Working in shipyards has long been associated with various occupational hazards, but perhaps none more insidious than asbestos exposure. For many shipyard workers, the danger of asbestos exposure doesn’t present itself immediately, making it a silent killer that manifests years after initial contact. If you’ve worked in shipyards and developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, you’re not alone in this battle.
Our team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. understands the devastating impact asbestos exposure can have on shipyard workers and their families. With our extensive experience fighting for victims of asbestos exposure, we have never lost a mesothelioma case. We proudly represent clients throughout New York and Texas, fighting for justice for shipyard workers exposed to asbestos. Our legal team, led by founding partner Joseph P. Williams, has dedicated decades to holding negligent companies accountable for exposing workers to this deadly substance.
Shipyards were once filled with asbestos-containing materials due to the substance’s heat-resistant and fireproofing properties, qualities which were particularly valuable in maritime settings. Understanding where asbestos was commonly used helps explain why shipyard workers face higher rates of asbestos-related diseases and may be eligible to pursue legal action by filing an asbestos exposure claim.
The most common sources of asbestos exposure in shipyards include the following:
If you may have been exposed to the harmful mineral while working at a shipyard, you have the right to pursue legal action for any losses you may have suffered as a result.
While any individual who worked or entered onto the ground of a shipyard may have been at risk of asbestos exposure, not all shipyard positions carried equal risk of asbestos exposure. Certain jobs put workers in direct and frequent contact with asbestos-containing materials, significantly increasing their chances of developing serious diseases. These included the following occupations:
Insulators and pipe fitters faced extreme exposure risks as they directly handled asbestos insulation materials. These workers often cut, shape, and fit insulation around pipes and other components, releasing clouds of asbestos dust in the process. Without proper respiratory protection, these workers inhaled dangerous amounts of asbestos fibers daily.
Welders and metal workers frequently disturbed existing asbestos materials during their work. The heat from welding could further deteriorate asbestos, making the fibers more likely to become airborne. According to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, shipyard welders face up to five times the risk of developing mesothelioma compared to the general population.
Electricians working in shipyards routinely encountered asbestos in electrical panels, wiring insulation, and other components. As they removed or installed these materials, they disturbed asbestos fibers, creating hazardous working conditions.
Maintenance workers and general laborers who cleaned work areas often dealt with asbestos dust without realizing the danger. Sweeping or using compressed air to clean areas contaminated with asbestos dust spreads the fibers throughout the workspace, exposing not just themselves but everyone in the vicinity.
If you’ve worked in shipyards and developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, you deserve justice and compensation. Legal action can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and provide for your family’s future security.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we fight for victims of asbestos exposure with unparalleled dedication and experience. Joseph P. Williams brings 30 years of experience to each case and will personally meet with you in your home to understand your situation and build your case. We handle each claim as our cause, not just as another case, providing the personalized service you deserve during this difficult time. For a free consultation about your potential mesothelioma case, call us at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form.
As the founding partner of Williams Law Firm, Joseph P. Williams has dedicated over 30 years to representing mesothelioma victims and their families. His firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for those affected by asbestos exposure, offering personalized, aggressive legal advocacy. Based in New York, Williams Law Firm provides free consultations and handles cases nationwide.
