Asbestos Exposure in New Orleans Shipyards

New Orleans has a long history as a major shipping center, with numerous shipyards operating along the Mississippi River.

For decades, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding and ship repair.

Workers at these shipyards—and their families—were exposed to asbestos through their work, putting them at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.

Where Asbestos Was Used in Shipyards.

In New Orleans shipyards, asbestos was used in:

• Insulation on pipes and boilers.
• Gaskets and packing materials.
• Fireproofing materials.
• Brake linings and clutches.
• Flooring and roofing materials.
• Welding rods and other welding equipment.

Asbestos was also present in many other products used in shipbuilding and repair, often without workers' knowledge.

Who Was Exposed.

Workers at high risk for asbestos exposure included:

• Insulators.
• Welders.
• Laborers and general workers.
• Boilermakers.
• Electricians.
• Pipefitters.
• Carpenters.
• Ship fitters.
• Riggers.

Even workers who weren't directly handling asbestos-containing materials were exposed through secondary exposure—breathing asbestos dust stirred up by coworkers or contaminated work areas.

Family members of shipyard workers were also at risk, as workers often brought asbestos dust home on their clothes, hair, and skin.

Why Shipyard Workers Were at Risk.

Asbestos exposure was particularly dangerous in shipyards because:

• Asbestos-containing materials were often damaged or disturbed during ship repair and renovation.
• There was often poor ventilation in work areas.
• Workers were rarely provided with proper protective equipment.
• Companies often failed to warn workers of the dangers of asbestos.
• Many shipyard companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to take adequate precautions to protect their workers.

If You Were Exposed.

If you worked in a New Orleans shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The shipyard company.
• Equipment manufacturers.
• Asbestos product manufacturers.
• Other companies involved in the shipbuilding process.

Contact Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Today.

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after working in a New Orleans shipyard, contact Irpino, Avin & Hawkins for a free, confidential consultation.

Call us today at 1-800-7500-LAW or 504-525-1500.