representing plaintiffs in ADDSCO asbestos exposure, Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Claims
Alabama Drydock was an institution for many years since it was founded in 1916 after the merging of multiple other dry dock companies. Over the years that followed, the newly formed company offered shipping services, shipbuilding, ship repairs, and other maritime-related services.
ADDSCO employed thousands of workers during both world wars, including welders, electricians, engineers, shipbuilders, and many Navy servicemen. World War II grew the shipyard to new heights, and the post-war era was very profitable. Tens of thousands of men and women worked in the shipbuilding efforts.
Alabama Drydock overlooked the effort to construct twenty Liberty ships, as well as over a hundred oil tankers and over 2,000 combat vessels.
In 1988, the shipyard closed and the remains were sold to numerous companies. A long line of personal injury lawsuits forced ADDSCO into financial peril. Lawsuits targeted the shipyard and other asbestos manufacturers. The shipyard eventually re-opened under BAE Systems, and focused on vessel repairs, construction, and conversion.
Alabama Dry Dock was allegedly filled with toxic materials, including boilers, sleeping quarters, pipes, and insulation that was laden with asbestos.
Alabama Drydock workers later developed aggressive forms of cancer and other related diseases. This particular shipyard was no special case, as shipyard workers all over the country and Navy servicemen were at an extremely high risk of asbestos exposure. In the years before OSHA work safety reform, thousands of workers in the shipbuilding industry were in contact with dangerous levels of toxins, and commonly fell ill with occupational lung cancer and mesothelioma.
An industrial heath safety study, published by the Ulster Medical Society, indicates that those working in a shipyard have an asbestosis mortality rate many times higher than other occupations.
Former ADDSCO Workers have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses that include the following:
- Mesothelioma (a cancer of the tissue surrounding the lungs and other organs)
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis (scarring of lungs)
- Adenocarcinoma
- Esophageal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Joe Lyon is an asbestos lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis claims.
What Kind of Settlement Can an Alabama Drydock Asbestos Lawyer Secure for You?
The specific settlement or compensation that a lawyer can secure for you will depend on various factors, including the nature and extent of your exposure, the severity of your illness, and the responsible parties involved.
Here are some potential outcomes that a skilled asbestos lawyer can work towards:
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Asbestos Trust Funds: Many asbestos manufacturing companies that have faced asbestos-related lawsuits in the past have established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Your lawyer can help you file a claim with these trust funds to secure compensation.
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Personal Injury Claims: If you have developed an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, due to asbestos exposure in a drydock facility, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible for your exposure. A successful lawsuit can result in a settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for the loss of your family member. This compensation can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
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Workers’ Compensation: If you were exposed to asbestos while working in a drydock facility as an employee, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. An asbestos lawyer can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
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VA Benefits: If you’re a veteran and your asbestos exposure occurred during military service, you may be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The exact amount of compensation or settlement will vary from case to case and depends on factors such as the severity of the illness, the extent of exposure, the financial losses incurred, and the available evidence. An experienced asbestos lawyer will work to maximize your compensation by investigating your case, identifying liable parties, and advocating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement or judgment.
It’s important to consult with a qualified asbestos lawyer in Alabama who specializes in these types of cases to discuss the specifics of your situation and the potential outcomes you can expect. They can provide you with legal guidance and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
