Oil Refinery Workers and Mesothelioma

Professionals in industries such as oil refining face a significant risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to mesothelioma. Oil refinery workers, especially those employed before the mid-1980s, may have encountered asbestos in materials like asbestos cement, floor tiles, and drywall due to less stringent safety regulations at that time.

If diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to engage a skilled lawyer who has experience in cases involving oil refinery workers. Their knowledge is vital in securing the rightful compensation for affected individuals and their families.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure for Oil Refinery Workers

Oil refinery workers face a significant risk of asbestos exposure from the materials they come in contact with while working in oil refineries. This includes the following at-risk trades who may have worked in oil refineries:

• Boilermakers
• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Machinists
• Maintenance workers
• Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Pipefitters
• Shipbuilders
• Steamfitters
• Steelworkers
• Welders

Due to the industry's widespread use, oil refinery workers face significantly higher risks of asbestos exposure than the general population. A 2017 study analyzed mesothelioma mortality rates across 200 sectors and found that petroleum refining ranked among the highest in mesothelioma proportionate mortality ratios (PMR). This compelling data reveals that workers in the petroleum sector experience elevated death rates from mesothelioma relative to their counterparts in other industries.¹

Additionally, asbestos-related diseases frequently affect the families of oil refinery workers due to secondary asbestos exposure. Workers unknowingly carry tiny asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, and personal items, posing an invisible threat to their loved ones. When these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lead to serious health issues. Recognizing and addressing these risks is crucial to protect workers and their families.

Asbestos Products Used by Oil Refinery Workers

Oil refinery workers were often exposed to asbestos through their work. Asbestos was commonly used for its heat and chemical resistance from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Workers with mesothelioma may have encountered asbestos while sanding, scraping, or improperly removing damaged asbestos products. Oil refinery workers may experience asbestos exposure from:

• Asbestos insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Asbestos cement
• Asbestos drywall
• Fire-resistant clothing
• Floor tiles
• Gaskets
• Mastic
• Packing
• Pumps
• Roofing
• Sealants
• Valves

Asbestos products were often found in areas with high temperatures and pressure. Locations in the workplace that often exposed oil refinery workers include:

• Boiler rooms
• Furnaces
• Ovens
• Reactors
• Shipyards

Oil refinery workers' protective clothing included asbestos, intended to safeguard against burns and chemical exposure. However, it is essential to note that some protective gear inadvertently exposed workers to asbestos.

Compensation for Oil Refinery Workers With Mesothelioma

If you or a family member has recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it's crucial to know that you can pursue legal compensation to ease the financial burden of medical expenses and secure long-term stability for your loved ones. A dedicated mesothelioma law firm that works with oil refinery workers, such as Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen (ELSM), can provide support by rigorously evaluating your case and pursuing all possible avenues for compensation. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone—help is available.

Asbestos Trust Funds

As public awareness of the dangers of asbestos grew, many asbestos product manufacturers filed for bankruptcy. As part of their bankruptcy protection, they set up mesothelioma trust funds specifically designed to compensate individuals suffering from asbestos-related diseases linked to their products.

Oil refinery workers diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue financial assistance by filing claims to cover medical expenses and lost income. The legal team at ELSM is committed to helping clients identify the right trust funds for their unique situations while guiding them through the claims process.

Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits are a powerful legal recourse for oil refinery workers who have been exposed to asbestos. These workers can take decisive action by pursuing personal injury claims against manufacturers that knowingly sold hazardous asbestos products.

Successful lawsuits lead to substantial settlements or court-awarded verdicts, which are crucial in covering expenses like medical treatments, lost wages, and other associated costs. Oil refinery workers should consider selecting a mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record of achieving results.

Asbestos lawsuits often settle before going to trial, and our attorneys are ready to provide advice on the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a mesothelioma settlement for your asbestos case.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers' compensation is a state-regulated program that supports employees suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses. This protection is essential for those in high-risk occupations like oil refinery workers exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma. Oil refinery workers have the right to file compensation claims, securing necessary coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. At ELSM, we are committed to guiding our clients through the available compensation options.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after working as an oil refinery worker, don't hesitate to contact us today for a free case evaluation. We're here to help.

Mesothelioma Lawyers for Oil Refinery Workers

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, an impactful illness frequently caused by asbestos exposure, demands support and guidance as you navigate the necessary next steps. It's essential to have a seasoned attorney who is well-versed in the various avenues of compensation for mesothelioma. Oil refinery workers face significant risks from asbestos exposure, making it imperative for them to understand their legal options fully.

Experienced lawyers possess an in-depth understanding of your profession and its unique challenges when dealing with mesothelioma cases specific to oil refinery workers. They are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve, whether through navigating asbestos trust funds or pursuing legal action. By partnering with a reputable mesothelioma law firm like ELSM, you empower yourself to focus on what truly matters while they aggressively advocate for you and your family.

FAQs

How are oil refinery workers exposed to asbestos?

Oil refinery workers faced a significant risk of asbestos exposure from the materials they came in contact with and the areas they worked in at oil refineries. Workers with mesothelioma may have encountered asbestos while sanding, scraping, or improperly removing damaged asbestos products. In addition, oil refinery workers' protective clothing included asbestos, which was intended to safeguard against burns and chemical exposure but may have inadvertently exposed workers to asbestos.

Are oil refinery workers at risk for developing mesothelioma?

Professionals in industries such as oil refining face a significant risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to mesothelioma; a study has shown that oil refinery workers face significantly higher risks of asbestos exposure than the general population, and workers in the petroleum sector experience elevated death rates from mesothelioma relative to their counterparts in other industries.

Sources

1. Mazurek JM, Syamlal G, et al. Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality — United States, 1999–2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. March 2017;66(8):214–218. doi: 10.15585%2Fmmwr.mm6608a3