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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Seattle, Washington

Seattle's shipyards and aerospace industry created one of the Pacific Northwest's most concentrated asbestos exposure zones. For decades, the Todd Pacific Shipyard, Boeing manufacturing plants, and Port of Seattle operations relied on asbestos-containing materials that exposed thousands of workers to deadly fibers. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Puget Sound shipyard workers faced among the highest occupational asbestos exposure levels in the region. Due to a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Seattle families are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma today from exposures that occurred decades ago.

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Mesothelioma Compensation for Seattle Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

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

$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.

$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.

$3,600,450 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.

$3,310,650 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.

$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.

$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.

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

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Seattle

Seattle's industrial identity was shaped by three industries that relied heavily on asbestos: shipbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, and maritime port operations. From the early 1900s through the 1980s, these industries formed the economic backbone of the Puget Sound region — and all three used asbestos-containing materials extensively in their daily operations. The result is a legacy of occupational asbestos exposure that continues to produce new mesothelioma diagnoses more than four decades after the peak exposure era ended.

The Todd Pacific Shipyard on Harbor Island was one of the largest ship construction and repair facilities on the entire West Coast. During World War II and the decades that followed, Todd Pacific built and overhauled military and commercial vessels using asbestos insulation in engine rooms, boiler systems, pipe lagging, and bulkhead fireproofing. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, shipyard workers in the Puget Sound region faced some of the most intense and sustained asbestos exposure of any occupation in the Pacific Northwest, with thousands of workers inhaling asbestos fibers daily in confined below-deck environments.

At the same time, Boeing was transforming Seattle into the aerospace capital of the world. Boeing's massive assembly plants in Everett and Renton used asbestos in aircraft components, factory insulation, brake systems, heat shields, and building materials throughout their sprawling facilities. Workers who built aircraft, maintained factory equipment, and renovated aging plant buildings encountered asbestos in forms ranging from spray-on fireproofing to woven asbestos cloth used for heat protection. The sheer scale of Boeing's operations — employing tens of thousands of workers across multiple Puget Sound facilities — means the aerospace industry is a significant contributor to Seattle's mesothelioma burden.

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 Todd Pacific Shipyard, Boeing, or the Port of Seattle during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are being diagnosed now. A pipefitter who installed asbestos-wrapped pipe insulation aboard a vessel at Harbor Island in 1968 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2026 or later. This long latency period is why Seattle continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after the most intensive asbestos use was curtailed.

The concentration of industrial activity around the Puget Sound also means that many Seattle workers were exposed at multiple facilities over the course of a career. A welder might have worked at Todd Pacific Shipyard, then moved to Boeing, then taken contract work at the Port of Seattle — accumulating asbestos exposure at each stop. This multi-site exposure history is important for legal claims because it can connect a patient to multiple asbestos trust funds and multiple defendants, increasing the total compensation available.

Seattle's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

The Puget Sound region was home to multiple major shipyards, Boeing's largest manufacturing complexes, one of the busiest ports on the Pacific Coast, and numerous power generation facilities — all of which used asbestos-containing materials for decades. Washington state consistently ranks among states with significant mesothelioma mortality, and Seattle's shipyard and aerospace infrastructure is a primary driver. If you worked at any shipyard, Boeing facility, or port operation in the Seattle area, documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Seattle

Asbestos was embedded in Seattle's industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the greater Seattle and Puget Sound area.

Shipyards Along the Puget Sound

Seattle's waterfront shipyards were among the most hazardous asbestos exposure sites in the Pacific Northwest. Ship construction and repair required vast quantities of asbestos insulation for boilers, steam pipes, engine components, bulkheads, and electrical systems. Workers who built, overhauled, and maintained vessels — particularly in confined below-deck spaces with poor ventilation — inhaled dense concentrations of asbestos fibers during every shift.

  • Todd Pacific Shipyard (Harbor Island) — One of the largest shipyards on the West Coast; built and repaired military and commercial vessels for decades using asbestos insulation, pipe lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing throughout every vessel
  • Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company — Built naval destroyers, Coast Guard cutters, and commercial vessels at its Seattle facility; asbestos insulation was standard in all vessel construction and repair operations
  • Lake Union Drydock — Performed ship repair and maintenance work on Lake Union that involved removing and replacing deteriorating asbestos insulation, exposing workers to high concentrations of airborne fibers

Aerospace Manufacturing — Boeing

Boeing's presence in the Seattle area created one of the largest concentrations of aerospace manufacturing employment in the world. Asbestos was used in aircraft components, factory building insulation, electrical systems, brake linings, and heat-resistant materials throughout Boeing's operations. Workers involved in assembly, maintenance, renovation, and demolition at Boeing plants were exposed to asbestos in multiple forms over extended periods.

  • Boeing Everett Factory — The world's largest building by volume; asbestos was used in original construction insulation, fireproofing, and various aircraft manufacturing processes
  • Boeing Renton Plant — Long-running aircraft assembly facility where asbestos was present in building materials, brake components, and heat-shielding applications
  • Boeing Field (King County International Airport) — Aircraft testing, maintenance, and delivery facility where asbestos-containing components were handled during aircraft completion and servicing

Port Operations

The Port of Seattle is one of the busiest commercial ports on the Pacific Coast. Dock workers, longshoremen, and cargo handlers were exposed to asbestos through the handling of asbestos-containing cargo, working near ships undergoing maintenance, and occupying port buildings and warehouses constructed with asbestos-containing materials.

  • Port of Seattle — Commercial shipping operations, cargo handling, and warehouse facilities where asbestos was present in building materials, ship cargo, and port infrastructure

Power Plants & Utilities

Power generation facilities in the Seattle area used asbestos insulation on boilers, turbines, steam pipes, and electrical components. Workers who operated, maintained, and repaired these facilities faced regular asbestos exposure over the course of their careers.

  • Puget Sound Energy facilities — Power generation plants across the Puget Sound region with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam pipe lagging, and electrical wiring insulation
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Todd Pacific Shipyard Shipbuilding & Repair Pipe lagging, boiler insulation, gaskets, fireproofing 1940s–1980s
Lockheed Shipbuilding Naval Shipbuilding Ship insulation, engine room materials, bulkhead fireproofing 1940s–1970s
Lake Union Drydock Ship Repair Insulation removal/replacement, pipe covering, gaskets 1940s–1980s
Boeing Everett Aerospace Manufacturing Building insulation, fireproofing, aircraft components 1960s–1980s
Boeing Renton Aircraft Assembly Building materials, brake linings, heat shields 1940s–1980s
Port of Seattle Maritime Port Operations Warehouse insulation, cargo handling, ship proximity 1940s–1980s
Puget Sound Energy Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam pipes 1940s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Dozens of additional industrial facilities, construction sites, and commercial buildings across the greater Seattle area used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any shipyard, Boeing facility, port operation, power plant, or construction site in Seattle before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Seattle-area exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Seattle Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Seattle's shipyard, aerospace, and port industries 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 Seattle-area facility, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Shipyard Workers

Workers at Todd Pacific Shipyard, Lockheed Shipbuilding, and Lake Union Drydock performed a wide range of tasks that involved direct asbestos exposure. Ship fitters, welders, painters, and general laborers all worked in environments where asbestos insulation was being installed, removed, or disturbed. Below-deck work in engine rooms and boiler rooms created especially concentrated exposure conditions due to poor ventilation and confined spaces. Shipyard work is among the highest-risk occupations for mesothelioma development.

Boeing Assembly & Maintenance Workers

Workers at Boeing's Everett and Renton plants who assembled aircraft, maintained factory equipment, or performed building maintenance encountered asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, brake components, and heat-shielding materials. Maintenance technicians who worked on factory HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, and building renovations were particularly at risk because these activities frequently disturbed aging asbestos-containing materials installed during original construction.

Welders & Pipefitters

Welders and pipefitters are among the most heavily exposed occupations in Seattle's industrial sector. These tradespeople installed, maintained, and repaired piping systems and structural components in shipyards, Boeing plants, and port facilities. Asbestos-containing pipe insulation, gaskets, and packing materials were standard components. During ship overhauls and factory maintenance, welders worked adjacent to asbestos insulation that was disturbed by cutting, grinding, and heat, releasing dense concentrations of airborne fibers.

Aerospace Technicians

Aerospace technicians at Boeing and related facilities worked with aircraft components that contained asbestos, including brake assemblies, heat shields, electrical insulation, and gasket materials. These workers handled asbestos-containing parts during assembly, testing, inspection, and repair. The specialized nature of aerospace manufacturing meant that many technicians worked with the same asbestos-containing materials repeatedly over years or decades of employment.

Electricians

Electricians in Seattle's shipyards, Boeing plants, and power generation facilities worked near and around asbestos-insulated equipment daily. Running conduit and wiring through areas with deteriorating asbestos insulation released fibers into the breathing zone. On ships and in factory settings, electrical work often required accessing spaces behind walls and above ceilings where asbestos insulation was present, creating direct exposure during installation, maintenance, and repair activities.

Dock Workers & Longshoremen

Workers at the Port of Seattle handled cargo that included asbestos-containing materials, worked in warehouses built with asbestos insulation and fireproofing, and operated in close proximity to ships undergoing repair and maintenance. Longshoremen who loaded and unloaded vessels were exposed to asbestos fibers released from ship insulation and from asbestos products being transported as cargo. The cumulative exposure from years of port employment created significant mesothelioma risk.

Documenting Your Seattle Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Seattle-area shipyard, Boeing facility, port operation, or industrial site, 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 facility records to build your case.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Seattle

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. Seattle's industrial exposure profile — dominated by shipyard work, aerospace manufacturing, and port operations — produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis that reflect the types and duration of asbestos contact that workers in these industries experienced.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Seattle 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. Seattle shipyard workers, Boeing maintenance personnel, and pipefitters who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years of occupational exposure are at the highest risk for pleural mesothelioma. 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 in a Seattle-area shipyard, Boeing facility, or industrial site and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle provide specialized oncology care. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information about the diagnostic process and available treatment approaches.

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. Research has identified a correlation between peritoneal mesothelioma and certain occupational exposures, including those common in Seattle's shipyard and manufacturing environments. Asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum through ingestion (swallowing fibers that were inhaled and cleared from the airways) 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 compared to earlier treatment methods. 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 Seattle patients and their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Near Seattle, Washington

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in the Seattle area have access to some of the region’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.

Seattle Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Seattle and the broader Puget Sound region have a deep connection to military service. The area is home to major naval installations, and thousands of veterans who served in the U.S. Navy and other branches settled in the Seattle area after their service. Many of these veterans carry an asbestos exposure history that combines military service with post-service civilian employment at Seattle's shipyards, Boeing facilities, and port operations.

Naval Operations Through Puget Sound

The U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively in ship construction from the 1930s through the 1970s. Engine rooms, boiler rooms, mess halls, sleeping quarters, and virtually every compartment of naval vessels contained asbestos insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials. Veterans who served aboard Navy ships — particularly those stationed at or transiting through Puget Sound naval facilities — were exposed to asbestos during their service. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, located just across Elliott Bay from Seattle, was one of the Navy's most important shipyards on the West Coast and a major source of asbestos exposure for thousands of servicemembers and civilian shipyard workers. Machinist's mates, boiler technicians, hull maintenance technicians, and enginemen faced the highest exposure levels.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Shipyard or Boeing Work

A pattern seen frequently in Seattle mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took civilian jobs at Todd Pacific Shipyard, Boeing, or other Seattle-area industrial employers after their discharge. The skills that made these veterans effective in the military — welding, pipefitting, mechanical maintenance, and electrical work — were directly transferable to shipyard and aerospace employment. This resulted in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure spanning both military and civilian careers.

The legal significance of dual exposure is substantial. Veterans with this 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, including the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 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 products were used in both military vessels and Seattle industrial facilities
  • 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. Filing for VA benefits does not reduce or prevent compensation from asbestos trust funds or personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys help Seattle-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. Veterans who served at or near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton should pay particular attention to their exposure history at that facility.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Seattle

Asbestos exposure in Seattle did not stop at the shipyard gate or the Boeing plant entrance. 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 Seattle's shipyard and aerospace communities and has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in people who never set foot in a shipyard or factory.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Seattle shipyard workers, Boeing maintenance personnel, and pipefitters 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, where family members inhaled them. Children who greeted parents at the door, sat in their laps, or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. In some cases, workers' vehicles served as an additional exposure pathway, with asbestos fibers accumulating in car interiors that family members shared.

Legal Rights of Seattle 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 Seattle shipyard worker, Boeing employee, or port worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated. Our attorneys have handled numerous secondary exposure cases and understand the specific evidence required to establish the connection between a worker's occupational exposure and a family member's diagnosis.

Support Groups & Resources for Seattle 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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Is Your Family Still Eligible to File?

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

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: Seattle Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at a Seattle shipyard, Boeing facility, or Puget Sound industrial site, this guide explains the legal options available to you and what steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Seattle shipyard and Boeing exposure sites and responsible companies
  • Washington state statute of limitations and filing deadlines
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Seattle shipyard and aerospace cases
  • How to document your Seattle work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases (Puget Sound Naval Shipyard)
  • Secondary exposure rights for Seattle workers' families

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Steps Seattle Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. There is a great deal to process emotionally and medically, and legal considerations add another layer of urgency. The following steps provide a clear, measured path forward for Seattle 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 and University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle provide specialized cancer treatment and clinical trial access. Your treatment plan should be established before anything else.
  2. Document your Seattle work history. Write down every job you held, every facility where you worked, and every trade you performed — particularly any work at Todd Pacific Shipyard, Boeing, Lockheed Shipbuilding, Lake Union Drydock, the Port of Seattle, or any Puget Sound industrial site. Include dates, job titles, the names of employers and contractors, 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: insulation removal, pipe fitting, welding near insulated surfaces, aircraft component handling, or proximity to these activities. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations (especially the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton), and MOS or rating. This timeline will be used to identify 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 may sound like adequate time, building a strong case requires identifying asbestos product manufacturers, gathering employment records, and filing trust fund claims — processes that benefit from starting early. Choose an attorney who focuses specifically on mesothelioma cases and has experience with Pacific Northwest shipyard and aerospace exposure. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather and safeguard any records that support your exposure history: old tax returns showing employers, union membership cards, Social Security earnings statements, military service records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites. These documents strengthen your case and help your attorney identify every applicable source of compensation.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Seattle mesothelioma patients may be entitled to compensation from multiple sources, including personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), workers' compensation, and VA benefits for veterans. Your attorney should evaluate every option and pursue all applicable claims simultaneously.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped families across Washington state 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. 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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Top 100 National Trial Lawyers
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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. 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 Seattle Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at a Seattle shipyard, Boeing facility, port operation, or industrial site and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our attorneys have decades of experience with Pacific Northwest exposure cases and will evaluate every source of compensation available to your family.

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Nationwide Mesothelioma Firm Our attorneys handle cases across the country, including Seattle shipyard and Boeing exposure claims.
Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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FAQ answers reviewed by legal team:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Seattle

Why does Seattle have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Seattle has a high concentration of asbestos exposure sites due to its history as a shipbuilding, aerospace, and maritime hub. The Todd Pacific Shipyard on Harbor Island, Lockheed Shipbuilding, Lake Union Drydock, Boeing's Everett and Renton plants, and the Port of Seattle all used asbestos-containing materials extensively from the 1940s through the 1980s. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Puget Sound shipyard workers faced among the highest occupational asbestos exposure levels in the Pacific Northwest. The 20-to-50-year latency period means these historical exposures continue to produce new mesothelioma diagnoses today.

Which Seattle shipyards used asbestos?

Multiple Seattle-area shipyards used asbestos extensively. Todd Pacific Shipyard on Harbor Island was one of the largest on the West Coast and used asbestos insulation, pipe lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing in all vessel construction and repair. Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company built naval vessels using asbestos-containing materials throughout. Lake Union Drydock performed ship repair work that involved handling asbestos insulation. The nearby Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton was another major exposure site for the region. Our attorneys maintain detailed records of asbestos use at specific Puget Sound shipyards.

Were Boeing workers in Seattle exposed to asbestos?

Yes. Boeing's manufacturing and assembly facilities in Everett and Renton used asbestos in aircraft components, building insulation, brake linings, heat shields, and factory infrastructure. Assembly workers, maintenance technicians, electricians, and HVAC workers at Boeing plants encountered asbestos during routine operations and building renovations spanning decades. The scale of Boeing's Puget Sound operations means thousands of workers may have been exposed over the years.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in Washington state?

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. Given mesothelioma's 20-to-50-year latency period, this distinction is critical. Do not wait to explore your legal options — evidence and witnesses can become unavailable over time, and trust fund payment percentages can decline.

Do Seattle veterans qualify for additional benefits?

Yes. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and later diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation — in addition to civil lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Seattle's proximity to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton and Naval Station Everett means many area veterans experienced asbestos exposure during service. Veterans with dual exposure from military service and subsequent civilian employment at Seattle shipyards or Boeing can pursue multiple compensation sources simultaneously.

Can family members of Seattle workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file their own claims. Seattle shipyard and Boeing 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, asbestos trust funds, and settlements.

How much compensation can Seattle 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. Seattle cases often involve exposure at multiple shipyards, Boeing facilities, and port operations, which can increase total recovery through multiple trust fund claims and lawsuits. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. While no attorney can guarantee a specific amount, our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families and works to maximize every claim.

How do I find a mesothelioma lawyer for my Seattle case?

Look for attorneys who focus specifically on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, have documented experience with Pacific Northwest shipyard and aerospace exposure cases, and work on a contingency fee basis (no fees unless they win). Danziger & De Llano is an experienced mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience handling asbestos cases for shipyard workers, Boeing employees, veterans, and their families nationwide. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and can begin evaluating your case immediately. Call 1-800-400-1805 or submit a form above.

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

Seattle Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at a Seattle shipyard, Boeing facility, or industrial site, 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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