Asbestos Cancer Trial Brought by Former Nuclear Power Plant Worker Begins in South Carolina

An asbestos cancer lawsuit brought by a 73-year-old former Duke Energy technician recently went to trial in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In this case, the mesothelioma plaintiff alleges that the defendants, several energy equipment manufacturers, utilized asbestos-tainted products that caused the plaintiff’s cancer. The plaintiff alleges that although his employer, Duke Energy, took proactive steps to mitigate the risk of mesothelioma and other serious diseases, the defendants, Fisher Controls International LLC and Crosby Controls International LLC, supplied asbestos-tainted gaskets for pipe valves.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff began working for Duke Energy in 1979 as a pipefitter in its various nuclear facilities in South Carolina before retiring as an ultrasonic quality control inspector in 2003. The plaintiff claims he suffered from asbestos exposure during final inspections of gaskets and pipe valves. The plaintiff’s start date at the facility is of particular importance in the trial, as asbestos has been heavily regulated and designated a known carcinogen since the mid-1970s.

As is often the case in asbestos cancer lawsuits, the defendants claim that although the plaintiff’s mesothelioma was most likely caused by asbestos exposure, the dangerously designed and manufactured products were not the cause of the disease. The counterclaims are an all too common example of the lengths many powerful asbestos manufacturers often go to avoid taking responsibility for producing such dangerous products, knowing all the while doing so put innocent people at risk.

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks, with the former Chief Judge of the South Carolina Supreme Court coming out of retirement to oversee the proceedings. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering as well as punitive damages meant to punish the egregious behavior and send a message to others as a deterrent for similar behavior.

Pipefitter Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit Pipefitters, sometimes referred to as steamfitters, are among a class of workers commonly associated with developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. These workers are responsible for organizing, assembling, creating, and maintaining mechanical piping systems that must withstand high pressure, particularly in nuclear power plants. These workers often require extensive training to perform their duties and do so under grueling conditions.

When fitting two pieces of pipe together, pipefitters utilize specialized gaskets to connect pipe sections and ensure a tight seal. These gaskets must be able to withstand incredibly high temperatures and were once commonly manufactured with asbestos to meet these specifications. Sadly, thousands of these skilled tradesmen developed mesothelioma and other deadly lung cancers due to years of unknowingly working with asbestos contaminated products.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.