Were you exposed to asbestos in your work with Groton Naval Base or its products? If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Keep reading to learn more about filing an asbestos claim against Groton Naval Base.
Groton Naval Base is situated on the bank of the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. It was originally a Navy shipyard. It was established in 1868 after the Navy acquired 112 acres on the river. By World War I, Groton Naval Bae expanded and added several buildings, as well as barracks, a hospital, industrial factories, and several workshops.
Another major expansion was done during World War II when the base expanded to 500 acres.
It eventually became one of the most vital submarine bases in the world. Groton Naval Base continues today to operate as a Navy shipyard using the newest marine technology. With approximately 100 years of experience building ships, submarines built at Groton have become an important part of the US Navy. (asbestos.com)
Asbestos Exposure at Groton Naval Base
This base has made significant contributions to the US Navy. Sadly, Groton Naval Base, like many Naval bases and shipyards, used asbestos materials for decades in much of its operations. The dangers of asbestos exposure were not fully understood until the 1970s.
Unprotected shipyard workers at the base were exposed to asbestos fibers in many products, ships and facilities for years. Many shipyard workers have since developed serious health conditions caused by asbestos exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
SEE ALSO: Asbestosis vs Mesothelioma Cancer Differences
Asbestos was used heavily at Groton Naval Base in ship construction and repair because of its high resistance to heat and fire, which are important properties on ships. Today, the US government tightly regulates the use of asbestos in the United States, but many older ships still contain asbestos. Even in recent years, Groton Naval Base workers might have been exposed to asbestos by servicing older ships at the shipyard. (mesothelioma.net)
One of the first problems with asbestos at the base happened in 1982. An investigation by the US Navy found deteriorating pipes with high levels of asbestos present. Much of the toxic mineral was found in piping at the Industrial Hygiene Branch. The base’s Medical Center recommended that the asbestos be removed.
As the pipes deteriorated, they made life difficult for workers, and high amounts of asbestos fibers were released in the air. Also, a leaky roof in the building where the pipes were released more asbestos, putting more workers at risk.
Asbestos also was found in other places on the base: industrial buildings, schools, training facilities, vessels, ceilings, walls, shipbuilding facilities, and insulation. The base was closed in 2005, but a project in 2009 started in one building to remove all asbestos from the insulation, pipes, coils, ducts, pipes, and ceilings. But this abatement project was done many years after many employees were exposed to asbestos.
Many former Groton Naval Base workers developed mesothelioma and asbestosis diagnosis. According to the US Navy, at least 200 products that contained asbestos were used in bases and shipyards in the US, including Groton Naval Base.
It is clear the US Navy and many manufacturers of asbestos products were aware of the risks of asbestos exposure but still used the toxic substance because it was profitable.
Studies Confirm Shipyard Workers Have More Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Clinical studies have proven that shipyard workers at Groton Naval Base and many others have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related health problems. For instance, a 2007 NIH study found that workers from US shipyards have more cases of diffuse malignant mesothelioma from asbestos exposure from 1950 to 1964.
In a study of 4,700 men and women who built ships in the 50s and 60s, it was found there were more mesothelioma and respiratory cancer deaths. The deaths were mostly because of asbestos exposure at US shipyards, including Groton. (NIH.gov)
The study also notes that occupational health experts in the US knew of the dangers of asbestos and warned shipyards and naval bases about it as early as the 1940s. But the US government ignored the warnings. It is possible neither they or society fully understand the many health risks of asbestos exposure.
It took many more years for asbestos exposure to be taken seriously as the severe health danger it is. When higher rates of asbestos disease were found in shipyard workers in the United Kingdom, the US, and the Netherlands in the 1960s, facilities such as Groton Naval Base began to take the risk more seriously.
Another clinical study performed by the Ulster Medical Society in 2008 determined that all shipyard workers until the 1980s have a higher mortality rate from asbestosis. In fact, the mortality rate is 16 times higher than any other occupation. Many asbestosis deaths that were discovered in the study were on the East and West coasts, which is where the most shipbuilding and repair is done (NIH.gov)
If you were an employee of Groton Naval Base and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, you could be eligible to file a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit against the base or the manufacturer of the asbestos-containing products. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, future treatments, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Speak to a licensed mesothelioma attorney to learn about your legal options.
Get Mesothelioma Legal Help Immediately
With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, did you know 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