Danger for workers in the bay state: how you may have been exposed to asbestos in Massachusetts

The great bay state in New England is the home of many hard-working Americans such as yourself. Unfortunately, it is also the place where more than 1,355 people were killed by asbestos exposure (EWG 1). From the asbestos mines in Massachusetts to the abundance of asbestos insulating the hauls of fishing ships, there were countless places to be exposed in your home state.

Weitz & Luxenberg wants to provide you with some important information regarding asbestos in the state of Massachusetts. We would also like to remind you that anyone who has developed an asbestos-related sickness has the right to pursue financial compensation. Weitz & Luxenberg’s team of skilled asbestos litigation attorneys can help you in this pursuit.

For more information, contact us directly by filling out the form on this page. The form provides us with a better understanding about your case, so that we can provide you with a personalized legal consultation. This service is free and non-binding.

Asbestos history in Massachusetts

New England was a key player in America’s industrial revolution. At the start of the 19^thcentury, asbestos was being used to better insulate machinery and fireproof. As the demand for asbestos grew, more mines were established where natural deposits of asbestos were found. Several mines were set up in Massachusetts (USGS).

Before the 1970’s, the general public was unaware that asbestos was harmful. Often times the miners in these asbestos mines would work without any protective gear. They breathed in asbestos dust on a daily basis.

Sadly, most of the companies in charge of these mines did know that asbestos was harmful. They intentionally hid reports stating how dangerous it was to have people work with asbestos without protective gear.

Not just miners were in danger – anyone who worked with asbestos had the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma cancer. Those who worked in the construction or carpentry field were also at high risks. Because asbestos dust tends to cling to clothes and hair, the families of these workers were also placed in harm’s way.

A 1974 internal memo from Exxon reads, “Not only are we violating the existing regulations concerning clothing by not providing such clothing and laundering it, but we are also failing to protect our employees and the families of our employees from asbestos exposure.” (EWG 2)

Locations in Massachusetts where you may have been exposed

Mines – the few asbestos mines of Massachusetts were constructed away from the major cities, such as the Pelham mine in Hampshire County (Mindat). These mines are now closed, but for many years they endangered the lives of the miners, and the miners’ families.

Factories – whether you were based in Boston or Springfield, there are an assortment of old factory buildings in the state of Massachusetts. Many of the factories established before the 1970’s contained asbestos, which puts the lives of those working in the factory or doing construction on the factories at risk.

Universities – Older university buildings such as those in Boston University or Harvard contained asbestos. If you had worked in the installation or removal of asbestos in an university, we may be able to help you seek compensation.

Statistics regarding asbestos in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the highest amounts of asbestos illnesses in the country - Middlesex County being the highest among the state’s counties. Between the years 1979 and 2001, Middlesex County lost an estimated 411 people to asbestos-related illnesses.

What Weitz & Luxenberg can do for you

We have been helping people like you or your family members for over twenty years. We are very familiar with the asbestos problem. Collectively, Weitz & Luxenberg has helped secure billions of dollars in successful verdicts and settlements for our clients.

As a client of ours, we can work to uncover documents that can help prove your case. We can organize your information, keep you up to date on deadlines, and proceed at a pace with which you are comfortable.

To get started, simply fill out the form located on this page. After you submit the form, we will contact you within 24 hours.

Sources

EWG1: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/maps/government_data.php?stab=MA

USGS: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1189/pdf/Plate.pdf

EWG 2: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/facts/fact3.php

Mindat: http://www.mindat.org/loc-15204.html