Numerous occupations at Mare Island Naval Shipyard faced significant asbestos exposure from the facility’s opening in 1854 until its closure in 1996. Shipyard workers routinely handled asbestos-containing materials during ship construction, repair, and maintenance operations without adequate protective equipment. The highest risk occupations included insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, electricians, and welders who worked directly with asbestos insulation, gaskets, and other components. Many veterans and civilian workers from Mare Island Naval Shipyard have subsequently developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases decades after their exposure.
The Williams Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience representing Mare Island Naval Shipyard workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our team utilizes actual naval archive records that include complete lists of equipment from the ships, allowing us to precisely document asbestos exposure sources. With operations in both New York and Texas, we have never lost a mesothelioma case and remain dedicated to fighting for justice for those affected by workplace asbestos exposure.
While any individual who worked at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard was at risk of exposure to the harmful mineral known as asbestos, there are certain occupations that were considered the primary individuals at risk. These occupations included the following:
Insulators and laggers faced perhaps the most intensive asbestos exposure at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. These workers applied, removed, and repaired asbestos insulation throughout naval vessels. They commonly worked with raw asbestos fibers, mixing them into insulating cement and cutting pre-formed insulation to fit around pipes, boilers, and other equipment.
Pipefitters and plumbers routinely worked with asbestos-containing gaskets, packing materials, and insulated pipes. Their tasks included cutting, fitting, and replacing these components, which released asbestos fibers into confined spaces below deck. These workers often had to remove old asbestos insulation to access pipes requiring repair, creating substantial airborne fiber concentrations.
Boilermakers maintained and repaired the massive boiler systems that powered naval vessels. Boilers and their components were heavily insulated with asbestos materials to contain heat and prevent fires. The work involved removing degraded asbestos insulation, replacing asbestos gaskets and rope seals, and reinstalling new asbestos materials. The confined spaces where boilers were located amplified exposure by concentrating airborne fibers in limited air volumes.
Electricians at Mare Island Naval Shipyard worked with asbestos-insulated wiring, electrical panels, and other components containing asbestos for fire protection. They routinely drilled through asbestos-containing bulkheads and worked alongside other trades during maintenance operations, experiencing both direct and bystander exposure.
Welders and metal workers didn’t primarily work with asbestos, but experienced significant bystander exposure. Fire-resistant asbestos blankets protected surrounding areas during welding operations, and these workers often needed to remove asbestos insulation to access metal components requiring welding or cutting. The intense heat from welding could also degrade nearby asbestos materials, releasing fibers into the work area.
Carpenters and woodworkers at the shipyard used asbestos-containing products, including adhesives, floor tiles, and insulation boards. They often cut and installed asbestos millboard and other fireproofing materials, generating significant dust. Shipwrights who worked on the wooden structural components of vessels were similarly exposed when installing fire barriers and insulation.
Machinist mates and engine room personnel who operated and maintained propulsion systems worked amid extensive asbestos insulation in engine rooms. These sailors and civilian workers spent entire shifts in spaces where asbestos insulation constantly deteriorated due to vibration, heat, and humidity, creating ongoing exposure.
Painters at Mare Island applied asbestos-containing marine paints and worked alongside other trades in freshly disturbed asbestos environments. They also removed old paint from surfaces covered with asbestos-containing coatings, often using scraping and sanding techniques that released fibers.
If you worked any of the above jobs and have now developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation by filing an asbestos exposure claim. Contact Attorney Joe Williams today to schedule a free consultation.
When filing a mesothelioma claim related to Mare Island Naval Shipyard exposure, victims may be eligible for several types of compensation.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, including past and future medical expenses, which often exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars for mesothelioma treatment. These damages also include lost wages and reduced earning capacity for those forced to retire early or work reduced hours due to their illness.
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life caused by mesothelioma. These damages acknowledge the severe impact of symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue on daily activities and relationships. For veterans, VA benefits may provide additional compensation through disability payments and healthcare coverage, with mesothelioma typically qualifying for a 100% disability rating.
Families who have lost loved ones to mesothelioma may pursue wrongful death claims that include compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs before death, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Some jurisdictions allow claims for loss of consortium, recognizing the impact on marital relationships. In cases where companies knowingly endangered workers, punitive damages might be awarded to punish particularly egregious corporate behavior and deter similar future conduct.
Available compensation varies significantly based on exposure history, diagnosis details, jurisdiction, and the companies held liable. To ensure you are able to recover the fair compensation you are owed, contact our law firm today.
If you worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you need experienced legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have extensive experience in naval asbestos exposure cases, including access to critical naval records that document exactly which asbestos-containing products were used on specific ships and facilities at Mare Island.
Our founding partner, Joseph P. Williams, brings 30 years of experience to every case and will personally meet with you in your home to discuss your situation. We handle your case as our cause, not just another file, providing personalized service throughout the legal process. Contact The Williams Law Firm today at (855) 575-6376 or through our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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.
