Louisiana Asbestos Exposure Job Sites – Complete List

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a terminal form of lung cancer. In Louisiana, asbestos exposure job sites are found all over the state, and it is vital to know what you can do if you are exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma. A skilled asbestos exposure lawyer can help you make sense of your legal options and pursue compensation.

Louisiana Asbestos Exposure Job Sites

There were about 2,800 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States in 2021, and while this type of cancer is not very common, new cases continue to be diagnosed each year due to the very long latency period of this disease. It can sometimes take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to appear following asbestos exposure.

Various shipyards and shipbuilding facilities throughout Louisiana have been identified as high-risk areas for asbestos exposure, including: 

• Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans
• Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport
• National Steel and Shipbuilding Company

Oil and gas facilities, as well as chemical refineries, are also high-risk areas for asbestos. In Louisiana, asbestos exposure job sites include: 

• The ExxonMobil Refinery in Baton Rouge
• Shell Chemical Plant in Norco
• Chalmette Refining
• Dow Chemical Company facilities in Plaquemine
• The BASF Chemical Plant in Geismar
• The Monsanto Chemical Plant in Luling
• The DuPont Chemical Plant in LaPlace

These are just some of the companies and facilities known to contain asbestos. It’s possible for an individual to be exposed to asbestos during construction, demolition, or simply by performing their job duties in a facility that contains asbestos. Once any type of asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged, it can release asbestos fibers into the surrounding area. These fibers may also stick to clothing and could be ingested.

One of the most troublesome aspects of mesothelioma is that it can take several years or even decades for symptoms to appear, making it very difficult to accurately determine the original source of the victim’s asbestos exposure. It is also possible for someone to be exposed at multiple locations over a period of several years, and symptoms may not become noticeable for decades.

When someone is exposed to asbestos, the small fibers are very light, thin, and sharp. Once inhaled, these fibers are embedded in the lungs, and over time, they will gradually cause mesothelioma to form. This usually takes a very long time, and the early symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for other, less serious diseases. Eventually, mesothelioma reaches a critical stage. Symptoms can only be managed, and the disease is inevitably terminal.

What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Louisiana?

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized mesothelioma is about 23%, and this drops to only 11% when the disease has spread to distant regions of the body. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer with no known cure, so receiving this diagnosis is understandably life-changing.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Louisiana, it is vital to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. The team at Wallace & Graham can explain the Louisiana asbestos exposure laws that apply to your case and help you determine the source of your condition. It’s vital to have experienced legal counsel on your side for this type of case due to the volume of careful research these cases often require.

Our team can help you prove liability for your condition and pursue compensation on your behalf and that of your family. You may be eligible to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost earning power, and compensation for your pain and suffering. It is vital to start building your case right away after diagnosis, so reach out to Wallace & Graham to learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Do I Prove Liability for Asbestos Exposure?

Proving liability for asbestos exposure will require determining when and where you were exposed. Because mesothelioma can sometimes take decades to develop noticeable symptoms, it is crucial to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer with proven experience handling these cases. Your attorney can review your work history and various other records to pinpoint the most likely source of your asbestos exposure.

What Compensation Can I Claim in a Mesothelioma Case in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the compensation you can claim in a mesothelioma case can include all medical expenses related to your condition, such as the cost of future treatment and palliative care, lost income, lost future earning capacity, and compensation for your pain and suffering. The total value of your case can also vary based on several other factors, so it’s vital to consult an asbestos exposure lawyer who can accurately assess the total scope of compensation you can claim.

How Long Does It Take for Asbestos Exposure to Cause Mesothelioma?

It can take a very long time for asbestos exposure to cause mesothelioma, sometimes decades. This disease can progress more rapidly for those with a genetic predisposition to cancer or if they are repeatedly exposed to asbestos on a regular basis for an extended period of time. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, however, and just a single exposure is enough to eventually cause mesothelioma.

Why Should I Hire an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer?

You should hire an asbestos exposure lawyer because these cases are inherently difficult in several ways, and you could encounter a host of unexpected challenges when seeking compensation for your diagnosis. A skilled attorney can accurately determine the most likely source of your condition and identify the party or parties responsible for your damages. You’re more likely to achieve a positive outcome in your case with an attorney’s help.

The team at Wallace & Graham has extensive experience representing Louisiana clients in mesothelioma cases, and we know how to help you prove liability for your condition. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure in Louisiana, you have a limited time to build your case, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help.