or replacing asbestos-containing gaskets and valves
- Working with asbestos-insulated boilers and tanks
- Disturbing asbestos-containing joint compounds, caulk, and putties
- Handling asbestos rope and cloth used for pipe insulation
Even family members of plumbers and pipefitters may be at risk of secondary exposure if workers bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing, tools, or hair.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to various health problems, including:
- Mesothelioma – Cancer in the lining of the tissue that covers internal organs, most often in the lungs, heart, or abdomen
- Lung cancer– Begins in the lungs and may spread to other parts of the body
- Asbestosis – Scarring of the lungs
- Pleural mesothelioma – Cancer in the lining of the lungs
These diseases often have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may only appear decades after initial exposure. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Common Pipe Fitting Products Containing Asbestos
Numerous pipe fitting products used in the past contained asbestos, including:
- Asbestos-cement pipes
- Gaskets and valves
- Joint compounds and putties
- Pipe insulation
- Rope and cloth
- Duct tape and mastic
While many of these products have been phased out, they may still be present in older buildings undergoing renovation or demolition.
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What are Some Common Pipe Fitting Products Containing Asbestos?
Safety Precautions For Plumbers & Pipefitters
The plumbing industry poses significant asbestos exposure risks due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in the past.
To minimize asbestos exposure risks, plumbers and pipefitters should take the following precautions:
- Assume all materials in older buildings contain asbestos unless proven otherwise
- Request asbestos testing before starting work
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and disposable coveralls
- Use wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums to control dust
- Properly dispose of asbestos-containing waste
- Shower and change clothes before leaving the worksite
- Participate in regular medical screenings
- Report any unsafe working conditions to their employer or relevant authorities
Employers must also provide proper training, equipment, and oversight to ensure worker safety.
Contact an Experienced Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one worked as a plumber or pipefitter and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the skilled asbestos attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP today. There is legal recourse for plumbing industry mesothelioma victims. Our dedicated team will provide the compassionate support and aggressive representation you need to pursue your fair compensation. With our help, you can hold negligent parties accountable and secure the resources necessary to cope with this devastating disease.
Call 844-446-9529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with a Meirowitz & Wasserberg mesothelioma lawyer for plumbers and pipefitters today.
Our NYC Personal Injury Attorneys
Samuel Meirowitz
Founding Partner
Daniel Wasserberg
Founding Partner
Perry Shusterman
Partner
Kush Shukla
Partner
Bonnie Steinwolf
Partner
Jason Yampolsky
Associate
Neidra Wilson
Associate
Melissa Ryan Reitberg
Associate
Clark Rosengarten
Associate
Danny Kraft
Of Counsel
Jason Hodrinsky
Senior Associate
Frank M Ortiz
Of Counsel
About The Author
Daniel Wasserberg
Founding Partner
Daniel Wasserberg, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, is a Best Lawyers-recognized and Super Lawyers-rated mesothelioma attorney with over 20 years of experience. Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 10 Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer, he leads the firm's national asbestos practice.
