Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit – File a Mesothelioma Claim [2026 Update]

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Reputable sources, including the U.S. Navy, the CDC, and the Government Accountability Office, have confirmed that asbestos-containing products were used at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Some former Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma say their cancer was caused by asbestos exposure at the shipyard.

Some of those workers and their surviving family members are filing lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims that accuse manufacturers of failing to warn them that asbestos was dangerous.

This page will discuss how asbestos was used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, who was at risk of exposure, and how people diagnosed with mesothelioma can file lawsuits against asbestos companies that made supplies used in the shipyard.

About the Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit:

Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Updates (2026)

Asbestos-containing materials were used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The information below highlights lawsuits filed by some former shipyard workers and their families.

May 21, 2025: Former Long Beach Naval Shipyard Worker Sues After Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis

A man who worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard has filed a lawsuit against over a dozen companies that may have manufactured asbestos-containing products used at the shipyard. The man was diagnosed with lung cancer, and he believes that exposure to asbestos at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard is the reason. His legal complaint accuses the asbestos-product manufacturers of designing defective products and failing to warn shipyard workers that asbestos was dangerous.

January 26, 2018: Long Beach Naval Shipyard Electrician Files Mesothelioma Claim

An electrician who worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard sued dozens of asbestos-product manufacturers after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. According to his legal complaint, he worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard from 1969 to 1996. His lawsuit alleges that many asbestos-product manufacturers knew how harmful asbestos was and chose not to adequately warn people.

1997: Long Beach Naval Shipyard was decommissioned.

1979: The US Government conducted a survey to determine the asbestos exposure risks and hygiene practices at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The survey uncovered multiple problems in how asbestos was handled at the shipyard.

1943: Long Beach Naval Shipyard is established.

Key Facts About Long Beach Naval Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuits

• Formal Name: Long Beach Naval Complex
• Location: Long Beach, California
• Operated: 1940 (Navy establishes shipyard) to 1997 (when a scheduled BRAC terminated operations at the Naval Shipyard)
• Exposure Source: Ship repair, insulation, boilers, piping
• Who Qualifies: Veterans, civilian workers, family members (secondary exposure) diagnosed with mesothelioma
• Possible Compensation: Lawsuits, trust funds, VA benefits

What Is the Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit?

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard asbestos lawsuit is a claim brought by workers or their family members who were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease after working at the shipyard. Asbestos has been confirmed at Long Beach Naval Shipyard by the GAO. These claims are typically brought against the companies that made asbestos-containing materials (such as insulation or asbestos cement) used at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

These privately-owned companies included Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Foster Wheeler, and Owens Corning, which supplied asbestos-containing products to the Navy. Many of these claims were brought against the companies (not the Navy) and accused the companies of not warning them about the dangers of asbestos.

Who Qualifies to File a Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Based on our law firm’s criteria, people may qualify to file a Long Beach Naval Shipyard asbestos lawsuit if they worked at the shipyard and developed mesothelioma afterward.

Family members may also be eligible for a settlement if they lived with a shipyard worker and believe they were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease caused by take-home asbestos exposure (second-hand asbestos exposure). Surviving loved ones whose family member worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and died of mesothelioma may also qualify to file a mesothelioma wrongful death claim.

Please note that the above criteria were developed by our firm and may be updated over time. You may qualify to file an asbestos claim even if your situation is different than what is described above.

About the Long Beach Naval Complex

The former Long Beach Naval Complex consisted of two areas: the Long Beach Naval Station and the adjacent Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The shipyard was critical to supporting American forces during WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and the Korean wars.

During much of the shipyard’s operations, its mission was to perform routine and battle-damage repairs to naval ships. The Naval Station was established on November 15, 1946, and it served as a homeport for Pacific Fleet ships. The Naval facility provided port facilities, fleet support personnel, and recreational facilities.

The shipyard operated from 1919 to 1997, during which time it was both a Naval Base and a shipyard operated by the City of Long Beach.

Where Was Asbestos Used at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard?

Asbestos products were used throughout the Long Beach Naval Shipyard because asbestos was heavily used in shipyards when the Long Beach Naval Shipyard was active. Asbestos use at military bases was common during much of the 1900s.

Products used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard that may have contained asbestos-based components include:

• Gaskets
• Valves
• Turbines
• Boilers
• Insulation
• Metal sheeting
• Pipes lagging
• Water pumps

Asbestos has a high resistance to heat and is fireproof, so the Navy recommended or required asbestos-containing products to be used on shipyards, such as the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. For example, QPL-21022  required the use of asbestos-containing gaskets starting in 1969.

Asbestos in Ships and Naval Equipment

Ships and Naval equipment at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may have been fitted with asbestos, including in the insulation used to fireproof the walls, ceilings, and pipes. For example, surveys conducted at Long Beach Naval Shipyard discovered asbestos-containing materials in some of the boiler rooms. Gaskets, valves, boilers, steam pipes, and turbines used at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard may also have been insulated with asbestos.

Asbestos in Shipyard Buildings and Piers

Naval surveys discovered that asbestos-containing materials were also at several piers at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, including Piers 15 and 16. Some of those surveys found that many structures at the adjacent Long Beach Naval Complex also had asbestos-containing materials. Many contaminated structures were demolished in the 1990s after the shipyard closed down.

When Was Asbestos Used at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard?

Asbestos may have been used from the time the Long Beach Naval Shipyard opened in 1943 to its closure in the 1990s. In the 1970s, the Navy began updating its asbestos regulations to phase out asbestos where possible.

However, asbestos-containing products were still present and used on many shipyards after that time. Surveys conducted in the 1990s found asbestos-containing products at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, after the Navy issued updated asbestos regulations. Moreover, legacy asbestos was likely disturbed and released into the air during demolitions, repairs, and overhauls at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

How Were Some Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard?

Some Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos materials that were cut, scraped, insulated, installed, removed, or serviced. For example, shipyard workers who were installing or removing asbestos-containing insulation may have released asbestos fibers into the air. Workers may have had prolonged exposure to asbestos particles because they were working with asbestos products in poorly ventilated spaces.

High-Risk Work Activities

Long Beach Naval Shipyard activities that likely involved a high risk of asbestos exposure include the following:

• Insulation installation and removal
• Pipe repair and wrapping
• Sanding or scraping asbestos-based materials
• Boiler and engine room maintenance activities
• Pipe fitting and welding

These activities may have introduced asbestos into the workspace or disturbed existing asbestos-containing materials.

Measured Exposure Levels at Long Beach

At least one study reported that an average of 40 to 150 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter (cc) of air was measured during some asbestos removal operations at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. In 1994, OSHA’s workplace limit for occupational asbestos exposure in the air was about 0.1 asbestos fibers per cc.

Which Shipyard Jobs Were Most at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

The jobs that may have put veterans and civilian workers at the most at risk of asbestos exposure at Long Beach Naval Shipyard include:

• Pipefitters
• Pipe laggers
• Machinists
• Boilermakers
• Shipyard laborers
• Insulators
• Electricians
• Maintenance crew

Additionally, some demolition workers and renovation staff were likely exposed to existing asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard when demolishing or renovating areas of the shipyard.

Secondary and Take-Home Exposure Risks

People who lived with someone who worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may have also been exposed to asbestos that traveled home on the shipyard worker’s clothing, hair, skin, or work gear. Some studies have suggested an association between take-home asbestos exposure and an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases. This type of exposure is often called secondary exposure.

What Diseases Are Linked to Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques are some of the diseases that have been associated with exposure to asbestos. Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers may have encountered asbestos-containing materials at the shipyard and, because of this, may have an increased chance of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Risk

Several studies have suggested that asbestos exposure at Long Beach Naval Shipyard was associated with an increased rate of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. A large study of nearly 14,000 Long Beach Naval shipyard workers found an increased rate of death from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Additionally, a 1979 study of over 6,300 shipyard workers from the Long Beach Naval Shipyard found that about 16% of the workers had chest x-rays that showed "asbestos-related abnormal findings."  Over 70% of those Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers who had abnormal chest X-rays were production workers.

Long-Term Latency of Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can develop “10 to 40 years or more” after someone is exposed to asbestos. For that reason, people who worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may not show symptoms of mesothelioma or be diagnosed until long after they stopped working there.

What Evidence Links the Shipyard to Mesothelioma?

Several studies have shown that asbestos exposure occurred at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and suggest that shipyard workers are at an increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Cabasag Cohort Study Findings

In 2016, a retrospective study examined the death rates among 13,924 Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers exposed to asbestos and welding fumes. The shipyard workers in the study worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard between 1978 and 1985. However, some of the shipyard employees included in the study worked at the shipyard for much longer than that.

According to the results, Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers in the study had an increased rate of mesothelioma, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers in the study also had a higher rate of death due to those cancers than the general population in California.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Findings of Asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard

A 1979 report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) described poor asbestos protection practices at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The report explains that asbestos-containing pipes and insulation were in the open and that compressed air was used to “clean asbestos work areas, which blows asbestos fibers and dust into the air.” The report mentioned other potential violations of asbestos hygiene practices at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

Why Are Companies Being Sued for Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure?

Companies that made asbestos-containing products used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard are being sued because they allegedly failed to warn people of the risks of asbestos exposure.

Who Are the Common Defendants in Shipyard Lawsuits?

Some of the defendants that have been sued in shipyard asbestos exposure lawsuits include:

• Johns Manville
• Owens Corning
• Kaylo Insulation
• W.R. Grace & Co
• FMC Corporation
• Buffalo Pumps
• Armstrong World Industries
• Garlock Sealing Technologies
• Flexitallic
• Bethlehem Steel
• Westinghouse Electric
• General Dynamics
• 3M
• Keystone Valves
• Foster Wheeler

There are hundreds of companies that made asbestos-containing products that may have been used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Some of the companies that have been named in lawsuits about asbestos exposure at Long Beach Naval Shipyard have been accused of not telling people that asbestos could cause cancer or other diseases.

What Compensation Is Available in a Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit?

Compensation may be available to asbestos patients who file Long Beach Naval Shipyard lawsuits through settlements, trial verdicts, asbestos trust fund payouts, and VA disability benefits claims. It is common for asbestos patients to be eligible for and request multiple types of compensation at the same time. For example, someone may file a Long Beach Naval Shipyard lawsuit, an asbestos trust fund claim, and a VA disability benefits request.

Asbestos Trial Verdicts and Settlements

An asbestos patient may receive compensation from a trial verdict or settlement if they file and win a Long Beach Naval Shipyard lawsuit. A trial verdict may be awarded by the judge or jury (depending on the type of trial that is held).

A settlement is an out-of-court compensation award that is negotiated between the shipyard worker and one or more asbestos-product manufacturers. Asbestos patients may be eligible to receive settlements and trial verdicts from multiple defendants.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Asbestos patients may also be able to file a compensation claim with an asbestos trust fund established by an asbestos-product manufacturer that filed for bankruptcy protection. Some asbestos product manufacturers filed for bankruptcy protection because of the number of asbestos lawsuits they faced.

As part of the bankruptcy process, some of those companies were allowed to create an asbestos trust fund that pays compensation to qualifying asbestos patients. People who worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may be eligible to request compensation from multiple asbestos trust funds.

VA Benefits for Navy Veterans

Some veterans who were exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may qualify to receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. To do so, they may have to prove that their asbestos exposure is service-related. Receiving compensation through civilian channels (e.g., a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund) does not affect a veteran’s right to receive VA disability benefits.

How Do You File a Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit?

Here are some steps involved in filing a lawsuit about asbestos exposure at Long Beach Naval Shipyard:

1. Schedule a free case evaluation with a reputable asbestos exposure lawyer.
2. Collaborate with the attorney to locate and request records to prove you were exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
3. Your attorney writes and files a legal complaint against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products used at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.
4. Additionally, your lawyer pursues asbestos trust fund claims or asbestos-related VA disability benefits on your behalf, if possible.
5. Your attorney guides settlement discussions with the asbestos-product manufacturers.
6. Your attorney presents a strong legal case in your favor at trial if an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached.

Many attorneys take Long Beach Naval Shipyard asbestos exposure lawsuits on a contingency basis, so mesothelioma patients may not have to pay money in upfront legal fees.

What Evidence Do You Need to File a Claim?

Evidence you can use to support your asbestos exposure case involving Long Beach Naval Shipyard includes:

• Employment or military service records showing that you worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard as a regular or contract-based employee
• Descriptions of the jobs you performed at Long Beach Naval Shipyard (this will help describe possible asbestos exposure sources)
• Records showing when and why you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

An attorney can help you identify and request the evidence needed to support your Long Beach Naval Shipyard asbestos claim.

Estimated Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements and Payout Amounts

Payouts for some Long Beach Naval Shipyard asbestos claims may reach up to $1 million or more, but this is not guaranteed. Settlement amounts vary widely between individuals. Settlements are calculated on a case-by-case basis. Factors that affect how much a Long Beach Naval Shipyard worker or their family may receive in compensation include the strength of their claims, whether they file their claim on time, and the applicable liability laws.

What Is the Deadline to File a Long Beach Naval Shipyard Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

The deadline to file a Long Beach Naval Shipyard mesothelioma lawsuit depends on the applicable state law. These deadlines (called statutes of limitations) vary depending on factors such as the type of claim being brought and whether an exception applies. One effective way to determine the filing deadline in your situation is to contact an experienced asbestos exposure lawyer.

King Law Is Investigating Long Beach Naval Shipyard Mesothelioma Claims

King Law is actively investigating mesothelioma and asbestos exposure claims involving Long Beach Naval Shipyard. We are reviewing potential claims on behalf of Navy veterans, shipyard workers, and family members of shipyard workers who believe they were exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and later developed mesothelioma. We have the resources to help mesothelioma patients and their families pursue compensation through a lawsuit, asbestos trust fund claim, and VA disability benefits request.

Contact a Long Beach Naval Shipyard Asbestos Lawyer Today

Call (585) 496-2648 or use this form to contact a Navy asbestos lawyer today. Our intake specialists are ready to take your call, guide you through the onboarding process, and schedule your free consultation with a qualified asbestos attorney.

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