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What Should You Know About Asbestos Exposure At Edgar Thomson Steel Works?

Edgar Thomas Steel Works is one of the oldest steel plants in the nation. Located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the steel plant is a known source of asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with asbestos-related illnesses or injuries, you may be entitled to recover damages.

At D’Amico Law Offices, LLC, in Pittsburgh, our asbestos exposure lawyers have created a detailed asbestos exposure database to help our clients. The database contains details about suppliers, products, manufacturers and job sites.

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling asbestos and mesothelioma cases. They are dedicated to assisting families suffering from asbestos-related injuries and illnesses to recover the compensation they deserve. Contact our offices at 412-906-8180 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Do You Do If You Were Exposed To Asbestos On An Edgar Thomson Job Site?

If you were exposed to asbestos on an Edgar Thomson job site, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The steel plant is located in Allegheny County, where the asbestos exposure mortality rate is 50% higher than the national average. It is also the highest in the state.

It may take 30 to 40 years before former employees show symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses or injuries. Make sure to tell your doctor the dates you would have been exposed to asbestos at the Edgar Thomson plant.

Diagnostic tests for asbestos injuries generally involve:

Chest X-ray
Lung function test
Low-dose CT scan
Spirometry
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

Your doctor will likely recommend regular follow-ups to watch your condition. Make sure to call an attorney experienced with occupational asbestos exposure to find out your legal options.

Does Edgar Thompson Steel Works Still Do Business?

Edgar Thompson Steel Works still does business in Braddock and North Braddock. The plant has been active since 1872. In 1901, Edgar Thompson Steel Works was sold to U.S. Steel.

Recently, U.S. Steel was ordered to pay a $1.5 million penalty for air pollution at Edgar Thompson Steel Works. In addition, the company must make extensive improvements to the plant, including training, monitoring and establishing work procedures to decrease the pollutants in the air considerably.

Today, the plant is known as Mon Valley Works and employs over 900 people from the surrounding communities. Many mill workers are second- and third-generation employees. The plant remains a large part of a community devastated by asbestos-related illnesses.

Pursuing An Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit With Edgar Thompson Steel Works

To pursue an asbestos exposure lawsuit with Edgar Thompson Steel Works, it is vital to work with a legal team experienced in asbestos exposure cases. The claims process is challenging and complex. The attorneys of D’Amico Law Offices understand the difficulties associated with an asbestos exposure claim and have successfully overcome the various hurdles.

We understand that developing an asbestos-related disease is life-changing. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma and other types of cancers need substantial financial support. Our asbestos exposure attorneys have extensive resources and experts to help recover the compensation you deserve.

To help you through the claims and litigation process, our lawyers will:

Conduct a full investigation into your employment history at Edgar Thomson Steel Works
Gather crucial evidence to support the extent of asbestos exposure (e.g., employment records, company memos assessing asbestos exposure risk and depositions)
Collect medical records to support your diagnosis

They will represent your best interests in court and fight to recover the damages you need. Our talented litigation team has years of experience handling medically complex claims.

Occupational exposure to asbestos is among the highest in steel mills. In Allegheny County, where the Edgar Thomson Steel Works plant is still in use, the asbestos-related death rate is twice as high as the rest of the country.

Asbestos Exposure Risks Associated With Edgar Thomson Steel Works Job Site

The asbestos exposure risks associated with Edgar Thomson Steel Works may range from the equipment to the safety gear used at the plant. Asbestos was commonly used in steel mills across the U.S. because of its effectiveness as an insulator and low cost.

Asbestos was used in:

Hot blast stoves
Furnaces
Rolling mills
Steam pipes
Ovens
Molding boards
Cranes
Broilers

In addition, asbestos insulation was used in safety gear, like gloves, face masks and leggings. The insulation protected workers from burns and fires.

The machines and equipment would release asbestos fibers into the air during the manufacturing process. Also, everyday wear and tear using the safety garments would release asbestos fibers into the air. Machinists, pipefitters, boiler workers and maintenance staff were at the highest risk for asbestos exposure.

During the steel boom in America, asbestos could be found in building materials all over the mill. Floor and ceiling tiles, cement, refractory bricks and liner boards all contained asbestos and posed additional risks for employees.

The Signs And Symptoms Of Asbestos Exposure

The signs of symptoms of asbestos exposure generally begin with shortness of breath. Asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop. If you were employed by Edgar Thomson Steel Works or U.S. Steel, you may not show symptoms of asbestos exposure for 30 to 40 years.

The first signs of an asbestos-related disease involve the lungs and, typically, chest pains or tightness, coughing, wheezing and a crackling sound when breathing. Among various respiratory complications, the lining around the lungs can thicken or accumulate fluid. In some cases, an individual can develop asbestosis. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure.

Other parts of the body can begin to show symptoms of asbestos exposure. A person may experience a loss of appetite and weight loss. Others report having difficulty swallowing or may have hoarseness that does not get better.

Asbestos exposure can also cause abdominal swelling, distention and pain. The bowel can be obstructed, or an individual may develop a hernia.

If you or a loved one is experiencing the above symptoms and have worked for Edgar Thomason Steel Works, call D’Amico Law Offices today.

What Diseases Are Caused By Asbestos Exposure?

Most diseases caused by asbestos exposure are cancerous. Individuals may develop a range of health conditions after working in a steel mill with asbestos construction and manufacturing materials.

Some of the confirmed cancers caused by asbestos include:

Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Ovarian cancer
Laryngeal cancer

However, other cancers have been associated with asbestos exposure. Stomach and colon cancer have been linked to asbestos. Nonmalignant diseases caused by asbestos include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pleural plaques, which involve the thickening of the lung lining.

What Damages In An Asbestos Exposure Job Site Claim Cover

Damages in an asbestos exposure job site claim cover a range of costs for injuries and illnesses suffered by claimants, including:

Coverage of medical treatments, both present and future
Hospitalizations and surgeries associated with asbestos-related illnesses
Medical equipment, including oxygen
Prescription medications
Lost wages if you are unable to work
Loss of future income
Pain and suffering damages
Emotional distress
Wrongful death

Workers’ compensation will only cover part of the medical costs, leaving individuals and families financially devastated. Filing an asbestos exposure claim is the best way to ensure that you recover all the damages available.

Why Work With D’Amico Law Offices?

Our attorneys at D’Amico Law Offices are highly accomplished personal injury lawyers with a long track record of success. They provide results-driven representation, using their experience and award-winning litigation skills to maximize our clients’ recoveries.

We are a family-run law firm committed to helping those suffering from asbestos-related injuries and illnesses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos exposure disease, our lawyers have the resources and professional network to uncover all liable parties.

Call 412-906-8180 to schedule a free consultation today to discuss the details of your case and the damages you are entitled to recover.

Edgar Thomson Steel Works Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit FAQ

What if your employer’s negligence caused your asbestos exposure?

If your employer’s negligence caused your asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. While workers’ compensation typically protects employers from direct lawsuits, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court allows former employees to bring a civil action for occupational diseases. Asbestos-related illnesses include several types of cancer, including mesothelioma.

What are some common asbestos exposure injuries?

Some common asbestos exposure injuries include:

Lung scarring
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma
Kidney cancer
Throat cancer
Pleural effusions (i.e., fluid on lungs)
Asbestosis, which can cause permanent lung damage

When airborne, inhaling asbestos fibers can create lung scarring and inflammation.

How can an asbestos exposure lawyer help you with a legal claim?

Our asbestos exposure lawyers can help you with a legal claim by:

Conducting a thorough investigation of your case
Compiling a list of all liable parties
Gathering critical evidence and supporting documentation

In addition, our experienced attorneys can help calculate the recoverable damages in your claim. Time may be limited. Contact D’Amico Law Offices for a free consultation to discuss your asbestos injury case by calling 412-906-8180.