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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Washington State

Washington State's shipyards, aerospace industry, and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation created one of the most diverse asbestos exposure landscapes in the nation. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, and Boeing manufacturing facilities exposed thousands of workers to deadly asbestos fibers. The Hanford Nuclear Reservation near Richland adds a major Department of Energy exposure site to Washington's asbestos burden. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Washington families are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma today.

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Mesothelioma Compensation for Washington Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Washington, 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 Washington.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$6,142,500 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 68, who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos through assisting her husband in his general contracting work and through contact with asbestos fibers on her husband's clothes.

$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.

$3,600,450 Navy / Contractor

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 67, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a construction contractor on commercial and residential projects.

$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.

$3,185,280 Paper Mill / Carpenter

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at a paper mill and as a carpenter.

$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.

$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: Naval records, DOE records, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Washington State

Washington State's asbestos exposure history is defined by three major industries: naval shipbuilding and repair, aerospace manufacturing, and nuclear energy production. Each of these sectors operated for decades with heavy reliance on asbestos-containing materials, creating a diverse and widespread exposure landscape that stretches from the Puget Sound shipyards to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in southeastern Washington.

The Puget Sound region — encompassing Seattle, Bremerton, and Tacoma — was the center of Washington's shipbuilding and ship repair industry. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, one of the Pacific Fleet's primary maintenance facilities, and Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle built and repaired naval and commercial vessels using asbestos insulation throughout their operations. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, these shipyards exposed thousands of workers to asbestos fibers in confined below-deck environments over decades of ship construction and repair.

Boeing's massive manufacturing operations in the Puget Sound area added another dimension to Washington's asbestos exposure. Aircraft manufacturing facilities used asbestos in brake systems, insulation materials, fireproofing compounds, and building infrastructure. Thousands of Boeing employees worked in environments where asbestos-containing materials were present in the manufacturing process and in the factory buildings themselves.

The Hanford Nuclear Factor

What makes Washington unique among asbestos exposure states is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation near Richland. This massive Department of Energy (DOE) site — which produced plutonium for the nation's nuclear weapons program from the 1940s through the 1980s — used asbestos extensively in reactor insulation, processing plant piping, and facility construction. Hanford workers face a distinctive combination of radiation and asbestos exposure, and they may qualify for additional compensation through federal programs like the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) in addition to standard mesothelioma claims.

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 in Washington's shipyards, Boeing facilities, and Hanford during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. A pipefitter who installed asbestos-wrapped insulation at PSNS in 1968 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This long latency period is why Washington continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was curtailed.

Washington's Diverse Asbestos Legacy

Washington State's exposure landscape is among the most varied in the country. Naval shipyards in Bremerton and Seattle, Boeing aerospace plants across the Puget Sound, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Richland, military bases including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and power plants throughout the state all contributed to decades of occupational asbestos exposure. If you worked at any of these facilities, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step. For location-specific information, see our Seattle and Bremerton pages.

Major Asbestos Exposure Sites in Washington

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

Naval Shipyards

Washington's naval shipyards are among the state's most significant asbestos exposure sources. Ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations involved cutting, shaping, and installing asbestos insulation in virtually every compartment of naval and commercial vessels.

  • Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), Bremerton — One of the Pacific Fleet's primary maintenance and modernization facilities; asbestos used extensively in ship repair, nuclear submarine maintenance, and overhaul operations spanning decades
  • Todd Pacific Shipyards, Seattle — Commercial and military ship construction and repair facility; asbestos insulation was standard in all vessel work from the 1940s through the 1970s
  • Todd Pacific Shipyards, Tacoma — Additional ship repair facility with similar asbestos exposure patterns

Aerospace Manufacturing

Boeing's Puget Sound operations represent one of Washington's largest employers and a significant source of occupational asbestos exposure. Aircraft manufacturing used asbestos in multiple applications.

  • Boeing Everett Factory — The world's largest building by volume; asbestos used in factory insulation, fireproofing, and manufacturing processes
  • Boeing Renton Plant — Aircraft assembly facility with asbestos in building materials, brake systems, and manufacturing equipment
  • Boeing Seattle/Kent Facilities — Multiple manufacturing and office buildings constructed with asbestos-containing materials

Nuclear Facilities

The Hanford Nuclear Reservation is a unique exposure site that combined asbestos hazards with nuclear materials handling.

  • Hanford Nuclear Reservation (Richland) — Major DOE site where asbestos was used in reactor insulation, processing plant piping, boiler systems, and facility construction; workers may qualify for EEOICPA compensation in addition to standard claims

Military Installations

Washington hosts several major military installations where asbestos was used in base construction and maintenance.

  • Naval Station Everett — Base facilities and ship maintenance operations involving asbestos-containing materials
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Tacoma) — Army and Air Force installation with barracks, maintenance shops, and infrastructure built with asbestos
  • Naval Base Kitsap (Bangor/Bremerton) — Submarine base with asbestos in facilities and maintenance operations
  • Fairchild Air Force Base (Spokane) — Aircraft hangars, heating systems, and base buildings with asbestos insulation

Power Plants & Industrial Facilities

  • Centralia Steam Plant — Coal-fired power plant with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, and piping
  • Puget Sound Energy facilities — Multiple generating stations with asbestos-containing insulation and equipment
  • Weyerhaeuser lumber and paper mills — Industrial processing facilities with asbestos in boiler systems and machinery insulation
Exposure Site Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
PSNS Bremerton Naval Shipyard Ship insulation, boilers, pipe lagging, gaskets 1940s–1980s
Todd Pacific Seattle Commercial/Military Shipyard Ship insulation, machinery, piping systems 1940s–1970s
Boeing Everett/Renton Aerospace Manufacturing Brake systems, insulation, fireproofing, building materials 1940s–1980s
Hanford Nuclear Reservation DOE Nuclear Site Reactor insulation, piping, boiler systems, buildings 1940s–1980s
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army/Air Force Base Barracks, hangars, heating systems, maintenance shops 1940s–1980s
Centralia Steam Plant Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbine casings, piping 1940s–1980s
Naval Base Kitsap Submarine Base Facility insulation, submarine maintenance 1940s–1980s
Weyerhaeuser Mills Lumber/Paper Processing Boiler systems, machinery insulation, buildings 1940s–1970s

This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of additional industrial, military, and commercial facilities across Washington State used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any shipyard, aerospace plant, military base, power plant, or industrial site in Washington before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Washington exposure sites and can investigate your specific history as part of a free case evaluation. For city-specific information, see our Seattle and Bremerton pages.

Jobs in Washington Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Washington's shipyard, aerospace, nuclear, and industrial sectors carried a dramatically higher risk of asbestos exposure. Workers in these trades handled asbestos-containing materials directly, worked in confined spaces where asbestos fibers accumulated, or were present during activities that disturbed existing asbestos insulation. If you or a family member held any of these positions at a Washington facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Shipfitters & Ship Insulators

Shipfitters at PSNS Bremerton and Todd Pacific Shipyards were among the most heavily exposed workers in Washington. These tradespeople installed structural components and insulation in naval vessels while working in confined, poorly ventilated below-deck spaces. Ship insulators applied and removed asbestos-containing lagging from pipes, boilers, and machinery where fiber concentrations were extremely high.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers at Washington's shipyards and power plants installed and maintained the piping systems and boilers that powered vessels and generated electricity. Asbestos-containing pipe insulation, gaskets, and packing materials were standard in every job. Boiler maintenance in confined enclosures created intense short-term fiber exposure during insulation removal and replacement.

Aerospace & Boeing Workers

Boeing factory workers across the Puget Sound region were exposed to asbestos in multiple ways: handling brake system components containing asbestos, working in buildings insulated with asbestos materials, and manufacturing aircraft parts in facilities where asbestos-containing fireproofing and insulation materials were present. Assembly line workers, mechanics, and maintenance crews all faced exposure.

Hanford Nuclear Site Workers

Workers at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation faced dual hazards of radiation and asbestos exposure. Construction workers, pipefitters, insulators, and maintenance crews who built and maintained Hanford's reactor facilities and processing plants handled asbestos insulation on piping, boilers, and reactor components. Decommissioning and cleanup workers also encountered deteriorating asbestos materials in aging structures.

Military Service Members

Active-duty service members at Washington installations — including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap, and Fairchild AFB — were exposed to asbestos in barracks, maintenance facilities, and during shipboard or aircraft maintenance operations. Navy personnel aboard vessels repaired at PSNS lived and worked in environments saturated with asbestos-containing materials.

Power Plant & Mill Workers

Workers at Washington's coal-fired power plants and lumber/paper mills handled asbestos-containing insulation on boilers, turbines, and steam piping. Maintenance workers at Centralia Steam Plant and Weyerhaeuser facilities faced regular exposure during equipment servicing and repair operations that disturbed existing asbestos insulation.

Documenting Your Washington Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Washington shipyard, Boeing plant, Hanford site, military installation, or industrial facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct their employment and service timelines, identify every facility where exposure occurred, and connect that exposure history to specific asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. For Hanford workers, we also help navigate EEOICPA federal compensation claims.

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Based on your Washington work history, you may be connected to multiple asbestos trust funds and legal claims.

Washington shipyard, aerospace, and nuclear site exposure cases often involve multiple facilities and asbestos product manufacturers, which can significantly increase total compensation. Complete the form below for a free, confidential case review with attorneys who have decades of experience with Washington exposure cases.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Washington

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. Washington's diverse exposure profile — spanning shipyards, aerospace facilities, and nuclear sites — produces patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis that reflect the types and duration of asbestos contact across multiple industries.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Washington patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs — when inhaled asbestos fibers migrate to the pleural lining and cause chronic inflammation and eventual malignancy. Washington shipyard workers, Boeing employees, and Hanford 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 (pleural effusion).

Early detection significantly affects treatment options and prognosis. If you worked at a Washington shipyard, Boeing facility, Hanford, or military installation and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational 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 mesothelioma diagnoses. Asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum through ingestion or through the lymphatic system. Symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma has advanced significantly, with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showing improved survival rates. Regardless of the type of mesothelioma diagnosed, the same legal options — personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits for veterans — are available to Washington patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Washington

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Washington have access to some of the nation’s leading cancer treatment facilities. These centers offer specialized thoracic oncology programs, access to clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care teams experienced in treating asbestos-related cancers. Early evaluation at a specialized center can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Seattle, WA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Fred Hutch is a world-renowned NCI-designated cancer center and a leader in cancer immunotherapy research, including innovative approaches to mesothelioma treatment.

University of Washington Medical Center

Seattle, WA
Surgery Chemotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

UW Medical Center works in partnership with Fred Hutch to provide comprehensive cancer care, including thoracic surgery for mesothelioma patients.

Swedish Cancer Institute

Seattle, WA
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

Swedish Cancer Institute is the largest community-based cancer care network in the Pacific Northwest, offering thoracic oncology services and access to clinical trials.

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.

Washington Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Washington State hosts several major military installations, and its veteran population carries significant asbestos exposure risk from both military service and post-service industrial employment. The Puget Sound region in particular attracted veterans to shipyard and aerospace jobs after their military service, creating a dual-exposure pattern common in Washington mesothelioma cases.

Navy Veterans and Puget Sound Exposure

The U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively in ship construction from the 1930s through the 1970s. Veterans who served aboard ships maintained or overhauled at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton were exposed to asbestos during their entire service. Machinist's mates, boiler technicians, hull maintenance technicians, and enginemen faced the highest exposure levels, but all personnel aboard these vessels were at risk. Veterans stationed at Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Station Everett also experienced asbestos exposure in base facilities and during shipboard operations.

Dual Exposure: Military Service and Civilian Employment

Many Washington veterans were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took civilian jobs at the same shipyards, Boeing plants, or Hanford site after discharge. The skills developed during military service transferred directly to civilian industrial employment, resulting in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure. Veterans with this dual exposure history may be entitled to multiple sources of compensation:

  • 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 the trust funds of companies whose asbestos products were used in Washington facilities
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers and employers
  • EEOICPA Benefits — Additional federal compensation for veterans who also worked at Hanford Nuclear Reservation

Veterans: Filing VA Claims Does Not Affect Civil Claims

VA disability claims and civil mesothelioma lawsuits are separate legal processes. Filing for VA benefits does not reduce or prevent compensation from asbestos trust funds or personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys help Washington-area 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, time is critical — both the Washington statute of limitations and VA filing processes have specific requirements that should be addressed promptly.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Washington

Asbestos exposure in Washington did not stop at the shipyard gate, the factory entrance, or the base perimeter. For decades, workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families to the same deadly material they encountered at work. This pattern, known as secondary or take-home exposure, has been documented extensively in Washington's shipyard and industrial communities and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never set foot in a shipyard or factory.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Washington shipyard workers, Boeing employees, and Hanford workers typically arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos fibers. Before the dangers were widely understood, standard practice was for spouses — most often wives — to shake out, brush off, and launder contaminated work clothes at home. This process released asbestos fibers into the household air. In Puget Sound communities like Bremerton and Seattle, entire neighborhoods were populated by shipyard and industrial families, creating a widespread pattern of secondary exposure.

Legal Rights of Washington Families

Washington courts recognize secondary asbestos exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims. Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home asbestos exposure have the same legal right to pursue compensation as the workers themselves. These claims can be filed against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products, the employers who failed to prevent fibers from leaving the workplace, and the asbestos trust funds established through bankruptcy proceedings.

If a spouse, child, or other family member of a Washington industrial worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have handled numerous Washington secondary exposure cases and understand the specific evidence required to establish these claims.

Support Groups & Resources for Washington 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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Washington Resources

Washington State Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting Washington 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.

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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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Every state has strict deadlines for filing mesothelioma claims. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Answer three quick questions to understand where your family stands.

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Free Guide: Washington Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at a Washington shipyard, Boeing facility, Hanford Nuclear Reservation, or military installation, this guide explains the legal options available and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Washington shipyard, Boeing, and Hanford exposure sites and responsible companies
  • Washington statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Washington exposure cases
  • How to document your Washington work history for a legal claim
  • EEOICPA benefits for Hanford Nuclear Reservation workers
  • Secondary exposure rights for Washington workers' families

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Steps Washington Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. The following steps provide a clear, measured path forward for Washington families facing this diagnosis. None of these steps require you to have all the answers right away — an experienced mesothelioma attorney can guide you through each one.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle and the University of Washington Medical Center are leading cancer treatment facilities in the region. Your treatment plan should be established before anything else.
  2. Document your Washington work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at PSNS Bremerton, Todd Pacific Shipyards, Boeing facilities, Hanford, or any Washington military base. Include dates, job titles, the names of employers, and the names of any coworkers who can confirm your presence at these sites.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note the specific tasks that may have involved asbestos contact: ship insulation work, pipe fitting, aircraft manufacturing, reactor maintenance, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating. This timeline identifies which companies and trust funds are connected to your exposure.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. The Washington statute of limitations gives you 3 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim. While 3 years provides more time than some states, building a strong case requires identifying asbestos product manufacturers, gathering employment records, and filing trust fund claims — processes that benefit from starting early.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard any records that support your exposure history: DD-214 military discharge papers, old tax returns showing employers, union membership cards, Social Security earnings statements, Hanford badge records, medical records, and photographs from job sites. These documents strengthen your case.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Washington mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources, including personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, VA benefits for veterans, and EEOICPA benefits for Hanford workers. Your attorney should evaluate every option and pursue all applicable claims simultaneously.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped hundreds of families affected by Washington's shipyard, aerospace, and nuclear site asbestos exposure 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. The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. 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, including Washington State shipyard workers, Boeing employees, and Hanford nuclear site workers. 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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Portrait of Rod De Llano, Co-Founder and Senior Trial Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
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, including cases involving Washington's shipyards, Boeing facilities, and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. 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.

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Find Out What Your Washington Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at a Washington shipyard, Boeing facility, Hanford Nuclear Reservation, or military installation and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with Washington exposure cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Expertise Our attorneys handle Washington shipyard, Boeing, and Hanford cases from across the country.
Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
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Cities & Towns in Washington

Select a city below for detailed local asbestos exposure site information, Washington-specific legal resources, and free case evaluations.

Bremerton

Home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), the largest naval shipyard on the West Coast and one of the most significant asbestos exposure sites in the United States. Tens of thousands of civilian workers and Navy veterans carry exposure from this facility.

View Bremerton Resources

Seattle

Seattle's shipyards and aerospace industry created one of the Pacific Northwest's most concentrated asbestos exposure zones. Todd Pacific Shipyard, Boeing manufacturing plants, and Port of Seattle operations exposed thousands of workers.

View Seattle Resources

Tacoma

Tacoma's industrial waterfront — dominated by the ASARCO copper smelter, Todd Pacific Shipyard, and the Port of Tacoma — exposed thousands of workers to asbestos. Weyerhaeuser lumber operations and Joint Base Lewis-McChord add to the exposure legacy.

View Tacoma Resources
FAQ answers reviewed by legal team:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Washington

Why does Washington State have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Washington State has a uniquely diverse combination of asbestos exposure sources. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton and Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle exposed thousands of shipyard workers to asbestos over decades. Boeing's aerospace manufacturing facilities added another major exposure pathway. The Hanford Nuclear Reservation near Richland — a major DOE site — used asbestos extensively in reactor facilities and processing plants. Combined with multiple military bases, power plants, and industrial facilities, Washington workers faced occupational asbestos exposure across a wide range of industries.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Washington?

Washington State allows 3 years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit for mesothelioma, and 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Washington applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when the disease is diagnosed, not when the asbestos exposure occurred. While Washington provides more filing time than some states, do not delay — evidence and witnesses can become unavailable, and trust fund payment percentages can decline over time.

Can Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Workers at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton who were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue compensation through multiple channels: personal injury lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers, claims against asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), and VA benefits for veterans. PSNS used asbestos in every aspect of ship repair and overhaul for decades. See our Bremerton page for more details on PSNS-specific exposure.

Were Hanford Nuclear Reservation workers exposed to asbestos?

Yes. The Hanford Nuclear Reservation near Richland used asbestos extensively in reactor insulation, processing plant piping, boiler systems, and building materials. Workers who built, maintained, and decommissioned Hanford's facilities were exposed to asbestos in addition to radiation hazards. Hanford workers may qualify for compensation through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) in addition to standard mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims. An experienced attorney can help navigate both federal and civil compensation options.

Can family members of Washington workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. Washington shipyard workers, Boeing employees, and Hanford workers frequently carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, and hair, unknowingly exposing spouses and children who handled contaminated work clothes. Washington courts recognize these secondary exposure claims, and compensation is available through lawsuits, trust funds, and settlements.

How much compensation can Washington mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation amounts vary based on the specifics of each case, including the number of responsible parties, the severity of illness, the patient's work history, and which trust funds apply. Washington cases often involve exposure at multiple facilities — shipyards, Boeing plants, military bases, and sometimes Hanford — which can increase total recovery through multiple trust fund claims and lawsuits. 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

Washington Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at a Washington shipyard, Boeing facility, Hanford Nuclear Reservation, or military installation, do not wait. The Washington statute of limitations is 3 years from diagnosis. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

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