An experienced Washington D.C. lawyer could help you get compensation if you’ve been harmed by asbestos while at work or through secondary exposure. The growth of Washington, D.C., coincided with a time of heavy asbestos use, causing exposure in thousands of workers and residents.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible to receive significant compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in D.C., how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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There were 223 deaths in Washington, D.C., related to asbestos in the period between 1999 and 2017.
Of these, 172 were caused by lung cancer.
The rest of the deaths were related to mesothelioma. There were no deaths from asbestosis during that time.
About Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural material made up of small fibers. When inhaled or ingested, the fibers cause cell and tissue damage in the body. Some people get very sick from this exposure years later.
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. It causes symptoms related to the lungs, including chest pains, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Less common is peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdomen. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, and abdominal swelling.
The symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are already in advanced stages.
What Are My Legal Options for Mesothelioma in D.C.?
An experienced Washington, D.C., mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your legal options after a mesothelioma diagnosis. You could be eligible for one or more of the following:
Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit. Asbestos exposure is almost always negligent, so mesothelioma is a personal injury. You can sue asbestos companies for a settlement or jury award.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit can help you get a settlement or award for the death of a loved one from an asbestos illness.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claim. Asbestos companies that went bankrupt funded trusts to compensate future claimants. If the companies that exposed you to asbestos are now bankrupt, you could qualify for a claim.
VA Benefits Claim. If you can connect your asbestos exposure to your military service, you can claim VA benefits. These include monthly disability compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim in D.C.?
Washington, D.C., has a statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits that affect mesothelioma lawsuits:
Victims have three years from diagnosis or the discovery of the illness to file a lawsuit.
Loved ones of those who have died have two years from the time of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
You have a limited amount of time to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or claim. Don’t wait to reach out to a top Washington, D.C. asbestos law firm. They will give you a free initial consultation, so there is no risk.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Washington, D.C.?
Many industries used asbestos throughout most of the 20th century. If you worked any industrial job or construction in D.C. during that time, you likely encountered asbestos at work. Working in an older building today can still put you at risk for asbestos exposure.
Asbestos and Construction in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., has grown into a large city thanks to its status as the capital city of the U.S. As the size and power of the federal government grew, so did the city’s population and need for housing.
Starting during the Civil War era and peaking in the 1950s, the influx of new government and private workers resulted in the construction of hundreds of public buildings, business establishments, airports, land transportation terminals, railroad stations, and thousands of homes.
The creation of many new federal agencies during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War also catalyzed the District of Columbia’s growth.
Unfortunately, the city’s growth coincided with the nation’s dependence on asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Many buildings constructed to house the U.S. government, military institutions, and even private residences were built with asbestos and ACMs. Many of those buildings still contain asbestos today.
Asbestos was used in many construction materials, such as cement, roofing shingles, or insulation, to make buildings structurally stronger, more fire-resistant, and even more comfortable during the winter.
The asbestos industry used its influence and lawyers to suppress data that suggested a connection between its products and toxic diseases.
By keeping the dark side of asbestos hidden and by lobbying the federal government, companies such as W.R. Grace and Johns-Manville convinced Washington that its products were not only safe but essential.
Federal law even required the armed forces, especially the Navy, to use asbestos for fireproofing and other safety-related purposes.
Vermiculite Processing
The Vermiculite Products Company on Kenilworth Avenue in D.C. was a plant that processed vermiculite for use in various products. Like many plants nationwide, this one received shipments of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mine in Libby, Montana.
Workers who handled the vermiculite in the plant were at high risk of asbestos exposure. Anyone else working in the facility could also have been exposed. Also at risk were any residents in the nearby neighborhoods.
Capitol Tunnel Asbestos Exposure
Utility tunnels run under the U.S. Capitol and allow workers access to areas needing maintenance and repair. In 2007, several workers showed signs of asbestos disease. Three of the men were diagnosed with asbestosis.
The workers had complained of dust in the tunnels and other dangerous conditions. Asbestos materials in the tunnels were deteriorating and releasing harmful fibers.
Job Sites in D.C. with Known Asbestos Exposure
Washington, D.C. Navy Yard
Bolling Air Force Base
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Naval Research Laboratory
National Air and Space Administration
Bureau of Engraving
Blair House
The Pentagon (Department of Defense)
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Department of State
Department of Labor
Department of the Interior
Treasury Department
Department of Justice
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Can I Still Be Exposed to Asbestos in Washington, D.C.?
Asbestos continues to pose a risk to residents and workers in D.C., mostly in older buildings. In 2017, a man working on a project at Friendship House, a historic building, received a 20-month sentence for violating the Clean Air Act.
He neglected to have asbestos in the house abated before beginning the project. He removed asbestos without following safety guidelines and disposed of it inappropriately, putting his workers at risk.
In 2022, residents of the Marbury Plaza apartment building complained about dangerous living conditions. Located in Southeast Washington, D.C., the building was found to contain asbestos that put residents at risk of exposure.
Sometimes abandoned sites put residents at risk of asbestos exposure. The McMillan Sand Filtration site sat unused for a long time and contained asbestos and other contaminants. The city finally sold the property in 2022. Any work done there could put nearby residents at risk of exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma in Washington, D.C.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from an illness related to asbestos exposure, it is essential to seek out specialized treatment as soon as possible.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and you will get the best care from a dedicated cancer center with staff experienced in treating asbestos patients.
The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University is one of those facilities.
Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, Georgetown has renowned medical experts in cancer care. They can provide the most up-to-date treatment methods, diagnostic tools, and technologies for the best outcomes.
Getting Legal Help in Washington, D.C.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.
Paul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.
