The widow of a man who passed away after decades of working in a San Francisco shipyard recently filed an asbestos cancer lawsuit against the federal contractor responsible for the cleanup efforts on which the victim worked. The mesothelioma cancer lawsuit names Pasadena, California-based Tetra Tech, which is embroiled in a $27 billion lawsuit with other residents of Hunter's Point suing for their own damages incurred from the botched cleanup effort. Residents believe it could be decades before their community is safe.
According to the mesothelioma lawsuit, the victim passed away in 2106 after working for decades as a laborer for Tetra Tech's cleanup of toxic substances at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard, right next to the surrounding residential community. The plaintiff claims that her husband frequently performed his duties without being issued hazardous materials protection suits or respirator masks to block toxic particles in the air.
The lawsuit claims Tetra Tech has repeatedly lied about the levels of asbestos, radiation, and other toxic substances still found on the site since the cleanup project concluded. While the defendant stands behind its work, the Navy and Environmental Protection Agency have both come out and said they believe the shipyard and surrounding area may still contain radioactive material even after 12 years of cleanup and testing.
As a result of his exposure, the plaintiff developed mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and military applications for its heat resistant properties. Consequently, asbestos cancer victims were often employed on military bases and naval shipyards as members of cleanup crews, pipefitters, welders, and construction workers.
Although asbestos has been heavily regulated since the federal government passed legislation restricting its use in 1970s, thousands of innocent people have been exposed to the deadly carcinogen due to improperly conducted abatement projects. When companies fail to take proper precautions to protect their workers, exposure can result in serious health complications, including mesothelioma. Even those harmed by asbestos before its regulation may have viable claims as defendants knew for decades about the health risks posed to innocent people who came into contact with asbestos.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused the careless actions of negligent asbestos companies, filing civil lawsuits in court is often the only way to hold these bad actors accountable and force them to take responsibility. By filing a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit, victims can recover compensation for their hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
