Louisiana Shipyard Workers Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Shipyard Workers Asbestos Exposure Attorney in Louisiana

A Louisiana shipyard workers asbestos exposure lawyer handles cases for shipyard workers who were exposed to asbestos daily in the building, repairing, and maintenance of ships along the Gulf Coast and other major waterways. In ship construction, asbestos was commonly used for years for its resistance to heat and as an insulator, without any warnings of the long-term health consequences.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we handle cases for current and former shipyard workers whose health has been compromised due to unsafe industrial practices. We focus on cases against the companies that should be held accountable for exposing their workers to these hazardous products without appropriate protection.

Hire a Shipyard Workers Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Wallace & Graham, P.A. has represented workers and their families injured by on-the-job asbestos exposure for decades. We are dedicated to handling only complicated injury and wrongful death cases caused by toxic exposures, such as those that have resulted from shipyard work.

We are well-versed in Louisiana’s shipyard history and the industrial changes that have occurred. We also know the medical science of asbestos-related disease. Our experience in these matters allows us to assess exposure histories accurately, work with appropriate professionals, and hold negligent parties accountable by zealous, fact-based representation.

Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana Shipyards

At shipyards across the nation, including here in Louisiana, asbestos-containing insulation products were used for piping, boilers, turbines, gaskets, valves, and fireproofing materials.

Facilities in and around New Orleans and Lake Charles relied on these materials for decades during vessel construction and repair. According to the CDC, asbestos use in the United States peaked in the 1970s, which aligns with the period when many Louisiana shipyard workers were most heavily exposed. It can take 20 to 40 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure, which helps explain why 2,669 cases were reported in the United States in 2022.

Welders, pipefitters, engine repairers, electricians, and maintenance workers were often exposed to asbestos-containing products as part of their daily work. Disturbing or removing these materials sends asbestos fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled or carried home on work clothes and tools.

Workers were often exposed for years, resulting in an increased risk of developing serious illness many years later. Even if they did not have the specific job of installing asbestos-containing materials, workers were often exposed to the deadly fibers simply by working in close proximity to them.

Legal Options for Louisiana Shipyard Workers

Shipyard asbestos claims can also arise out of third-party liability. While workers’ compensation may be an option in some cases, most third-party claims are brought against manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors involved with the production or distribution of the asbestos-containing products and materials that were used in shipyards.

These cases typically focus on whether these companies were aware of the dangers and failed to warn or protect employees. Claims may take the form of a personal injury claim, wrongful death claim, or other form of compensation, depending on the circumstances.

What Must Be Proven in a Louisiana Shipyard Asbestos Claim?

Proving a Louisiana shipyard asbestos exposure case usually requires more than a medical diagnosis of illness. A plaintiff must prove that the shipyard had asbestos-containing products on the premises, that the worker was exposed to the products through his job activities or proximity, and that this exposure was a legal cause of his illness.

Establishing proof for shipyard asbestos exposure cases requires the identification of particular products used onsite and their association with recognized asbestos producers or suppliers. Medical records, work history, witness testimony, and professional analysis may all be used to support an inference of causation.

As the exposure may have happened many years ago, putting this evidence together may also require a detailed reconstruction of shipyard conditions and industrial practices at the time.

FAQs

Who Has the Legal Right to File an Asbestos Exposure Claim in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, a person diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may file a personal injury claim during their lifetime. If the worker passes away, Louisiana Civil Code articles 2315.1 and 2315.2 govern survival and wrongful death actions. Claims may be brought by a surviving spouse and children, or if none exist, by parents, siblings, or grandparents in a specific legal order. Filing by the correct party is required for the claim to proceed.

Does Workers’ Compensation Prevent a Shipyard Asbestos Claim?

Workers’ compensation does not necessarily bar an asbestos claim. Many shipyard asbestos claims target third parties, including manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos products, instead of employers. Since workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims are subject to different legal rules, recovery outside the workers’ compensation system is possible in certain cases.

What Happens If the Exposure Occurred at Multiple Jobsites?

Asbestos claimants can be exposed at more than one job site. Louisiana shipyard workers often worked for more than one employer or at more than one facility during their careers. A legal claim may be based on a lifetime of exposure, and the responsible parties may include more than one defendant. Liability may be apportioned among multiple companies if the products or conduct of each contributed to the claimant’s illness.

Is It Possible to Pursue a Claim Without Knowing the Exact Product Name?

Yes, while identifying specific asbestos-containing products can strengthen a claim, it is not always required at the outset. Claims can often be supported by work history, job duties, site conditions, and analysis by a professional who can establish that the alleged exposure likely occurred. Identification of specific products can often be constructed later during the course of the claim through investigation, records review, and the discovery process.

Contact a Louisiana Shipyard Workers Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Asbestos exposure claims involving Louisiana shipyard workers must be carefully analyzed, taking into account the client’s industrial work history. Locating responsible parties, preserving evidence, and complying with stringent filing requirements are important steps in protecting your legal rights.

Wallace & Graham, P.A. represents shipyard workers and family members impacted by asbestos exposure with focus and attention to detail. Book a consultation with our experienced Louisiana team, who can explain available legal options and next steps. Hire a shipyard workers asbestos exposure lawyer today.