How Are Automotive Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

By William M. Graham

  |  

Asbestos

  |  

Last Modified on Jul 15, 2026

Automotive work is a high-risk industry when it comes to asbestos exposure, but how are automotive workers exposed to asbestos? If you have worked in this industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it will be crucial for you to trace the source of the asbestos exposure that led to your diagnosis. You should consult an automotive workers’ mesothelioma attorney to help you build your case.

How are Automotive Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Various automotive components contain asbestos, including parts for brake and clutch systems. Older gaskets, valves, and heat seals may also contain asbestos, and those working in both automotive manufacturing and automotive repair may be exposed to asbestos particles while performing their job duties. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and you will need to discern the source of your exposure if you are diagnosed with this cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that mesothelioma is not a very common type of cancer, with only about 3,000 cases diagnosed nationwide each year. However, new cases continue to appear because this form of cancer has an exceptionally long latency period, usually taking decades to cause noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has usually reached an advanced stage.

Whether you currently work in the automotive industry or you have retired and you believe your mesothelioma resulted from your job duties, you should hire an automotive workers’ mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to help you build your case. You could have multiple options for recovering compensation, but you need an automotive workers’ mesothelioma attorney on your side to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome.

Legal Options for Automotive Workers’ Mesothelioma

If you develop a work-related illness from your current job, you may qualify to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. Most states require private industry employers to have this insurance, and many regular workers are covered as long as their injury or illness directly results from their job duties. Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expense coverage and disability benefits during the time you are unable to work.

While workers’ compensation benefits can be a valuable lifeline for anyone who develops a work-related illness, this insurance may not fully cover all of the damages related to your mesothelioma diagnosis. For pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, the average five-year survival rate for all stages is just 15%, ranging from 23% to 11% depending on how far it has spread through the body. You may have little time to pursue compensation for your diagnosis.

Many mesothelioma diagnoses occur later in life, often after retirement. You may learn that you were exposed to asbestos many years ago while working in the automotive industry, and the party responsible for your exposure is no longer operating. Many US companies that formerly manufactured asbestos products were required to establish mesothelioma trust funds to compensate those harmed by their products, and you may qualify to file a claim.

Alternatively, your automotive workers’ mesothelioma attorney may determine that a specific party is directly responsible for the asbestos exposure that led to your mesothelioma diagnosis. If so, you would have grounds to claim compensation for all economic and non-economic damages you have suffered because of your diagnosis.

Ultimately, automotive workers face an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure at work, and it is vital to know what you can do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in this industry. Wallace & Graham, PA has an extensive record of success with these cases nationwide, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your case.

FAQs

Do Brake Pads Still Contain Asbestos?

Generally, no, brake pads manufactured in the United States no longer contain asbestos. Manufacturers removed this mineral from production in the 1990s, though trace amounts could potentially be found in some of these products. Additionally, older vehicles made prior to the 1990s that still have original parts may have brake pads containing asbestos, and brake pads made in countries that do not enforce strict asbestos laws may contain asbestos.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. There is no “safe” level of exposure, though the risk of developing mesothelioma increases with repeated exposures. Additionally, those who have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer are more likely to develop mesothelioma after exposure.

Is Mesothelioma Curable?

No, mesothelioma is not curable, but it is treatable. Treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery, and more, and early detection can make treatment more effective. However, these treatments can only slow the spread of the cancer and mitigate symptoms; mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis, and eventually, every person diagnosed with this form of cancer will require palliative care.

What Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma?

The compensation you can claim for mesothelioma depends on the type of case you are filing. You should hire an automotive workers’ mesothelioma lawyer who can help you thoroughly investigate the full extent of your legal options, which could include filing a workers’ compensation claim, claiming compensation from a mesothelioma trust fund, or filing a personal injury suit against a specific defendant.

Why Should I Hire an Automotive Workers’ Mesothelioma Lawyer?

You should hire an automotive workers’ mesothelioma lawyer to increase your chances of success with your case. Mesothelioma cases are inherently difficult due to the extensive investigation they typically require, and time is a critical concern since this is a terminal diagnosis. When you hire legal counsel, you are more likely to succeed with your legal efforts.

Contact Our Team at Wallace & Graham, PA

The team at Wallace & Graham, PA, has years of proven experience handling mesothelioma cases nationwide. We are confident we can help an automotive worker build a successful case, but time is a crucial concern for anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you worked in the automotive industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced automotive workers’ mesothelioma attorney.