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Jul 15, 2026
Shipyard work has historically been considered one of the highest-risk jobs when it comes to occupational illness, but why are shipyard workers at high risk for mesothelioma? The answer is that there has been a high risk of asbestos exposure both from working at these facilities and from handling many of the materials used in shipbuilding. If you worked in this industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s vital to speak with an attorney right away.
Why Are Shipyard Workers at High Risk for Mesothelioma?
For many years throughout the US, asbestos was widely used in many applications for its fireproofing and insulating qualities. In the shipbuilding industry, asbestos was a commonly used raw material for creating many components that modern watercraft require, including gaskets, valves, adhesives, insulation, pipe coverings, and more.
Shipyard workers have faced some of the highest occupational risks of mesothelioma due to this consistent exposure to asbestos-containing materials, as well as from spending time in enclosed spaces. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, this can release asbestos particles into the surrounding area. These particles are small, sharp, and light enough to stay suspended in the air for long periods, during which they can then be inhaled.
There were many companies in the US that operated for years before the risks of asbestos exposure were discovered, so many people in the shipbuilding industry were exposed to asbestos and later developed mesothelioma. Today, all companies that conduct operations that entail any type of asbestos handling or exposure are required to follow strict regulations to keep their workers as safe as possible. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure still occurs in many industries.
Only about 3,000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US, and asbestos use has diminished significantly nationwide in recent years. However, new cases continue to appear because mesothelioma has a very long latency period, often taking decades to cause noticeable symptoms. This means that your recent diagnosis may be the result of asbestos exposure that happened many years ago, so determining the most likely source can be challenging.
Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards
Most mesothelioma diagnoses happen later in life, often after retirement. If you were recently diagnosed and used to work in a shipyard, you should hire a shipyard workers’ mesothelioma lawyer who can investigate your work history and determine whether you were likely exposed at a former workplace.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe this resulted from asbestos exposure at your current job, you may have grounds to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. Most states require private industry employers to have this insurance, and most regular employees are covered if they are hurt at work or develop work-related illnesses. However, workers’ compensation may not fully cover all of your damages.
If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure is no longer in business, it may have established a mesothelioma trust fund. Many US companies that produced asbestos products were required to create these trust funds, and your attorney can determine your eligibility to file a claim. Alternatively, you could have grounds to file a personal injury claim for asbestos exposure against a specific party, such as a manufacturer, employer, or property owner.
Mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis, so you need to find legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible to help you build your case. The team at Wallace & Graham, PA has extensive experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases nationwide, and we know the challenges that shipyard workers can face when seeking compensation. Reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn more about the legal services we offer and how we can help with your case.
FAQs
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. Once is enough for mesothelioma to develop, but repeated exposure significantly increases the risk of developing this cancer. Shipyard workers may be exposed to asbestos from repeatedly handling asbestos-containing materials, working in older buildings that contain asbestos insulation and pipe coverings, and from working in enclosed spaces with asbestos particles.
Is Mesothelioma Curable?
No. Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. The average five-year survival rate is only about 15% for all stages of pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this disease. Treatment can help keep symptoms manageable for longer and slow the cancer’s progression, but there is no known cure. Eventually, every person diagnosed with mesothelioma will require palliative care.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Shipyard Asbestos Exposure?
The amount of compensation you can claim for shipyard asbestos exposure depends on the specific details of your case. An experienced shipyard workers’ mesothelioma attorney can determine your legal options and assess the full scope of damages you are eligible to claim. You may have grounds to claim compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.
Can You Sue a Shipbuilding Company for Mesothelioma?
Whether you can file a claim against a shipbuilding company for mesothelioma depends on several factors, such as the manner in which you were exposed to asbestos, when you were exposed, and whether the company followed applicable asbestos regulations in your workplace. Your attorney can review the details of your case and explain whether you have grounds for legal recourse against a shipbuilding company.
Why Should I Hire a Shipyard Workers’ Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You should hire a shipyard workers’ mesothelioma lawyer to have a better chance of success with your case. You can rely on your shipyard workers’ mesothelioma attorney to accurately determine the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma, calculate your total claimable damages, and guide you through your legal proceedings efficiently.
Contact Our Team
The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, PA, know the mesothelioma laws nationwide and have an extensive record of success with these cases in many states. If you believe you have grounds to file a claim after working in a shipyard, we can help. You have a limited time to build your case, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced shipyard workers’ mesothelioma attorney.
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