For decades, plumbers and pipefitters have worked with materials containing asbestos without knowing the deadly health risks they faced. These skilled tradespeople regularly handled pipes, gaskets, valves, and insulation materials that contained high concentrations of asbestos fibers, putting them at significant risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases 20-50 years later.
If you worked as a plumber or pipefitter and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve compensation for your suffering. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., founding partner Joseph P. Williams has dedicated 30 years to fighting for workers exposed to asbestos on the job. We have never lost a mesothelioma case and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Our firm understands the unique challenges faced by workers in high-risk occupations and will fight for the justice you deserve.
Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing properties, making it a standard component in piping systems, insulation, gaskets, and sealing materials. The plumbing and pipefitting trades required extensive work with asbestos-containing materials throughout most of the 20th century, putting them at risk of exposure in the following ways:
Plumbers routinely cut, installed, and repaired pipes wrapped in asbestos insulation, releasing dangerous fibers into the air with every cut or disturbance. They worked in residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities where asbestos-containing materials were standard components of plumbing systems.
Pipefitters faced similar risks when working in industrial settings, power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings. They installed and maintained complex piping systems that transported steam, chemicals, and other materials under high temperatures and pressures. The pipes in these systems were almost always insulated with asbestos-containing materials to prevent heat loss and protect workers from burns.
The most dangerous aspect of this work involves disturbing existing asbestos materials during repairs, renovations, or demolition. When old insulation was removed or damaged pipes were replaced, massive amounts of asbestos fibers became airborne. These microscopic fibers can be easily inhaled, embedding themselves in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Over time, these fibers can cause inflammation and cellular damage that can eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Understanding where you were exposed to asbestos is important for building a strong legal case. Plumbers and pipefitters may have encountered the toxic material in the following products:
Products such as corrugated paper, air-cell insulation, and block insulation contained high levels of asbestos and were used extensively on both hot and cold water lines. These materials released dangerous fibers whenever they were cut, shaped, or removed during installation or repair work.
Gaskets and packing materials were essential for creating watertight seals in piping systems and valve assemblies. Compressed asbestos fiber sheets were cut to size for custom gaskets, generating asbestos dust each time they were trimmed or shaped. Valve packing, which prevented leaks around valve stems, also contained asbestos and required replacement during routine maintenance.
Beyond pipes and sealing materials, plumbers and pipefitters encountered asbestos in many other products and situations. Additional sources of exposure may include the following:
You may have also faced second-hand asbestos exposure risks when working alongside insulators, boilermakers, and other trades that handled asbestos materials. The confined spaces where much of this work occurred —such as crawl spaces, mechanical rooms, and utility tunnels —meant that asbestos fibers remained suspended in the air for hours, increasing exposure for everyone in the vicinity.
Workers diagnosed with mesothelioma after occupational asbestos exposure have legal rights to pursue compensation. The companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products knew about the health dangers but failed to warn workers or provide adequate protection. Many of these companies have established asbestos trust funds specifically to compensate victims, and you may be eligible to file claims against multiple trusts based on the products you were exposed to during your career.
Building a successful mesothelioma claim requires detailed documentation of your work history and the specific asbestos products you encountered. Attorney Joe Williams uses actual historical records, including product specifications and workplace documentation, to establish where and when exposure occurred. This thorough approach has contributed to our undefeated track record in mesothelioma cases.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we handle mesothelioma cases differently from other firms. Joseph P. Williams personally meets with clients in their homes and works directly on every case. We treat your claim as our personal cause, not just another file. With three decades of proven experience and membership in the Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, we have the knowledge and resources to fight aggressively for maximum compensation while you focus on your health.
We understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis creates financial pressure from medical bills, lost income, and uncertain future expenses. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We can help you pursue multiple sources of recovery, including asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuits against negligent parties, and veterans’ benefits if you served in the military.
Plumbers and pipefitters who developed mesothelioma from workplace asbestos exposure deserve justice and fair compensation. The Williams Law Firm, P.C., has represented over 1,000 families affected by asbestos-related diseases and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Joseph P. Williams brings 30 years of trial experience and an undefeated record in mesothelioma cases to every client he represents.
We provide personalized service and free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Attorney Williams will personally evaluate your situation and develop a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances and needs. Our firm has successfully represented members from nearly every New York union and workers from across the country. Schedule your free consultation to learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.
As the founding partner of Williams Law Firm, Joseph P. Williams has dedicated over 30 years to representing mesothelioma victims and their families. His firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for those affected by asbestos exposure, offering personalized, aggressive legal advocacy. Based in New York, Williams Law Firm provides free consultations and handles cases nationwide.
