Maryland Mesothelioma Information

Although Maryland is not a large state in terms of total area, it is currently the 19th largest state by total population. In the 20th century, the Maryland economy moved away from agriculture and grew in industries like shipping, primary metals, and machinery manufacturing. While such industries have brought money into the state, there have also been downsides to increased industrialization. One side effect has been the proliferation of asbestos materials in many Maryland workplaces and the unfortunate consequences of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

Workplace exposure to asbestos is the leading indicator for mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer. Over the last half-century, many thousands of Maryland workers have been needlessly exposed to asbestos. This carcinogenic material can also affect the family members of exposed workers, who may bring home microscopic asbestos fibers on work clothing.

According to numbers reported to the federal government, at least 1,074 people in Maryland have died from mesothelioma or asbestosis since 1979. This figure most likely represents a small proportion of the true number of deaths, as it does not include deaths from other forms of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. One must also consider that the government tallies usually underestimate mesothelioma deaths, as this form of cancer is often misdiagnosed. Furthermore, the federal government did not formally track mesothelioma deaths until 1999.

While the dangers of working with asbestos have been reported since the 1930s, many Maryland employers did little to protect workers or their families. Decades later, many of these former employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis. Fortunately, it is still possible to pursue litigation and obtain damages against those companies that negligently exposed employees to asbestos fibers.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, our Maryland mesothelioma attorneys can help.

Maryland Occupations Linked to Mesothelioma

Some of the occupations in Maryland most frequently associated with asbestos exposure, and therefore mesothelioma, are listed below:

Shipyards

• Sheet metal workers
• Boilermakers
• Insulation installers
• Cement workers

Primary Metals

• Foundry workers
• Metal refinery workers
• Steel mill workers

Manufacturing

• Plant operators
• Assembly workers
• Machinists

Construction

• Roofers
• Insulators
• HVAC installers
• Pipefitters
• Demolition crew

Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney in Your City

If you worked in an occupation with a high risk of asbestos exposure and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, speak with a Maryland mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.