Weitz & Luxnberg provides information on asbestos exposure in Maine
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 Maine, you may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos.
Weitz & Luxenberg has dealt with asbestos related litigation for over two decades and 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 if you require legal counsel.
Asbestos was the silent enemy lurking at military bases in Maine and across the United States
“I put asbestos gaskets into aircraft engines. I continued as an aerospace mechanic and tested rocket engines. Because of the heat generated by the engines, we would protect the engine and the test stand with asbestos blankets.”
- R.Y Air Force Veteran diagnosed with asbestosis in 2006.
Irrespective of whether you served in the Army, Marines, Navy or Air Force there were ample opportunities for asbestos exposure. In decades past, the military valued asbestos for its durability, as well as its flame-retardant properties. Military barracks and offices used asbestos containing products in a number of different ways, but primarily as an insulator. Unlike other dangerous substances that could cause illnesses within a short time, asbestos had a long latency period (the time between exposure and diagnosis) of 20-50 years.
If you are currently suffering from an asbestos related disease you might have been exposed at one of the two Maine military bases.
Brunswick Naval Air Station, Brunswick, ME
The land on which the Naval Air Station is situated dates back to the 1700s. Back then, it was a site for growing blueberries, before it was transformed into a Navy base on April 15, 1943. “The primary purpose of the Brunswick Naval base was to train Canadian and British Air Force Pilots of the British Naval Command, and this training continued until the conclusion of World War II.” (Military) For a few years, Brunswick was inactive before it was “reactivated in 1951.” (Military)
Asbestos at Brunswick was virtually inescapable. Although it was most frequently found in temperature sensitive areas, such as engine rooms, it could also be found in dormitories and even mess halls- thereby endangering military personnel of all levels. Asbestos was used in the production of gaskets, deck covers, adhesives, felts and meters, among other gadgets and devices.
The exact amount of asbestos exposure is of little consequence; even the slightest amount could have contributed to your mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer or asbestosis.
Note: The Brunswick Naval Air Station was originally scheduled to close on May 31st, 2011, but this was postponed to September 2011 owing the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act “signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 7th, 2011. The law requires the Secretary of Defense to make a determination regarding Brunswick and Navy Exchange should continue operations.” (Naval Air Station Brunswick)
The eventual closing of Brunswick is little solace to the military personnel who were stationed there in the past. Efficient production and performance during periods of war was of paramount concern and asbestos was just the material to get the job done. Unfortunately, this resulted in mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis for countless military personnel.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Located at the boundary between Maine and New Hampshire)
Portsmouth was “established by the federal government in 1800,” and was the site of the construction and launch of several historical ships and submarines.” It produced “over 70 submarines which were used by the US both during and after World War I and World War II.” (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) For years, Portsmouth was “dedicated to supplying the U.S. Navy with high quality submarines,” as well as meeting “refueling and modernization” (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) needs.
World War I was the very first war to introduce the submarine, a maritime vessel which could “enter and operate effectively in waters that were inaccessible to surface ships.” (Sea Your History) Although the submarine revolutionized the way war was fought, those on board risked serious harm beyond the expected perils of the sea. Since there was no proper ventilation, there was no escape from asbestos or any of the other carcinogenic materials that the submarine contained.
USS Albacore: At Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the USS Albacore was constructed. She was a Gato- class submarine that was launched in February 1942. Her “cigar shaped design,” was one of the first of its kind. She was awarded nine battle stars for her service during World War II.
Did you work in Maine and become exposed to asbestos? Weitz & Luxenberg Can Be Your Legal Advocate
Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the havoc it had caused countless people across the country and around the world. It is unfortunate that even though the dangers of asbestos have been known in the United States since at least the Industrial Revolution, it continued to be used in multiple industries. Such carelessness should not be ignored.
Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will
get in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.
Acknowledgements:
Sea Your History:
www.seayourhistory.org.uk/component/option,com_rnm_themehomepage/Itemid,47/
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: www.navsea.navy.mil/shipyards/portsmouth/Pages/History.aspx
Military: www. benefits.military.com/misc/installations/Base_Content.jsp?id=3010
Naval Air Station New Brunswick: www.cnic.navy.mil/BRUNSWICK/index.htm
Research: Maine Has Highest Rate of Mesothelioma. Free Lawsuit Review.