Insulator Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure
Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Insulators
Insulators have historically been at especially high risk of asbestos exposure. Through the 1970s, nearly every form of insulation contained asbestos, and insulation has long been a standard construction material in nearly every steel mill, shipyard, powerhouse, chemical plant, refinery, manufacturing plant, boiler room, and steel mill. This exposure greatly increased their risks of developing devastating asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
At SWMW Law, our award-winning trial team has fought on behalf of countless insulators diagnosed with life-altering illnesses resulting from asbestos exposure on the job. If you or a loved one worked as an insulator and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we want to help.
Our Case Results: Insulators
- $7+ million settlement: Union insulator, mesothelioma(MO, IL)
- $1.2 million settlement: Union insulator, lung cancer (TX)
- $750k settlement: Insulator and pipefitter, lung cancer (IL, TX)
SWMW Law serves insulators across the country. Call (888) 422-8877 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
How Insulators Were Exposed to Asbestos
Insulators were tasked with measuring, cutting, installing, sealing, and replacing insulation across a vast range of industries and in many types of jobsites. Just a few examples include industrial manufacturing facilities, steel mills, refineries, chemical plants, powerhouses, US Naval ships and maritime vessels, government and municipal buildings, construction and building sites, and even residential buildings.
Until the 1970’s, nearly all insulation products contained asbestos because it was an effective way to provide heatproofing and fireproofing, but all the while putting countless insulators at risk of exposure.
Any time asbestos insulation was manipulated or disturbed, it risked releasing millions of toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Cutting was especially disruptive to the material, and asbestos insulation usually needed to be cut to size to fit pipes, boilers, turbines, furnaces, pumps, or valves before being sealed with asbestos gaskets and packing.
Whether thermal pipe, block, cement, spray-on, loose-fill, foam, or millboard insulation, asbestos commonly appeared in insulation used in structures constructed in earlier decades. At one time, insulators were called “asbestos workers” because of how closely linked asbestos was to insulation materials.
In addition to all these hazards, insulation was often installed in small, enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like boiler rooms, below deck in naval ships, and even in confined residential spaces. Without proper ventilation or protective garments, insulators who worked in these tight spaces were at an even higher risk for inhaling higher quantities of asbestos.
Tragically, most insulators were never made aware of the dangers of asbestos or the long-term health consequences of exposure. Many spent their entire careers performing work in, and around, buildings that put their health and livelihoods at risk.
What Our Clients Say About Working With SWMW Law
At SWMW Law, we’re more than legal advocates — we’re a source of support during the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We’re proud to be trusted by families across the country, and even prouder to share what they have to say about working with us.
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“SWMW did an amazing job! They started the process with my father but during the process my father passed. They were so helpful when it came to us, his children, taking over in place of my dad. They answered every call and were extremely patient and supportive of us. They really did a great job with keeping us informed and educated. They fought for us. I would recommend them to anyone that hears the diagnosis of Mesothelioma. They will fight for you 100% of the way. Thank you SWMW Team for your support and patience! We truly appreciate all of you! – The Anderson’s”
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I would personally like to thank you and your staff for how you’ve have helped me and my family with a bit of our loss. It doesn’t bring my dear wife back, but it helps relieve some of our daily stress as we push on. Thank you.
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Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful. I really didn’t think I would be getting anything for my late husband. I feel like they have found every way possible to get something in the memory of my late husband. He didn’t deserve to pass the way he did, & SWMW Law are making sure his death wasn’t in vain. Ty you to Lyndsy & everyone who has put long hours into helping me. My deepest appreciation to you all.
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about the SWMW Law Firm. This firm has a team of amazing, smart and professional attorneys and staff. They really care about their clients and go above and beyond to obtain justice. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!! Thank you all for your incredible work that you do!
How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma in Insulators
Asbestos exposure is considered the primary cause of mesothelioma in insulators. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, abdomen, or other parts of the body. Insulators are particularly at risk due to their working with asbestos-containing materials on a regular basis.
Asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed and can easily be inhaled into the body, leading to long-term health issues such as mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are ingested, the particles become embedded in the linings of the lungs and other surrounding organs. Over time, these fibers can cause extensive scarring, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Unfortunately, it can take multiple decades for symptoms of mesothelioma and other diseases linked to asbestos to present themselves after the initial exposure has occurred, making it difficult to detect and diagnose early.
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is generally poor. There is no cure, but surgery and other treatments can be used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, especially if it is caught at the earlier stages. Therefore, it is important for insulators who are aware of past exposure to get frequent medical screenings to check for signs of mesothelioma and other illnesses.
Call For a FREE Consultation
SWMW Law is dedicated to helping victims and families in the fight against corporations that care more about profits than people. Comprised of award-winning attorneys, our team has helped clients take on powerful defendants in courts across the country and has helped countless victims and families secure the justice and compensation they deserved.
If you have questions about an asbestos claim involving work as an insulator, call (888) 422-8877.
Sources of Asbestos Exposure for Insulators
Insulators faced risk of asbestos exposure through a variety of asbestos-containing products and materials. A partial list of asbestos-containing products reveals how widespread asbestos use and exposure has been for insulators:
Insulation
- Thermal Pipe
- Thermal Block
- Spray-on
- Loose-fill
- Foam
- Millboard
Mechanical Products and Equipment Boilers
- Boilers
- Compressors
- Furnaces
- Tanks
- Vessels
- Turbines
- Pumps
- Valves
- Gaskets
- Packing
- Firebrick
- Steam Pipes
- Chemical Pipes
At highest risk for first-hand asbestos exposure are those who worked directly with or alongside asbestos-containing materials; however, we know today that there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Even the smallest amount of exposure increases the chances of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Studies Show Increased Risks of Mesothelioma, Asbestos-Related Disease Among Insulators
Decades of research have confirmed the link between insulation work and the development of serious chronic health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Some examples include:
- A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that analyzed over 2,300 long-term North American insulators found asbestosis in 61% of workers and increased risks of lung cancer. The study’s finding of a 5.2% lung cancer mortality rate among insulators who never smoked was the largest number of lung cancer deaths among nonsmoking, asbestos-exposed workers ever reported.
- A 1988 study published in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine found that among several thousand asbestos insulation workers in the U.S. and Canada who died between 1967 and 1984, mesothelioma was the cause of death in nearly 10% of cases. In the general population, mesothelioma causes just 0.01%-0.07% of all deaths.
- A 1968 study which found a significant connection between occupational asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking among nearly 400 insulators in the New York City metro area. Researchers at the time estimated that insulators with a history of both smoking and asbestos exposure had a 90% increased risk of dying from lung cancer compared to individuals who never smoked and were never exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Compensation and Justice for Insulators Exposed to Asbestos
Companies have known about the dangers and toxicity of asbestos since the 1930s, and yet they continued to manufacture and distribute hazardous asbestos-containing products, or they failed to appropriately notify people of the risks.
Holding asbestos companies and their insurers responsible for their negligence and harm can be accomplished with the advocacy of responsible, experienced, and dedicated asbestos lawyers like those with SWMW Law.
If you or a loved one worked as an insulator and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your losses.
Recoverable damages in mesothelioma claims include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries suffered by loved ones
- Other economic and non-economic losses
At SWMW Law, our legal team has extensive experience representing electricians in legal actions that seek compensation for occupational asbestos exposure. This includes claims seeking compensation from asbestos bankruptcy trusts established by companies that reorganized or went out of business, as well as civil lawsuits against solvent companies that used asbestos and negligently endangered workers.
Because every case is different, the best way to evaluate your available options and the potential value of your case is to have it reviewed personally by an attorney from our firm.
Learn more about your rights and legal options.
Examples of Our Results
SWMW Law has cultivated a record of success litigating high stakes asbestos claims on behalf of Insulators, families, and victims who worked in other at-risk industries. We’ve taken on some of the nation’s most powerful corporations and insurance carriers and have helped clients nationwide in the fight for justice and fair compensation.
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Settlement
$1,695,204
Insulator with Mesothelioma
Mississippi
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Settlement
$1,590,736
Insulator with Mesothelioma
Tennessee
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Settlement
$1,372,743
Insulator with Mesothelioma
Tennessee
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Settlement
$1,309,049
Insulator with Lung Cancer
Texas
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Settlement
$1,139,674
Insulator with Mesothelioma
Mississippi
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Trial Verdict
$12,152,750
Machine Operator with Mesothelioma
Virginia
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Trial Verdict
$9,700,000
Mesothelioma *
Wisconsin
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Settlement
$8,326,761
Pipefitter with Mesothelioma
Missouri
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Settlement
$7,860,827
Plumber/Pipefitter with Mesothelioma
Illinois
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Settlement
$7,254,809
Laborer with Mesothelioma
Missouri
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