Detroit industrial asbestos exposure has affected generations of workers who powered Michigan’s factories, foundries, and auto plants. For decades, asbestos insulation was used in machinery, furnaces, and piping systems throughout Detroit’s manufacturing facilities.
Many employees, mechanics, and skilled tradesmen inhaled asbestos fibers daily, unaware of the long-term danger. Today, those exposures have led to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious diseases that continue to devastate Michigan families.
Asbestos Use Across Detroit’s Industry
Asbestos was once considered an essential industrial material—used for its strength and heat resistance. Detroit’s automotive plants, foundries, and industrial facilities relied on asbestos to insulate machinery and protect workers from heat. Unfortunately, it also placed thousands at risk.
Commonly exposed workers included:
- Pipefitters and millwrights
- Boiler operators and machinists
- Maintenance staff and electricians
- Steelworkers and welders
Each repair, installation, or cleaning task could release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
👉 Search Asbestos Job Sites in Michigan
Health Risks from Asbestos
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause long-term lung damage and cancer decades after exposure. Many Detroit-area industrial workers are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Other conditions include:
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Pleural thickening and chronic respiratory illness
Because symptoms often appear 20–50 years later, diagnosis may not occur until after retirement.
Legal Options for Michigan Workers
Attorney Lee W. Davis has handled asbestos cases for more than 35 years, representing workers from Detroit’s auto, foundry, and manufacturing industries. He helps victims and their families recover compensation through:
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Civil lawsuits against responsible companies
- Wrongful death actions for families of deceased workers
Even if a plant closed or the employer no longer exists, claims may still be available through trust funds created by former asbestos manufacturers.
📞 Call (412) 781-0525 or visit leewdavis.com for a confidential case review.
Why Choose Lee W. Davis
- Decades of asbestos litigation experience in Michigan
- In-depth understanding of Detroit industrial job sites
- Direct representation from an experienced attorney—no call centers
FAQs – Detroit Industrial Asbestos Exposure
Can I file a claim if I worked in Detroit years ago?
Yes. Claims are based on diagnosis date, not the date of exposure.
What if the company no longer exists?
You may still be eligible for asbestos trust fund compensation.
How long do I have to file?
Michigan law typically allows three years from the date of diagnosis.
Is there a cost to file?
No. There are no fees unless compensation is recovered.