DANGEROUS OCCUPATION
Shipbuilding workers risk asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma

March 5, 2009 -- It is estimated that 4.5 million people worked in shipyards during World War II, when shipbuilding was at its peak and when asbestos was generously applied everywhere to help prevent fires at sea, especially in combat situations. As a result, shipbuilding workers represent one of the largest groups at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases -- mesothelioma being the most deadly of them.

Diseases associated with asbestos exposure generally do not appear for 20 or more years after exposure, so even people who haven't worked in a shipyard in many years may still be at risk for developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Shipbuilding workers are urged to discuss their possible asbestos exposure with their doctor, and to have regular checkups. If a retired shipbuilder is diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, like mesothelioma, it is in their best interests and their family’s best interest to contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Please see communication form on this page.

Weitz & Luxenberg -- the shipbuilding workers' lawfirm

From 1990 to 1999, shipbuilding and repairing was the No. 2 industry cited on U.S. death certificates for victims who died from asbestosis, age 15 and older.

During this period, Weitz & Luxenberg participated in an historic consolidated trial for shipbuilding asbestos victims who had worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 1940s and 1950s. Weitz & Luxenberg represented 36 clients and secured verdicts of $75 million. Since then, the firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars more for clients diagnosed with asbestos-caused diseases. We are nationally recognized for our lawsuit success in this area.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and seek FREE legal guidance and answers to your concerns, please notify us through the communication form below. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and damages. There is no cost to you until we achieve a verdict or settlement.