Asbestos In Shipyards

Tampa Bay Shipbuilding

The shipyard industry experienced a book during both of the World Wars, as the Navy and private contractors commissioned the construction of the largest number of U.S. Naval ships in the history of shipbuilding. Some of the most devastating, powerful, and impressive crafts on the sea were created during this time, while hundreds of thousands of people found jobs with shipyards that began to spring up or grow with the new business. Sadly, many of these workers were forced to work with asbestos sometimes on a daily basis. It was not regarded as such a dangerous chemical as it is now, and many workers developed serious medical problems because of the prolonged exposure. One shipyard in which this has happened in the past is the Tampa Bay Shipbuilding shipyard.

About Tampa Bay Shipbuilding

Nestled in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay Shipbuilding facility is regarded as one of the best and most productive shipyards in the southeastern United States. The facility revolves around the repair and conversion of various vessels used both in a military setting and a commercial one. Because of its location, the shipyard finds itself busy with clients throughout the southeast, as it is easy to get to from any other port in the Gulf of Mexico.

Up until the 1970's, the workers at this shipyard were forced to take apart and repair ships that had asbestos. Working in close quarters with little or no preventative equipment to protect them, high exposure to asbestos was expected. Since it takes many years for the symptoms of mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos, workers did not readily link the cause of the illness to the work they did with asbestos. However, this disease has a affected a large number of shipyard workers not only at Tampa Bay Shipbuilding, but across the United States.

Mesothelioma and Seeking Help for it

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs mainly in the respiratory system as a result of heavy inhalation of asbestos. It takes about 20-30 years after exposure for symptoms to occur, so people who have the disease do not easily link it with past work experience. However, if you have worked with asbestos at Tampa Bay Shipbuilding or elsewhere, it's important to let your doctor know so that the proper tests for detecting this cancer can be performed.

As with most other types of cancer, the earlier you catch the disease, the more of a fighting chance you have against it. If you or a loved one has suffered from mesothelioma, you also have the right to seek legal representation. If you can link mesothelioma to past asbestos exposure at a workplace, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills and suffering.

There are many competent mesothelioma lawyers out there, so you should have no problem finding someone you trust to represent you. Simply call around and search for qualified professionals in your area and you'll soon find yourself working with a great lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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