Asbestos—a carcinogenic substance that can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis with regular inhalation of its fibers—was once widely used in shipyards and other industries due to its properties as an insulator and flame retardant. Workers at Todd Shipyards locations across New York and New Jersey were among the many maritime workers exposed to this dangerous mineral for decades. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our founding New York shipyard asbestos exposure lawyer, Joe Williams, helps clients throughout New York and New Jersey explore options for medical treatment and pursue the financial compensation they deserve. With over 30 years of experience and a record of never losing a mesothelioma case, we are ready to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.
One of the largest ship-building and vessel-maintenance operations of the early 20th century, Todd Shipyards built and repaired vessels for the military and commercial industries. It operated numerous facilities in the New York–New Jersey area, as well as other coastal locations across the United States, including sites in Washington and California. Products containing asbestos were used in nearly every part of the vessels produced and maintained at these facilities. Insulation covered pipes in boiler rooms, and asbestos panels lined mess halls and sleeping quarters, to name just a few examples. Workers across all Todd Shipyards locations faced the same serious shipyard asbestos exposure risks that affected the broader maritime industry throughout most of the 20th century.
Asbestos was valued in shipbuilding because it was inexpensive, lightweight, and highly resistant to heat and fire. Shipbuilders and maintenance workers at Todd Shipyards regularly worked around asbestos-containing materials during construction, repair, and overhaul operations. When those materials deteriorated or were disturbed—during cutting, sanding, or demolition work—microscopic asbestos fibers became airborne and were inhaled by workers who had no idea of the health consequences they would face years later.
Until regulations barring the use of asbestos and requiring its removal began to pass in the 1970s, shipyard workers, commercial vessel workers, and U.S. Navy veterans were at significant risk for exposure and the subsequent development of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. These conditions often carry a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning workers may not show symptoms until decades after their time at Todd Shipyards. Workers may have been exposed at Todd Shipyards locations, including:
Todd Shipyards also maintained locations in Washington and California that were known to contain asbestos. If you worked at any of these facilities and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The statute of limitations in New York and New Jersey limits the time available to file a claim, so it is important to act quickly.
Eligible workers may also be able to file claims through asbestos trust funds set up by manufacturers whose products were used at Todd Shipyards. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact New York asbestos attorney Joseph P. Williams for help. Contact our firm today and tell us the details of your exposure. We offer free consultations so you can learn more without any obligation.
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