Boston Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

Boston Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Claims

The Boston Naval Shipyard (also known as Charlestown Navy Yard) operated from 1800-1974 and exposed thousands of workers to deadly asbestos fibers during critical wartime operations.

At its WWII peak, the facility employed 50,000 workers who faced widespread asbestos exposure from shipbuilding materials between the 1920s and 1980s.

Shipyard-related asbestos exposure accounts for approximately 33% of all mesothelioma cases today, with victims eligible for substantial compensation through specialized legal representation.

SWMW Law serves shipyard workers and families nationwide and offers FREE consultations. To speak with an attorney about your legal options, call (888) 422-8877 or contact us online.

Were You Exposed to Asbestos?

Aerial view of the Charleston Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts, showing multiple docks with naval ships moored, large industrial buildings, warehouses, and a dense urban area extending inland. The waterfront is busy with ships and cranes, and the image is in black and white, indicating a historical photograph.

Historical Background of the Shipyard and Asbestos Use

Shipyard Operations (1800-1974)

The Boston Naval Shipyard was established in 1800 as one of the first U.S. Navy yards, located where the Charles and Mystic Rivers meet in Boston’s Inner Harbor. Originally called the Charlestown Navy Yard, the facility served as a cornerstone of American naval defense for 174 years.

During World War II, the shipyard became a massive industrial operation, building, maintaining, and repairing naval vessels crucial to the war effort. The facility constructed more than 200 warships and serviced thousands of others throughout its operational history.

Widespread Asbestos Use

From the 1920s through the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used throughout the Boston Naval Shipyard for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. The U.S. Navy mandated asbestos use in hundreds of ship components, making exposure virtually inevitable for workers.

Primary asbestos applications included:

Insulation for pipes, boilers, and turbines
Gaskets, packing, and valve components
Fireproofing materials for hulls and bulkheads
Steam line coverings and engine room insulation
Flooring, ceiling tiles, and paint additives

By 1939, Navy medical officers at the Boston Naval Shipyard were already recommending safety controls for asbestos handling, acknowledging known health hazards. However, asbestos use continued for decades due to military specifications requiring the material for national defense purposes.

What Our Clients Say About Working With SWMW Law

At SWMW Law, we’re more than legal advocates — we’re a source of support during the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We’re proud to be trusted by families across the country, and even prouder to share what they have to say about working with us.

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“SWMW did an amazing job! They started the process with my father but during the process my father passed. They were so helpful when it came to us, his children, taking over in place of my dad. They answered every call and were extremely patient and supportive of us. They really did a great job with keeping us informed and educated. They fought for us. I would recommend them to anyone that hears the diagnosis of Mesothelioma. They will fight for you 100% of the way. Thank you SWMW Team for your support and patience! We truly appreciate all of you! – The Anderson’s”

Cristina Anderson
I would personally like to thank you and your staff for how you’ve have helped me and my family with a bit of our loss. It doesn’t bring my dear wife back, but it helps relieve some of our daily stress as we push on. Thank you.

Gregory U.
Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful. I really didn’t think I would be getting anything for my late husband. I feel like they have found every way possible to get something in the memory of my late husband. He didn’t deserve to pass the way he did, & SWMW Law are making sure his death wasn’t in vain. Ty you to Lyndsy & everyone who has put long hours into helping me. My deepest appreciation to you all.

Jeanne M.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the SWMW Law Firm. This firm has a team of amazing, smart and professional attorneys and staff. They really care about their clients and go above and beyond to obtain justice. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!! Thank you all for your incredible work that you do!

Nicole O.

Call For a FREE Consultation

SWMW Law is dedicated to helping victims and families in the fight against corporations that care more about profits than people. Comprised of award-winning attorneys, our team has helped clients take on powerful defendants in courts across the country and has helped countless victims and families secure the justice and compensation they deserved.

If you have questions about an asbestos claim involving work in the shipyard industry, call (888) 422-8877.

Common Job Duties That Led to Exposure (1940s-1970s)

Workers in specific trades faced the greatest asbestos exposure risk due to direct contact with contaminated materials. Research from Italian shipyard studies shows that insulation workers had the highest mortality rates.

Explore all MOS codes with asbestos risk

High-exposure job categories included:

Occupation	Primary Exposure Sources	Risk Level
Insulators/Pipe Coverers	Direct handling of asbestos insulation, cutting and fitting materials	Extremely High
Boilermakers	Working in boiler rooms with asbestos-lined equipment	High
Pipefitters/Plumbers	Installing and repairing asbestos-wrapped pipes	High
Shipfitters	Cutting and welding through asbestos materials	High
Electricians	Working around asbestos-insulated electrical components	Moderate-High
Welders	Disturbing asbestos during metalwork operations	Moderate-High
Machinists	Operating equipment in asbestos-contaminated areas	Moderate

Historical Background of the Shipyard and Asbestos Use

Shipyard workers face dramatically elevated cancer risks compared to the general population. International research demonstrates the severe health consequences:

Mortality studies show 575 times higher pleural cancer rates among shipyard workers compared to expected levels
In a 55-year cohort study of 3,984 male shipyard workers in Genoa, Italy (follow-up 1960-2014), Merlo et al. estimated that 22.6% of the 399 lung-cancer deaths were attributable to occupational asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma latency period averages 33.7 years from first exposure to diagnosis
33% of all U.S. mesothelioma cases trace back to shipyard work or Navy service [source- study overview + pdf]

Specific Health Conditions

Workers exposed at the Boston Naval Shipyard face increased risk for multiple asbestos-related diseases:

Pleural Mesothelioma – Cancer of lung lining (most common form)
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Cancer of abdominal lining
Lung Cancer – Significantly elevated rates among exposed workers
Asbestosis – Progressive lung scarring disease
Laryngeal Cancer – Increased rates documented in shipyard studies

Notable Lawsuits, Verdicts, and Settlements

Recent Massachusetts Cases

Several significant Boston Naval Shipyard-related cases have resulted in substantial compensation for victims and families:

National Shipyard Verdicts

Recent verdicts demonstrate substantial compensation potential:

$11.5 million – U.S. Navy Machinist Mate – Mesothelioma
$4.3 million – U.S. Navy Seaman, Boiler Operator, Laborer – Mesothelioma

Trust Fund Compensation
Many former asbestos manufacturers have established trust funds exceeding $30 billion to compensate victims. Boston Naval Shipyard workers may be eligible for multiple trust fund claims based on specific product exposures during their employment.

Statute of Limitations Considerations

Massachusetts State Law
Massachusetts follows a 3-year statute of limitations for asbestos-related personal injury claims. The countdown begins from the date of diagnosis under the “discovery rule,” not the date of initial exposure.

Key timing considerations:

Personal injury claims: 3 years from mesothelioma diagnosis
Wrongful death claims: 3 years from date of death
Multiple jurisdiction options may extend filing opportunities

Maritime and Federal Claims

Boston Naval Shipyard workers may have additional legal options under maritime law. The Jones Act provides special protections for seamen, with different limitation periods than state law. Federal jurisdiction may apply to cases involving:

Active-duty Navy personnel
Federal contractor employees
Maritime workers under admiralty law
Claims against the federal government (limited circumstances)

Examples of Our Results

SWMW Law has recovered over $750 million for clients, including millions in compensation for victims who were diagnosed with mesothelioma and cancer due to their work-related asbestos exposure. This includes shipyard workers, sailors, and workers in a variety of other at-risk occupations.

Step-by-Step Overview of Filing Claims

Step 1: Contact Specialized Counsel

Schedule free consultation with experienced Boston Naval Shipyard asbestos attorney
Bring medical records, employment history, and military service documentation
No upfront costs – attorneys work on contingency fee basis

Step 2: Case Investigation

Attorney reviews exposure history and identifies responsible companies
Medical records analysis to confirm asbestos-related diagnosis
Research into specific ships, work areas, and products involved

Step 3: Comprehensive Evidence Collection

Detailed work history documentation
Military service records and ship assignments
Medical records linking diagnosis to asbestos exposure
Witness statements from co-workers or family members
Historical shipyard and product records

Step 4: Expert Medical and Industrial Evaluation

Independent medical confirmation of diagnosis
Industrial hygiene expert analysis of exposure levels
Occupational history reconstruction

Step 5: Strategic Claim Filing

Depending on unique facts of the case, file lawsuit in optimal jurisdiction (may not be Massachusetts)
Pursue asbestos trust fund claims
Coordinate with VA disability benefit applications

Step 6: Discovery and Settlement Negotiations

Exchange of evidence with defendant companies
Depositions and testimony as required
Settlement negotiations (most cases resolve without trial)

The Critical Importance of Boston Naval Shipyard Asbestos Law Firm Expertise

Asbestos litigation requires highly specialized knowledge and resources that general personal injury attorneys lack.

The complexity of these cases – involving decades-old exposure, multiple defendants, and intricate medical causation – demands attorneys experienced in Boston Naval Shipyard mesothelioma representation.

Unique Advantages of Specialized Representation

Industry-Specific Knowledge

Deep understanding of Navy specifications and shipyard operations
Extensive databases of asbestos-containing products used at the facility
Knowledge of specific exposure locations and job hazards

Proven Track Record

SWMW Law has recovered more than $750 million for asbestos clients
Experience with complex shipyard cases and Navy veteran claims
Multiple seven- and eight-figure settlements for mesothelioma victims

Asbestos Exposure by State

Access to medical experts specializing in asbestos diseases
Industrial hygiene specialists familiar with shipyard conditions
Extensive evidence and identification databases

Multi-Avenue Compensation Strategy

Simultaneous pursuit of lawsuit settlements and trust fund claims
Coordination with VA benefits without affecting legal compensation
National filing capabilities to maximize recovery potential

No Financial Risk

No fees unless successful recovery – aligned incentives with clients
No upfront costs for investigation, expert witnesses, or case development
Free consultation and case evaluation nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions
Our Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyers Receive

How do I know if I was exposed to asbestos at the Boston Naval Shipyard?

If you worked at the facility between 1940-1980, exposure was likely inevitable. The shipyard used asbestos in hundreds of applications throughout ships and buildings. Even office workers and support staff faced exposure risk due to airborne fibers in enclosed spaces.

Can I file a Boston Naval Shipyard asbestos lawsuit decades after working there?

Yes. Massachusetts law provides 3 years from your mesothelioma diagnosis to file claims, regardless of when exposure occurred. The “discovery rule” recognizes that asbestos diseases take 10-50 years to develop, so the legal clock starts from diagnosis, not exposure.

Will filing a Boston Naval Shipyard asbestos lawsuit affect my VA benefits?

No. Legal claims against private asbestos companies do not impact VA benefits. You can pursue both simultaneously. In fact, a specialized Boston Naval Shipyard mesothelioma lawyer may help increase your VA disability rating while pursuing additional compensation from responsible manufacturers.

What if I smoked cigarettes – can I still recover compensation?

Yes. Smoking does not disqualify Boston Naval Shipyard asbestos claims. While smoking may contribute to lung disease, asbestos exposure remains a distinct and independent cause of mesothelioma. Many successful cases involve clients with smoking histories.

Why should I choose SWMW Law for my Boston Naval Shipyard mesothelioma settlement case?

SWMW Law combines specialized expertise with a proven track record:

Free consultation with no fees unless you win
Over $750 million recovered for asbestos clients
100+ years combined litigation experience

Contact SWMW Law today for your free consultation. Because when it comes to Boston Naval Shipyard asbestos claims, experience matters – and people matter most.

Because we are different

Decades of
Experience

Our team is comprised of dozens of highly talented and experienced attorneys ready to fight for your best outcome.

Thousands of Clients Represented

Over the course of our firm’s experience, we have helped thousands of victims and their families recover life-changing verdicts and settlements.

Nationwide
Representation

We come to you wherever you are in the United States.

Resources + Personal Attention

A senior partner of our firm will be involved in your case, utilizing a team approach with massive resources uniquely applied to your case.

Free Consultations Available 24/7

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help.
Complete our form below or call us at (888) 422-8877.

Boston Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure