Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, a debilitating cancer that doesn’t have a cure. This hazardous substance used to be present in many types of industries, so someone could have mesothelioma due to their exposure at their place of work. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you can seek justice with a Seattle mesothelioma lawyer from Frost Law Firm, PC. We help mesothelioma victims and their families stand up for their rights and fight for their secure financial future.
Industries That May Have Caused Exposure
Seattle has many types of industries and employment opportunities for residents. However, before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, many of these industries likely used asbestos. Those who worked in these industries could have been in contact with it and weren’t aware of the risks.
Because of this, those who worked in certain industries may find that they’re suffering from asbestos-related diseases years later. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a shock to receive because it can take decades after exposure for the malignant cancer to form. If you worked in the following industries, this could explain why you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Military. Seattle and the surrounding Washington area is home to military presence like naval stations, army bases, and air bases. If you served in Washington, it’s likely you could have come into contact with asbestos.
- Shipyards/Drydocks. Washington state has a higher mesothelioma rate than others in the country. Typically, states that have shipyards tend to have higher mesothelioma rates because there was heavy asbestos use in this industry. Seattle Shipyard, Duwamish Shipyard, and Puget Sound Bridge & Dredge Shipyard are a few examples of shipyards where asbestos exposure could have occurred.
- Insulation. The insulation industry used to rely heavily on asbestos because of its heat resistance. If you worked in insulation at Insulation Services Incorporated, Portable Pads Insultation Service, or another insulation company in Seattle, you could have been exposed to asbestos during this time.
- Power/Electric. Power and electric companies used asbestos for similar reasons it was used as an insulator. Some companies that may have exposed you or a family member to asbestos include Puget Sound Traction Light and Power Company, Rainier Heat and Power Company, General Electric & Texaco, and Seattle Electric Company.
- Gas. Seattle Gas Company and Washington Natural Gas could have exposed workers to asbestos.
- Construction. Those who worked at H.C. Smith Construction may be experiencing asbestos related illnesses.
- Manufacturing. The manufacturing industry is vast and can cover the production of any kind of product. Some companies in Washington include the Hydraulic Supply Manufacturing Company, and Seattle Cedar Lumber Manufacturing Company.
- Chemicals. Companies that deal with chemicals could have exposed workers to asbestos. Hooker Chemical, Rhone Poulenc Basic Chemicals Inc., Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical, and Monsanto Chemical Company are possible companies that could have done this.
- Hotels. It’s possible for hotels to have been built with materials that contained asbestos. The Olympic Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel, Gowman Hotel, and Washington Plaza Hotel are possible sites where exposure may have occurred.
While these are just some examples of the types of industries that could have led to you or your loved one’s asbestos exposure, it’s also important to remember that stores could have rented space in buildings that used asbestos-containing materials. This could be a clothing store, bank, or even a gym.
Some common materials where asbestos could be found in these buildings include:
- Heat-Resistant Fabrics
- Pipe Coating
- Wall Insulation
- Floor Tiles
- Roofing and Siding Shingles
The widespread use of asbestos has affected the health of many people. They could have been working with or near these materials and never gave a second thought that these could cause a deadly illness years later. While it’s devastating to receive this news, there may be legal options available to you.
What Should You Do After a Diagnosis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or if your loved one has received a diagnosis, you’re likely dealing with emotional distress and are figuring out treatment protocols and affording the treatment. You deserve help.
The exposure to asbestos should not have happened in the first place. Because of this, you could seek compensation that will help you with the financial costs of the illness as well as the emotional consequences of the illness. These cases can be extremely difficult to litigate, which is why you’ll need professional representation on your side.
A Seattle mesothelioma lawyer from Frost Law Firm, PC can help you go over your legal options. When we’re fighting for you, we’ll always protect your best interests. We’ll launch an investigation to find out where your exposure to asbestos occurred and assess how it’s affected and will continue to affect your life.
Costs of treatment, not being able to work, and supporting a family are all hardships that can be overwhelming for anyone. We’ll seek compensation that will allow you to get the care you deserve and to have peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the future.
Reach out to our law firm today so we can get started on your case. Our mesothelioma lawyers are ready to help.
