Spokane Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that takes the lives of thousands of Americans each year. It has only one known cause—asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis in Spokane, the Washington mesothelioma lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little can help you seek the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: August 9, 2024
Asbestos Law Firm Serving Spokane County
As the Pacific Northwest’s premier asbestos law firm, Bergman Oslund Udo Little has been fighting for mesothelioma victims and their families in Spokane County since 1995. Since then, we have recovered over $1 billion for the physical, emotional, and financial damages our clients have suffered due to their asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos law is all we do, and that makes all the difference in getting you the results you deserve. Our Spokane mesothelioma lawyers are ready to put our experience to work in your favor if you or someone you love has suffered because of asbestos exposure in or near any of the following communities:
- Spokane Valley
- Liberty Lake
- Cheney
- Airway Heights
- Fairwood
- Medical Lake
- Mead
- Newman Lake
Our Multimillion-Dollar Settlement for a Local Mechanic and His Family
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we’re committed to holding corporations responsible for putting profits over people. This zealous advocacy allowed us to recover a $5.75 million verdict for a now-deceased man who experienced asbestos exposure while working as an auto mechanic at United Volkswagen in Spokane.
The victim’s asbestos exposure occurred between 1972 and 1975 while replacing asbestos-containing brakes and clutches on Volkswagen vehicles, and he died from his illness in February 2021. Our Spokane asbestos cancer attorneys are proud to have secured justice and closure for this family.
Asbestos Exposure in Spokane, WA
Spokane County has among the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths in Washington state. Our Spokane asbestos lawyers have found that certain occupations and job sites have contributed to this high incidence more than others.
Logging and Paper Industry
Spokane’s location in eastern Washington has long made it a hub for the logging and paper industries. Paper mills, in particular, have a history of exposing workers to high asbestos levels through machinery, insulation, gaskets, and packing. Former logging workers are also at risk because they used asbestos-containing protective clothing, gloves, and ropes.
Boise Cascade
Many Spokane paper mill workers were likely exposed working for Boise Cascade, a large wood products manufacturer and building materials distributor. Boise Cascade currently operates a building materials distribution center in Spokane Valley.
The company produced asbestos-containing products until the 1980s, and workers who handled these products may have inhaled dangerous asbestos fibers. Many of Boise Cascade’s manufacturing plants also contained asbestos in their construction, often resulting in airborne asbestos exposure for employees as the materials gradually deteriorated.
Aerospace Industry
As the producer of 95 percent of all commercial aircraft in North America, Washington state has a towering presence in the aerospace industry. The Spokane area has an especially prominent role in this field, with over 8,000 airframe production employees working for a handful of influential aerospace and related supply chain businesses. Unfortunately, this industry’s workers are also at risk of asbestos exposure due to the long history of asbestos use in aircraft manufacturing.
Aircraft mechanics have some of the highest asbestos exposure rates in the aerospace industry. This exposure may occur through routine tasks involving contact with asbestos-containing parts, such as brake pads, gaskets, and valves. Although new aircraft parts do not usually contain significant amounts of asbestos, workers repairing or maintaining older planes may still come into contact with asbestos.
Mining
Spokane was once a bustling hub for mining operations, particularly in the early 20th century. Many mines contain asbestos deposits because the mineral naturally occurs in underground rock formations. Workers in the area who mined for materials such as vermiculite, talc, uranium, aluminum, and silica may have unknowingly been exposed to harmful levels of asbestos dust.
Asbestos was also prevalent in many mining buildings and equipment, such as mills, crushers, and smelters. Damage to these structures or equipment could release asbestos fibers into the air and put workers at risk of exposure.
Washington National Guard
The U.S. National Guard has several bases located throughout Washington state. Spokane has the following four Washington National Guard locations:
- Geiger Field
- Spokane Recruiting Office
- Spokane Readiness Center
- Spokane Storefront
Some of these bases have been in operation since the early 20th century, making them potential sources of asbestos exposure. National Guard veterans and current members may have been exposed to asbestos through building maintenance, vehicle repairs, or other routine activities on the bases.
Auto Mechanics
Motor vehicle manufacturers used asbestos in brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and other heat-resistant components until the 1980s. Auto mechanics in Spokane who worked on older vehicles may have been exposed to asbestos while repairing or replacing these parts. While new car parts no longer contain significant amounts of asbestos, modern mechanics who routinely work on vintage cars may still encounter the mineral.
Spokane International Airport
The structures now comprising the Spokane International Airport were built as far back as the 1940s when asbestos use was common in the construction industry. Remodels and renovations in the years since then may have disturbed asbestos-containing materials, making them airborne. This may have put employees and frequent travelers at risk of inhaling the asbestos fibers. Pipefitters, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other trade workers at the airport have a particularly high risk.
Fairchild Air Force Base
Like all military branches, the United States Air Force used asbestos extensively throughout the 20th century. Fairchild Air Force Base, located just 12 miles southwest of Spokane, was a prominent source of asbestos exposure for Air Force personnel.
The base was built in 1942 and underwent several expansions and upgrades throughout its eight decades of operation, which may have disturbed asbestos-containing materials and exposed service members, civilian employees, and their families to asbestos. Veterans may also have experienced asbestos exposure while working with asbestos-containing aircraft materials on the base.
Union Iron Works
Spokane was home to a Union Iron Works foundry that produced log-branding irons and other iron products. This foundry was one of many metal production facilities located throughout the Pacific Northwest. Because this work involves extremely high temperatures, Union Iron Works and other local foundries used asbestos for its heat-resistant properties.
Asbestos was a common component of building products during foundry construction, including insulation and concrete. Workers’ safety gear also contained asbestos. Any time these materials were disturbed or cut into, asbestos fibers entered the air for workers to inhale and potentially carry home on their clothing.
Kaiser Aluminum
Kaiser Aluminum’s rolling mill in Spokane produces aluminum plates and sheets for engineering and aerospace purposes. The company also operated the Kaiser Aluminum Mead Works smelter, which shut down in 2000.
After the smelter’s shutdown, demolition and cleanup operations revealed high levels of asbestos in the building’s materials. Kaiser Aluminum also made and sold asbestos-containing products between the 1950s and 1970s. Workers’ direct contact with these materials led to asbestos exposure and the potential development of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Bonneville Power Plant
Three million people throughout the Pacific Northwest receive power from the Bonneville Power Administration. Power plants are a significant source of asbestos exposure for industry workers, including those at the Bonneville Power Administration’s power plants. Many of these power plants were likely built with asbestos to insulate equipment, and workers have historically come into contact with asbestos during routine maintenance and repair.
Hanford Power Plant
Asbestos exposure also occurred at the Hanford Site. This nuclear production complex is the site of the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant. Construction on the plant began in 1972 when asbestos was a common component of building materials, making asbestos exposure likely for construction and maintenance workers.
WA Water Power Dam
Washington Water Power began producing power in Spokane in 1890 with the construction of its first hydroelectric generating facility. The company rebuilt the dam in the early 1970s, and asbestos was likely used during construction. As a result, workers involved in the dam’s construction and maintenance may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos.
Third Powerhouse at Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Coulee Dam has been producing hydroelectric power since 1942. The construction of its third powerhouse, known as “Nat,” was completed in 1974. Due to the prevalence of asbestos in the construction industry at that time, this powerhouse’s construction likely involved asbestos-containing materials.
Get a Free Consultation With a Spokane Mesothelioma Attorney
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Spokane or the surrounding areas, you may be eligible for significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The companies responsible for your asbestos exposure may be liable.
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, our experienced Spokane mesothelioma lawyers have deep knowledge of the sources of asbestos exposure in our area, and we can help you hold those responsible for your illness accountable.
Mesothelioma’s toll is far too great to bear alone. Our Spokane mesothelioma cancer attorneys understand the toll a difficult medical diagnosis can take on a family and will help guide you through the legal process with patience and compassion. At our firm, each client works closely with a small team that takes the time to understand the impact of their diagnosis and build a personalized strategy to pursue justice and compensation.
Let us help you access the resources and answers you need to move forward with this difficult journey. Contact us online today or at 206-957-9510 to schedule a free consultation and explore your rights and options with a trusted Spokane asbestos attorney.
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
