San Diego Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

What This Page Covers:

• Asbestos exposure risk: Naval shipyard workers in San Diego were often exposed to asbestos, a harmful mineral used extensively in older ships for insulation and fireproofing.
• Health consequences: Asbestos exposure puts workers at risk of serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which can develop years after exposure.
• High-risk activities: Loading, repairing, and constructing ships with asbestos-containing materials were common ways workers were exposed at the San Diego Naval Shipyard.
• Legal help available: The Williams Law Firm, P.C. has over 30 years of experience representing asbestos exposure victims and has never lost a mesothelioma case.
• Reach out to us today at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form.

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used to construct a vast number of naval ships in the United States before the 1980s. Despite being an inexpensive way to fireproof and insulate ships, asbestos has many harmful qualities, which is why its use was banned. However, many individuals who worked at naval shipyards in San Diego may have already been exposed to asbestos and could be at risk of developing serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. If you were exposed to asbestos while working at the San Diego Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may have the right to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our founding San Diego naval shipyard asbestos exposure lawyer, Joe Williams, has over three decades of experience securing successful outcomes for clients who suffered after being exposed to asbestos at naval shipyards throughout California. His record is highlighted by the fact that he has never lost a mesothelioma case in his career. Attorney Williams also uses actual naval archive records that include a complete list of equipment from the ships, allowing him to build the strongest possible case for your San Diego naval shipyard asbestos exposure claim.

How Naval Shipyard Workers May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos in San Diego

Asbestos was widely used in naval ships, equipment, and products throughout the San Diego Naval Shipyard. Often selected because it was inexpensive, lightweight, and effective at fireproofing, asbestos could be found throughout various parts of older naval vessels. Some of the areas where asbestos was commonly found in older naval ships include the following:

• Engine and boiler rooms
• Navigation rooms
• Sleeping quarters

Insulation made from asbestos was also frequently used on pipes to contain heat. Over time, this insulation had the potential to break down and deteriorate, releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air that workers would then unknowingly inhale. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases means that workers exposed decades ago may only now be receiving diagnoses — making it critical to understand your legal rights and the timeline for pursuing a mesothelioma claim.

When Does Asbestos Become a Problem?

When asbestos is disturbed or damaged and becomes airborne, it can be highly dangerous to those who worked in the shipyard and may have inhaled it. Naval shipyard workers have commonly been exposed to asbestos in the following scenarios:

• Loading or unloading ships: Materials and parts containing asbestos were often transported from receiving facilities to vessels. When loading or unloading, shipyard workers used crates, pallets, and wrapping materials that may have contained asbestos fibers.
• Repairs and maintenance: When shipyard workers cut into pipe insulation, removed ceiling tiles, or dismantled boilers on older naval ships, they risked disturbing old asbestos materials and releasing fibers into the surrounding air.
• Construction: Naval shipyard workers in San Diego who built ships using older materials or parts containing asbestos faced a high risk of direct fiber exposure during shipbuilding operations.

Because of the many opportunities for exposure, naval shipyard workers in San Diego are at elevated risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. If you were exposed to asbestos while working at the San Diego Naval Shipyard, our founding attorney can help you understand which liable parties may be responsible and how to fight for the justice you deserve.

Can You Recover Compensation After Asbestos Exposure At a Naval Shipyard?

After being exposed to asbestos while working at the San Diego Naval Shipyard, you have the right to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim. California imposes a statute of limitations on these claims, meaning time is a critical factor — it is important to contact a San Diego naval shipyard asbestos exposure lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Joe Williams has the experience and proven track record to help you and your family pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to receive.

In addition to personal injury lawsuits, some victims may also be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers. These funds were created specifically to compensate workers who developed diseases as a result of exposure to those companies’ products. The damages you may be eligible to recover for your San Diego claim include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

To begin the process of fighting for justice after asbestos exposure at a San Diego naval shipyard, contact The Williams Law Firm, P.C. today for a free consultation.

Get Trusted Legal Help From The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

If you were exposed to asbestos while working at the San Diego Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you deserve experienced legal representation from a lawyer who will fight for you. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., founding attorney Joe Williams brings over 30 years of experience and an undefeated record in mesothelioma cases. He personally meets with clients, handles each case individually, and uses actual U.S. naval archive records to build the most comprehensive claim possible for San Diego naval shipyard workers.

We handle mesothelioma cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t wait to take action; the statute of limitations in California limits the time you have to file your claim. Take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve by reaching out to our team through our contact form.