Workplace Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma: Which Jobs Are Most at Risk and How to Seek Legal Help

By: Christopher M. Placitella Jan 26, 2026

Updated: January 26, 2026

Interior of a large industrial facility with pipes, machinery, and equipment.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer—is a terrifying experience, almost exclusively linked to past exposure to asbestos fibers. For many, this exposure occurred years or even decades ago in the workplace, making it a critical occupational safety hazard.

If you or a loved one worked in an industry where asbestos was prevalent, understanding your risk and your legal options is the first step toward seeking justice and compensation.

Key Takeaways

Workplace asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Many high-risk jobs involved daily contact with asbestos-containing materials decades before the dangers were widely known.
Certain occupations face significantly higher exposure risks. Shipyard workers, construction and demolition crews, mechanics, insulators, and power plant workers are among the most affected.
Workers and families have legal options after a diagnosis. Personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and asbestos trust fund filings may provide compensation for medical costs and losses.

The Link Between Asbestos and Occupation

Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring mineral fibers prized for their resistance to heat, corrosion, and electricity. For decades, manufacturers widely used these durable fibers in a vast range of products, particularly in heavy industry and construction, making exposure an unfortunate reality for many workers.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during renovation, demolition, or manufacturing, they release microscopic, needle-like fibers into the air. When inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become permanently lodged in the mesothelium (the lining around organs), leading to scar tissue and malignant tumors over time. Because symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 60 years to appear (the latency period), many workers are only now receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis linked to employment that ended long ago.

Jobs with the Highest Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Due to its widespread use, it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list of all circumstances that led to asbestos occupational exposure. However, industries that involve manufacturing, construction, transportation, and power generation carry particularly high risks.

The following careers and trades often place workers at a higher risk of inhaling asbestos dust:

Industry / Occupation	Why the Risk Is High
Shipyard Workers	Used in the construction and insulation of ships and naval vessels.
Insulators	Handled asbestos materials for fireproofing and thermal insulation in buildings and pipes.
Asbestos Workers and Miners	Directly involved in extracting or working with raw asbestos fibers.
Demolition/Construction Workers	Disturbing old, asbestos-containing materials (e.g., pipe insulation, floor tiles, roofing) during tear-down and renovation.
Brake Mechanics	Used in automobile brake pads and clutches due to heat resistance.
Electricians & Plumbers	Working with asbestos-insulated wires, pipes, old boilers, and electric panels.
Power Plant & Chemical Plant Workers	Handling and maintaining equipment, boilers, and components insulated with asbestos.
Oil Refinery Workers	Working around heat-resistant asbestos components in industrial processing equipment.

Industrial areas in New Jersey, such as Middlesex County and Jersey City, have historically been considered asbestos hotbeds due to their manufacturing and production hubs. Similarly, large industrial sites across Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Navy Yard and Bethlehem Steel Plant, are also areas of high reported exposure.

Legal Options After an Occupational Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to your work, you have the right to seek compensation for your suffering and financial losses. Your legal options typically fall into three categories:

1. Personal Injury Lawsuit

In this legal action, you, the injured worker, sue the company, property owner, or product manufacturer whose negligence led to your asbestos exposure. To succeed, your attorney must prove:

You were exposed to asbestos or an asbestos-containing product.
You have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
The exposure caused measurable damages, such as medical expenses.
The company was negligent in failing to remove or warn you about the asbestos hazard.

2. Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If a loved one died from an asbestos-related disease, the family or estate representative can file a wrongful death claim. This action seeks recovery for losses incurred by the surviving family, such as funeral expenses, lost financial support (lost wages), and the emotional impact of the loss. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of death.

3. Asbestos Trust Fund Claim

Many companies responsible for occupational exposure to asbestos filed for bankruptcy. As part of the bankruptcy process, they were compelled to set aside money into trust funds to pay future asbestos victims. If the company that exposed you no longer exists, your attorney can file a claim with the relevant trust. This procedure often has a lower burden of proof than a lawsuit but generally results in lower settlements.

The Role of an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney

The legal process for investigating occupational asbestos exposure is highly complex, often involving layered corporate histories and decades-old evidence. An experienced mesothelioma attorney is critical to navigating the path to compensation.

Your attorney will provide essential services, including:

Ensuring Timeliness: In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your first diagnosis (the “discovery rule”). In Pennsylvania, the limit is also two years from the date of diagnosis. Your lawyer ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Gathering Key Evidence: They will meticulously put together medical bills, pathology reports, and documentation like proof of employment (from decades ago) to prove exposure and the resulting damages.
Proving Liability: Your attorney will connect your exposure to the negligent party and manage the entire litigation, from filing the complaint to negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.

Take the Next Step

If you or another family member developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness due to occupational exposure, you don’t have to face this alone.

Cohen, Placitella & Roth helps families affected by asbestos exposure recover the compensation they deserve from asbestos manufacturers and trusts—at no upfront cost.

Call (888) 572-7388 or complete the form below for a free case evaluation.

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