Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a city of 225,000 people that is the home of many industries that exposed workers and citizens to asbestos over the years.
Baton Rouge has a history of commercial construction and heavy industry in a period when asbestos was often used. For example, Baton Rouge was a hub for petroleum, salt, and natural gas processing for decades. (mesothelioma.com)
Below is more information about Baton Rouge and Louisiana industries and companies that may have exposed workers to hazardous levels of asbestos.
High-Industries for Asbestos Exposure in Baton Rouge And Across Louisiana
If you lived and worked in Baton Rouge or Louisiana for years, you may have been exposed to asbestos. It is estimated that from 1999 until 2015, 769 people in Baton Rouge and Louisiana died from mesothelioma. (sph.lsuhsc.edu). The state has a higher than average mesothelioma death rate of 10 people per million. Mesothelioma rates are high in the entire state, with the highest rates in the northern and central counties.
Some of the industries that exposed workers to asbestos in Baton Rouge and Louisiana are:
Oil Industry
Louisiana has a history of oil refineries and offshore oil drilling. Both of these industries traditionally have high levels of asbestos present to prevent and contain fires that can break out. Some of the largest oil companies in the world have large operations in Louisiana, such as Citgo, Shell Oil, and Texaco. Each company has exposed its workers to asbestos over the years.
Shipbuilding
Because it is a coastal state, Louisiana and Baton Rouge are good locations for shipyard construction. Throughout US history, the state has had a lot of boat repair and construction with heavy asbestos exposure to workers. One of the largest shipbuilding companies in the state is Avondale Shipyards, which had homes in many cities, such as Baton Rouge, Westwego, New Orleans, and Algiers. Other ship manufacturers in the state that exposed workers to asbestos include Higgins Industries, Bollinger Shipyard and Todd Shipyard.
Cement Plants
In 1987, a Louisiana study on cement plants in Louisiana indicated higher rates of cancer among people who worked in those places. Some cement plants used amphibole asbestos and others used chrysotile asbestos as their major ingredient. Most asbestos cement manufacturers switched to chrysotile asbestos later. But both types lead to mesothelioma and other health problems. (asbestos.com)
Agriculture
Rice is a staple crop in Baton Rouge and Louisiana and has been for 200 years. But the production of this vital crop has caused asbestos exposure for many people because of the high amounts of the toxic mineral used in mills and harvesting machines. Corporations such as the Abbeville Rice Mill, Louisiana State Rice Million and Acadia Vermillion Rice Irrigation have asbestos exposure problems.
Power Plants
Louisiana power plants in Baton Rouge and other cities were built with a lot of asbestos in insulating against electricity and heat created by large power generators. Southwestern Gas and Electric Company, The Central Louisiana Electric Company and Louisiana Electric Co-Op are a few of the power companies that exposed workers to dangerous asbestos levels during their many decades of operation.
Shipyards With Asbestos in Louisiana
Because it is a coastal state on the Gulf of Mexico, Baton Rouge and other cities in the state have been home to many shipyards where asbestos use was common.
Avondale Shipyards
This was one of the first shipbuilders during World War II to design shipbuilding techniques that were the equal of their Japanese rivals. Unfortunately, most of the ships built here in the mid-20th century had asbestos in heavy amounts to prevent shipboard fires.
Bollinger Shipyard
This shipbuilding site largely focused on smaller boats and ships. But these vessels were still constructed with asbestos until the 1980s. Many workers who worked on ships at Bollinger are at high risk of developing mesothelioma today.
Higgins Industries
This shipbuilder in Louisiana is most famous for building the Higgins boat, which was an amphibious vessel that was used a great deal on D-Day to help American and Allied forces invade Normandy. The company had more than 20,000 workers in 1943, but most of them were exposed to asbestos building Higgins boats.
Baton Rouge Mesothelioma Attorney Information
If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talk to one of these experienced Louisiana attorneys:
Baron & Budd
2600 Citiplace Drive
Baton Rouge LA 70808
(225) 927-5441
www.baronandbudd.com
The Baron & Budd Law Firm has represented victims of mesothelioma and asbestosis for 30 years. This law firm pioneered legal action against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Today it is ranked among the best mesothelioma law firms in the United States. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma, Baron & Budd has the skill and experience to get you the compensation you need to take care of your health and other needs.
Blackwell & Associates
8322 One Calais Avenue
Baton Rouge LA 70808
(225) 769-2462
www.blackwell-associates.com
This Baton Rouge-based law firm has years of experience representing Louisiana victims of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Their attorneys will sit down with you, discuss your medical condition in detail, and formulate a strategy to fight for your rights against the big companies that made you sick.
Neblett, Beard & Arsenault Attorneys At Law
2220 Bonaventure Court
Alexandria LA 71301
(225) 442-9949
www.nbalawfirm.com
This Louisiana-based law firm has been representing the rights of personal injury clients for more than 30 years. It also has worked on many mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and can fight to get you as much compensation from the companies that exposed you to asbestos.
See All Louisiana Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyers
Get Mesothelioma Legal Help
If you were a worker in the Los Angeles area and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the shipyard or the companies that supplied the facility with asbestos-containing materials. With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871