Latest Maryland Asbestos and Mesothelioma News
The vast amount of paperwork that is involved with asbestos litigation gave rise to a need for more efficiency. Maryland has decided to begin an online case filing system to cut down on the paperwork.
Article Added January 18th, 2007
After more than 17 years of asbestos contention in Harford, MD, residents and politicians are finally getting back to normal. The proposed dump of asbestos in the small town united neighbors, and drew dividing lines in the political arena.
Article Added May 5th, 2006
Fourth quarter profit rose significantly for Pepco after a gain from a new power agreement – and an asbestos settlement.
Article Added March 16th, 2006
Baltimore Marine Industries
Baltimore Marine Industries, Inc., formerly operated under BethShip, Inc., is the descendant of Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Bethlehem Steel had operated the yard since 1914 and Baltimore Marine Industries took it over on October 3, 1997, with the strength of 25 employees. The facilities of BethShip, Inc., which repaired and serviced ships and fabricated industrial products, consisted of a ship repair yard at Sparrows Point, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. Facilities at the shipyard included a graving dock measuring 1,200 feet by 200 feet for ships up to 300,000 tons, a floating dry dock with lifting capacity of up to 40,000 tons and the capability of docking vessels up to 950 feet in length, and two full-service outfitting piers, which provided nearly 3,000 feet of berthing room. The last of the new shipbuilding activity was complete in 1990. Since then, the yard has focused on structure of oceangoing barges.
Although Baltimore Marine Industries specialized in commercial ship repairs, it regularly repaired ships owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration and auxiliaries owned by the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Navy. As of mid-2000, Marine Industries Inc. was finalizing work on the USS Cape Nome, a Military Sealift Command support ship, and had recently completed work on the USS Antares, also a Sealift Command ship. The ships were deemed an ecological threat to the river since they harbor asbestos, waste oil, and other toxins. These two scrapping contracts brought new jobs to Baltimore and new life to Sparrows Point as the shipyard looked to increase maritime activity. To carry out these contracts, North American Ship Recycling designed a plan to hire 50 new employees – almost doubling its existing workforce of 60.
The Shipyard Industry has and continues to demonstrate its commitment to the works of American warships and commercial fleets; its workers have also shown their effort and commitment in the war effort. As a result of being exposed to these hazards, they are now suffering with the danger of asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma, which is one of the deadliest diseases known to man.
As other shipyards involved in shipbuilding and repairs prior to the 1980s, Baltimore Marine Industries widely used asbestos-containing materials. Unfortunately, many Maryland residents were exposed to asbestos in this shipyard. As a result, many residents are being diagnosed with asbestos related conditions such as mesothelioma. Those who have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers include insulators, boil makers, electricians, ironworkers, pipe fitters, and more. Employees were rarely issued gloves, facemasks, or items of clothing that would have protected them. During the construction and repairs of American warships and other large vessels, shipyard workers and military personnel were commonly exposed to asbestos-containing boilers, wall insulation, turbines, cement, and other asbestos-containing products.
Asbestos litigation has been growing since the late 1970s and accounts for a majority of toxic exposure cases. From 1988 to 1991, asbestos litigation triggered public action against the material, as asbestos cases constituted the majority of all product liability cases. If you or a loved one has been exposed at this facility, please fill out a form to receive a free informational brochure or call us directly at 1-800-532-3764 to speak with us today.
- Jeffrey Simon, Founding Partner
