Shipyard 
Asbestos Exposure

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards

Exposure to asbestos can pose significant health risks. The hazardous dust produced by asbestos fibers can cause a number of serious upper respiratory illnesses and cancers. If you have been exposed to asbestos and now suffer from a respiratory illness, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for damages.

Some illnesses directly caused by exposure to asbestos include:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Asbestosis

The symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses are often delayed and the illnesses themselves have long latency periods. Because of this, many people who have been exposed to asbestos are not diagnosed with illnesses until many years after initial exposure. In some cases, it can take almost 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis to present themselves.

Mesothelioma: Shipyard Workers’ Symptoms

Symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses include:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
• Fever and fatigue
• Weight loss

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact medical professionals immediately. Once you receive treatment, you may then want to consider contacting a qualified asbestos attorney. Together, you can evaluate the facts and circumstances of your individual case and decide if a lawsuit is right for you.

Shipyard Asbestos Toxic Exposure

Shipyard asbestos exposure has been a significant concern in the past, especially during the mid-20th century when asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in shipbuilding and repair. Asbestos was valued for its heat-resistant, fireproof, and insulating properties, making it an attractive choice for various applications aboard ships. However, the widespread use of asbestos in shipyards led to extensive asbestos exposure for workers in these environments.

Asbestos can be found in different ship parts, including insulation, fireproofing materials, gaskets, pipes, boilers, electrical wiring insulation, and more. Shipyard workers were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers while handling, installing, repairing, or removing these materials. Research suggests that the worst exposure occurred in ship engine rooms, mess halls, and on painted decks.

Are Shipyard Workers at a Heightened Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

If you worked in a shipyard during the last 75 years, there is a very good chance that you have been exposed to asbestos without your knowledge. Before the year 1980, workers in the shipbuilding industry came in contact with dangerously high levels of asbestos. Such contact drastically increases their chances of developing serious respiratory illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos was used in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and sleeping quarters. It was used in insulation, pipe coverings, and in the paint that was used on ships. Additionally, exposure to asbestos was not limited to spending time on ships. Even workers who were working on dry docks may have been heavily exposed to asbestos.

Veterans, particularly Navy veterans, have been especially affected by asbestos-related illnesses. Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans. In addition, they may also file lawsuits against negligent companies, including the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. An estimated 30 percent of all mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by military veterans.

A 2008 study conducted by the Ulster Medical Society indicated that shipyard workers have an asbestos mortality rate that is 16 times higher than other studied occupations. Shipyard welders and painters were at particularly high risk for exposure to asbestos because of the fumes released from metal coatings, finishes, and welding rods. OSHA reports that dangerous exposure increases if the welding or painting occurs within a confined space.

People who worked at American Shipbuilding, Hunter’s Point Shipyard, or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are still at great risk of developing serious health complications from asbestos exposure. If former workers develop symptoms of respiratory and lung disease, they should contact medical professionals as soon as possible.

Contact an Experienced Asbestos Attorney

Hiring an experienced asbestos attorney is not only important but often necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Hiring an experienced asbestos attorney is critically important. An experienced asbestos attorney will have access to the resources and specialized knowledge necessary to build the best possible lawsuit.

A lawsuit for damages may be important because financial compensation can enable you to regain your dignity and your quality of life. A settlement for damages can pay for medical treatments, therapies, day-to-day living expenses, and more.

Joe Lyon and the attorneys at The Lyon Firm have delivered incredible results for their clients, including a settlement in excess of $2.7 million dollars for the surviving spouse of a steel mill worker who was exposed to asbestos.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm

The Lyon Firm has over 17 years of experience in litigating complex asbestos matters. If you or your loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have now been diagnosed with upper respiratory illnesses, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for damages.

Joe Lyon and the associates at The Lyon Firm are committed to constructing the most robust case on your behalf, safeguarding your vital concerns. When you are prepared to initiate legal proceedings, contact The Lyon Firm online or by calling (513) 381-2333. We are dedicated to building the strongest cases we can for our clients and pursuing their critical interests.