Asbestos exposure remains a serious health risk for American workers, especially those in high-risk industries like construction and shipbuilding. Both groups face increased risk for developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. However, asbestos payouts for these workers can vary significantly based on occupation, diagnosis, and legal factors.
In this article, we’ll explore how asbestos payouts differ for construction workers vs. shipyard workers, what influences compensation amounts, and what victims need to know when pursuing a claim.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure in High-Risk Industries
The Nature of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, microscopic asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in lung tissue, leading to chronic illnesses decades later. This delayed onset means workers exposed in the 1960s–1980s are just now receiving diagnoses.
High-Risk Occupations: Why Construction and Shipyard Workers?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), both construction sites and shipyards were notorious for heavy asbestos use through the mid-20th century.
- Construction workers handled asbestos-laden materials like insulation, drywall, cement, roofing shingles, and floor tiles.
- Shipyard workers encountered asbestos in pipe insulation, boiler rooms, engine rooms, and hull linings, particularly during World War II and the Cold War shipbuilding boom.
Both groups were often unaware of the danger due to lack of safety regulations and employer negligence.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
Types of Asbestos Claims
Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for several types of compensation:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits – Filed against negligent manufacturers or contractors.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits – Filed by surviving family members.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims – More than $30 billion is available in trusts set up by bankrupt asbestos companies.
- VA Benefits – For veterans exposed during military service.
- Workers’ Compensation – Varies by state and has limitations.
Factors That Affect Payouts
- Diagnosis: Mesothelioma typically yields the highest settlements, followed by lung cancer, then asbestosis.
- Occupation: Jurors often award higher compensation to workers in higher-risk jobs due to perceived negligence.
- Proof of Exposure: Documented exposure at known asbestos sites or companies strengthens a claim.
- Legal Representation: Attorneys with asbestos litigation experience tend to secure larger settlements.
Construction Workers: Exposure Risks and Typical Compensation
Common Exposure Scenarios
Construction workers often worked around:
- Spray-applied asbestos insulation
- Joint compound and plaster
- Roof shingles and felt
- Pipe insulation
- Cement panels
Even today, demolition or renovation of old buildings can expose workers to “legacy asbestos.”
Average Payouts for Construction Workers
According to the RAND Corporation and legal claim databases:
- Mesothelioma payouts for construction workers range from $1 million to $2.4 million.
- Asbestosis and lung cancer claims average $100,000 to $600,000, depending on severity and proof of exposure.
- Many claims are resolved via asbestos trust funds, with construction workers receiving between $20,000 and $200,000 per trust, depending on individual trust criteria.
Real-World Example
In 2021, a California jury awarded $2.5 million to a retired plumber diagnosed with mesothelioma after working with asbestos-laden pipes in residential buildings.
Shipyard Workers: Exposure Risks and Typical Compensation
Common Exposure Scenarios
Shipyard workers were heavily exposed to asbestos while:
- Installing and maintaining insulation in engine rooms
- Welding or grinding asbestos-coated components
- Working below deck in confined spaces with poor ventilation
- Retrofitting Navy vessels or breaking down ships
The U.S. Department of Labor lists shipyard work among the most hazardous asbestos occupations due to the scale and intensity of exposure.
Average Payouts for Shipyard Workers
- Mesothelioma lawsuits for shipyard workers average $2 million to $4 million, particularly when linked to military contracts or government negligence.
- Veterans who worked in Navy shipyards may qualify for VA disability compensation up to $3,600/month, depending on dependents and rating.
- Asbestos trust funds also compensate shipyard workers generously due to historical data showing high exposure rates.
Real-World Example
In 2022, a former Navy shipyard electrician received a $3.8 million settlement after a mesothelioma diagnosis tied to decades of service at a federal shipyard.
Key Differences in Payouts: Construction vs. Shipyard Workers
| Factor | Construction Workers | Shipyard Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure Intensity | Moderate to high (intermittent) | Very high (prolonged, enclosed spaces) |
| Average Mesothelioma Payout | $1M–$2.4M | $2M–$4M |
| Access to VA Benefits | Limited (unless veteran) | Common (many were federal employees) |
| Trust Fund Eligibility | Moderate to high | Very high (many named shipyard companies) |
| Legal Challenges | May need more exposure documentation | Often easier to trace asbestos sources |
Why Shipyard Workers May Receive Higher Payouts
Several factors contribute to higher average payouts for shipyard workers:
- Historical Government Contracts: Many shipyards worked on federal contracts, increasing liability.
- Stronger Medical Records: Longer durations of exposure make it easier to link illnesses to asbestos.
- Veterans’ Benefits: Shipyard workers with military service may qualify for both civil and VA compensation.
- Sympathetic Jurors: Juries may empathize more with workers exposed in patriotic service roles.
That said, construction workers can still receive large payouts—especially when diagnosed with mesothelioma and represented by skilled attorneys.
Navigating the Legal Process
Filing a Claim
Victims should gather the following before filing:
- Medical records confirming diagnosis
- Work history with employer names and locations
- Witness statements or coworkers’ affidavits
- Legal consultation with an asbestos-focused firm
Choosing the Right Attorney
Select a lawyer who:
- Has successfully litigated asbestos claims
- Knows relevant state laws and statutes of limitation
- Can access asbestos trust databases and expert witnesses
Some attorneys work on contingency, taking a percentage of the settlement rather than upfront fees.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Maximize Your Compensation
Whether you’re a retired roofer or a former shipyard welder, asbestos exposure can have devastating consequences. The law offers significant financial compensation, but the amount depends on your occupation, illness, and legal support.
Shipyard workers often receive higher asbestos payouts due to intense and prolonged exposure, frequent VA eligibility, and easier legal documentation. Construction workers, while also heavily impacted, may face more hurdles unless exposure can be clearly proven.
Both groups deserve justice. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos, consult a qualified asbestos attorney to explore your options.
References
- RAND Corporation. “Asbestos Litigation: Costs and Compensation.” https://www.rand.org
- Environmental Protection Agency. “Asbestos and Health: EPA Guidelines.” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
- U.S. Department of Labor. “Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace.” https://www.osha.gov
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Mesothelioma and VA Disability Benefits.” https://www.va.gov
- Mealey’s Litigation Reports. “Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements.”
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
