Malignant mesothelioma is devastating cancer caused by asbestos exposure. When invisible asbestos particles are inhaled or swallowed, they become lodged in the lung or abdominal lining. Over time, the particles cause scarring and inflammation that can lead to cancer in some people.
The most common form is pleural mesothelioma that affects the delicate linings of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer and affects the lining of the abdominal organs. Most mesothelioma patients live less than a year, but some patients with peritoneal cancer can live longer.
There are 3,000 new cases reported each year in the US. While the cancer is rare, it is one of the deadliest and most aggressive. (Cancer.org).
West Virginia and Asbestos Exposure
Most asbestos exposure occurs in heavy industry and manufacturing occupations. If you did not work in one of those professions, you probably have a low risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
West Virginia does not have any asbestos deposits, but its history of heavy industry has led to it having a higher than average number of mesothelioma cases – 14 per one million residents. (mesothelioma.com)
West Virginia Sites of Asbestos Exposure
West Virginia does not have a lot of natural resources, but many companies throughout the state used asbestos as a cheap way to protect against fire.
Coal Mines
Coal mining is still an important part of the economy in West Virginia, employing at least 12,000 workers. While the state does not have any asbestos mines, West Virginia miners still could be exposed to asbestos while digging for other minerals.
Some coal deposits may be contaminated with asbestos, and mining equipment sometimes contains asbestos to control heat and friction. Two mining companies with asbestos exposure issues are Consolidation Coal Company and Ben Franklin Coal Company.
Steel and Railroads
Weirton Steel is the biggest industrial employer in West Virginia today. In the past, it used asbestos for thermal insulation for metalworking machinery and exposed hundreds of workers to asbestos. (asbestos.com)
Norfolk Southern Railway also used asbestos to build trains and railroad tracks. Both companies have been sued by former workers who claim they got mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while working at both firms.
Power Plants
Power companies often used asbestos to control fire and heat in turbines and other electrical equipment. Fort Martin Power Plant in Martinsburg and Albright Power Station are two power companies in West Virginia that exposed workers to asbestos before 1980.
Whether asbestos was in the walls of buildings or used in equipment, power plants regularly exposed workers to asbestos. Some companies even had protective equipment for workers made from asbestos.
Manufacturing
The city of Clarksburg has a long history of industry and manufacturing going back almost 100 years, especially in glass production. Unfortunately, while these companies were making products, they exposed workers to asbestos. Glassmaking machines often contain asbestos, and sometimes it was in insulation in building walls, as well.
Two companies in Clarksburg that exposed workers to asbestos are Fourco Glass and Centurial Products.
Oil Refineries
The oil industry is not a big economic driver in West Virginia, but there are oil refineries in several cities. Ergon opened a refinery in the state, as did several others.
Asbestos was used often in the oil refining business because of the high levels of heat and chemical processes in the facilities. It was an affordable and effective solution to protect plants from fire and chemical disasters, but it endangered worker health, as well.
West Virginia Job Sites With Asbestos Exposure
If you worked at one of the West Virginia employers below, you may have been exposed to asbestos:
- Appalachian Power Company
- Weirton Steel
- Gordon Gasket and Packing Company
- Norfolk Southern Railroad
- Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel
- Tyco Healthcare Group
- Gordon Gasket and Packing Company
West Virginia Asbestos Exposure Laws
The Division of Air Quality is tasked with enforcing federal asbestos NESHAP rules. The federal rule has requirements related to renovation and demolition activities of structures that may contain asbestos.
Before any contractor in West Virginia renovates or demolishes a building, there must be an inspection of the facility to check if there are any asbestos-containing materials. If there is asbestos present, a written notice must be delivered to the department within 10 working days of beginning renovation or demolition work.
All asbestos-containing materials must be removed and disposed of in proper containers and buried in an approved landfill. (DEP.WV.gov).
West Virginia Asbestos Attorneys
If you have mesothelioma, you probably have high medical expenses, cannot work, and wonder how you are going to provide for your family. You could be entitled to compensation from the West Virginia company that exposed you to the toxic substance. Talk to one of these mesothelioma attorneys today:
Motley Rice Attorneys At Law
50 Clay Street, Suite 1
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26501
(212) 577-0040
www.motleyrice.com
Lawyers at Motley Rice have been handling asbestos lawsuits for decades. The firm’s co-founder was recognized as one of the groundbreaking attorneys in asbestos litigation in the 1970s. Talk to these West Virginia attorneys today if you have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer. They may be able to get you mesothelioma compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
West Law Firm Injury Attorneys
1514 Kanawha Boulevard E, Suite 2
Charleston, West Virginia, 25311
(877) 943-9378
www.westinjurylawyers.com
Having an experienced West Virginia mesothelioma working for you is vital if you have been exposed to asbestos. This eases the stress of your financial situation and allows you to focus on your health. This law firm has years of litigation experience in asbestos exposure cases and they can help you get the compensation you need.
Colombo Law
341 Chaplin Road, 2nd Floor
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26501
(304) 599-4229
www.colombolaw.com
The asbestos exposure attorneys at Colombo law can help you if you have been exposed to this dangerous substance and have mesothelioma. They have the skill, experience, and tenacity to find the companies that exposed you to asbestos and hold them accountable.
Request West Virginia Mesothelioma Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, you are entitled to financial compensations without ever filing an asbestos, lung cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit. You need legal representation to get started. Mesothelioma & lung cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871 immediately.
