Construction, Pipeline & Demolition Work | California, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana | Recovery of Approximately $4.68 Million
Case Overview
This case involves a longtime construction worker who developed malignant mesothelioma after decades of occupational exposure to asbestos-containing materials during construction, demolition, and pipeline installation projects across multiple states.
Throughout his career, he worked on bridge construction, road construction, demolition, utility projects, pipeline installation, and underground infrastructure work in California, Texas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Much of this work involved handling asbestos-cement pipe, transite pipe, and other construction materials that commonly contained asbestos during that era.
His diagnosis came decades after his earliest exposure, reflecting the long latency period commonly associated with asbestos-related disease. Although he worked in several states over the course of his career, he was living in Louisiana at the time of his diagnosis.
All personal identifiers have been removed in full compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Early Construction & Pipeline Work
After graduating from high school in Louisiana in the early 1960s, the claimant began working for multiple construction companies performing road work, bridge construction, and underground utility installation.
His work included:
- Building concrete bridges
- Performing road construction work
- Digging trenches for utility lines
- Installing water, sewage, and storm-drain pipe
- Working with clay pipe and asbestos-cement pipe
- Assisting with pipe cutting, placement, and installation
During this time, he worked in Louisiana, Texas, and Kentucky for multiple contractors involved in infrastructure and pipeline projects.
He specifically recalled working with asbestos-cement pipe manufactured by Johns Manville, as well as clay pipe products used in municipal utility systems. Cutting and handling these materials created dust that workers frequently inhaled while performing their daily tasks.
Demolition Work in California
In the mid-1960s, the claimant relocated to California and worked for a demolition contractor in Southern California.
During this period, he worked on the demolition of a naval installation and used blow torches, jackhammers, and pneumatic tools to demolish older buildings and structures.
Demolition of older military and industrial buildings frequently released asbestos dust from insulation, piping, wall materials, and other construction components. The claimant believed this work significantly contributed to his asbestos exposure.
Long-Term Pipeline Construction Career
Beginning in the late 1960s, the claimant worked for a large California construction company where he remained for nearly three decades.
His work involved:
- Digging trenches for underground utility systems
- Installing water, sewage, storm-drain, gas, and fiber optic lines
- Cutting and fitting pipe materials
- Supervising pipeline crews
- Backfilling trenches and paving work areas
- Working on projects throughout California, including municipal and military projects
During this time, he regularly handled transite pipe and asbestos-cement pipe.
He independently recalled working with asbestos pipe manufactured by Johns Manville and CertainTeed. He also recalled that cutting these pipes with electric cutters and cut-off saws generated large amounts of airborne dust.
Additional Exposure Considerations
The claimant also performed:
- Automotive brake maintenance over many years
- Home remodeling work on multiple homes
- Drywall, plaster, masonry, paving, and residential construction projects
These exposures were considered secondary compared with the extensive occupational exposure during pipeline construction, demolition, and underground utility work.
Medical Diagnosis
Decades after his earliest asbestos exposure, the claimant was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and often develops many years after the initial exposure occurs.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
Following intake, investigators and attorneys conducted a detailed exposure reconstruction that included:
- Reviewing decades of construction and pipeline work
- Identifying manufacturers of asbestos-cement pipe used during the relevant time periods
- Documenting demolition work and military installation projects
- Evaluating suppliers of asbestos pipe and related construction materials
- Reviewing medical and pathology documentation
- Assessing all available avenues for financial recovery
The investigation demonstrated substantial occupational exposure to asbestos-containing pipe and construction materials over many years.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
Through negotiated resolutions with responsible parties, the case resulted in a financial recovery of approximately $4.68 million.
The resolution was achieved without trial and without any admission of liability. The recovery provided meaningful financial support for the claimant and his family while helping address medical costs and long-term financial needs.
Represented By
The claimant in this case was represented by Danziger & De Llano, a nationally recognized firm with decades of experience representing individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure.
This case result is presented for informational purposes by Centro de abogados especializados en mesotelioma, an educational resource dedicated to helping individuals understand asbestos exposure risks and their potential legal options.
Key Takeaway
This case highlights the significant asbestos exposure risks faced by workers involved in pipeline construction, demolition, underground utility work, and infrastructure projects.
For decades, asbestos-cement pipe and related materials were widely used in municipal utility systems, exposing workers to hazardous dust during cutting, fitting, demolition, and installation activities.
Even exposures that occurred decades ago can lead to serious illness many years later.
Learn More
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma — especially if you did Construction, Pipeline & Demolition work in the past, you may have important legal options available.
Visit MesotheliomaLawyerCenter.org to request a confidential case evaluation. If appropriate, your case may be reviewed by experienced lawyers such as Danziger & De Llano Mesothelioma Law Firm.
There is no cost to speak with an attorney and no obligation to move forward.
Understanding your options is the first step.