Mare Island Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

The Mare Island naval shipyard in Vallejo, California, helped power the U.S. through World War I and World War II. But for many sailors and civilian workers, that service came with another hidden cost: asbestos exposure that would take decades to show up.

Today, many veterans and workers are facing serious diagnoses like mesothelioma tied directly to that work. Veterans make up about one-third of new mesothelioma cases, largely because asbestos was used so heavily in Navy ships and shipyards.

If you or a loved one worked at Mare Island and later became sick, you may have the right to take legal action. Call The Lyon Firm today at (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form for a 100% free, no-obligation case review.

“I have been nothing but positive things to say about this law firm and Mr. Lyons. I am the kinda person who has tons of questions, and they were amazing at answering them all. I am very grateful for all the hard work they have done and consider them a trusted resource at this point. If I could give 10 stars, I would!”

– Michael H. | Client

Compensation Available in Mare Island and Asbestos Claims

Many people worry that filing a claim means suing the Navy or the government. In most cases, that isn’t how it works. Instead, we pursue the private companies that sold the asbestos products to the Navy.

These companies often have “asbestos trust funds” set aside specifically to pay people who were harmed by their products. There is over $30 billion currently available in these trusts, and we can help you determine which ones you are eligible to file with.

If you were exposed to asbestos on Mare Island, there are often multiple paths to compensation, and many people qualify for more than one at the same time.

One option is filing a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers that supplied asbestos materials to the shipyard. While you cannot sue the military itself, these third-party companies can be held accountable for putting dangerous products into circulation without proper warnings.

For companies that have since gone out of business, many were required to create asbestos trust funds as part of bankruptcy proceedings. These trusts were designed specifically to compensate people harmed years later. Well-known manufacturers tied to shipyard exposure, such as insulation, gasket, and pump suppliers, have established funds that continue to pay claims today.

In addition to lawsuits and trust claims, veterans may also qualify for VA benefits. These can include monthly disability payments, coverage for medical treatment, and additional support for spouses or dependents. For many families dealing with Mare Island naval shipyard mesothelioma, these benefits become an important part of staying financially stable during treatment.

Depending on your case, compensation may cover:

• Costs of ongoing care, including specialists, medications, and in-home support
• Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
• Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life and the inability to participate in daily activities the way you once did
• Travel expenses for treatment, including trips to out-of-town cancer centers or specialists
• Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of financial and emotional support for surviving family members

Factors That Influence What You Recover in a Mesothelioma Mare Island Settlement

The settlement that a Mare Island Navy veteran or their family can obtain from an asbestos lawsuit can vary widely based on several factors. Asbestos lawsuits typically arise from exposure to asbestos-containing products that resulted in asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

When considering a claim, many people wonder if the effort of hiring a lawyer actually changes the outcome. Data suggests it does. According to a study by Martindale-Nolo, people who hired an attorney for their personal injury claims walked away with an average of $77,600 in compensation. In contrast, those who tried to handle the process on their own averaged only $17,600.

Here are some factors that can influence the settlement amount:

1. Type and Severity of Illness: The type and severity of the asbestos-related illness will significantly impact the potential settlement. Diseases like mesothelioma, which is directly linked to asbestos exposure, can result in higher settlements due to their severity and poor prognosis.
2. Liability and Negligence: To obtain a settlement, it must be established that the exposure was due to the negligence of a specific party or company. The more compelling the evidence of negligence, the stronger the case for a settlement.
3. Settlement vs. Trial: Many asbestos cases are settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement can vary. In some instances, cases may go to trial, which can lead to jury awards or court-ordered settlements.

It’s essential to consult with an attorney with extensive experience in asbestos litigation to assess the specifics of your case and determine the potential settlement amount. Settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on these factors.

It’s important to note that asbestos lawsuits are often filed against asbestos manufacturers, suppliers, or employers who were negligent in protecting individuals from asbestos exposure.

Understanding Asbestos Statutes of Limitations: What Veterans Need to Know

Attorney Joseph Lyon breaks down why timing is critical in asbestos cases. Many exposures happened decades ago, but the clock for legal action usually starts only when a diagnosis is confirmed. However, missing it can bar your claim entirely. Learn more below:

What Does a Mare Island Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure Attorney Do for Your Case?

Having an experienced attorney plays a crucial role in helping Navy veterans and their families pursue legal claims related to asbestos-related illnesses. In fact, studies show that over 90% of people who worked with a lawyer walked away with a settlement or award, compared to only half who went it alone.

Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of an attorney who handles Navy asbestos exposure cases:

• Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, employment history, military service records, and other documents related to your asbestos exposure. Because exposure often happened decades ago, tracking down these records can be challenging, but our team knows how to obtain hard-to-find documentation and how to piece together the timeline needed to support your case.
• Negotiation: Attorneys will often negotiate with the defendants or their insurers to reach a settlement before the case goes to trial. This includes navigating complex asbestos trust funds, which have different rules, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Accessing these funds isn’t automatic. It requires careful documentation and legal strategy.
• Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached or is not in your best interest, your attorney will represent you in court. They will present your case, call witnesses, and argue on your behalf before a judge and/or jury.

One of the biggest challenges in Mare Island naval shipyard asbestos cases is the long latency period. Many veterans and workers do not develop illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer until 20–50 years after exposure. This delay can make proving the connection to Mare Island exposure more complicated, but it doesn’t make it impossible. An attorney with experience in these claims knows how to connect your diagnosis to your time at the shipyard, even decades later.

The Lyon Firm is ready to track records, handle trust fund applications, and advocate for your claim, so you can focus on your health and family. Call us today at (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward justice confidently.

A History Built on Hard Work and Hidden Dangers

Located in Vallejo, California, just across the water from San Francisco, the Mare Island naval shipyard holds a pivotal place in American history. Established in 1854 as the first U.S. Navy base on the Pacific Coast, Mare Island was the heart of West Coast shipbuilding and repair for over 140 years.

During World War I and World War II, the shipyard was a flurry of activity. At its peak, more than 46,000 civilian and military personnel worked to build and repair ships critical to the war effort.

But for the men and women who walked those docks, there was a silent danger lingering. Asbestos was everywhere, from insulation around steam pipes and boiler linings to floor tiles, gaskets, and engine room components. The Navy relied on asbestos for its fire- and heat-resistant properties, but while it protected ships, it offered no protection to the workers handling it daily.

Even after the war, asbestos use continued through the late 1970s, including in the construction and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard officially closed in 1996 as part of the Base Closure and Realignment process.

Asbestos and Mare Island: Why Shipyard Jobs Carried Lifelong Hazards

If you worked at Mare Island naval shipyard before the mid-1970s, asbestos dust was nearly unavoidable. The Navy used asbestos because it was inexpensive, highly durable, and fire-resistant. At Mare Island, this meant that nearly every shop, building, and vessel contained asbestos in some form.

When workers cut pipes, sanded bulkheads, sprayed insulation, or repaired ships, tiny asbestos fibers filled the air. These fibers are invisible and odorless, but once inhaled, they can remain lodged in the lungs for decades and cause serious illnesses.

Workers could have been exposed to asbestos through a wide variety of materials, including:

• Insulation for pipes, boilers, steam lines, and equipment
• Spray-on insulation used for thermal and acoustic protection
• Cement and flooring products, including tiles
• Gaskets, packing materials, and valves used in engines and machinery
• Fireproofing materials such as blankets and protective coatings
• Electrical panel insulation and other electrical components
• Adhesives, sealers, and bonding compounds that contained asbestos to strengthen durability

Devastating Illnesses Connected to Asbestos and Mare Island

The tragedy of asbestos is that it is a slow-moving predator. You might have worked at the shipyard in the 1950s or 60s and felt perfectly fine for decades. It often takes decades for the damage to show up. When it does, it can completely derail your life. We often speak with families dealing with:

• Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease where the lungs become scarred, making it harder and harder to breathe.
• Lung Cancer: While there are many causes of lung cancer, exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk, especially for those who worked in industrial settings.

The danger of Mare Island’s asbestos didn’t stay at the shipyard. Workers unknowingly carried deadly fibers home on their clothes, hair, and skin, putting spouses, children, and loved ones at risk. Families who never stepped foot on the docks have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you have more questions about secondary exposure, reach out to The Lyon Firm today online or by calling (513) 381-2333 for a free, confidential consultation.

Who May Qualify for a Mesothelioma Mare Island Claim?

While Navy veterans are often the first to come to mind, they were far from the only ones affected. Mare Island employed thousands of civilians alongside military personnel, and asbestos exposure touched nearly every corner of the yard.

Workers in certain trades faced the highest levels of risk, including:

• Pipefitters
• Boiler technicians
• Welders
• Machinists
• Electricians
• Insulators
• Shipfitters and laggers
• Painters and maintenance workers

Mare Island Asbestos: Cleanup Can’t Undo the Past

Even though the shipyard officially closed in 1996, the legacy of Mare Island remains. Efforts to clean up the site have been ongoing for years, but for those who worked there during its peak, the damage was already done. The soil and the old buildings have required extensive remediation to make the area safe for the new businesses and homes that sit there today. However, no amount of cleanup can undo the exposure that happened during the yard’s operational years.

Why Are These Cases Important?

Filing VA cancer claims will compensate veterans for the losses and damages associated with an illness contracted serving America. Our lawyers will get you the maximum payout from the VA and asbestos trusts funds.

We have dedicated our professional lives to holding large corporations accountable for neglectful practices that lead to preventable injuries. Our team believes that the people who built our country’s defense shouldn’t be left to suffer because a company wanted to save a few dollars.