Williams Kherkher - Mesothelioma Laywer

Dangerous Shipyards: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard

Possibly the oldest shipyard in the U.S., the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was established in 1801 and located in the Southwark District of Philadelphia. The shipyard was relocated in 1876, however, and moved closer to the area where the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers merge.

During the Civil War era, the shipyard was made up of a steam saw mill, floating dry dock, gas fixtures, and housing for officers. As the war continued, the shipyard gained 1700 shipyard workers in order to keep up with demand. The shipyard eventually became less prominent as time passed and in 1876, the shipyard was renamed as the League Island Navy Yard. A plan was made to reinstate the former status of the shipyard and by 1903, the shipyard had become the headquarters of the Fourth Naval District.

During WWI, the shipyard grew again – adding new barracks, new shipways, a laboratory, a hammerhead crane, a new drydock, the Naval Aircraft Factory, and a prisoner of war camp. While the shipyard enjoyed a prosperous time in the mid-1900s, the shipyard was closed in 1996, a year after completing the USS Kennedy project.

Although this shipyard did many good things for our country, the men and women employed by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard were exposed to many dangerous materials while completing their jobs. Asbestos was widely used in the shipbuilding industry until 1975, meaning that anyone who worked in the industry before that time was most likely exposed to the dangerous substance. If you or a loved one worked on ships before 1975 or work on older ships that were built before 1975, there is a large chance that you have been exposed to asbestos. Visiting your doctor for an examination if you believe this is the case.

Asbestos fibers that enter the body slowly develop into larger health problems over time, including respiratory problems and even forms of cancer. Mesothelioma is a common form of cancer that develops in individuals who were exposed to asbestos fibers at their workplace. If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma as a result of your job, contact the mesothelioma lawyers of Williams Kherkher today by calling 866-950-9000.