Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on asbestos exposure in West Virginia

"I remember we would make our own 'lagging' by dumping loose asbestos into a bucket and pouring water into it. We'd mix it up with our bare hands-no gloves or anything-till it made a kind of mud, then we'd slap it on the joints. During all this, the air would be full of dust... the asbestos was just like flour.”

J.A.S, Navy Boilerman

Are you suffering from an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer or asbestosis? If you lived in or visited certain sites in West Virginia, you may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos.

Weitz & Luxenberg has dealt with asbestos related litigation for over two decades and we are available when you need us for legal counsel. We have represented clients across the United States and have helped them amass millions of dollars in compensation for the pain and suffering they unnecessarily endured. We are more than willing to assist you.

Numerous jobsites in West Virginia were overrun with asbestos

There were many industrial environments where asbestos was present such as construction sites, Navy Yard and power plants. Asbestos satisfied a number of different construction needs, but it was most commonly utilized as an insulator for temperature sensitive areas such as boiler and engine rooms. Below are just two of the many work sites in West Virginia where you were likely exposed to asbestos.

Weirton Steel, Holiday’s Cove, WV

This steel company was founded in 1909 by Ernest T. Weir. “The key to Weir’s success was simple- invest in the company in good times and seize opportunity in tough times.” (Weirton Steel Corporation) A great workforce, “wits and determination,” (Weirton Steel Corporation) helped to make Weirton a world leader in steel production.
“In less than six years, Weir himself was operating 50 hot mills in three locations, making him the second largest tin plate producer in the world. He had acquired several other facilities, adding capacity to produce hot and cold rolled sheets. To better coordinate production between the locations, he restructured in 1918 to form the Weirton Steel Company.” (Weirton Steel Corporation)
“Weirton expanded its operations throughout the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's while setting production records and pioneering technical advances in the industry.” (Weirton Steel Corporation) These advances have continued to this day. “Today, Weirton Steel is the seventh largest integrated steel producer in the nation. The company employs 3,800 workers, and has reported revenue of $1.1 billion.” (Weirton Steel Corporation)
Unfortunately Weirton’s success came at a serious price, one which was not immediately apparent. The asbestos that was used at the company was inhaled by many of the employees, who developed the common symptoms of illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis 20-50 years after their first exposure.

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Wheeling, WV

Wheeling-Pittsburgh was established in 1901 by Alexander Glass.
“The roots of Wheeling-Pittsburgh go back to the middle of the last century when Wheeling, West Virginia, was the center of a flourishing nail manufacturing industry.” (Funding Universe)
In 1902, “Wheeling Corrugated became a subsidiary of Wheeling Steel and Iron Company.” (Funding Universe)
In 1920,Wheeling Steel Corp was created by the combination of LaBelle Iron Works, Whitaker-Glessner Company, and Wheeling Steel and Iron.” (Funding Universe)
Wheeling filed for bankruptcy twice: once in 1985 when “8,500 steelworkers went on strike” (Funding Universe) and again in 2000 due to “deteriorating industry conditions.” (Funding Universe)

Acknowledgements:

Funding Universe: www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/WheelingPittsburgh-Corporation-Company-History.html

Weirton Steel Corporation: www.weirton.com/company/about/hist.html#forge

Avail: www.availusa.org/2web/6_2.htm