Todd Shipyards Todd Shipyards in Seattle, Washington, was one of the largest private ship repair companies in the United States. Workers at the Seattle facility were exposed to asbestos during naval and commercial ship repair from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Todd Shipyards Corporation operated shipyards across the country, with the Seattle yard being one of its most prominent facilities. During World War II, Todd yards built and repaired hundreds of naval vessels. The Seattle facility specialized in ship repair and conversion work for both the Navy and commercial fleets. Asbestos was a standard material in all repair and overhaul operations performed at the yard.
Workers at Todd Shipyards Seattle performed asbestos-intensive ship repair work including removing old insulation, replacing gaskets, and reinstalling pipe covering. The repair nature of the work often involved stripping deteriorated asbestos materials, which generated large quantities of friable asbestos dust. Pipe fitters, insulators, and boilermakers worked in confined ship spaces where airborne fibers accumulated to hazardous levels.
The following job categories at Todd Shipyards had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Todd Shipyards workers in Seattle have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Ship repair work is considered among the most hazardous for asbestos exposure because removal of old insulation generates more airborne fibers than new installation. Many former workers have pursued legal claims against asbestos product manufacturers whose materials were used at the yard.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Todd Shipyards may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
2 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Todd Shipyards between 1940s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Todd Shipyards may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Todd Shipyards and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Washington may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, valve packing, and fireproofing materials were used extensively at Todd Shipyards Seattle during naval and commercial ship repair from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, welders, and machinists had the highest exposure, particularly those removing old asbestos insulation during ship repair and overhaul in confined below-deck spaces.
Yes. Former Todd Shipyards employees diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against responsible product manufacturers.
Todd Shipyards in Seattle, WA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval & commercial ship repair industry were exposed to asbestos-containing materials from the 1940s through the 1970s. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Todd Shipyards and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
Or call us 24/7: 1-800-400-1805
Sources:
