The Impact of Asbestos Exposure on Shipyard Workers
If you go back a few decades, nearly every industry in the United States dealt with the same issue—asbestos. Asbestos is a carcinogen with many useful properties, which is unfortunate given the massive health risks it poses to humans.
Shipyard workers are at a greater risk of asbestos exposure than most other workers due to the carcinogen's near ubiquitousness in shipbuilding. In addition, people working on constructed ships, like Navy servicepeople, are still exposed when old materials are disturbed, releasing asbestos into the air.
Despite minimal ongoing use of asbestos, exposure can still happen today. Plus, workers involved in the shipbuilding industry before the 1980s often developed symptoms decades later. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and don't know what to do next, Madeksho Law can help. Call today at 888-910-6376 or contact us through our website to schedule your free consultation with an attorney from our team.
Types of Shipyard Workers at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was commonplace in previous years of ship construction, repair, and maintenance. Nearly every component of a ship —gaskets, pipes, boilers, coatings, insulation, valves, tiles —contained asbestos due to its valuable properties at sea, namely fireproofing and resistance to corrosion.
This pervasive use means workers across multiple roles on land and at sea regularly came into contact with asbestos fibers, often without adequate protection. The risk was incredibly high before the 1980s, when asbestos use was more common and less regulated. However, it is still a concern in some areas today.
The professions most at risk include:
· Shipbuilders
· Ship Repair Workers
· U.S. Navy Personnel
· Engine Room Workers
· Pipefitters
· Electricians
· Welders
The important thing to remember is that asbestos fibers are indiscriminate and do not care what your job is. If you currently work or have worked at a shipyard or on board a ship, you may have inhaled enough asbestos to cause long-term damage to your health.
Long-Term Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure in shipyards is primarily linked to two severe health conditions. The first is mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that weakens and targets the lining of the lungs and, less commonly, the abdomen and heart. Asbestos stands alone as the undisputed most common cause of mesothelioma, but this disease often remains undetected until many years after exposure.
In addition to mesothelioma, lung cancer can also arise due to asbestos exposure. Like mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer can take decades or more to diagnose, with symptoms becoming more and more common as the years go on. Unfortunately, this means that health issues can get out of hand before the victim understands what is causing it. Both mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers have low survival rates compared to many other conditions.
How Shipyard Workers Can Fight for Compensation
If you or a loved one are currently dealing with health conditions caused by asbestos exposure, you have options. To receive compensation, shipyard workers represented by Madeksho Law can:
· File a personal injury lawsuit against liable parties, such as manufacturers of asbestos materials
· File a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one
· File a claim against asbestos trust funds set up by large companies and manufacturers
It's impossible to know which option is best without knowing the details of your situation. After your free consultation, an attorney at Madeksho Law can inform you of the best path forward.
Special Considerations for U.S. Navy Personnel
U.S. Navy veterans exposed to asbestos during their service have additional options in addition to the standard legal routes; they may be eligible for VA benefits for service-related exposure and injuries.
Even if you claim VA benefits, you can still file civil lawsuits against negligent or liable parties. Each avenue for compensation is distinct and fraught with unique issues, but Madeksho Law can take on your case and represent you in both situations.
Call Madeksho Law if You Were Exposed to Asbestos as a Shipyard Worker
Shipyard workers and U.S. Navy veterans exposed to asbestos deserve compensation and help as they go through life with these deadly conditions. If you or a family member were affected, you should contact Madeksho Law immediately.
Asbestos-related injuries can take a long time to manifest, and any further delays diminish the benefits that legal action and compensation can bring. Call today at 888-910-6376 or contact us online for a free consultation with our team.
