Shipyard Welder & Industrial Laborer | Multi-State Exposure
Case Overview
This case involves a shipyard welder and industrial laborer whose malignant mesothelioma diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy, decades after repeated asbestos exposure in shipyard, manufacturing, and construction settings.
The case highlights the extreme risk faced by industrial trades, particularly welders and pipe workers operating in asbestos-heavy environments.
All personal identifiers have been removed in compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Shipyard Welding & Pipe Repair (Mid-1960s)
• Employment as a welder in shipyard environments
• Repair of pipes and mechanical systems on vessels and barges
• Routine proximity to insulated piping and industrial materials
• Work performed during an era of widespread asbestos use in ship construction
Industrial Manufacturing (1970s)
• Employment at a large industrial facility producing paper products
• Work around hot-process equipment, vats, and production machinery
• Exposure associated with historically asbestos-containing plant infrastructure
Commercial Construction & Day Labor (1980s–1990s)
• Assignments through daily labor pools on commercial construction projects
• Bystander exposure near renovation, mechanical work, and materials cutting
• Lack of hazard warnings or protective measures
Ancillary Exposure
• Personal automotive brake work using friction materials common to the era
Medical Diagnosis
The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma was only confirmed after the victim passed away. Unfortunately, it is common for many families to learn about the cancer only after death because mesothelioma is fact growing but asymptomatic until late-stage detection.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
This case required the law firm to investigate his exposure through family members and co-workers. They also hired an investigator to look for the following information:
✓ Multi-state employment timeline analysis
✓ Trade-specific exposure modeling for welding and pipe repair
✓ Correlation with known asbestos usage in shipyards and industrial plants
✓ Family-provided occupational and at home work history
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
The case has already resulted in a recovery of over 1 million dollars with additional compensation coming. The compensation came from both the asbestos trust claims and negotiated settlements.
Funds were allocated to cover end-of-life expenses and provide long-term financial support to surviving family members. The money recovered is non taxable because it is the result of wrongful death compensation.
Key Takeaway
In every asbestos cancer case it is extremely helpful to get the victims own words regarding his work history into the court records. Without this information, it is much more difficult to get compensation for the family. In this case, despite passing prior to the asbestos case being filed, Danziger & De Llano successfully identified co-workers who could confirm some of his workplace exposure. Therefore the family will receive a substantial final settlement. The reason it is some important to get a victims testimony is only he can really reconstruct his history of work place and home exposures.
Families may still qualify for mesothelioma compensation even after a loved one has passed. Find out if your family could be eligible for damages — confidential evaluations are available.