Asbestos Maritime

Understanding Asbestos Maritime Issues

Although quite rare, seafarers and other sea workers can be exposed to asbestos when working. Asbestos maritime exposure can cause severe, sometimes fatal asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos-related diseases are quite difficult to detect since it is not common for these type or workers to be exposed to asbestos at sea. Symptoms are very similar to more common and less serious health issues. When a doctor has a seafarer patient with symptoms like trouble breathing or chest pain, he or she may not think to test for an asbestos-related disease without knowing there is such a problem as asbestos maritime exposure.

A doctor would need to take tests such as a CT scan, or chest x-ray to properly diagnose any asbestos-related health issues. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge causes patients to be diagnosed very late in their diseases' stages. This is quite traumatic for the patient and their families.

As you probably already have been told, your disease can only be caused by direct exposure to asbestos and chances are, this happened while you were working on a ship. It does not matter if it's been five year, 15 years or even 30 years since you've stepped onto a work ship. Asbestos maritime exposure does exist and was most likely the only likely place you were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos could have been in the equipment of the machinery you worked on, or even the fireproofing material in the walls or ceiling tile of the room you worked in. You probably were completely unaware that you were breathing in the asbestos on a daily basis. In fact, the longer you were exposed the more severe your condition is.

Contacting Legal Help

This is the time to seek legal help. Asbestos maritime issues are very serious. You have a right to work in a healthy environment and if this does not happen, there are laws that protect you. At this point it would be prudent to begin documenting everything that you can remember about your jobs at sea. That is, document all ships and their descriptions, the jobs that you performed, coworker names and any other related information. You should also document all medical treatment you have received and any future appointments you have scheduled.

The maritime attorneys at Williams Kherkher can help you get this process started and guide you through what needs to be done. Do not wait any longer, as this is a complex area of law and takes time to proceed. Contact Williams Kherkher today.