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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Maine

Maine's shipbuilding heritage carries a deadly legacy. Bath Iron Works — one of only a few companies in America still building Navy warships — used asbestos in ship construction for decades. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery overhauled nuclear submarines insulated with asbestos. Paper and pulp mills across the state used asbestos in their equipment and facilities. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these industries exposed thousands of Maine workers to deadly asbestos fibers. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Maine families are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma today.

BIW Active Navy Shipyard
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Mesothelioma Compensation for Maine Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Maine, you are not alone — and compensation may be available. Below are actual amounts received by real clients of our firm, after attorneys’ fees and expenses, in mesothelioma cases involving asbestos exposure. Our attorneys represent families nationwide, including in Maine.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$5,939,010 Construction / Demolition

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 46, who was exposed to asbestos while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding.

$4,750,000 U.S. Navy Veteran

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 49, who was exposed to asbestos through his career in the Navy.

$3,921,750 Navy / Construction

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a man, age 68, who was exposed through his service in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction.

$3,403,890 Navy / HVAC Mechanic

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 57, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.

$3,310,650 Industrial / HVAC

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 62, who was exposed while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units.

$2,727,900 Navy / Telecom

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 61, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman.

$2,082,780 Oil Refinery / Drywaller

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at an oil refinery and as a drywaller.

$1,988,910 Oil Field Worker

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 50, who was exposed as an oil field worker.

$1,886,580 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 62, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her husband, who worked as an electrician at a shipyard.

$1,181,250 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 33, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her father, who worked at an auto plant.

All amounts shown are received by clients after attorneys’ fees and expenses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and compensation depends on individual circumstances including exposure history, diagnosis, and jurisdiction.

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Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: Industrial records, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports, Navy records

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Maine

Maine's industrial economy was anchored by two industries with deep asbestos histories: shipbuilding and paper manufacturing. Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine, is one of only a few companies in the entire United States that still builds Navy warships — and for decades, those warships were constructed using asbestos-containing insulation throughout. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery served as a critical submarine overhaul facility where workers disassembled and rebuilt nuclear submarines that contained asbestos in virtually every compartment.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Maine's shipbuilding and paper mill industries represent significant asbestos exposure corridors that affected thousands of workers over several decades. The state's relatively small population combined with its concentration of heavy industry means that Maine has a disproportionately high rate of occupational asbestos exposure per capita.

The peak period of asbestos use in Maine's shipyards spanned from the 1940s through the early 1980s. During World War II, Maine shipyards operated around the clock to build and repair naval vessels, employing thousands of workers who handled asbestos insulation daily. After the war, BIW continued building guided-missile destroyers and frigates with asbestos materials, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard became a primary facility for submarine overhaul and repair. Maine's paper and pulp mills — major employers in communities like Millinocket, Rumford, and Jay — used asbestos insulation on boilers, steam pipes, turbines, and processing equipment.

The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period

Mesothelioma does not appear immediately after asbestos exposure. The disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning workers exposed at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Maine paper mills during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. A ship fitter who installed asbestos insulation in a destroyer at BIW in 1970 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later.

The multi-decade employment pattern common at Maine shipyards also means that many workers accumulated years of cumulative asbestos exposure. BIW and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard were the economic anchors of their communities, and workers frequently spent entire careers at these facilities, deepening their exposure history and strengthening their legal claims.

Maine's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

Bath Iron Works has been building ships since 1884 and has employed tens of thousands of workers over its history. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, though technically located on an island between Maine and New Hampshire, employed a predominantly Maine workforce for its submarine overhaul operations. Maine's paper and pulp industry, once one of the largest in New England, operated dozens of mills where asbestos insulation was standard. If you worked at any of these facilities, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step toward understanding your legal options.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Maine

Asbestos was embedded in Maine's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure across the state.

Shipyards

Maine's shipbuilding industry is the state's most significant source of asbestos exposure. Workers who built, repaired, and maintained naval and commercial vessels were exposed to asbestos insulation in engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipe systems, and throughout ship structures. Below-deck work in confined spaces created especially concentrated exposure conditions.

  • Bath Iron Works (Bath) — One of the few remaining active naval shipyards in America; builds guided-missile destroyers (DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class); asbestos used in ship construction and facility materials for decades
  • Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery) — U.S. Navy submarine overhaul and repair facility; workers disassembled and rebuilt submarines containing asbestos insulation in every compartment; one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in New England

Paper & Pulp Mills

Maine's paper and pulp industry was a major employer across the state, with mills operating in communities from the coast to the northern interior. These facilities used asbestos insulation on boilers, steam pipes, turbines, digesters, and processing equipment. Maintenance workers, pipefitters, and millwrights who repaired and maintained this equipment faced significant asbestos exposure.

  • Great Northern Paper (Millinocket) — One of Maine's largest paper mills; asbestos insulation on boilers, steam systems, and processing equipment throughout the facility
  • International Paper (Jay) — Major paper mill with asbestos in boiler insulation, pipe coverings, and facility construction materials
  • Boise Cascade (Rumford) — Paper and pulp manufacturing with asbestos in high-temperature equipment insulation and facility materials
  • S.D. Warren (Westbrook) — Historic paper mill with decades of asbestos use in boilers, steam pipes, and manufacturing equipment
  • Georgia-Pacific (Woodland) — Pulp mill with asbestos insulation in processing equipment and facility infrastructure

Power Plants

Maine power plants used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical components. Workers who maintained and operated these facilities faced regular asbestos exposure.

  • Central Maine Power generating stations — Multiple facilities across Maine with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, and electrical wiring
  • Wyman Station (Yarmouth) — Oil-fired power plant with asbestos insulation throughout thermal systems
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Bath Iron Works Naval Shipbuilding Ship insulation, pipe covering, fireproofing 1940s–1980s
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Submarine Overhaul Submarine insulation, gaskets, valve packing 1940s–1980s
Great Northern Paper Paper & Pulp Mill Boiler insulation, steam pipes, equipment 1940s–1980s
International Paper (Jay) Paper & Pulp Mill Boiler insulation, pipe coverings, facility materials 1940s–1980s
Boise Cascade (Rumford) Paper & Pulp Mill Equipment insulation, steam systems, facility materials 1940s–1980s
S.D. Warren (Westbrook) Paper Mill Boilers, steam pipes, manufacturing equipment 1940s–1980s
Central Maine Power Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbines, wiring 1940s–1980s
Georgia-Pacific (Woodland) Pulp Mill Processing equipment insulation, facility materials 1950s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional industrial facilities, power plants, and commercial buildings across Maine used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any shipyard, paper mill, or industrial facility in Maine before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Maine exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Maine Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Maine carried a dramatically higher risk of asbestos exposure. If you or a family member held any of these positions at a Maine facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Shipyard Workers

Workers at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard performed ship fitting, welding, painting, insulation installation, and general labor in environments saturated with asbestos. Below-deck work on destroyers and submarines created especially concentrated exposure. Ship fitters, welders, painters, and general laborers all worked where asbestos insulation was being installed, removed, or disturbed.

Pipefitters & Insulators

Pipefitters and insulators at Maine shipyards and paper mills installed, maintained, and removed asbestos-containing insulation from pipes, boilers, and equipment. At BIW, pipefitters installed miles of asbestos-insulated piping in each warship. At paper mills, insulators worked with asbestos materials on high-temperature steam systems and processing equipment throughout the facility.

Paper Mill Workers

Workers at Maine paper and pulp mills operated in environments where asbestos insulation surrounded them on boilers, digesters, steam pipes, and turbines. Millwrights, maintenance mechanics, boiler operators, and machine tenders who maintained and repaired equipment faced significant asbestos exposure over their careers at mills in Millinocket, Jay, Rumford, and other Maine communities.

Submarine & Naval Workers

Workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard who overhauled nuclear submarines dismantled and rebuilt vessels containing asbestos in virtually every compartment. Engine room workers, pipe coverers, electricians, and general mechanics worked in the most confined spaces imaginable, where asbestos fiber concentrations were at their highest during overhaul operations.

Electricians & Maintenance Workers

Electricians in Maine's shipyards, paper mills, and power plants worked near and around asbestos-insulated equipment daily. Running conduit and wiring through areas with deteriorating asbestos insulation released fibers into the breathing zone. Maintenance workers performed general repairs that frequently disturbed asbestos materials.

Construction Tradespeople

Construction workers who built and expanded Maine's industrial facilities handled asbestos-containing floor tiles, roofing materials, cement board, joint compound, and fireproofing spray. Demolition and renovation of older shipyard buildings, paper mills, and commercial structures released accumulated asbestos fibers.

Documenting Your Maine Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Maine facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct their employment timeline, identify every facility where exposure occurred, and connect that exposure history to specific asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. Even if your records are incomplete, we can use union records, Social Security earnings statements, coworker testimony, and Navy service records to build your case.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Maine

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in the lining of internal organs, causing cellular damage that leads to malignant tumor growth over decades. Maine's industrial exposure profile — dominated by shipbuilding and paper manufacturing — produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Maine patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs — when inhaled asbestos fibers migrate to the pleural lining. Maine shipyard workers, paper mill pipefitters, and submarine overhaul workers who inhaled asbestos dust are at the highest risk. Symptoms typically include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs.

Early detection significantly affects treatment options. If you worked at a Maine shipyard or paper mill and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your asbestos exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity — and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of diagnoses. Treatment has advanced with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Regardless of type, the same legal options — lawsuits, trust fund claims, and VA benefits — are available to Maine patients.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Maine

While Maine does not currently have NCI-designated mesothelioma specialty centers, patients have access to the nation’s top treatment programs. Many of these leading cancer centers accept out-of-state patients and can coordinate care with local oncologists. Below are nationally recognized mesothelioma treatment centers that serve patients from Maine and across the country.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Ranked #1 for cancer care nationwide, MD Anderson treats mesothelioma patients from all 50 states and offers the most comprehensive mesothelioma treatment program in the country.

Brigham and Women's Hospital / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

The Brigham and Dana-Farber alliance is one of the nation's leading mesothelioma treatment programs, known for pioneering surgical techniques and multimodal therapy protocols.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York City, NY NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

One of the world's most experienced cancer centers, MSK operates a dedicated mesothelioma program and extensive clinical trial portfolio for patients nationwide.

Need Help Finding a Specialist?

Our attorneys work with leading mesothelioma specialists nationwide and can help connect you with the right treatment team. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a referral.

Maine Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Maine has a deep connection to the U.S. Navy, and many Maine veterans carry asbestos exposure histories directly tied to naval service and post-service shipyard employment.

Navy Veterans and Shipyard Exposure

The U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively in ship construction from the 1930s through the 1970s. Navy veterans who served aboard ships built at Bath Iron Works or who were stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard were exposed to asbestos in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and throughout ship structures. Machinist's mates, boiler technicians, hull maintenance technicians, and enginemen faced the highest exposure levels.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: Submarine Overhaul

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on Seavey Island in Kittery, has been a primary submarine overhaul facility since the 1950s. Workers who overhauled nuclear submarines disassembled and rebuilt vessels containing asbestos insulation in every compartment. The confined spaces inside submarines created extremely concentrated asbestos exposure conditions during overhaul work. Both military personnel and civilian shipyard workers at Portsmouth were affected.

Dual Exposure: Navy Service Followed by Shipyard Work

A common pattern in Maine mesothelioma cases involves veterans who served aboard Navy ships insulated with asbestos and then took civilian jobs at Bath Iron Works or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The technical skills gained during Navy service were directly transferable to shipyard employment, creating decades of cumulative asbestos exposure.

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers at no cost for service-connected conditions
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against trust funds of companies whose products were used in both Navy ships and Maine shipyards
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers and employers

Veterans: Filing VA Claims Does Not Affect Civil Claims

VA disability claims and civil mesothelioma lawsuits are separate legal processes. Our attorneys help Maine veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously, maximizing total recovery while ensuring no filing deadlines are missed. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us at 1-800-400-1805.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Maine

Asbestos exposure in Maine did not stop at the shipyard gate or the mill entrance. Workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families. This secondary or take-home exposure has been documented extensively in Maine's shipbuilding and paper mill communities, particularly in Bath, Kittery, and the mill towns of central and northern Maine.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Maine shipyard workers and paper mill employees arrived home covered in dust containing asbestos fibers. Spouses who laundered contaminated work clothes released fibers into household air. Children who greeted parents or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In close-knit shipyard and mill communities across Maine, this pattern affected entire families.

Legal Rights of Maine Families

Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the legal right to pursue compensation. These claims can be filed against asbestos product manufacturers, employers, and trust funds. If a family member of a Maine shipyard or mill worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our attorneys to investigate the connection.

Support Groups & Resources for Maine Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. These organizations provide support, education, counseling, and practical assistance for patients and caregivers.

National Organizations

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Research & Patient Support

Leading mesothelioma research foundation providing patient support, education, and peer-to-peer networking for patients and families.

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Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Advocacy & Education

National advocacy organization dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, providing support for those affected, and driving a global ban on asbestos.

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American Cancer Society

Patient Services

Comprehensive cancer support including patient navigation, local support groups, transportation assistance, lodging programs, and 24/7 helpline.

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CancerCare

Counseling & Support

Free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance programs for cancer patients and caregivers.

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Maine Resources

Maine Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Maine families with local support services, financial assistance, and treatment information.

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Personalized Resource Recommendations

Our team can connect your family with support resources tailored to your specific situation — including local support groups, financial assistance programs, and caregiver resources. Call 1-800-400-1805.

Filing Deadline Check

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Statutes of limitations can be as short as 1 year. Find out if your family’s filing window is still open.

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Don’t Let the Filing Window Close on Your Family

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Free Guide: Maine Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, or a Maine paper mill, this guide explains the legal options available and the steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard exposure details
  • Maine statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Maine shipyard and mill cases
  • How to document your Maine work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for Navy and shipyard workers
  • Secondary exposure rights for Maine workers' families

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Steps Maine Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. The following steps provide a clear path forward for Maine families. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can guide you through each step.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. Maine Medical Center in Portland and other regional cancer centers offer specialized oncology resources. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in nearby Boston is also a leading mesothelioma treatment center.
  2. Document your Maine work history. Write down every job you held, especially any work at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, paper mills, or other industrial facilities. Include dates, job titles, employer names, and coworker names.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note tasks involving asbestos: ship insulation work, pipe fitting, boiler maintenance, submarine overhaul, or paper mill equipment maintenance. If you served in the Navy, include your service branch, duty stations, ships, and rating.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Maine allows 6 years from diagnosis for personal injury claims but only 2 years for wrongful death. While Maine's PI deadline is more generous, building a strong case takes time. Start early to preserve evidence and identify all compensation sources. Our firm provides free consultations. Call 1-800-400-1805.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather old tax returns, union cards, Social Security earnings statements, military records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Maine mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, and VA benefits for veterans.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped hundreds of families across the country through the legal process after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We handle every aspect of the legal case so you can focus on your health and your family. Request a free case review or call 1-800-400-1805.

Portrait of Paul Danziger, Co-Founder and Lead Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Lead Attorney

Paul Danziger

Texas Bar #00788880 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Paul Danziger has spent over 30 years representing mesothelioma patients and their families across the United States. He co-founded Danziger & De Llano, LLP with the mission of providing personal attention and aggressive advocacy that asbestos victims deserve.

Before law school, Paul earned his B.B.A. and a Master's degree in Tax Accounting from the University of Texas and worked as a CPA and tax consultant in New York. His financial and legal background gives him a distinctive ability to evaluate complex mesothelioma cases and maximize compensation for his clients.

Paul has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times (2006–2009, 2014–2016, 2024) and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He is also the executive producer and co-writer of the film Puncture (starring Chris Evans), based on a real product liability case.

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Co-Founder & Senior Trial Attorney

Rod De Llano

Texas Bar #00786666 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Rod De Llano brings over 30 years of complex litigation experience to every mesothelioma case he handles. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in economics, Rod combines analytical rigor with a deep commitment to justice for asbestos victims and their families.

Rod and Paul Danziger have worked together since law school at Northwestern, building one of the most experienced mesothelioma practices in the country. Rod's expertise in complex litigation — including multi-district asbestos cases, trust fund claims, and trial proceedings — ensures that every client receives the strongest possible representation.

30+ Years in Practice
Princeton University Graduate
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
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Find Out What Your Maine Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a Maine paper mill, or any industrial facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with shipyard and industrial exposure cases.

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Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Maine

Why does Maine have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Maine has a significant history of asbestos exposure driven by shipbuilding and paper manufacturing. Bath Iron Works, one of the few remaining active naval shipyards, built Navy destroyers using asbestos-containing materials for decades. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery overhauled submarines with asbestos insulation. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these facilities, combined with paper mills across the state, exposed thousands of Maine workers to asbestos fibers.

What is Bath Iron Works and why is it significant?

Bath Iron Works (BIW) is a major shipbuilding facility in Bath, Maine, and one of only a few companies still building Navy warships. For decades, BIW used asbestos in ship construction — in insulation, gaskets, packing materials, and fireproofing. Workers who built and maintained naval vessels at BIW were exposed to asbestos in engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipe systems, and throughout ship structures. BIW is one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in New England.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Maine?

Maine allows 6 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. While Maine's personal injury deadline is more generous than many states, building a strong case requires time to gather evidence and identify all compensation sources. Contact an attorney as early as possible.

Can Maine shipyard veterans file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Veterans who served at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, or aboard Navy ships and were exposed to asbestos may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation — in addition to civil lawsuits and trust fund claims. Many Maine veterans experienced dual exposure: first aboard Navy ships, then in civilian shipyard employment.

Can family members of Maine workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. Maine shipyard and paper mill workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, unknowingly exposing spouses and children.

How much compensation can Maine mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on each case's specifics. Maine cases involving Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and paper mill exposure can involve multiple trust funds and defendants, increasing total recovery. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families and works to maximize every claim.

This page was last reviewed and updated on by the legal team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

Sources & References

  1. NCI SEER Program — Mesothelioma Cancer Stat Facts
  2. ATSDR — Toxicological Profile for Asbestos
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Asbestos
  4. OSHA — Asbestos Standards and Regulations
  5. National Cancer Institute — Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ)
  6. American Cancer Society — Malignant Mesothelioma
  7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Asbestos Exposure
  8. RAND Corporation — Asbestos Litigation Costs and Compensation

Maine Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a Maine paper mill, or any industrial facility, do not wait. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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