Conesville Power Plant Asbestos Exposure

Conesville Power Plant Occupational Cancer Claims

Now defunct, and demolished in 2021, Conesville Power Plant, east of Conesville, Ohio was a coal power plant. At the end of its operating time, the Conesville plants units were owned by American Electric Power (AEP) and AES Ohio Generation. The plant began operations in 1957 and was shut down in 2020 after a series of problems with critical infrastructure.

Originally commissioned in 1955 by Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric, the plant was partly owned by Cincinnati Gas and Electric (CG&E), Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric, and DP&L.

A good number of staff in power plants, especially welders, electricians, pipefitters and maintenance workers that handled asbestos were in particular danger. Conesville Power Plant workers have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

When the plant shut down in 2020, the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce posted on Facebook, stating, “It will not be the same not seeing smoke blowing from these units. It was a great place to work in our community for many years.” Maybe great to those who remain healthy, but the employer has had numerous allegations about workplace safety over the years. In fact, two workers died on the premises after a tank exploded. Environmentalists have long argued that the plant should shut down due to a poor air pollution record.

Asbestos Exposure in AEP Conesville Power Plant

The cancer clusters found in certain areas and the incidence of asbestos-related deaths in the power production industry suggests to the rational mind that these were unsafe workplaces. The CDC and WHO and an industry study published by the British Journal of Industrial Medicine concluded that even a short duration of asbestos exposure “may induce malignant mesothelioma.”

What Kind of Damages Are Available in a Power Plant Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit?

In a power plant asbestos exposure lawsuit, a victim or their family may be eligible to seek various types of damages to compensate for the physical, emotional, and financial losses resulting from asbestos-related illnesses. The specific damages that can be pursued in such a lawsuit may include:

• Medical Expenses: These damages can cover the costs of medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing medical care related to the asbestos-related illness.
• Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work or has lost income due to the illness, they can seek compensation for past and future lost earnings, including benefits and potential earnings they would have otherwise received.
• Pain and Suffering: This category of damages accounts for the physical and emotional distress, pain, and suffering experienced by the victim as a result of the asbestos-related illness. It may also include compensation for reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Expenses: In wrongful death cases, the family of the deceased victim can seek compensation for the costs associated with the funeral and burial.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or demonstrated a conscious disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

In power plant asbestos exposure cases, it’s essential to consult with an experienced asbestos exposure attorney who can evaluate your case, determine the potential damages, and help you navigate the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.