Baltimore Asbestos Attorney

Although Maryland is one of the smaller states in the country by size and population, the city of Baltimore is one of the most populous cities in the nation. With a population exceeding 600,000 residents, this port city has a proud industrial and manufacturing heart beating at the city’s center.

As such, Baltimore has suffered disproportionately from asbestos-related diseases when compared to the state of Maryland. CDC statistics show that the state of Maryland has an average death rate for mesothelioma, whereas the mesothelioma incidence rate and average death rate in Baltimore is far higher.

Why Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a mineral that is durable, heat resistant and fire resistant as well. These properties led to the widespread adoption of asbestos at industrial jobsites, including the shipyards that are now iconic reminders of Baltimore industry.

The durable, beneficial asbestos properties are paired with an Achilles heel of sorts that is toxic for humans. Namely, asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that release into the air if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. These microscopic fibers are then easily swallowed or inhaled.

Once these fibers enter the body, otherwise healthy cells can be turned into cancerous mesothelioma cells. This process does not occur quickly, however, as mesothelioma is known to have a long latency period that means a single asbestos exposure can take decades before mesothelioma is diagnosed by a medical professional.

In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. All of these diseases can and are fatal for victims who are diagnosed with these diseases.

For mesothelioma, specifically, survival rates for victims are improving, but the situation is still dire in many instances. Research indicates that adults under 50 have a fewer than 60% chance of surviving one year after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Worse, senior citizens who are over 75 years of age have just over a 28% chance of surviving more than a year after the diagnosis.

Simply put, asbestos exposure claims too many lives from innocent victims and their families. The extensive shipbuilding and industrial past of Baltimore sadly means that many Baltimore workers have lost their lives to these deadly asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Exposure in Baltimore

CDC findings estimate that more than 1,000 Baltimore County residents have passed away due to an asbestos-related illness between 1999 and 2013. The city of Baltimore alone had an estimated 518 residents pass away over the same time period.

Known jobsites that exposed Baltimore residents to the dangers of asbestos include:

• Bethlehem Shipyard
• Domino Sugar Refinery
• Curtis Bay Shipyard
• Fairfield Shipyard
• Franklin Square Hospital
• General Motors
• Maryland Dry Dock & Shipbuilding Company
• Mexican Petroleum Corporation
• National Sugar Manufacturing Company
• Newport News Shipyard
• Sparrows Point Shipyard

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working at one of these Baltimore shipyards or any other asbestos jobsite, talk to a Baltimore mesothelioma lawyer.

Talk to a Baltimore Mesothelioma Lawyer

The Ledger Law Firm represents victims of a wrongful asbestos exposure who suffered from an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma. This includes both workers who were diagnosed as well as surviving family members.

Our team builds a strong case that proves your family’s mesothelioma suffering was caused by a party who is legally responsible for the asbestos exposure, which will entitle your family to legal compensation.

Contact us online today to discuss your mesothelioma lawsuit against any parties who exposed you or a loved one to asbestos in Baltimore.