Oregon Asbestos Exposure

Oregon has a strong background in the shipbuilding industry, with several shipyards along its northwest coast. As shipyard history entails, many contain asbestos either in the ships already built, being built or being demolished. Thousands of workers in these shipyards are at risk for inhaling asbestos fibers and even eventually developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. In addition to the presence of a shipbuilding industry, Oregon also has power and chemical plants, which both have a history of asbestos usage.

Jobs with Asbestos Exposure in Oregon

Shell Oil has a refinery in the state of Oregon. The processing plant more than likely uses asbestos-containing insulation to cover its pipelines that convert crude oil into gasoline. The hundreds of workers in this refinery risk being exposed to asbestos every time they arrive at work. The asbestos may not be a threat, but at some point, the mere disturbance of a section of the fibers can cause it to release into the air and later be inhaled by workers. Because the plant processed a very flammable chemical (oil), asbestos was used to insulate due to its resistance to fire and heat.

Shipyards in Oregon were also affected by asbestos. Many vessels have been demolished and built in these very shipyards. Asbestos-containing products were commonly used in the construction of these ships from the 1930s until the 1980s. When asbestos is disturbed, especially during demolishment, the fibers are released into the air exposing people to the deadly particles.

Where You May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos in Oregon

Shipyards

• Tongue Point Naval Shipyard
• South Portland Shipyard
• Albina Shipyard
• Dyer Shipyard
• Cascade Shipyard
• Swan Island Shipyard
• Williamette Iron and Steel Shipyard
• Northwest Marine Ironworks
• Astoria Voyage Repair Station

Metal Works

• Oregon Steel Mills, Inc.
• Martin-Marietta Aluminum Co.

Power Plants

• Warm Springs
• Ogden Martin
• PG& E

Asbestos-Related Deaths in Oregon

Oregon's asbestos fatality rate is more than 850 deaths since 1980, with mesothelioma evenly accounted for in the total. Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Legal Resources for Oregon

Oregon statute allows you two years to file a personal injury claim based upon proof of negligence on behalf of the asbestos manufacturers and/or your employers. Due to mesothelioma's latency period from the time of exposure to the time you are diagnosed, this particular statute may not apply.

The statute of limitations in the state of Oregon for an asbestos case can be different from personal injury statutes. Even if your case has merit, missing the window of opportunity to file within the set statute of limitations can leave you unable to file your claim. It is advised that you contact us and let us help you determine if you have a potential case and to draft a time-line for your lawsuit of when your statutes are over.