From its incorporation in 1920, Anchorage has experienced tremendous growth, particularly in the railroad, air transportation, power station, and military industries. Many of these employers relied on asbestos, putting workers at risk of harmful exposure. If you’ve been injured, an Anchorage mesothelioma lawyer could help you.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top Anchorage mesothelioma lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Asbestos in Anchorage
- Alaska’s largest city is Anchorage. This area has had the greatest number of asbestos-related deaths in the state.
- From 1999 to 2017, there were over 500 deaths from asbestos exposure in the Anchorage borough.
- Some of the industries and employers in Anchorage that used asbestos and put workers at risk include the U.S. Air Force, power stations, and oil companies.
- The mesothelioma death rate in Alaska, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is around 21 individuals per million each year.
Do I Need an Anchorage Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need an experienced asbestos attorney or firm. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent asbestos exposure. A lawyer can determine which companies exposed you to asbestos and help you take legal action against them.
They can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek a settlement with compensation for your medical and other expenses. They can also help you file a claim with an asbestos trust if the companies responsible went bankrupt.
Holding negligent companies liable for asbestos exposure is important. It sets precedents for other companies and gets victims the money they need for costly treatments.
Anchorage and Alaska have military installations that used asbestos. Veterans have some of the highest rates of asbestos illnesses due to heavy use by the military. If you are a veteran, a lawyer can help you seek benefits from the VA, including monthly disability compensation.
How Do I Find a Top Anchorage Mesothelioma Firm?
Don’t settle for any lawyer or firm. Asbestos cases may take place locally, but they often involve companies in other states and are complicated.
Look for large national firms with experience litigating asbestos cases in Anchorage and throughout the country. They have the expertise and resources to give you the best chance of winning your case.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Anchorage?
Most asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. Many industries used asbestos. The military also used asbestos heavily. These are some of the places in Anchorage known to have used asbestos and put workers at risk.
Elmendorf Air Force Base
Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB) was a major Anchorage-area hot spot for asbestos use. The Elmendorf AFB powerhouse used especially high amounts of asbestos.
The powerhouse was built a decade after the base was created and during a time when asbestos was heavily used, despite warnings about its risks already starting to surface.
The powerhouse operated under extremely high temperatures, so it used asbestos in a variety of products, equipment, parts, and machinery, for managing heat, insulating, and preventing fire:
- Turbine engines
- Boilers
- Generators
Although asbestos protected workers from high temperatures that could cause severe burning and injuries, the harmful mineral posed a dangerous risk when workers inhaled airborne asbestos fibers.
When asbestos is disturbed, its fibers become loose in the air, making them easy to inhale. These tiny fibers can then lodge in a person’s abdomen, heart, or lungs, causing serious health issues.
Many workers are still at risk for developing malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases after prolonged exposure to asbestos while working at the base. These illnesses take decades to manifest.
Most individuals are not aware of their exposure until many years later, when they receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma or another type of cancer. This delayed realization underscores the insidious nature of asbestos-related diseases, highlighting the critical need for awareness and prevention.
Chugach Electric Association
Chugach Electric Association is one of the largest employers in Anchorage and one of the biggest utility cooperatives in the state. Chugach once relied heavily on harmful asbestos.
Asbestos use was so extensive that Chugach faced litigation over air quality complaints and the health risks of industrial asbestos.
In addition to operations at its own headquarters, Chugach also oversaw several upgrades at area power plants that contained asbestos. Workers were responsible for constructing new buildings and equipment, many containing asbestos.
In the 1960s, Chugach began using natural gas. Consequently, workers were responsible for removing coal burners before replacing them with more energy-efficient natural gas.
These workers were at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers while removing the coal burners.
Additional Job Sites and Businesses Associated with Asbestos Use in Anchorage
Anchorage was home to several businesses that once used asbestos extensively. This was particularly true for the oil refinery industry, where the material was favored for its heat-resistant properties. Oil refineries operate under conditions of intense heat and flames, making asbestos a practical choice for insulation and safety until it was recognized as hazardous to workers’ health.
Some buildings constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still in use today.
Oil Companies
- Pan American Oil
- Union Oil (Ocean Dock Road)
- Standard Oil
- Tesoro Alaska Company
- Williams Alaska Petroleum
Hospitals
- Alaska Native Service Hospital
Other Businesses
- Anchorage International Airport
- Alyeska Pipeline
- Bernice Lake Power Station
- Campbell Creek Pump Station
- Fort Richardson
- Industrial Air Products (Lox Facility)
- Anchorage Sewer Utility Board
- Chevron Asphalt Company
Asbestos in Alaska‘s Shipbuilding Industry
Asbestos was a widely utilized material in the shipbuilding industry in Alaska due to its exceptional resistance to fire and heat. This made it an ideal choice for insulating pipes, boilers, and other equipment that needed to withstand high temperatures.
Common Uses of Asbestos in Shipyards:
- Insulation: Asbestos was extensively used for insulating steam pipes, turbines, and other high-temperature equipment.
- Fireproofing: The material was applied to various components to prevent fire spread, thus ensuring safety aboard vessels.
- Gaskets and Valves: Many gaskets and valves contained asbestos to ensure robust sealing capabilities in high-pressure environments.
While the use of asbestos provided significant benefits in terms of safety and durability, it also posed serious health risks. Unfortunately, many shipyards, including those in Alaska such as the Seward Ship’s Drydock, still have structures containing asbestos, which puts workers at risk of exposure.
Why Is Asbestos Only Dangerous When Disrupted?
Asbestos is generally safe when left undisturbed. This is because its harmful potential lies in its fibers. When materials containing asbestos remain intact and untouched, the fibers are securely bound within the material, posing no immediate risk.
The Hazard of Disturbance
- Natural Binding: In its undisturbed state, asbestos fibers are bound tightly within construction materials, tiles, or insulation. This minimizes any risk of exposure to the air.
- Release of Fibers: Once these materials are moved, damaged, or disrupted, the fibers can break loose into the environment.
Health Implications
Breathing in these free-floating fibers can lead to severe health problems. Once inhaled, they may lodge themselves in the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Unfortunately, it can take years or even decades for any resulting conditions, such as mesothelioma or other forms of cancer, to manifest.
Understanding this risk is crucial for anyone managing older buildings or handling materials that may contain asbestos.
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice.
-Natalie F
Mesothelioma Treatment in Anchorage
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestosis, or any other type of cancer, Anchorage’s Cancer Care Center at Alaska Regional Hospital provides a wide range of care services and treatment options, which include state-of-the-art medical equipment, cancer support, education, and information.
Alaska Regional Hospital Cancer Care Center
Medical Office Building C, Suite 414
2801 DeBarr Road Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 276-1131
Legal Assistance in Anchorage
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
