If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and someone else is responsible for your asbestos exposure, it a wise idea to promptly obtain the assistance of a compassionate and engaged attorney who will remain committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve. Behind our legal representation for mesothelioma victims is a principal attorney who understands just how devastating a diagnosis can be because he lost his father-in-law to the condition.
While we have helped mesothelioma victims throughout the country, some of the people whom we have helped reside in Bellevue, Bellingham, Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Yakima.
The Centers for Disease Control report that Washington has a much higher mesothelioma rate than other states in the country, with 1,338 Washington residents dying from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2015. Kitsap and Mason Counties have the highest mesothelioma death rates in the state. Workers engaged in shipbuilding, timber, petrochemical, and aluminum industries are at substantial risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure at Washington Power Plants
For many years, power plants relied on asbestos due to the substance’s durable nature. Asbestos was placed in many types of equipment found at power plants including boilers, tanks, and valves. Some of the power plants in Washington where workers faced asbestos exposure include:
- Columbia Generating Station
- City of Tacoma Power Plant
- Hanford Nuclear Site
- Time Oil Company
- Washington Public Power Plants
Washington Oil Refineries and Asbestos Exposure
Because Washington is the first stop for many tankers from Alaska, there are numerous oil refineries in the state. Some of the oil refineries in Washington where asbestos exposure is known to have occurred include:
- Arco Oil Refinery
- Chevron Crackling Plant
- Mobil Oil
- Puget Sound Refining Company
- Shell Oil Refinery
- Texaco Oil Refinery
- Tosco Refining
- US Oil and Refining
Asbestos Exposure at Washington Shipyards
The Pacific Coast is home to many shipyards, and Washington is no exception. For many years, shipyards used asbestos due to the material’s heat and fire resistent nature. Some of the shipyards in Washington where workers are known to have been exposed to asbestos include the following:
- Bremerton Naval Shipyard
- Duwamish Shipyard
- Lake Union Drydock
- Lockhead Shipyard
- Marco Shipyard
- Naval Station Everett
- Puget Sound Bridge Yards
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
- Tacoma Drydock
- Vancouver Shipyard
- Voyage Repair Station Port Angeles
Washington Metalworks and Asbestos Exposure
Since World War II, aluminum and other metalworks have played a significant role in Washington’s economy. Metalworkers in Washington are known to have faced asbestos exposure at the following locations:
- Alcoa Aluminum Plants
- Columbia Aluminum
- Harvey Aluminum
- Intalco Aluminum
- Kaiser Aluminum
- Reynolds Metals Aluminum Plant
Asbestos Exposure at Washington Chemical Plants
The chemical industry also valued asbestos for a number of decades due to the substance’s ability to withstand a number of chemical reactions. Washington workers are known to have been exposed to asbestos at several chemical plants including:
- Chevron Chemical Plant
- Dow Chemical Plant
- UNOCAL Chemical Plant
Fairchild Air Force Base and Asbestos Exposure
In the 1940s, Fairchild Air Force Base was established close to Spokane. Fairchild Base became home to numerous missions and units. Unfortunately, a number of military members, construction workers, and military families became exposed to asbestos, which was used in various types of construction materials at the base.
The Risk of Asbestos Exposure for Washington Residents
Washington State’s various mountain ranges including the Cascade and Okanogan mountains have a large amount of serpentine rock, which is the source of most commercial asbestos. Additionally, there is a substantial amount of commercial asbestos in Washington. As a result, many Washington residents are exposed to asbestos on a frequent basis. While undisturbed, asbestos is often not dangerous, when the material is moved, its fibers can end up being inhaled by those in the vicinity. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can end up in the lining of a person’s internal organs and later lead to deadly types of cancer.
Speak With an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive disease that moves quickly, which is why if you are left unable to travel after your diagnosis, our attorneys will meet with you at a convenient location. It is also important to avoid worrying about how you will pay for an attorney because we do not ask for any legal fees unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. Contact our law office today by calling (888) 506-1131. An initial appointment with our law firm can also be scheduled online.
