
Schedule Consultation Call Now

For many years Irish car mechanics have been exposed to asbestos, mainly due to the presence of crystallized asbestos in brakes and clutches.
Asbestos exposure experienced by car mechanics can also lead to pleural plaques which is a recognized physical injury which car mechanics can recover compensation for.
What are the Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Irish Car Mechanics?
Those mechanics that have worked in garages in Ireland may have been exposed to asbestos fibers during the course of their daily work. It was normal for car mechanics to place brake pads and clutches on vehicles in the 1960’s and 1970’s which often contained asbestos. Repairing brake drums, clutch housings and gaskets also had the same risks.
Asbestos was used as friction material and for heat resistance. Car mechanics who were exposed to asbestos face a risk of developing asbestos-related diseases that often do not appear until 10-60 years later. Tragically in some cases family members also developed Mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos dust brought home on work clothing. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that infects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity which is caused by asbestos exposure.
What other workers were exposed to Asbestos Fibres?
Automobile mechanics working in the following areas may also have been exposed to asbestos fibers:
- Supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers
- Car mechanics and service technicians
- Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
- Motorcycle mechanics
- Recreational vehicle service technicians
- Family members who may have inhaled asbestos fibers from clothing
Asbestos in automotive parts become dangerous when disturbed. Mechanical work often includes assembly, disassembly, cutting, grinding and other activities that disturb asbestos and cause the release of its microscopic particles into the air where they can then be ingested. Once ingested, the body cannot break them down and asbestos-related diseases such as Mesothelioma are likely to develop.
The Health and Safety Authority here in Ireland have recognized that asbestos is a considerable risk and hazard particularly to mechanics. They have provided guidance notes to mechanics and employers so they can identify these hazards and take steps to protect workers.

Ford Motor Company Asbestos Lawsuit
An Asbestos exposure case was taken against the Ford Motor Company in the United States. The Ford Lawsuit involved a 76-year-old man in St. Louis County who had worked as an auto mechanic at a gas station in the 1960’s where he regularly handled Ford brakes that contained asbestos. Later in his life he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
Ford used asbestos to make numerous parts, including in clutches, brakes and brake linings, gaskets, engines, transmissions and fire walls for decades. At the conclusion of a two-week trial, the U.S jury awarded the man $10 million in damages and another $10 million in punitive damages.
Moloney Solicitors can help you with your legal rights if you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and worked as a motor mechanic in Ireland. We have the knowledge and experience to handle your asbestos exposure case. We will advise you about your legal rights and will help you investigate your potential personal injury action. We serve clients throughout Ireland.
*Please note that no fees can be charged by our firm as a percentage of any award or settlement. Such percentage fee charging is prohibited under law.
Please call us today at 045 898000 or complete our online form to schedule an initial consultation.