Jones Act Lawyer

Asbestos Dangers at Sea

You may only think of asbestos exposure as something that occurs around old buildings and construction sites, the substance was also widely used in the construction of ships. Until the 1970s, asbestos was praised for its durability and fire-resistant qualities. For this very reason, it was thought that asbestos was the perfect material to be used in the construction of seagoing vessels.

Asbestos can be found in numerous places, including paint, piping, and insulation. If you are aboard a vessel that was constructed before the 1970s, there is a good chance that it is filled with products made using asbestos. Although asbestos was banned in the United States, it still remains in many of our country’s older structures, including seaworthy vessels.

Without testing, there is no real way to know if the vessel you are aboard contains asbestos. Asbestos fibers enter the body by being inhaled or ingested. Over time, these fibers cause serious damage to the internal organs, leading to the development of various kinds of cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lungs, develops slowly and will often not show any recognizable symptoms until decades after the initial exposure period.

As a sea worker, you are protected from injuries under the Jones Act. The Jones Act ensures that sea workers who are injured due to the negligent actions of their employers are given the legal opportunity to organize a lawsuit against their employer. Consulting with a Jones Act lawyer is crucial to the success of your lawsuit. An experienced Jones Act attorney has the skills needed to aggressively represent you in court.

For more information about asbestos dangers at sea and your legal rights, contact the Jones Act lawyers of Williams Kherkher by calling 866-950-9000.