If you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis or if this has happened to a member in your family, it may be because of exposure to asbestos from years before. Sometimes, mesothelioma isn’t detected until it’s in the advanced stages. You may wonder how and where you were exposed to asbestos in the first place. This preventable situation shouldn’t have happened to you. While our lawyers cannot undo what was done, we can fight for you to get compensation. A Bremerton mesothelioma lawyer from Frost Law Firm, PC will stand up for your rights.
Our lawyers will launch an investigation to find out where you could have been exposed to asbestos. It’s also important to keep in mind that the time of exposure and amount of exposure could also factor into a mesothelioma diagnosis. There are a few places where exposure could have occurred in Bremerton.
Exposure at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
The Naval Base Kitsap is the host command in the Pacific Northwest for the Navy. Part of this command includes the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, which has been an important part of the Navy’s operation for years. It supplied ships in World War I and also repaired ships in World War II.
Shipyards are notorious for their use of asbestos containing materials. Before its debilitating health effects were known, asbestos was a popular material because of its heat resistance. It was used to insulate boilers, pipes, and hulls. Those who worked at the shipyard or served on these vessels could likely have come into contact with asbestos. Jobs that could have put workers in contact with asbestos include:
- Plumbers
- Pipe Fitters or Pipe Insulators
- Boilermakers
When ships were undergoing maintenance, repairs, or were being decommissioned, it’s possible for parts of the ship to be disturbed. As asbestos is disturbed, small particles can be released into the air. The people working with the material may not have even known they were breathing in the deadly asbestos fibers.
Studies also have shown that other workers who didn’t have direct contact with asbestos still showed signs of asbestos-related diseases. This could be due to secondhand exposure.
There are measures being taking to make the shipyard safe. The shipyard currently needs to follow the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Regulation III and Clean Air Agency alternate control measures when it’s dealing with asbestos projects, in addition to renovation or demolition projects.
However, many of those who were affected may be developing mesothelioma now. If you or a loved one worked at the naval shipyard or lived with someone who did, then this may explain how you were exposed to asbestos.
If your exposure occurred at the Puget Naval Shipyard or Naval Base Kitsap, filing a claim can be difficult. You’ll need a Bremerton mesothelioma lawyer on your side to make sure your rights are protected.
What Other Sites Could Have Caused Exposure?
Bremerton is part of Kitsap County, which has a history of high mortality rates regarding malignant mesothelioma. According to the CDC, Kitsap County had 40 fatalities due to mesothelioma between 2000-2004.
If you didn’t work or serve at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are other locations in Bremerton that could be the reason why. The following areas have been linked with asbestos exposure:
- Brand Insulations, Incorporated
- Bremerton Charleston Light and Fuel Company
- Harrison Memorial Hospital
- Lents, Inc.
- Manette Theatre
- Pacific Telephone & Telegraph
- C. Penney Building
If you or a loved one worked in any of the above places, they could have come into contact with asbestos. Because of the heavy use of asbestos in the 20th century, it’s possible for other older businesses or companies to have asbestos containing materials. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, but do not see where you or a loved one worked in the list above, you should still reach out to a Bremerton mesothelioma lawyer today.
Contact Frost Law Firm, PC Today
Bremerton is a city that is full of hardworking people who took the employment opportunities available to them. Unfortunately, those places may have had dangerous working conditions and now those people are suffering from the debilitating effects of mesothelioma.
When you have an experienced lawyer representing you, we’ll make sure all your options are available to you. Sometimes, if companies have had a number of people come forward because of their exposure to asbestos, there could be a fund that allows mesothelioma victims to receive compensation. The caveat is that they won’t be held liable for their negligence.
Your Bremerton mesothelioma lawyer will fight for you to get fair compensation so you’re able to focus on your treatment. Your lawyer will assess the financial costs of getting the treatment you need and taking care of your other financial responsibilities if you’re no longer able to work. We’ll also take the noneconomic damages into account, like loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress. You can count on us to protect your best interests. Get in touch with our law firm today so we can start fighting for you.
