Electrical workers have long been susceptible to asbestos exposure going back to the early 20th century. Asbestos was thought to be the ideal substance to use to make electrical products. Asbestos is lightweight and an outstanding insulator for transferring electricity. It also is neutral in terms of conductivity, so it is the perfect insulator to coat electrical wires. (ECMag.com).
For at least 70 years, electricians worked in environments that were filled with asbestos. Some of these workers developed mesothelioma, which is only caused by inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers. Many companies that employed these workers knew they were putting their workers at risk, but did nothing about it.
Today, there are thousands of former electricians who are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma because they worked for many years with asbestos-containing products. Anyone electrician who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma may want to seek a top mesothelioma lawyer near them, as they could be eligible for mesothelioma financial compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Where Asbestos Was Used in Electrical Work
Electricians worked with large quantities of asbestos fibers at many job sites going back at least 70 years. Asbestos exposure occurred beginning in the 1920s when many buildings contained asbestos. Electricians worked on maintenance, construction, repair, and renovation of buildings. The electrical work required cutting into walls and wires containing asbestos. Every time an electrician worked with asbestos, billions of asbestos fibers were blown into the air.
Some of the products containing asbestos in electrical work included wires, tape, insulation, and cables. Also, asbestos lining and washers were used with asbestos-insulated breaker boxes and contact terminals. Sometimes the electrician’s clothing and tools contained asbestos to protect them from electrocution.
Electrician Occupation Exposure
Electricians may also have been exposed to asbestos in vinyl floor tiles, plastic molding compounds, and phenolic plastic. They also often worked side-by-side with fire proofers who used fireproofing materials containing asbestos on the steel structure of commercial buildings. Electricians usually insulated conduits and metal-clad after the asbestos fireproofing was sprayed. Even days after the asbestos fireproofing was applied, small vibrations could release asbestos fibers in the air.
Further, homes that were constructed before 1977 in the United States might contain asbestos materials, such as joint compound, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, attic insulation, and popcorn ceilings. Electricians working in the construction of these homes may have been exposed to asbestos.
Electrician Asbestos Exposure – The Science Behind It
In 2008, researchers in Italy studied data from physical examinations and interviews of 120 workers who were exposed on the job to asbestos. Electricians were part of this group. (Nature.com)
The researchers wanted to know if mesothelioma biomarkers were present in workers exposed to asbestos that could predict their risk for developing the mesothelioma disease. When specific biomarkers are at too high a level, it means a disease is present. The higher the biomarker level, the more serious the illness.
The Italian researchers found in electricians that their higher rate of asbestos exposure boosted the amount of 80HdG in their DNA. Higher levels of 80HdG indicate a presence of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), which are a known mesothelioma biomarker.
The electricians studied also had higher levels of angiogenic factors, which are proteins that aid in blood vessel growth. When these factors are present, it suggests a dormant tumor could be turning malignant. At the end of the study, the researchers recommended that all electricians need to be monitored for asbestos cancer especially malignant mesothelioma of the lungs.
Lawsuits Related to Asbestos Exposure in the Electrical Industry
If you were an electrician and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to file an asbestos claim compensation for your illness. You may file a worker’s compensation asbestos claim with the assistance of a worker’s compensation attorney with the company that exposed you to asbestos.
However, worker’s compensation only will pay so much, and it does not pay for pain and suffering. Many people with mesothelioma have hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills and are suffering extreme pain. In such a case, you may be better off filing a personal injury or mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit against the company that employed you as an electrician.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can probably track down the company that exposed you to asbestos and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Attorneys for Electricians
Below are experienced mesothelioma attorneys who specialize in the electrical industry.
Shrader & Associates, L.L.P.
Houston, TX
(877) 958-7920
www.shraderlaw.com
Shrader & Associates is a national law firm that handles asbestos and toxic exposure across the US. Their attorneys have represented hundreds of asbestos cancer victims and their families in recovering mesothelioma cancer compensation for their medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering from mesothelioma.
The company is based in Houston and also has offices in Madison County, IL. The firm also has an extensive network of national trial attorneys who believe in their legal philosophy of helping mesothelioma victims. They can help to litigate any mesothelioma case involving an electrician in the United States.
See All Houston TX Mesothelioma Lawyers
James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C.
112 Capitol Street, 2nd Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 347-5050
www.jfhumphreys.com
James F. Humphreys & Associates has been providing asbestos cancer victims with legal representation for more than 25 years. Their personal injury attorneys in West Virginia have dedicated their careers to helping people deal with the legal system and holding negligent companies liable for exposing them to asbestos.
The firm’s attorneys keep a large database of companies that put workers at risk by exposing them needlessly to asbestos. In most cases, the firm can trace asbestos exposure to specific manufacturers and worksites.
See All West Virginia Mesothelioma Lawyers
The Lyon Firm
2754 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati OH 45208
(513) 381-2333
www.thelyonfirm.com
The Lyon Firm is a highly experienced personal injury law firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio that has represented many mesothelioma victims over the years. Their attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your asbestos exposure as an electrician. The firm also has represented grieving families who have lost loved ones to mesothelioma. You could be eligible for compensation in an asbestos exposure wrongful death lawsuit.
See All Ohio Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyers
Get Mesothelioma Legal Help Now
With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll free (800) 352-0871