Seattle Mesothelioma Attorney

Washington is a center of the aircraft production industry, a sector of the economy well-known for its extensive asbestos use. A single microscopic fiber could cause mesothelioma cancer or another serious illness that’s usually fatal. The aircraft industry is not solely responsible for the high mesothelioma death rate in Washington State. Frequently, environmental factors come into play as well. More on that below.

The dedicated Seattle mesothelioma attorneys at the Throneberry Law Group have studied the scientific and legal aspects of mesothelioma and asbestos poisoning for years. We’re very familiar with the way these diseases work and the way they affect families. We add this knowledge to our considerable legal experience in all mesothelioma compensation forums. This one-two punch enables us to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries.

Washington State is rich in natural resources, including asbestos. Two dedicated asbestos mines operated for decades. One of them, the Asbestomine mine in Okanogan County, was nothing but an open pit. These mine workers were exposed to untold amounts of asbestos.

Environmental exposure is a constant hazard in Washington. In November 2021, flooded communities in Whatcom County received warnings of asbestos exposure. The Sumas River and a decades-old landside on Sumas Mountain was the source. The area is rich in hazardous asbestos, which gets redistributed when floodwaters rise.

Local officials recommend wearing a respirator when cleaning up flood debris. They advised dampening the soil before digging and moving it. Officials are working on a project to contain the contaminated sediment, but it could take years to complete.

This hazard prompted investigators to take a closer look at the Sumas River. Their findings were truly scary. The U.S. Geological Society measured the suspended sediment in the Sumas River and discovered it contains up to 37% chrysotile asbestos, according to its 2016 report. Other measurements show the clear, flowing river water contains up to 19.5 million chrysotile asbestos fibers per liter.

Investigators believe that a nearby Asbestos-Talc Products of Washington Inc. quarry may be the cause of the asbestos in the river. Exposure risks aren’t limited to floods and landslides during periods of heavy rain. During dry weather, airborne asbestos is a concern, as water levels are low.

Asbestos exposure is a complex issue. People who worked at and lived near these environmental and industrial hotspots are at risk for serious injury. A Seattle mesothelioma attorney has several legal options in asbestos exposure cases.

Direct exposure victims, usually industrial workers and Navy sailors, may file workers’ compensation or VA disability claims. Benefits are available if the asbestos exposure was work or service-related. Insurance companies and government lawyers routinely contest the amount of damages available. These damages include lost wages and medical bills.

Indirect exposure victims, such as people who live near asbestos mines, normally receive compensation through civil claims. Companies have a legal duty to provide safe living environments and sell products without dangerous side effects. Additional compensation, usually money for noneconomic losses and punitive damages, are available in these cases.

Sometimes, these remedies overlap. Many direct exposure victims may file civil lawsuits, and many indirect exposure victims are eligible for VA disability or workers’ compensation benefits.

A bankruptcy victim compensation fund claim may be available as well. As the number of lawsuits mounted in the 1980s, many asbestos providers declared bankruptcy. Federal judges allowed them to do so if they set up large victim compensation funds. Today, these funds contain over $30 billion. A bare-bones exposure claim may be sufficient to claim a fair share of this money.

When it comes to asbestos exposure, where you live may be as important as where you work. For a free consultation with an experienced Seattle mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start fighting for you.