Public Service Company of Oklahoma — Tulsa, Oklahoma

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), an AEP company, generating stations and utility facilities in Oklahoma sustained occupational asbestos exposure during power generation operations.

Facility Background

Public Service Company of Oklahoma, headquartered in Tulsa, provides electric service to customers across eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. PSO operated numerous coal-fired and natural gas generating stations, including the Northeastern Power Plant in Oologah, the Southwestern Power Plant in Tulsa, and other facilities. These large steam electric stations were the backbone of Oklahoma’s electric grid from the mid-twentieth century forward.

Plaintiffs alleged that PSO’s coal-fired generating stations were built and maintained using asbestos-containing insulation as the standard material for boilers, turbines, steam headers, and all associated piping, consistent with power plant construction practices throughout the industry during the 1940s through 1970s.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

Plaintiffs alleged in litigation that asbestos exposure occurred through multiple pathways:

  • Boiler insulation and maintenance: Plaintiffs alleged that boilermakers and maintenance workers at PSO generating stations performing boiler tube replacements, overhauls, and annual inspections encountered asbestos block, blanket, and cement insulation throughout.
  • Turbine-generator systems: Plaintiffs alleged that steam turbine-generators and associated steam admission and exhaust systems were insulated with asbestos-containing materials requiring periodic maintenance.
  • Steam distribution piping: Plaintiffs alleged that the extensive steam and feedwater piping within PSO generating stations was insulated with asbestos pipe covering requiring regular inspection and replacement.
  • Gaskets and valve packing: Plaintiffs alleged that asbestos compressed-fiber gaskets and braided valve packing were used throughout PSO plant steam systems.

Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations under 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(A)(3), running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year limit under 12 Okla. Stat. § 1053.

Workers who were employed at Public Service Company of Oklahoma generating stations and who have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease may have legal remedies available. Contact O’Brien Law Firm at (314) 237-3332 to discuss your work history and legal options at no cost.