San Francisco Dry Dock

San Francisco Dry Dock is one of the oldest shipyards in the U.S., with one of the highest rates of past asbestos use. The company’s use of asbestos-containing products left many workers with life-threatening, asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.

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. We invite you to use our Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer in your area.

San Francisco Dry Dock History

San Francisco Dry Dock was originally created in 1870 by the Union Iron Works Company. Once the company stopped making money, it was bought by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company, under the name Hunters Point Dry Dock. In preparation for the upcoming World War I,

Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company began building all types of vessels, including destroyers, cruisers, and more. It was during this time that the shipyard built the West Coast’s first steel ship.

Once World War I started, the shipyard continued building different vessels, including 18 submarines and over 60 destroyers. After the war, the Navy leased docks from private owners, which provided deep-water access between Bremerton, Washington, and San Diego.

When World War II started, the Navy bought the docks from the owners and changed the shipyard’s name to Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.

The shipyard became one of the largest shipyards on the West Coast, as well as the main site for the military’s applied nuclear research facility, the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory.

Eventually, Bethlehem Steel sold the site to the United States Marine Repair, currently known as BAE Systems Ship Repair. Currently, the San Francisco Dry Dock covers 26 acres and contains two dry-docks, focusing on vessel repair.

Prior to the late 1970s, San Francisco Dry Dock used asbestos and numerous other hazardous substances throughout its facilities and on vessels.

In fact, in 1989, so many toxins were found that the EPA named the site a Superfund.

San Francisco Dry Dock Asbestos Use

In addition to asbestos, lead paint and industrial cleaners containing hazardous chemicals were used in abundance at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard.

Workers exposed to lead paint were diagnosed with illnesses within a relatively short period. Those exposed to asbestos weren’t aware until up to 50 years later, given the dormancy time period of asbestos-related diseases.

Numerous former workers at the shipyard have already developed life-threatening asbestos illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Family Members at Risk

Family members were also at risk of developing asbestos illnesses. Although the dangers of asbestos were known, most workers at San Francisco Dry Dock weren’t given the proper protective gear and clothing to help protect them from asbestos fibers.

In turn, workers would return to their family home in work clothes that were filled with tiny asbestos fibers.

The fibers are thin, fine, colorless, microscopic, and odorless, making it impossible to know when inhalation/ingestion occurs.

Once asbestos fibers are ingested or inhaled, they get lodged in the body and over time, irritate the lining of major organs, leading to serious illnesses.

If you or a loved one worked at San Francisco Dry Dock, it’s important to seek routine medical checkups. Make sure your physician understands that you may have been exposed to asbestos. Talk to a mesothelioma lawyer about your legal options.

Help 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 use our Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a experienced mesothelioma attorney in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.