Asbestos was once widely used in the maritime time industry. This places workers at high risk of one of the deadliest forms of cancer, mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops slowly over time and may not show symptoms until it has progressed through the body.
Diagnoses of the disease can entail high medical expenses, lost wages and death. It’s advised you speak with a legal professional if you believe your mesothelioma diagnosis is linked to work in the maritime industry.
Mesothelioma Maritime Attorney in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska
You will need an attorney who understands the personal, legal and medical challenges you’re facing. Find that attorney at BOATLAW, LLP. Call 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a confidential consultation.
BOATLAW, LLP represents injured maritime workers in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska.
Information Center
What is Mesothelioma?
The tissue lining our organs is called mesothelium. When tumors grow on such tissue, it’s known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma usually starts in the lungs, abdomen or heart and it can be either benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare but serious disease that comes in three forms. These forms include:
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
The majority of those with mesothelioma worked in industries where asbestos exposure was prevalent. A vast number of maritime workers may be at risk for the disease since asbestos was widely used for so long. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms mimicking other conditions. By the time the disease is diagnosed, it has advanced to a degree that is untreatable.
Asbestos Exposure
The leading cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. At one point, it was thought this fiber-like material would bring wealth and prosperity. Not long after, though, many began to realize exposure to asbestos was causing deadly illnesses.
Asbestos is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, making it an ideal material for the shipbuilding industry. Asbestos was once used to insulate boilers, incinerators and hot water pipes. The fiber would build up in these locations, which lead to exposure aboard vessels.
According to the official asbestos website, California is the leading state for asbestos exposure in shipyards. In addition to this, the state is also ranked number one in the United States for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. Some of the shipyards in California known for high levels of asbestos exposure include:
- San Diego Naval Shipyard
- San Francisco Dry dock
- California Naval Shipyard
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard
- Moore Dry Dock
- General Dynamics NASSCO
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
- Consolidated Steel Shipyard
Washington and Oregon also lead the county in shipyard exposure to asbestos. Along with being known as the largest shipyard on the West Coast, the Bremerton Naval Shipyard in Washington has reports of dangerous levels of asbestos exposure dating back to the 1940s. The Albina shipyard, Astoria Voyage Repair Station and the Swan Island Shipyard in Oregon are also known sites of occupational asbestos exposure.
How is Mesothelioma Compensated?
Filing a mesothelioma suit holds the entity accountable for exposing workers to asbestos. The suit can also compensate those with the illness for lost income and medical expenses. How much compensation is recovered and where it comes from varies from case to case.
Many of the companies that worked with asbestos are no longer in business today. Some may have been bought out by other companies, filed for bankruptcy or went out of business. This does not mean such companies cannot be held accountable.
Many of the companies that filed for bankruptcy were required to establish trust funds for asbestos victims, which became known as mesothelioma compensation funds. To reach those funds you will have to file a claim against the trust, and you will need an attorney to help.
A personal injury or wrongful death claim can recover more funds than a trust fund claim since the claim is filed against a company still in operation. If a claim is successful, you can receive compensation for the following damages:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost earnings
- Palliative care
- Funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Additional Resources for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma – Visit the official website of the Mayo Clinic to learn more about mesothelioma. You can learn about risk factors associated with the disease, complications and symptoms. The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical clinic.
Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards – Follow the link provided to learn more about asbestos and shipyards. You can gain access to a list of shipyards across the country where asbestos exposure may have occurred and learn more about exposure in California, Oregon and Washington. The information can be found on Asebestos.com.
Mesothelioma Maritime Lawyer in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska
Speaking with a law firm experienced in handling mesothelioma is the first step in securing the compensation you need. Call 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a confidential consultation with maritime lawyers at BOATLAW, LLP.
BOATLAW, LLP has been representing maritime workers for over 40 years in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska.
