Galveston Docks – Texas
The Galveston Docks are located outside of Houston, Texas along the Gulf Coast. The Galveston Docks are accessible by a causeway that links Galveston Island to the mainland, a toll bridge or ferry. In 1825, the original Port of Galveston began as a trading center. Today the Port is 850 acres with facilities to handle many cargo vessels.
Asbestos & the Galveston Docks
Like many other U.S. shipyards, the Galveston Docks shipyard used asbestos extensively in its industrial operations. Asbestos was used by shipyards such as the Galveston Docks, for many reasons. Asbestos was used to build, repair, fire proof, and insulate ships. Ship machinery, including boilers and furnaces, was constructed with asbestos. In aging ships and older industrial plants, it is very likely that asbestos is still present.
When asbestos materials are manipulated, asbestos fibers may become airborne. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, serious health complications can occur. Asbestos health complications were not known until the 1980s and for years, shipyard workers at the Galveston Docks worked in unsafe conditions without proper protection. There are many serious and possibly fatal health problems caused by asbestos exposure including:
- Mesothelioma (a cancer of the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs, including the lungs)
- lung cancer
- asbestosis (lung tissue scarring)
- cancer in other body organs
A medical study conducted at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that 86% of ship yard workers with 20 or more years of shipyard employment develop asbestos-related diseases, including Mesothelioma. In recent years, shipyard companies have been the targets of lawsuits brought by shipyard workers injured by asbestos exposure. Shipyard workers affected by asbestos exposure, including those from Galveston Docks, have turned to experienced asbestos lawyers for help.
Asbestos Injuries at the Galveston Docks – Texas
If you or a loved one worked for Galveston Docks shipyard, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Talk to your physician about your exposure for more information regarding your health. Next, contact us today to learn more and assess your legal rights.