Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit [2026 Update]

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Former Kaiser Shipyard workers are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, and they believe that exposure to asbestos-containing products at Kaiser Shipyards during World War II may be the cause.

Asbestos was heavily used during World War II ship construction. Workers performed critical support to the war effort at Kaiser shipyard locations in Oregon, Washington, and California. Decades later, former Kaiser Shipyard workers are filing mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims to recuperate their financial and personal losses.

This page contains information about the Kaiser Shipyards, how workers may have come into contact with asbestos, which occupations were at the most risk, and how people with mesothelioma can file lawsuits related to their time spent at Kaiser’s shipyards.

About the Kaiser Shipyards:

Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timeline

Kaiser Shipyards made ships during World War II (from 1941 to 1945). During this era, asbestos was highly used in the shipbuilding industry. Kaiser Shipyard may have used asbestos-containing materials, potentially exposing workers to asbestos in the 1940s. As such, Kaiser Shipyard workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for compensation.

2006: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Company (previously called Permanente Metals) files for bankruptcy protection and forms an asbestos trust fund . The fund pays out claims to people who were exposed to asbestos in products made by Kaiser Aluminum.

1983: A former Kaiser Shipyard worker, William Romeike, is diagnosed with asbestos-related pleural plaques related to asbestos exposure. He worked at Kaiser Shipyards from 1942 to 1945. He files for workers’ compensation for his asbestos-related disease, and he secures a settlement.

1945: World War II ends, and Kaiser Shipyards slows down production of military vessels and ships. By the end of the war, workers at Kaiser’s shipyards had built 1,552 vessels out of the 5,601 ships commissioned by the U.S. Maritime Commission. These ships would go on to support the U.S. Navy and other branches of the military.

1942: Kaiser Shipyards are opened up in Vancouver and Swan Island. Ship production increases as the demand for vessels rises during World War II. Vancouver Shipyard produces nearly one ship a week during peak production.

1941: Henry J. Kaiser creates the first Kaiser Shipyard in Richmond, California. The shipyard built ships for the U.S. military during World War II. A total of four shipyards are established in Richmond, California.

What Is the Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Asbestos may have been used during the construction, repair, and operation of Kaiser-made ships during World War II. Kaiser Shipyard mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by former workers and their families who were exposed to asbestos from the shipyards. Some Kaiser Shipyard cases involve personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Others involve asbestos trust fund claims. Some mesothelioma patients may seek compensation through a lawsuit and asbestos trust fund claim involving Kaiser Shipyard.

History of the Kaiser Shipyards During World War II

Henry J. Kaiser established Kaiser Shipyards in the 1940s, and the company became an integral part of shipbuilding during World War II. Kaiser Shipyards used prefabricated materials and welding to build ships faster than they could at other shipyards. In total, there were seven Kaiser Shipyards, which primarily operated from 1939 to 1945, even though Henry Kaiser started businesses in other sectors after World War II.

Where Were Kaiser Shipyards Located?

Kaiser Shipyards were located at the following locations:

• Columbia River (Vancouver, Washington)
• Willamette River and Swan Island (Portland, Oregon)
• Richmond, California

Asbestos-containing products may have been used extensively at Kaiser Shipyards, putting thousands of workers at risk.

What Types of Ships Were Built at Kaiser Shipyards?

Kaiser Shipyards built Liberty ships, Victory ships, tankers, aircraft carriers, cargo vessels, and other vessels. Many of these vessels may have had asbestos-containing insulation and fireproofing materials, which were popular during World War II-era ship construction.

Facts About Kaisers’ Shipyards

Here are some facts from the U.S. government about Kaiser shipyards:

• Kaiser operated seven shipyards in the American Northwest
• Kaiser shipyards built 821 Liberty Ships and 219 Victory Ships
• Kaiser himself was referred to as the “Miracle Man” and America’s “Number One Industrial Hero”
• Kaiser shipyards produced 30 cargo ships for the British during WWII
• Towns like Vanport were created to support Kaiser shipyard workers and their families

Why Was Asbestos Used at Kaiser Shipyards?

Asbestos may have been used at Kaiser Shipyards because it was a cheap, durable, and easy-to-use material that made building materials virtually fireproof and heat-resistant. During the 1940s, asbestos was a material of choice for insulation, boilers, pipes, gaskets, cement, and other components in shipyards and ships. Kaiser Shipyards made 1,552 ships during World War II, and the company may have relied on asbestos-containing products to make or furnish these ships.

Products at Kaiser Shipyards That May Have Contained Asbestos

Many of the products commonly used at shipyards contained asbestos. Additionally, asbestos was used in engines, boilers, and other mechanical equipment.

Here are a few of the products that might have contained asbestos at Kaiser shipyards:

• Adhesives
• Asbestos cement
• Ceiling tiles
• Electrical wires and equipment
• Engine equipment
• Floor tiles
• Gaskets
• Heat-resistant safety gear
• HVAC equipment (e.g., boilers)
• insulation
• Metal sheeting
• Pipe lagging
• Pumps
• Valves

This is not a full list. Other common items used historically in shipyards also contained asbestos. It is likely that anyone who worked in a shipyard, like Kaiser, may have come into contact with asbestos during certain time periods in the 1900s.

How Were Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Kaiser Shipyards?

Workers may have been exposed to asbestos at Kaiser Shipyards while installing, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing materials, especially while working in enclosed spaces. Kaiser Shipyard workers may not have known that asbestos could cause mesothelioma, so they may not have been given masks or worked in rooms with adequate ventilation. As such, they may have directly breathed in free asbestos fibers in the air.

Which Shipyard Jobs Had the Highest Asbestos Exposure Risk?

Kaiser Shipyard jobs that may have had high exposure to asbestos  include the following:

• Riveters
• Burners
• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Machinists
• Electricians
• Pipe laggers
• Insulators
• Plumbers
• Chippers
• Boilermakers
• Ship repair workers
• Maintenance workers

People in these and other roles at Kaiser Shipyards may have encountered asbestos fibers that were released during repair, removal, and construction at the shipyards.

What Are the Health Effects Linked to Asbestos Exposure at Kaiser Shipyards?

Asbestos exposure, like that at Kaiser Shipyards, has been linked to a number of illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural lung disease. Typically, symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases arise years or decades after the person was exposed to asbestos. Because of that, people who worked at Kaiser Shipyards during the 1940s may not be diagnosed until the 1990s or later.

The Prevalence of Mesothelioma Among Kaiser Shipyard Workers

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the organs (usually, the lungs). Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Some researchers have found that mesothelioma rates are higher among people who worked in construction, shipbuilding, and the military. As such, Kaiser Shipyard workers may be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma Latency Period for Shipyard Workers

Some scientists have found that it can take up to 60 years for someone to develop mesothelioma   after they are exposed to asbestos. This delay between exposure and diagnosis is called the latency period. Former Kaiser Shipyard workers may not experience symptoms or be diagnosed with mesothelioma until decades after the shipyards closed. The long latency period can make it harder for patients to immediately recognize where they were exposed to asbestos.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure and Family Members

Some Kaiser Shipyard workers may have carried asbestos fibers home on their hair, skin, or work clothes. Some studies have also shown that secondhand asbestos exposure is associated with an increase in asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Because of this, people with an asbestos-related disease could have been exposed to asbestos when they lived with someone who worked at Kaiser Shipyards. For this reason, patients with an asbestos-related disease may qualify for compensation in a Kaiser Shipyard claim even if they did not directly work at the shipyard.

Legal Evidence of Asbestos Exposure at Kaiser Shipyards

Public sources have confirmed that workers were exposed to asbestos at at least some of the Kaiser Shipyards. For example, a former Kaiser Shipyard employee has filed for workers’ compensation because of an asbestos-related disease he says is from asbestos exposure at the shipyards. Another public source notes that at least two of the Richmond Shipyards are connected to an asbestos trust fund established by Kaiser Aluminum.

Romeike v. Kaiser Shipyards Case

William Romeike worked at Kaiser Shipyard from 1941 to 1945, where he says he was exposed to asbestos that caused him to develop pleural plaques in the 1980s. William filed a workers’ compensation claim because his diagnosis was work-related, and he was awarded a portion of his medical expenses that were covered by the workers’ compensation insurance program.

Although William used his asbestos-related diagnosis to seek workers’ compensation, other Kaiser Shipyard workers may have different options. For example, they might be able to sue a third party that supplied the asbestos-containing materials used at Kaiser Shipyards. Or, they could file an asbestos trust fund claim if the asbestos product manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy and created a trust fund.

Role of Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation

Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation (formerly Permanente Metals) was formed in 1946 after the end of World War II and the slowing down of wartime ship production. Kaiser Aluminum manufactured many asbestos-containing products used in shipbuilding and other industries.

The company has faced hundreds of lawsuits filed by mesothelioma patients who say they were exposed to the company’s products and were not warned about the risks of asbestos. To help manage these claims, Kaiser Aluminum filed for bankruptcy protection and created a designated asbestos trust fund.

Who Can File a Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Claim?

Anyone who worked at Kaiser Shipyard and developed mesothelioma may qualify to file an asbestos claim if they (or their attorney) can trace their exposure back to the shipyard. The person did not have to work at Kaiser Shipyard full-time to be eligible to file a claim. So, they could have been a contractor, a renovation worker, part of the demolition crew, a part-time or seasonal employee, or a full-time worker.

Additionally, mesothelioma patients who lived with someone who worked at Kaiser Shipyard before their symptoms started may be able to seek compensation, too. People who lost a loved one to mesothelioma after their loved one worked at Kaiser Shipyard may also be able to file an asbestos wrongful death claim.

Can Family Members File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Family members may qualify to file a wrongful death claim if their loved one died of mesothelioma and worked at Kaiser Shipyard. The family members would need evidence proving that their loved one’s mesothelioma diagnosis was associated with asbestos exposure from Kaiser Shipyard.

What Proof Do You Need For a Kaiser Shipyard Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit?

Evidence you can use to support your asbestos claim involving Kaiser Shipyard includes your employment records, testimony from yourself or coworkers about the conditions at the shipyard, and medical records. You may also need to use shipyard records to show that Kaiser Shipyard used asbestos-containing materials during the time that you worked there. Your attorney can help you locate such records from databases. Reputable mesothelioma law firms have robust internal databases of asbestos sources. They can use these databases to help you find evidence to support your case.

What Are the Recoverable Damages in a Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Compensation that people may recover in a mesothelioma lawsuit involving Kaiser Shipyard may include medical expenses for their diagnosis and treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Family members who secure a wrongful death compensation package may be awarded funeral and burial costs, loss of support, mental anguish, or other wrongful death damages.

How Can I File a Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Filing a mesothelioma claim involving asbestos exposure at Kaiser Shipyard includes the following:

• You schedule a consultation with an experienced asbestos law firm.
• You and your attorney locate information to prove that you worked at Kaiser Shipyard, were exposed to asbestos there, and were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
• Your attorney prepares and files a well-supported legal complaint against the companies that made asbestos products used at Kaiser Shipyard.
• Your attorney works to prepare a trust fund claim, if applicable.
• Your attorney negotiates a settlement deal with the asbestos product manufacturers.
• If settlement talks are unfruitful, your attorney takes your Kaiser Shipyard mesothelioma claim to trial.

Experienced asbestos law firms can also pursue multiple types of mesothelioma claims on your behalf. For example, they can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, asbestos trust fund claim, or VA disability benefits case (where applicable) on your behalf. Your asbestos attorney can provide you with personalized recommendations on your legal rights to compensation and how to protect them.

Estimated Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

The payouts for Kaiser Shipyard mesothelioma lawsuits depend on the individual’s case, including the strength of the evidence supporting their claim and the damage laws in that state. Lawsuits involving strong cases of liability and severe losses may result in a higher settlement. However, this is not guaranteed. Talk to a lawyer to discover what your potential payout could be if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in a Kaiser Shipyard.

Kaiser Aluminum Asbestos Bankruptcy and Trust Fund

Kaiser Aluminum supplied shipyards and other industries with a wide range of asbestos-containing equipment and materials. Many workers were not aware that the asbestos in Kaiser Aluminum’s products could harm them. As a result, many workers did not have or use personal protective gear when working with Kaiser Aluminum’s contaminated products.

Enough workers with mesothelioma filed lawsuits against Kaiser Aluminum that the company filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of that bankruptcy process, the company created the Kaiser Asbestos Personal Injury Trust. This trust fund pays out claims to mesothelioma patients and their surviving loved ones who were harmed by the asbestos-containing products made by Kaiser Aluminum.

How the Kaiser Asbestos Trust Fund Works

The Kaiser Asbestos Trust Fund pays compensation to people who got sick because of the asbestos-containing products that Kaiser Aluminum made. The person filing the claim (or their legal representative) would need to submit a claim form and support it with evidence showing they qualify for a payout.

The evidence required to support the person’s Kaiser asbestos trust fund claim includes records showing they worked at a contaminated job site listed by the trust fund. They would also need to submit other supporting documentation, such as medical records showing they were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.

Average Mesothelioma Payouts From the Kaiser Trust

The terms of the trust fund determine how much money each qualifying claimant receives. Generally, each person who qualifies for a payout would receive a set percentage. The exact percentage has changed over the years, so it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer to find out the current percentage rates.

What Is the Deadline to File a Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Claim?

The deadline to file a Kaiser Shipyard mesothelioma claim depends on the applicable state law. The type of claim being filed (e.g., personal injury or wrongful death) also plays a role in the deadlines to bring these claims. It is important to act promptly so you do not miss out on a mesothelioma settlement because of a delayed filing. Talk to an attorney about your situation to identify and meet your deadline for your shipyard lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim.

King Law Is Investigating Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Claims

King Law is actively reviewing mesothelioma cases involving Kaiser Shipyard workers and their families. We represent individuals and families who have been impacted by asbestos contamination at Kaiser Shipyards or through Kaiser’s products. These asbestos cases may involve asbestos contamination that occurred decades ago during World War II ship construction. Our law firm has a thorough asbestos exposure database that we can use to trace Kaiser Shipyard asbestos exposure to a recent mesothelioma diagnosis.

We understand that mesothelioma can take a toll on a family’s finances, so we take Kaiser Shipyard asbestos claims on a contingency basis. That way, the family does not pay upfront legal fees for us to represent them during the claim or lawsuit process. Instead, we would receive a set, agreed-upon percentage of the family’s settlement if we win their case for them. We also provide free, confidential, and no-obligation case reviews, so you can learn about your rights in mesothelioma lawsuits and what we can do for you before you decide to hire us.

Contact a Kaiser Shipyard Mesothelioma Attorney Today

Mesothelioma patients who worked at Kaiser Shipyard or with Kaiser’s asbestos-containing products may have a claim for compensation. Contact our firm today by calling (585) 496-2648 to speak with our intake specialists and schedule a complimentary case review with a reputable asbestos attorney.

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