Power plant workers have always been the backbone of industrialization, ensuring our homes and offices are powered. This has been achieved at great personal sacrifice for a large number of employees who were exposed to asbestos over a long period.
Asbestos attorneys can help current or former power plant workers diagnosed with diseases related to asbestos exposure. The main conditions include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. If you have an asbestos-related disease, you can depend on the services of an asbestos lawyer.
The Use of Asbestos In Power Plants
Background
Throughout the twentieth century, this naturally occurring mineral was used extensively as a heat insulator by many industries worldwide – especially power generation companies. These companies required something that could withstand extremely high temperatures – so asbestos became their go-to material.
Common Applications
There are several parts and components within power plants where you might find asbestos, including but not limited to:
- Boilers, pipe insulation and turbine insulation
- Fireproofing materials used on walls or ceilings.
- Different types of gaskets/seals found in various equipment.
- Insulation for electrical wiring systems
- Protective clothing/gear worn by personnel working on-site.
The wide use of these applications means frequent exposure among power generation company employees throughout their careers.
Risks Posed By Asbestos Exposure To Power Plant Employees
How Workers Can Get Exposed
Here’s how workers can be exposed to asbestos at power stations:
Inhalation: Inhalation happens when fibers become airborne, and it is the most common route into human body systems, leading to serious health conditions.
Swallowing: Accidental ingestion may occur, especially if proper hygiene or protective practices are disregarded.
Skin Contact: Direct contact with materials containing asbestos can irritate the skin surface. However, this form of exposure doesn’t involve entry into the bloodstream.
High-Risk Activities
There are certain tasks carried out at power plant facilities that have higher chances of exposure:
- Maintenance works or repairs done on machinery containing asbestos
- Renovations/demolitions involving old structures used in power production
- Handling worn out parts made from asbestos fibers during the replacement process
- Clearing up areas where debris remains after an event such as a fire outbreak often releases dangerous dust into the air.
Indirect Exposure
It should be noted that workers are not the only ones at risk. They can bring home fibers attached to their tools or work clothes, putting their families at risk.
Health Effects that Result from Coming Into Contact With Asbestos
Diseases Associated With Asbestos Exposure
Cancer is one of the most feared diseases globally, and its relationship with asbestos has been well-established over time. Diseases include:
Mesothelioma: This cancer is mainly found in the lining tissues covering the lungs, abdomen or heart. It results from the inhalation of the microscopic fibers.
Lung Cancer: There is clear evidence showing that smoking combined with exposure greatly increases the chances of developing lung cancer among people exposed.
Asbestosis: This chronic lung disease is characterized by scarring, resulting in difficulties with breathing
Other Cancers: Other body parts have also been affected, including the voice box or larynx (laryngeal cancer) and ovaries
Diagnosis and Forecast
The process of diagnosing diseases caused by asbestos usually includes:- A comprehensive past medical history with occupational history included
- Physical examinations
- Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
- Lung function tests
- Biopsies if necessary
Legal Rights and Options for Affected Power Plant Workers
Worker’s Compensation
In a lot of jurisdictions, workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness may be entitled to receive compensation under worker’s compensation. The plan covers medical expenses and provides income support when a worker cannot work due to this disease.
Personal Injury Claims Against Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Products Used in Power Plants
Workers may be able to sue manufacturers if it is discovered that the companies produced items containing asbestos that were used in power plants.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Some firms that produced goods made from asbestos have established trust funds designed to compensate individuals affected by diseases caused through exposure to asbestos. These alternative sources can pay victims especially where responsible entities have gone bankrupt or insolvent.
An experienced personal injury attorney can determine the sources of exposure and sue the liable parties.
The Role Played By Lawyers Dealing With Asbestos Cases In Power Plants
Lawyers who deal with claims arising from asbestos exposure play vital roles in negotiating asbestos cases.Evaluation Of Cases
Lawyers experienced in handling asbestos litigations knowledgeable in:- Reviewing medical reports
- Scrutinizing work histories
- Assessing the validity of potential claims
- Identifying all possible avenues for compensation
- Advising on appropriate legal strategies for individual situations
- Collecting Evidence
- Researching power plants and asbestos use
- Establishing companies responsible for making or supplying asbestos products in the workplace
- Finding former colleagues who can testify to what happened while they were still working together
- Collaborating with medical experts by making a connection between exposure levels and a diagnosed disease
Managing Difficulties Encountered During Legal Proceedings Connected With Asbestos
Personal injury attorneys can help litigate cases by dealing with multiple liable parties, such as manufacturers, employers, and contractors, and complying with state time limits for filing lawsuits.Maximizing Asbestos Trust Fund Benefits
Legal representatives knowledgeable in asbestos cases make sure that those who seek justice get maximum financial compensation. They do this by –- Performing accurate computations regarding current future losses
- Bargaining with defendants and their insurers
- Lodging claims against several guilty parties at the same time
- When relevant, accessing funds set aside for compensating victims
Talk to an Asbestos Lawyer If You’ve Been Diagnosed with an Asbestos-Related Disease
Decades after being exposed at work, former power plant employees are suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Taking legal action is imperative. Schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.
