Steel Mill, Glass Plant & Pipefitting Work | Illinois & Oregon | Recovery of Approximately $4.30
Million
Case Overview
This case involves a longtime laborer and pipefitter who developed malignant mesothelioma
after decades of occupational exposure to asbestos-containing materials while working in
industrial facilities and as a union pipefitter.
Over the course of his career, he worked in a glass plant, a steel mill, and later as a pipefitter for
a major oil company in Illinois before relocating to Oregon, where he spent many years working
in manufacturing and industrial environments.
His work regularly placed him around insulated piping, sheet metal, industrial equipment,
construction materials, and maintenance work that commonly involved asbestos-containing
products during that era.
His diagnosis came decades after his earliest exposure, reflecting the long latency period
commonly associated with asbestos-related disease. Although much of his exposure occurred
in Illinois, he was living in Oregon at the time of his diagnosis.
All personal identifiers have been removed in full compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Military Service & Early Industrial Work
After graduating from high school in Illinois in the late 1940s, the claimant served in the United States Marine Corps.
During his military service, he worked with sheet metal and served both domestically and overseas.
Following his military service, he worked briefly at a glass manufacturing plant in Illinois and later at a steel mill, where he worked in a commissary role and assisted with distributing tools and supporting industrial operations.
Union Pipefitting Work in Illinois
Beginning in the early 1950s, the claimant became a union pipefitter in Illinois and worked for a major oil company for approximately ten years.
His work involved:
- Installing and repairing industrial piping systems
- Working around insulated pipes and pipe coverings
- Cutting and fitting pipe materials
- Performing maintenance work on industrial systems
- Working around asphalt, industrial equipment, and refinery infrastructure
- Exposure to pipe insulation and industrial construction materials
During this period, he suffered a serious eye injury after an explosion while cutting into a frozen
pipe, resulting in the loss of vision in one eye.
Pipefitting work during this era frequently involved exposure to asbestos insulation, pipe
coverings, gaskets, packing materials, and other industrial products.
Manufacturing Work in Oregon
After relocating to Oregon in the early 1960s, the victim spent many years working in a
manufacturing facility.
Although his primary role involved checking and mixing industrial glue used in the production
process, he remained in an industrial environment where he was exposed to construction
materials, machinery, maintenance work, and industrial dust over a long period of time.
He remained employed there for nearly three decades until his retirement.
Additional Exposure Considerations
The claimant also performed:
- Automotive brake work on personal vehicles
- Extensive home remodeling work in both Illinois and Oregon
- Drywall, flooring, siding, insulation, and construction projects on multiple homes
His family also recalled helping remove insulation and renovate portions of the family home during remodeling work.
These exposures were considered secondary compared with the significant occupational exposure that occurred during his years working as a union pipefitter and laborer in industrial facilities.
Medical Diagnosis
Decades after his earliest exposure, the claimant was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure and often develops many years after the original exposure occurs.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
Following intake, investigators and attorneys conducted a detailed review of the claimant’s occupational and exposure history.
The investigation included:
- Reviewing the claimant’s military, industrial, and pipefitting work
- Documenting exposure to asbestos-containing pipe insulation and industrial materials
- Reviewing work performed at steel mills, glass plants, and manufacturing facilities
- Evaluating home remodeling and automotive exposures
- Reviewing medical and pathology records
- Assessing all available avenues for financial recovery
The investigation demonstrated substantial occupational exposure to asbestos-containing materials over many years.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
Through negotiated resolutions with responsible parties, the case resulted in a financial recovery of approximately $4.30 million.
The resolution was achieved without trial and without any admission of liability. The recovery provided meaningful financial support for the claimant and his family while helping address medical costs and long-term financial needs.
Represented By
The claimant in this case was represented by Danziger & De Llano, a nationally recognized firm with decades of experience representing individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure.
This case result is presented for informational purposes by Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, an educational resource dedicated to helping individuals understand asbestos exposure risks and their potential legal options.
Key Takeaway
This case highlights the significant asbestos exposure risks faced by workers in steel mills, glass plants, industrial facilities, and pipefitting trades.
For decades, asbestos-containing insulation, piping materials, and industrial products were widely used throughout factories, refineries, and construction environments.
Even exposures that occurred decades ago can lead to serious illness many years later.
Learn More
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma — especially if you did Steel Mill, Glass Plant & Pipefitting Work in the past, you may have important legal options available.
Visit MesotheliomaLawyerCenter.org to request a confidential case evaluation. If appropriate, your case may be reviewed by experienced lawyers such as Danziger & De Llano Mesothelioma Law Firm.
There is no cost to speak with an attorney and no obligation to move forward.
Understanding your options is the first step.