When Peter Tytell worked as a stagehand, hanging stage lighting in the 1960s, he never dreamed that doing so would end up leading to a diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma. But in February of 2017 he got confirmation that he was suffering from the rare and fatal asbestos-related disease, and by December of that year he was giving testimony at a deposition about his exposure. Though the manufacturer of the asbestos-contaminated equipment he worked with argued against being held responsible, a New York judge denied their motion to dismiss the case and is allowing the case to proceed.
Asbestos-contaminated cables were part of New York City festival lighting projects
According to the mesothelioma victim’s testimony, much of his work between 1961 and 1970 involved working with cables manufactured by Mole-Richardson Company. He described those power cables as having been insulated with asbestos, and his contact with them involving knotting the cables, tying them and wrapping them around scaffolding or pipe to prevent them from being dislodged.
Much of the work that he did was related to several street festivals and block parties being held throughout New York City. He was tasked with setting up portable stages, working with lighting towers, dressing the cables to that talent could perform, and then latter collapsing the assembly for removal.
Mesothelioma victim specifically remembers lighting product
Though MRC denied that their products were involved in Mr. Tytell’s work, he specifically described the unique color of MRC lighting.He also remembered the dust that the light created when coating came off of the cables, and recalled having breathed that dust in.
MRC argued against Mr. Tytell’s mesothelioma lawsuit moving forward, claiming that the victim had provided insufficient proof of their role. Judge Manuel J. Mendez, disagreed, and further pointed out significant defects in the company’s submitted legal documents. The case will move forward and Mr. Tytell will have the opportunity to pursue justice.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you will face significant challenges as you move forward. The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are ready to provide you with whatever information and resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
