Ingalls Shipbuilding

Ingalls Shipbuilding is now open under Huntington Ingalls Industries and builds and repairs ships for the U.S. Navy. Although it no longer uses asbestos, past use exposed workers and put them at risk for mesothelioma and other illnesses.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Ingalls Shipbuilding History

Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation was founded in 1938 by businessman Robert Ingersoll Ingalls, Sr. The company was opened in a convenient location in Mississippi, along the Pascagoula River and the Gulf of Mexico.

By World War II, the company’s business heightened due to the great demand for the war.

Ingalls Shipbuilding built what would become popular commercial ships, including the USS George Clymer (APA-27). It also won a contract with the United States Navy in 1957. The company built a dozen nuclear attack submarines for the navy.

During the late 1960s, Litton Industries bought out Ingalls Shipbuilding and began creating a line of warships, including more nuclear submarines, destroyers, submarine tenders, and more.

The need for additional ships resulted in the shipyard expanding onto the other side of the Pascagoula River.

By 1977,  over 27,000 people were employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding as the company continued to thrive.

By 2001, the company changed hands once again when the Northrop Grumman Corporation purchased the business.

Although business was great for the company, 2005’s Hurricane Katrina stopped shipbuilding after many of the shipyard’s buildings and equipment were destroyed.

By 2011, a spin-off company, Huntington Ingalls Industries, was created.

Ingalls Shipbuilding and Asbestos

Ingalls is one of the few shipyards that acknowledged asbestos exposure. However, it helped make the company and its shipyard a centerpiece of asbestos legislation. This is primarily because of the shipyard’s locations. Being located in Mississippi meant that mass torts were favorable.

In turn, Ingalls Shipbuilding became the target of many asbestos-related claims.

Most of the claims were from workers who developed asbestos-related illnesses, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer while working at the shipyard.

Robert H. Overly v. Ingalls Shipbuilding

According to court documents, Robert and Louise Overly filed a lawsuit against Ingalls Shipbuilding in the 1990s over Robert’s mesothelioma diagnosis.

Although Robert was an employee of Westinghouse, he made trips to Ingalls in the 1960s, where he spent several days working on the ships as a field engineer.

During his time at Ingalls, Robert was exposed to “several types of asbestos insulation products, including pipe covering, block insulation, cement, and tape.”

He was surrounded by large amounts of asbestos dust while working on insulation products and when he installed turbines.

During testimony, Robert said he had no idea that asbestos dust could harm his health.

According to court testimony, no one ever told him at Ingalls about the dangers of asbestos, nor were there any warning signs regarding its danger.

No Protective Gear

Robert also said he was never offered any protective gear, such as a respirator mask or safety clothing. Others who worked at Ingalls were defense witnesses for Robert and confirmed his claim that no safety gear was ever offered.

No Safe Level of Asbestos

Robert’s attorney presented evidence that there is no safe level of asbestos. The mesothelioma lawyer also presented substantial evidence that indicated that Ingalls was aware of, or should have been aware of, the dangers of asbestos to workers. 

Dr. Barry Castleman, an expert witness for the prosecution, stated that there had been information regarding asbestos dangers since the 1890s.

On December 3, 1996, a San Francisco jury  [74 Cal.App.4th 170] found Ingalls Shipbuilding, Westinghouse, another shipyard owner, Avondale, and several other companies guilty of negligence against the Overly family.

A total of $400,000 in non-economic damages was given to the Overly family, in addition to $25,000 for loss of consortium to Louise Overly.

If you were affected by asbestos at Ingalls, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to find out what you can do about it.

Additional Information and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.