Fire Protection & Sprinkler Installation | Asbestos-Cement Pipe Exposure | California & Arizona | Recovery Exceeding Three Million Dollars
Case Overview
This case involves a fire protection engineer and sprinkler contractor who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after decades of asbestos exposure related to the design, installation, and cutting of asbestos-cement water pipe used in fire sprinkler systems.
Although much of his work was professional and technical in nature, he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos-containing materials during field work and hands-on installation tasks. His diagnosis came later in life, reflecting the long latency period typical of asbestos-related disease.
All personal identifiers have been removed in full compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Early Career & Technical Training
After graduating high school, the asbestos exposure victim served in the U.S. Army, where he trained and worked as a welder and blacksmith, performing metal fabrication and repair work on military vehicles and equipment. While this service involved heavy mechanical work, it was not considered the primary source of asbestos exposure.
Following military service, he briefly worked in a foundry environment performing welding work before pursuing higher education in architectural engineering.
Fire Protection & Sprinkler Engineering
Beginning in the mid-1960s, the victim worked for several fire sprinkler and fire protection companies in California. His roles included engineering design, hydraulic calculations, surveying existing buildings, and field verification work.
Although a portion of his work was office-based, he routinely:
- Surveyed commercial, industrial, and military buildings
- Crawled through attic spaces and mechanical areas
- Worked around insulation and building materials common to older structures
Asbestos-Cement Pipe Installation
A critical source of exposure involved the installation of underground water supply lines required for fire sprinkler systems. On a recurring basis, the victim personally assisted with installing asbestos-cement (A/C) pipe to supply water to commercial buildings.
This work included:
- Handling asbestos-cement pipe
- Cutting pipe to length using mechanical saws
- Dry cutting that generated visible dust
- Installing pipe in trenches and underground systems
He recalled working with many well-known manufacturers of asbestos-cement pipe commonly used during that era. Cutting and fitting the pipe created airborne dust, resulting in repeated inhalation exposure.
This exposure occurred both while working for fire sprinkler companies and later while operating his own sprinkler business, where he occasionally assisted with installations when water supply piping was required.
Continued Business Ownership & Later Career
For many years, the victim owned and operated his own fire sprinkler company, performing both commercial and limited residential work. While his role increasingly focused on management, he assisted with field work and site inspections, including water pipe installation, particularly earlier in the company’s operation.
After relocating to Arizona, he continued working in the fire protection industry. By that time, asbestos-cement pipe was no longer routinely used, and his later exposure was limited.
Secondary & Other Exposure Considerations
The victim reported only limited automotive repair work over his lifetime and denied significant home construction or renovation activities. These exposures were considered minor compared to his occupational work with asbestos-cement pipe.
Medical Diagnosis
The victim was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, confirmed through medical evaluation and pathology. The diagnosis was medically consistent with long-term occupational asbestos exposure, particularly from repeated cutting and handling of asbestos-cement pipe decades earlier.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
Following intake, a detailed investigation was conducted, including:
- Reconstruction of decades of fire protection and sprinkler work
- Identification of asbestos-cement pipe use in fire sprinkler systems
- Correlation of pipe-cutting tasks with known asbestos exposure pathways
- Review of medical records and pathology findings
- Evaluation of all available avenues for financial recovery
The case focused on product-based asbestos exposure, rather than traditional insulation or shipyard work.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
In 2025, through negotiated settlements and Asbestos Trust Funds, resolutions with responsible parties, the case resulted in a financial recovery exceeding almost $4 million dollars.
The resolution was achieved without trial and without any admission of liability. The recovery provided meaningful financial security and helped address medical costs, treatment needs, and long-term planning for the victim and his family.
Key Takeaway
This case highlights that asbestos exposure is not limited to insulation trades or heavy industry. Fire protection professionals and sprinkler contractors were routinely exposed through asbestos-cement pipe—often without warnings or protective measures.
Even decades later, accountability and compensation may still be possible for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. The attorneys at Danziger & De Llano Mesothelioma Law Firm have decades of experience helping families nationwide pursue accountability and financial recovery.
Time matters. Understanding your options is the first step forward.