Plastics Manufacturing & Automotive Repair | Iowa Exposure | Recovery Exceeding Three Million Dollars
Case Overview
This case involves an Iowa man who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after years of occupational asbestos exposure in industrial plastics manufacturing and through automotive mechanical work. His diagnosis came later in life and followed a long career spent working around machinery, equipment, and materials common to mid- and late-20th-century industrial environments.
Like many workers of his generation, he was never warned about the dangers of asbestos or provided with meaningful protective equipment. His case reflects how asbestos exposure can occur across multiple job roles and industries, with health consequences that surface decades later.
All personal identifiers have been removed in full compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Industrial Plastics Manufacturing
For a significant portion of his career, the victim worked in a plastics manufacturing facility, an environment that historically relied on asbestos-containing materials for heat resistance and durability.
Such facilities commonly used asbestos in:
- Equipment insulation
- Gaskets and seals
- Pumps, valves, and mechanical components
- Protective materials surrounding high-temperature processes
The victim worked in proximity to industrial machinery and processes where asbestos-containing components were present and routinely disturbed during operation and maintenance. He was not warned of asbestos hazards and did not receive respiratory protection or asbestos-specific safety training.
Automotive Repair & Mechanical Work
In addition to his industrial employment, the victim performed automotive mechanical work over many years. This included hands-on work involving vehicle maintenance and repair tasks historically associated with asbestos exposure.
Automotive components such as brakes, clutches, and gaskets commonly contained asbestos during the relevant time period. Mechanical work frequently generated dust, creating opportunities for repeated inhalation exposure.
Additional Exposure Considerations
The victim also reported performing home maintenance and repair activities, which were considered secondary exposure pathways when compared to his industrial and automotive work.
Medical Diagnosis
In 2017, the victim was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, confirmed through pathological evaluation. The pathology findings were consistent with an sarcomatoid mesothelioma which is the most aggressive form of the disease.
The diagnosis was medically consistent with long-term occupational asbestos exposure, occurring decades after his initial exposure began.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
Following intake, a comprehensive investigation was conducted, including:
- Reconstruction of the victim’s occupational history
- Evaluation of asbestos use in plastics manufacturing environments
- Analysis of automotive exposure pathways
- Review of medical records and pathology findings
- Assessment of all available avenues for financial recovery
This approach ensured the claim was supported by both occupational evidence and medical causation.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
Through negotiated settlements and Trust Fund compensation, with the asbestos product companies responsible, the case resulted in a financial recovery exceeding three million dollars.
The compensation was achieved without trial and without any admission of liability. The recovery provided meaningful financial security and helped address medical expenses, treatment-related costs, and long-term family needs.
Key Takeaway
This case demonstrates that asbestos exposure often occurs across multiple employers and industries, including manufacturing environments not traditionally associated with asbestos and through mechanical work performed over many years.
Even decades after exposure, 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.