Shipyards and Asbestos

From World War I until the late 1970s, shipyard workers and shipbuilders faced near-constant exposure to asbestos. Consequently, shipping has some of the highest rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses of any other industry.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

History of U.S. Shipyards and Asbestos

From the 1920s until the 1970s, the United States remained one of the leading countries in shipbuilding. During this time, millions of people constructed vessels using asbestos and other materials.

Asbestos exposure in shipbuilders caused fatal illnesses “sixteen times that of the average of other occupations,” according to a study published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

In 1944, close to 50 new ships were hitting the water in the U.S. each day, and over 1.7 million people worked on or constructed these vessels.

Chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos was used frequently, but amosite asbestos was used the most in vessel pipe insulation. By the end of World War II, more than 4 million people had been exposed to all three types of asbestos.

From the late 1940s until the late 1970s, there were around 200,000 shipbuilders per year. Although the number of workers declined, asbestos did not, and many shipyard workers after World War II developed life-threatening illnesses.

Victims of asbestos-related diseases or their family members file claims for compensation against the manufacturers that provided asbestos and asbestos-related projects to the shipbuilding industry.

Many asbestos manufacturers have set up asbestos trust funds to compensate claimants. Many people have lost their health and now live with incurable diseases due to asbestos manufacturers. Other people have lost loved ones to asbestos illnesses, and the number of casualties is expected to grow.

U.S. Shipyards That Used Asbestos

• Alabama Dry Dock
• Albina Shipyard
• Barbours Cut Docks
• Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
• Bremerton Naval Shipyard
• Brooklyn Navy Yard
• Caddell Dry Dock
• Mare Island Naval Shipyard (California Naval Shipyard)
• Charleston Naval Shipyard
• Consolidated Steel Shipyards
• Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard
• Defoe Shipbuilding Company
• Duwamish Shipyard
• New London Naval Submarine Base (Groton Naval Base)
• San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunters Point
• Ingalls Shipbuilding
• The Kane Shipbuilding Company
• Willamette Iron and Steel Works
• Kaiser Shipyards
• Washington Navy Yard
• Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company
• Moore Dry Dock Company
• Brown Shipbuilding
• New York Shipbuilding Corporation
• Newport News Shipyard
• Todd Shipyards
• Seward Ship’s Drydock
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS)
• Orange Shipbuilding
• Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
• San Diego Naval Shipyard
• San Francisco Drydock
• Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company
• Tacoma Drydocks

Larger Companies That Supplied Asbestos to Shipyards

• National Gypsum
• Johns Manville
• GAF Corporation
• Syd Carpenter Marine Contractor
• John Crane, Inc.
• McCormick Asbestos Company
• Foster Wheeler Corporation
• Owens-Illinois Glass
• Willman Asbestos

Is the U.S. Government Responsible for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos in Shipyards?

Under the Feres Doctrine, military veterans can’t sue the government for damages associated with asbestos exposure. However, veterans may qualify for benefits under the Veterans Administration (VA).

Benefits under the VA can include free medical care and disability compensation and educational benefits. For additional information on filing for benefits with the VA, feel free to contact us at 800-694-4856.

Although veterans can’t take the government to court, they can file for damages against the asbestos manufacturers and companies that supplied the military with asbestos-containing products.

The companies above that supplied asbestos products to the military have faced and lost numerous mesothelioma lawsuits filed against them by veterans.

Can Civilians Who Worked at Shipyards File a Lawsuit?

Civilians and veterans both have the legal right to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos-related claim against the companies that supplied asbestos products to the shipyards.

Speak to an experienced asbestos attorney who can help you understand your options.

Additional Resources and Help for Asbestos Victims

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.