I was exposed to benzene, asbestos, or another toxic substance as part of my maritime work - What are my legal rights?

Many workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals or other substances like benzene, asbestos, chlorine, cleaning solvents, etc. as part of their maritime work on vessels, ships, jack-up rigs, oil rigs, and other maritime equipment.

For instance, recently, a worker who was exposed to benzene over the course of his 20 years as a seaman developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The seaman claims that 18 of his former employers were negligent and has sued them under the Jones Act for his damages.

One of the defendants includes Kirby Inland Marine, a defendant our law firm has sued before on behalf of injured seamen.

So, what are your legal rights if you are exposed to benzene, asbestos, or other toxic substances and chemicals offshore?

If you are a Jones Act "seaman," then you can file your case under the Jones Act (see our other articles on the Jones Act on this website.)

If you are not a Jones Act "seaman," then it gets more complicated.

You may have rights under the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act.

Under some circumstances you may also have rights to bring a products liability lawsuit claim against the manufacturer of the toxic substance you were exposed to.

Or, your case may fall under the General Maritime Law or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

The bottom line is if you were exposed to benzene, asbestos, or some other toxic chemical or substance while involved in maritime work, you probably have legal rights. However, those rights can be taken away if you do not act quickly to enforce them.

Want to know more about maritime injury cases?

We strive to provide the best, most professional, and most effective representation to workers in the offshore industry.

If you want to know more about offshore injury claims, please take a moment to read the following articles:

1. How to hire the best lawyer for your Jones Act or offshore injury case

2. What is the Jones Act?

3. What is a Longshoreman and What Are Their Legal Rights When Injured?

4. The difference between the Jones Act and the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act

5. The Truth About Offshore Injury Claims.

6. What Should You Do If You Are Injured Offshore

7. What you should know if you were hurt offshore and your employer is giving you a hard time

8. Should I give my employer or the insurance company a "recorded statement?"

9. Do I need to hire a lawyer for my Jones Act or offshore injury claim?

10. What happens when you file a Jones Act lawsuit.

11. 6 Critical Things you must know if you are injured at sea

12. The Secrets Your Employer May Not Want You To Know If You Are Injured Offshore.