Mesothelioma in Maritime Workers

Maritime workers have higher rates of mesothelioma than the general population because of the use of asbestos in the industry. Contact a maritime lawyer if you worked in any maritime job and now have mesothelioma. They can help you determine which laws apply to your situation so you can seek compensation.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost always caused by asbestos exposure that affects Navy veterans and former maritime workers.  It is a cancer of the mesothelium, a thin, double layer of tissue that surrounds the organs in the body. The most common type of mesothelioma forms in the tissue around the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity, is less common. Pericardial mesothelioma (around the heart) and testicular mesothelioma are very rare.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that readily sheds fibers that contaminate the air and surfaces. Without appropriate ventilation or safety gear, workers around asbestos can inhale and ingest the fibers.

Asbestos fibers cause damage to the body, which, in some people, leads to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma usually doesn’t develop for decades, so it can be challenging to trace exposure. Many maritime settings caused asbestos exposure many years ago, and workers affected can still get sick today.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Chest pains
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lumps under the skin on the chest

Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms

Why Are Maritime Workers at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Maritime workers have elevated risks for mesothelioma because of the heavy use of asbestos in shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipyards. U.S. Navy veterans have some of the highest risks of a mesothelioma diagnosis because of past exposure.

Risks of asbestos exposure are lower today in all industries. Maritime workers can still be at risk for a mesothelioma diagnosis from past exposure. It takes decades for mesothelioma to develop and for victims to get a diagnosis.

How Was Asbestos Used in the Maritime Industry?

Asbestos was once widespread in many industries, including the maritime industry. Although asbestos has several uses, it was primarily used for insulation. Asbestos is a natural insulator, lightweight, and easy to shape, making it ideal for insulating ships.

Asbestos was used throughout ships and shipyards, including both civilian and military installations and vessels. It can be found in:

• Insulation
• Wall and ceiling panels
• Floor tiles
• Pipe coverings
• Boilers
• Valves
• Pumps
• Packing and sealants
• Electrical systems
• Machinery
• Fireproofing material
• Firefighting gear

Is Asbestos Still Used on Ships and in Shipyards?

Asbestos is no longer actively used in most industries, including the maritime industry. However, asbestos still lingers in many places where it was once used so heavily, including ships and shipyards.

Maritime workers are at much less risk today of exposure to asbestos and a mesothelioma diagnosis. They can still encounter asbestos on the job and may be exposed if not adequately trained or provided with adequate safety gear.

Who Is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

All maritime workers have some increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Maritime workers and veterans who worked or served between the 1930s and 1970s, the years of peak asbestos use, have the highest risks.

At risk are former shipyard workers, longshoremen, shipbuilding and repair workers, crews working on all types of vessels, veterans, and merchant marines.

Some workers in the maritime industry were more likely to be exposed to asbestos than others. These include pipefitters, insulation workers, boiler room workers, repair and maintenance workers, and others who handled or worked directly with asbestos.

Can Maritime Workers Get Compensation for Mesothelioma?

There are several potential avenues for being compensated for mesothelioma if you were exposed to asbestos in a maritime job:

• The Jones Act. The Jones Act covers qualified seamen, providing a way to sue for damages if you were harmed by negligence on the job. Asbestos exposure can be negligent if you were not warned of the risks of exposure or were expected to work around asbestos without training or safety gear.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. If you work in a shipyard or port, you may be covered by the LHWCA, a federal workers’ compensation program.
• Lawsuits. Thousands of people have filed asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits and won. Most incidences of past exposure are considered negligent, which means you may be able to sue and recover damages from an asbestos company or supplier.

What Should I Do if I Have Mesothelioma?

If you have signs of mesothelioma and suspect you worked around asbestos, talk to your doctor right away. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, so make sure your doctor knows about possible past asbestos exposure. Because it is a rare cancer, it is often misdiagnosed.

If you get a mesothelioma diagnosis and have worked in the maritime industry, contact a maritime lawyer. They will provide a free consultation to review your case. They have the resources and expertise to determine if asbestos exposure on the job caused or contributed to your mesothelioma.

A maritime lawyer can also determine which laws apply to your situation. They can help you make a claim, file a lawsuit, or apply for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. If you are a veteran, they can help you get benefits.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for Mesothelioma?

Every case is different, but if you have evidence of past asbestos exposure on the job, you should be able to recover damages. Compensation for mesothelioma typically includes:

• Past and current medical expenses
• Expected future medical expenses
• Home care or medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If you have mesothelioma or suspect you were exposed to asbestos in a maritime job, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can give you the best possible chance of getting the compensation you need.