Newport News Shipyard (today Newport News Shipbuilding) was once one of the largest shipbuilders in the United States. It used hundreds of asbestos products in its daily operations. Asbestos at Newport News led to exposure in many workers who were at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
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Did Newport News Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?
The Newport News Shipyard operated during a time of peak asbestos use in the shipbuilding industry. From about the 1930s through the 1970s, Newport News Shipbuilding used hundreds of asbestos components in ships and in the buildings and equipment at the shipyard.
Shipyards like Newport News relied on asbestos primarily for its insulating abilities. It could also provide fireproofing for ships and was affordable and readily available. Most shipyards and many other industries used asbestos for decades, putting workers at risk of exposure and illness.
Newport News Shipyard History
Newport News Shipyard started as the Chesapeake Dry Dock & Construction Company in 1886 along the James River in Newport News, Virginia. Years later, its name changed to Newport News Shipyard as it began building both naval and commercial vessels.
Early History
Collis P. Huntington, an industrialist, built the shipyard, and by 1891, Newport News Shipbuilding had built its first vessel. The shipyard built several other ships within the next six years, including the USS Nashville, USS Wilmington, and USS Helena.
In 1927, Newport News Shipyard built the GRT SS California, one of the largest merchant ships to be built in the United States. Several other vessels followed, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, President Coolidge, and SS America.
World War II and Post-War Years
During World War II, the Newport News Shipbuilding received a $22 million investment from the U.S. Navy. The shipyard built numerous aircraft carriers, cruisers, battleships, and more.
By the end of the war, the shipyard had built over 240 ships and was awarded an “E” for excellence pennant by the U.S. Navy.
In 1960, Newport News built the Robert E. Lee, the shipyard’s first nuclear submarine. In 1961, the USS Enterprise was launched, followed by the USS Nimitz in 1975. During the 1970s, Newport News Shipyard also launched two of the biggest tanks ever built and several liquefied natural gas carriers.
Newport News Shipbuilding Today
In 2008, Newport News Shipyard was combined into the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. In 2011, the shipyard was combined with Ingalls Shipyard to create the Huntington Ingalls Industries, owned by Northrop Grumman.
Today, Newport News Shipyard is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. It concentrates on building nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the Navy.
How Did Newport News Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?
As with almost every other shipyard in the past in the U.S., Newport News Shipyard relied on asbestos for its resistance to heat and fire, affordability, and ease of use.
Asbestos went into hundreds of components used to build and repair ships, including:
- Insulation
- Pipes
- Cement
- Wall and ceiling panels
- Gaskets
- Pumps
- Valves
Shipyards also had asbestos in the insulation in buildings. Equipment and vehicles used by workers often contained asbestos in friction parts, in gaskets, and in seals.
Who Was Affected by Asbestos at Newport News?
Anyone who worked at Newport News Shipbuilding during the years of asbestos was at risk of exposure. This included the more than 30,000 people employed during World War II.
Asbestos is harmful because it sheds tiny fibers when handled by workers. Anyone in the area can inhale those fibers. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause significant damage inside the body and may lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
Workers at Newport News Shipbuilding at the greatest risk of exposure handled and worked with asbestos products directly. Some examples of these workers include:
- Insulation workers
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Boiler workers
- Repair workers
Asbestos Claims Related to Newport News
Newport News Shipyard and the asbestos companies that supplied it faced numerous asbestos-related claims from former yard employees.
Bert Minton is one example of a successful asbestos claim brought by a former Newport News worker. Minton worked as a shipfitter and repair supervisor on Exxon oil tankers at Newport News Shipyard during the 1960s and 1970s.
Minton later developed pleural mesothelioma. He sued Exxon, arguing that the company knew about the risks of working with asbestos but failed to warn workers or provide adequate protection.
Many former workers at Newport News sued asbestos companies that supplied the shipyard and ship owners like Exxon. Minton and his lawyers decided to hold Exxon accountable, which paid off.
A jury in Virginia agreed that Exxon was liable for expenses related to Minton’s illness and awarded him $25 million. The award was reduced later but was still a significant win for Minton and his family.
How to Seek Compensation as a Former Newport News Shipyard Worker
Contact an asbestos law firm if you worked at Newport News and now have a diagnosis of an asbestos illness like mesothelioma. They can review your case, offer options, and guide your next steps. There are a few ways to get compensation for past asbestos exposure:
- Mesothelioma claims. Victims of asbestos exposure and illnesses can file personal injury claims to seek a settlement or jury verdict. These claims are most often filed against the asbestos companies that supplied shipyards like Newport News.
- Asbestos trust fund claims. If the asbestos suppliers responsible went bankrupt, a claim may not be an option. These companies set up trust funds as part of the bankruptcy process to help compensate future claimants.
- VA benefits claims. Veterans affected by asbestos at Newport News can file for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits include monthly disability compensation, benefits for dependents, and medical care.
If you worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and now have an asbestos illness, reach out to a mesothelioma lawyer for advice and options.
Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys.
