Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer

Asbestos exposure in Maryland has caused thousands of people to get sick and to die from things like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These people either lived or worked in the state, or both, and most were exposed to this harmful substance while on the job. Workplace exposure is the most common source of asbestos-related illnesses, but there are also natural deposits in the state which may have also caused exposure.

With the help of a Maryland mesothelioma lawyer some of the people who became sick or who lost a loved one because of asbestos are getting the justice they deserve. These lawyers fight hard for the people who were victims of asbestos exposure. They can help you or a loved one file a lawsuit, access asbestos trust funds, or get compensation through a mesothelioma settlement.

Asbestos in Maryland

Asbestos has been used in all 50 states and has caused harm in every one of them. In Maryland, as in other states, a major source of exposure to this harmful mineral has been in the workplace. Nearly all industrial workers, as well as construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and others have been put at some risk for being exposed to asbestos, which can cause serious and fatal illness when inhaled or ingested.

Workplaces like the many shipyards on the coast of Maryland have been responsible for exposing people to asbestos, but there are other sources too. Maryland has several natural deposits of asbestos and even has four former mines that processed asbestos. Additionally, as in many other states, residents are still at risk of being exposed to asbestos through existing materials in older homes. These can become damaged over time or during renovation projects and put people at risk of exposure.

Naturally-Occurring Asbestos

In 2005 the U.S. Geological Survey issued a report that found there were 331 sites east of the Mississippi River that had natural asbestos. Twenty-two of those sites were found in Maryland. These are largely located in the Appalachian Mountains and could be a source of exposure for nearby residents. When natural deposits are disturbed, such as through construction or mining for other minerals, asbestos may contaminate the air, water, or ground.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has taken steps to protect the public from this risk through its Naturally Occurring Asbestos Initiative. The Initiative has concluded that former asbestos mines have been exhausted, that all old quarries and pits have been filled in, that vegetation at these sites is dense, which helps to protect people from inhaling asbestos in the air, and that many of these sites are in remote areas where few people are likely to be exposed.

Asbestos in the Maritime Industry

Maryland has a long and proud history with maritime industries, thanks to its long coastline and the Chesapeake Bay. For hundreds of years this has been an area for shipbuilding, ports, shipping, and other maritime industries. Ships have also long used asbestos to provide insulation, fireproofing, and to add strength to materials without adding a lot of extra weight. At one time, nearly every part of a ship included asbestos in its construction. Navy ships built for World War II were especially likely to contain a lot of asbestos.

This heavy use of asbestos in shipping means that for decades, anyone who worked around or on ships was likely to have been exposed. Ship builders, engineers, those making repairs, maintenance workers, sailors, longshoremen, and many others were put at risk for serious illness by working around and with asbestos, for many years without adequate protection or safety gear. Both civilian and military sites used asbestos and caused workers and sailors to be exposed.

Other Known Sites of Asbestos Exposure in Maryland

While maritime sites and naturally occurring asbestos are notable problem areas for asbestos in Maryland, there are many other sites that have caused exposure or put people at risk. Many different types of workplaces, including power plants, military facilities, and industrial plants have used asbestos over the years. Here are just a few that are known to have used asbestos:

• Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Baltimore
• Warrior Run Generating Station, Cumberland
• Anchor Packing Company, Baltimore
• Naval Ordnance Laboratory, White Oak
• Western Maryland Railroad, Cumberland
• S. Naval Academy, Annapolis
• Sparrows Point Shipyard, Baltimore
• Maryland Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company, Baltimore
• Crown Central Petroleum, Baltimore
• Esso Standard Oil, Baltimore
• Northern Electric Company, Baltimore

Top Cancer Care in Maryland

Maryland residents are fortunate to have one of the best medical facilities in the country. Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Medical Centers, including the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, are staffed by some of the best doctors and those with the most experience treating cancer. The facility is also designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Care Center with the latest treatments and the most experienced medical staff.

Maryland’s Asbestos Laws

Maryland’s Department of the Environment has some very strict laws regarding how asbestos is handled and disposed of in the state. In addition to federal regulations, the state requires that only licensed professionals remove asbestos from a building or perform any kind of repair or renovation in a building with asbestos. These professionals must also renew their licenses every year and notify the state of all work done with asbestos. They also must keep records of all asbestos-related projects and use warning signs to protect the public.

Statute of Limitations

The state also sets a statute of limitations on legal actions with respect to asbestos and related illnesses. If you become sick with a condition related to being exposed to asbestos, you have three years from the time of diagnosis to file a lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to one of these illnesses, you have three years from the time of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. With statutes of limitations, it is crucial that you work fast to make a case and to attempt to get justice for yourself or a loved one you lost.

Working with a Maryland Mesothelioma Lawyer

Working with a Maryland mesothelioma lawyer is a smart move if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness. You need an experienced and knowledgeable professional by your side to help you gather evidence, make a strong case, complete all necessary paperwork, and to be your advocate and representative in settlement agreements or in court. Before you make a decision about filing a lawsuit, be sure you get the expert advice and guidance of a mesothelioma lawyer.