The maritime industry can place workers at a high risk for exposure to asbestos.  The risk of such exposure has declined since authorities awoke to the danger of asbestos, and set limitations on exposure limits. Among the workers who were most heavily exposed to asbestos were shipyard and shipbuilding industry workers.

These workers, especially those who were working in the industry before restrictions on asbestos exposure were imposed back in 80s, could be at a high risk for asbestos-related conditions, like mesothelioma. This is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. A person afflicted with this deadly disease may suffer from respiratory difficulties, fatigue, loss of weight and chronic cough. Many workers who were exposed to asbestos fibers in the workplace in the 60s and 70s have contracted this disease, and gone ahead to sue their employers.

Those same rights may be available for maritime workers under the Jones Act or in the case of most shipyard workers, under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Besides, an injured worker may also be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the product. You may also be able to file claims under general maritime law or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

Cases where injuries have resulted from exposure to asbestos are harder to file because these diseases typically show up years after the exposure. This could impact the statute of limitations in your case. If you have worked in shipyards, vessels or other maritime environments and have been exposed to asbestos, you may be at a high risk for deadly diseases, and must consult with a maritime lawyer to ascertain your rights.

Maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom is a Board Certified trial lawyer, whose primary focus is the representation of injured Jones Act seamen, tankermen, galleyhands, deckhands, drillers, oilrig workers, offshore workers and other maritime workers in accidents in Texas, around the country and in international waters.