Wenatchee Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a deadly, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure that typically occurred decades earlier. Wenatchee workers were most commonly exposed to asbestos in power plants, copper mines, and the Alcoa Aluminum Smelter. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our experienced Wenatchee mesothelioma lawyers can identify the source and pursue substantial compensation from the responsible companies.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: August 9, 2024
Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving Wenatchee, Washington
We are the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm with over 25 years of experience helping asbestos exposure victims in Washington get justice. We have a proven track record of the highest settlements and verdicts in Washington, with more than $1 billion in compensation recovered for our deserving clients.
We work exclusively in the Pacific Northwest and are thoroughly familiar with the judges, defense attorneys, and court systems. Moreover, we have deep knowledge of the local sources of asbestos exposure and the companies responsible for it. Our focus is narrow to offer the most effective representation and caring support for clients.
Washington is our home. It is where many of our attorneys grew up and attended law school. We live in the same communities as our clients and understand the toll a mesothelioma diagnosis can take on you and your family. When you have Bergman Oslund Udo Little on your side, you will get a team of dedicated legal professionals who will take the time to understand the impact of your diagnosis and build a personalized strategy to get you the compensation you deserve.
We proudly represent asbestos exposure victims in Wenatchee and communities throughout Chelan County, including the following:
- Chelan
- Sunnyslope
- Cashmere
- Leavenworth
- Entiat
- And more
Asbestos Exposure in Chelan County
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common source of contact with the material in Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. The following industries in Wenatchee used asbestos from the 1930s until at least the late 1970s:
- Electrical metal refining
- Hydroelectric power plants
- The lumber industry
- Manufacturing
- Steamboat transportation
- Copper mining
- Metalworking and smelters
- Construction
How Did Employers Use Asbestos in Chelan County?
Employers and manufacturers used asbestos for fire protection and insulation in electrical wiring, power plants, and electrical metal refining. They also used it in machinery, engines, and boilers in manufacturing settings, mines, and power plants.
Workers in the lumber and construction industries were exposed to asbestos in adhesives and compounds in wood products. Construction workers were also exposed through various materials, including building and pipe insulation, floor tiles, roof tiles, drywall, cement, HVAC ductwork, and masonry surrounding chimneys and fireplaces.
Some asbestos exposure during copper mining occurred because of mine contamination, as asbestos occurs naturally in the same areas as copper. Workers who did not handle asbestos directly could also be exposed to asbestos via damaged components in the buildings where they worked.
For example, many school buildings were constructed when asbestos was commonly used in building components. When the flooring becomes worn from heavy traffic, asbestos in the floor tiles can become airborne, allowing children and school personnel to inhale them.
Wenatchee Occupations with a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Although asbestos is heavily restricted today, workers are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses every year. That’s because these diseases are latent and typically appear 10 to 60 years after workers were exposed to asbestos. Meanwhile, workers using older equipment or working in buildings constructed before 1990 continue to experience asbestos exposure today. Workers in the following occupations may have an increased risk of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure:
- Carpenters
- Roofers
- Tile layers
- Electricians
- Insulation workers
- Drywallers
- HVAC workers
- Pot liners in smelters
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Metal workers
- Building demolition workers
- Firefighters
- Teachers
The risk of asbestos exposure is lower today than during the peak of asbestos use, but workers in some professions continue to experience a high risk of exposure. These include building demolition workers, plumbers, firefighters, and teachers.
Wenatchee Alcoa Aluminum Smelter
Wenatchee Works is a former aluminum smelter located near Malaga that exposed hundreds of workers to asbestos. Due to the high temperatures required during the smelting process, asbestos was used in protective clothing and pot lining.
At times, Alcoa’s workers used jackhammers to remove the lining, disturbing the asbestos and exposing workers to dust containing the material. Workers were also exposed while applying the asbestos-containing substance to the pots. The smelter closed in 2021.
Client Story: $3.3 Million Mesothelioma Settlement For a Young Wenatchee Resident
The Alcoa Aluminum Smelter was one of the most significant sources of asbestos exposure in Chelan County throughout the 1900s. Workers regularly took asbestos fibers home on their skin, hair, and clothing, exposing family members. This is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Although she had not worked with asbestos, our client was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 33—devastatingly young for a mesothelioma diagnosis. The average age of diagnosis is 72. Our client contracted mesothelioma so young because of childhood exposure. Her grandfather brought asbestos fibers home from his job at the Alcoa Aluminum Smelter. She was also exposed through household construction projects.
Our knowledgeable mesothelioma attorneys in Wenatchee secured a $3.3 million settlement—one of many multimillion-dollar recoveries we have achieved in mesothelioma claims. Below are just a few other examples of our successful case results:
- $11.2 million for a shipyard worker exposed to asbestos
- $6.8 million for a 37-year-old telephone line maintenance worker
- $6.3 million for a former foundry worker with mesothelioma
- $4.9 million for a pipefitter diagnosed with mesothelioma
Our Wenatchee Asbestos Lawyers Can Help with Your Mesothelioma Claim
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Wenatchee or the surrounding areas, you may be eligible for significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The companies that manufactured and sold asbestos to the employer or building contractor where you were exposed may be liable. As an established mesothelioma law firm in Wenatchee for decades, we know the companies that supplied asbestos to the businesses in our area, and we can help you hold them accountable.
We are committed to treating each client with mutual trust, respect, and compassion. You have nothing to lose by reaching out to our dedicated attorneys. We charge no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win. You do not have to come to us; we make home and hospital visits. We will go above and beyond to support you and your family during this difficult time.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call our Wenatchee mesothelioma lawyers today at (206) 957-9510 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
