The older the buildings, the greater the risk of asbestos exposure: know your risk in Washington D.C.
One of the great parts of living in Washington D.C. is residing in a place with so much United States history. From the Lincoln Memorial to Capitol Hill, hundreds of years of history lie within the city limits of your very own home town. Unfortunately, a dark spot in US history is the asbestos problem, and older buildings happen to carry a greater risk of exposure.
If you worked in places like the Department of Labor and the Federal Building prior to the 1980’s, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Washington D.C. also houses a Navy yard, which are notorious for heavy asbestos use.
Because your illness was caused by asbestos, you have the right to pursue compensation. Weitz & Luxenberg can help you in this pursuit. Insurance companies may not cover all of the costs of your medical expenses, and do not cover the cost of travel expenses in case you wish to participate in clinical trials for your condition. Financial compensation through legal action can cover all of these costs and more. For more information, simply fill out the confidential form on this page, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Statistics about asbestos in Washington D.C.
From 1979 to 2001 there have been approximately 86 deaths from both mesothelioma and asbestosis in the District of Columbia. This number does not take in to account other asbestos-related diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and pleural thickening. The number of reported deaths from asbestos has steadily increased from 1979 to 2001 (EWG 1).
Locations where you could have been exposed
Washington Navy Yard
One of the United States’ oldest navy establishment, the Navy Yard was erected in the late 1700’s (History.navy). One hundred years later, after Henry Johns began promoting and manufacturing asbestos, the Navy started incorporating asbestos into nearly every facet of ship building. Asbestos lined pipes, boilers, and insulated the hauls of the ships. Because warships often needed quick repairs, the pipes (and thus the asbestos lining the pipes) were uncovered for easy access.
Many people who worked on shipyards have developed asbestos-related diseases. In a landmark case, Weitz & Luxenberg represented a group of former employees of the Brooklyn Naval Yard who had contracted asbestos-related illnesses from their work. We were able to help them secure a $75 million dollar verdict.
Federal Buildings
Older federal buildings were most likely insulated with asbestos. Over the years, if a building was in need of repairs, the construction workers would go in without masks or protective gear to make them. Asbestos companies did not warn contractors about the dangers of asbestos, and so anyone who did construction (or worked in while construction was being done) on federal buildings was possibly exposed to asbestos (EWG 2).
Capitol Power Plant
Almost a century old, this power plant has been the subject of much controversy due to its alleged pollution and unsafe conditions (NY Times). Asbestos was used heavily in power plants to control heat and fireproof. Those who worked in power plants have a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.
Weitz & Luxenberg is here to help
The attorneys at Weitz & Luxenberg have been helping people like you for over twenty years. We are very familiar with the asbestos problem in the United States, and we know about the companies willingly hid information about asbestos risks from the general public.
Because of the negligence of asbestos corporations, tens of thousands of Americans have died (EWG). Before passing, many have become burdened with debt due to the high cost of medical treatment. Weitz & Luxenberg can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today for more information. You can do so by filling out the form on this page. After submitting the form, we will get in touch with you within 24 hours to provide you with a free, legal consultation.
Sources
EWG 1: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/tables/deathdetails_state.php
History.navy: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq52-1.htm
EWG 2: http://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/documents/
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