MESOTHELIOMA IN THE NATION'S OIL INDUSTRY
Flammable nature of oil products prompted heavy use of asbestos among workers

July 8, 2009 -- Oil drilling is hazardous by its very nature. Even in crude form it is highly flammable, which explains why asbestos-containing products are used extensively. The problem is that over time asbestos gets brittle, causing it to flake off and fibers to become airborne. When workers inhale airborne asbestos particles, it can lead to asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma.

Even fire-protective gear issued by some oil companies brought workers in contact with toxic asbestos materials. Because of its fire-retardant properties, asbestos was abundant in fire-suits made prior to the 1980s and often exposed wearers to fibers, especially if the suits were worn or damaged.

Mesothelioma risk in the oil industry

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with mesothelioma. This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ preference for profits over the health and safety of their workers. That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their surviving family members have strong cases in court.

Bringing legal action against an oil company

Suing an oil company or drilling contractor for your mesothelioma disease poses certain challenges, however. In the last 30 years there has been a frenzy of mergers and acquisitions in the industry. The company a plaintiff worked for back when the asbestos exposure took place is likely to have been taken over by another corporation, which in turn may very well have been bought out by a third corporation.

This is one good reason to hire a mesothelioma lawyer from the New York-based law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg. Weitz & Luxenberg specializes in asbestos litigation and has the experience and resources that are required for obtaining this kind of information.

For the past two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg has championed the rights of injured workers everywhere. And in that time the firm's attorneys have secured several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and seek FREE legal guidance, please notify us through the communication form on this page. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, future and past lost wages, and damages. Please know, there is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.