Whenever we go to work, we expect our employers to put in the effort to keep us safe and prioritize our well-being. Shipyard workers and others working with heavy materials are especially subject to on-site injuries, but what about medical risks related to asbestos? Often getting into the body once released into the air, asbestos is commonly found in many materials and their production processes. If you work in a shipyard, you may have been exposed to asbestos and suffer specific medical issues.
Getting exposed to asbestos is often the result of an employer not maintaining the workplace, but other parties may also be liable. Regardless of who is responsible for your exposure and medical complications, we believe you deserve to receive compensation for your losses. When you are not responsible for these unfortunate instances, you should not have to shoulder costly medical payments. If you want to hold parties accountable for their actions, please don’t hesitate to speak with an asbestos exposure lawyer from The Williams Law Firm.
Asbestos was once considered a critical material in the shipbuilding industry due to its fire-resistant properties. Asbestos was especially vital to naval vessels that could not afford to be set ablaze at sea. Despite these advantages, asbestos is now known to cause deadly cancers such as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, which causes symptoms to take many years to appear after exposure to asbestos. In other words, even though asbestos is no longer used in shipbuilding, those who worked in the industry before this discovery may suffer complications from their exposure as they age.
The following are common asbestos products that may be encountered in shipyards:
Shipyard workers responsible for building, repairing, overhauling, or decommissioning ships had a high risk of asbestos exposure. Additionally, those who worked in naval shipyards between World War II and the Vietnam War are likely to have been exposed.
Historically, numerous shipyards across the United States utilized asbestos-containing materials, endangering workers who came into contact with these hazardous substances. These shipyards often relied on asbestos for insulation, fireproofing, and other protective applications due to its durability and heat resistance. Prominent shipyards, including those involved in both military and commercial operations, extensively used asbestos in construction materials, machinery insulation, and ship components from the early 20th century into the 1980s. Some of these shipyards include:
If you were exposed to asbestos in your workplace, you deserve compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may have several options for recovering damages.
If you were exposed to asbestos by a private company, the company may be held liable for your losses. This can be done through a personal injury claim if the company is still active, or through a trust fund claim for bankrupt companies. Shipyard asbestos exposure and mesothelioma attorney Joe Williams will evaluate the details of your case to determine which type of claim to pursue.
U.S. Navy veterans may be able to claim compensation for their losses through veteran benefits. The Williams Law Firm, P.C., is well-versed in working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and can help you choose the best path forward to pursue your claim.
Dealing with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses is challenging for victims and their families. If you have been exposed to asbestos in a shipyard, your number one priority should be your health. However, you should not be forced to finance your treatment alone if someone else put you in contact with this harmful substance.
An experienced shipyard asbestos exposure attorney in New York can handle every detail of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve as you dedicate your energy towards your treatment. The Williams Law Firm, P.C. treats each case like our cause and provides personalized service, along with the following benefits:
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we tailor our approach to every case to ensure we address your concerns as we fight relentlessly for your rights and interests.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, including in a shipyard, you don’t have to manage legal issues alone. By working with an asbestos exposure lawyer from The Williams Law Firm, you retain support from a representative who has won every case they have taken on. We recognize your legal needs as our personal cause, not just as another case number or a dollar amount in our pockets.
Joseph P. Williams has more than 30 years of experience, and he will personally meet with you in your home and work on your case. He is not some young and under-experienced lawyer being directed by his boss. Schedule your free consultation with us when you call (866) 823-5968 or complete our contact form today.
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