GAWDA Journal discusses asbestos litigation.

Press Release Summary:



In current issue of Welding and Gases Today, the journal of GAWDA, attorney Michael S. Degan warns that asbestos litigation is the longest, most expensive mass tort in the history of U.S. and that data suggests that lawsuits will not abate anytime soon. Degan also covers subject in Distributors Exposed to Asbestos Claims at Welding and Gases Today Online, the trade journal for welding, welding equipment, industrial gases, medical gases, and specialty gases industry.



Original Press Release:



Protecting Against Exposure to Asbestos-Related Lawsuits



A 2009 lawsuit demonstrates that distributors of welding products will continue to be exposed to product liability risks relating to welding consumables.

Dewitt, NY: Joe Taylor, a former welder and boilermaker, filed suit in California in March 2009 against several defendants, including manufacturers and distributors of asbestos-coated welding rods. Taylor alleges that he contracted asbestosis and lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure to asbestos, including use of asbestos-coated welding rods. Taylor claims he was exposed to asbestos dust while handling the rods in preparation for use, rather than from exposure to welding fumes.

The Taylor case is the latest of several lawsuits involving rods containing asbestos. In 2004, a New York jury awarded $6.7 million to two welders after finding that the welders had contracted lung cancer and mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-coated welding rods.

Plaintiffs who have had no occupational exposure to asbestos are also bringing claims on the theory that they were exposed to asbestos fibers on clothing and materials carried by others. Thus, the spouses and children of exposed workers are increasingly bringing injury claims. In fact, Taylor claims that his exposure to asbestos began as a child. Both of Taylor's parents worked at Kaiser Shipyard during WWII, where his father worked as a welding instructor.

In the current issue of Welding & Gases Today, the journal of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA), attorney Michael S. Degan discusses this important issue in detail. "Asbestos litigation is the longest, most expensive mass tort in the history of the United States," Degan warns. "The data suggest that the lawsuits will not abate anytime soon."

Degan has much more to share on this subject in "Distributors Exposed to Asbestos Claims" at Welding & Gases Today Online, the leading trade journal for the welding, welding equipment, industrial gases, medical gases and specialty gases industry.
For more information, contact Jeffrey Charboneau, editor of Welding & Gases Today, at editor@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.

About GAWDA

Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (welding andgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.

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