Workers at the Fort Martin Power Station near Maidsville, West Virginia, were exposed to toxic asbestos insulation for decades. Operated by Monongahela Power and now part of FirstEnergy, this coal-fired plant powered much of northern West Virginia — but it also placed pipefitters, electricians, insulators, and contractors at serious long-term risk. If you or a family member worked at the site and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have a viable legal claim based on Fort Martin asbestos exposure.
History of Asbestos at Fort Martin
Built in the 1960s and still in operation, Fort Martin Power Station relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to insulate steam pipes, boilers, turbines, and other high-heat equipment. Asbestos was prized for its fireproofing qualities — but when disturbed, it released microscopic fibers that could lodge in the lungs and eventually cause fatal illness.
Many of these materials remained in place even after federal regulations changed in the 1980s. Maintenance workers, especially those handling insulation or demolition, faced routine exposure during plant upgrades or overhauls.
Power Plant Risks and Worker Exposure
Fort Martin had the same risk profile as other coal plants: enclosed environments, inadequate ventilation, and significant dust disturbance. Workers likely to have been exposed include:
- Boiler and turbine operators
- Pipefitters and plumbers
- Electricians and general laborers
- Millwrights, welders, and scaffolders
- Union and non-union contractors
- Outside vendors and temp crews
Even short-term or contract work during outages could lead to significant exposure if asbestos fibers were inhaled during unprotected shifts.
Fort Martin Asbestos Exposure and Take-Home Danger
Asbestos exposure didn’t always end at the job site. Many power plant workers unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, boots, or work gear. This type of take-home asbestos exposure has led to secondary illnesses in family members — especially spouses who handled laundry or children exposed to contaminated vehicles or surfaces.
If your loved one worked at Fort Martin and you later developed an asbestos-related disease despite never working there yourself, you may still have a valid legal claim. Learn more about these cases here.
Legal Options for Fort Martin Families
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and worked at or lived with someone who worked at Fort Martin Power Station, it’s not too late to take action. You may be entitled to:
- Compensation through trust funds
- Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits
- Medical monitoring or VA benefits (for qualifying veterans)
- Settlement offers from past asbestos manufacturers
Time limits apply, and evidence like Social Security work history, job records, or union membership may help build your case. Attorney Lee W. Davis has helped asbestos victims across West Virginia since the late 1980s — beginning as a paralegal during the original Morgantown asbestos trials.
📞 Take Action Now – Don’t Wait
Don’t let the clock run out. If you or a loved one suffered illness after Fort Martin asbestos exposure, we can help. Call (412) 781-0525 today or click below to schedule a confidential consultation.
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