Based out of Galveston, Texas, the Kane Shipbuilding Company, commonly referred to as Kane Shipbuilding, played an important role in developing and repairing ships during World War II. As with most shipyards in the past, however, Kane Shipbuilding’s high association with asbestos use left a multitude of workers with life-threatening illnesses. Kane Shipbuilding was comparatively smaller than many other shipyards during the 1940s, but asbestos exposure still hurt hundreds of workers.
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 get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
Kane Shipbuilding History and Asbestos
Kane Shipbuilding started out as Kane Boiler Works. It was created in 1892 as a vessel repair yard in Galveston, Texas. By World War II, however its name changed to reflects the shipyard’s duties of building ships for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
Prior to the war, Kane Shipbuilding only had a small number of workers, but as the war called for more and more ships, the shipyard and the number of workers grew substantially. Although this was ideal for the economy, thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos for numerous while on shipyard, in a variety of different products. A total of 12 coastal tankers and 16 deck barges were built by workers at Kane Shipbuilding, and while constructing the ships, they breathed in large amounts of toxic asbestos fibers.
Ship repair workers were also a heightened risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Almost every part and tool used to repair vessels contained asbestos.
Asbestos insulation in particular was used frequently at Kane Shipbuilding. In addition, asbestos-containing spray coated a multitude of ship parts.Regardless of what the job entailed, most workers at the shipyard came into contact with asbestos through equipment, parts, boilers, floors, furnaces, ceilings, and more.
Unfortunately, the majority of workers at Kane Shipbuilding didn’t know that asbestos exposure could lead to life-threatening, toxic illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis. In fact, most workers didn’t even wear respirators or other protective gear while they unknowingly breathed in tiny asbestos fibers.
Since Kane Shipbuilding was a relatively smaller shipyard when compared to other giants during the 1940s, there are not as many asbestos-related lawsuits from Kane workers when compared to other shipyard workers. However, numerous former workers are still living with asbestos-related illnesses that they developed during their time at Kane Shipbuilding. In addition, many children of Kane Shipbuilding workers developed mesothelioma via second-hand exposure.
Resources and Help 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. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the leading asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
