The compassionate attorneys of theThroneberry Law Group understand the challenges associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis and are dedicated to providing skilled and sympathetic legal representation to help people navigate this difficult time. Behind this representation is an experienced principal attorney who understands just how devastating a mesothelioma diagnosis can be after losing his father-in-law to the disease.
We have helped numerous Virginia residents diagnosed with mesothelioma obtain the compensation they deserve, including people in Alexandria, Arlington, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Roanoke, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
The Centers for Disease Control report that Virginia has a particularly high mesothelioma rate, with 1,248 Virginia residents dying from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2015. The counties with the highest mesothelioma death rates are in the eastern part of the state and along the Chesapeake and Atlantic Ocean coasts. While all Virginia residents are at risk of being exposed to asbestos, some of the people who are more likely to be exposed include workers in the mining, chemical plant, power plant, and shipbuilding industries, as well as the military.
Asbestos Exposure at Virginia Power Plants
Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, many power plants relied on asbestos due to the material’s capability to resist fire and heat. As a result, asbestos still remains in numerous types of machinery found at power plants including boilers and pumps. Some of the power plants in Virginia where workers are known to have been exposed to asbestos include:
- Charleston Nuclear Power Plant
- Chesapeake Paper Powerhouse
- Chesterfield Electric
- Fort Lee Boiler Room & Electric Company
- Lasalle Atomic Powerhouse
- North Anna Nuclear Power Plant
- Patco Electric in Alexandria
- Surry Nuclear Power Plant
Virginia Oil Refineries and Asbestos Exposure
Oil refineries across the state also highly valued the durable nature of asbestos before the dangers of its use were widely known. Some of the oil refineries in Virginia were workers are known to have been exposed to asbestos is the BP Amoco located in York Town and Primary Refining located in Richmond.
Asbestos Exposure at Virginia Shipyards
Due to its location along the Atlantic coast, there are numerous shipyards in Virginia. Not only was asbestos used for many years as insulation in boats, the substance was also placed in pieces of equipment found at shipyards including gaskets and turbines. Some of the shipyards where workers are known to have been exposed to asbestos include the following:
- Colonna’s Shipyard
- Little Creek Amphibious Base
- Lyon Shipyard
- National Shipyards
- Newport News Naval Shipyard
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- USX Shipyard
Virginia Chemical Plants and Asbestos Exposure
Given its durable nature, chemical plants relied on asbestos for many years. Chemical workers were exposed to asbestos while working at chemical plants across the state, such as Dow Chemical and Dupont.
The Risk of Asbestos Exposure for Virginia Residents
Out of its 95 counties, natural asbestos deposits have been found in 24 of Virginia’s counties. There are also many structures that contain asbestos in Virginia in their construction materials like wall boards and ceiling titles. Some of the public buildings in Virginia where asbestos exposure has occurred are the VA Hospital located in Alexandria and Richmond College.
In its resting state, asbestos is not dangerous. When workers or repairman move asbestos, though, the fibers can come loose and be breathed in by individuals. Once the fibers are inside of a person, they can end up lodged in the linings of internal organs, which can cause difficulties with a person’s abdomen, heart, or lungs, and deadly diseases like mesothelioma.
Our Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Will Come to You
There are many concerns that mesothelioma victims have about pursuing compensation for their asbestos exposure. If you are unable to travel due to the seriousness of your condition, our attorneys are prepared to come to you. If you are worried about how you will pay an attorney, realize that our lawyers do not ask for a fee unless we obtain compensation for you. From start to finish, we remain committed to fighting for the results you deserve. Contact us today by scheduling an initial consultation online or calling (888) 506-1131.
