Union workers built West Virginia—and many unknowingly paid the price with their health. From the steel mills of Weirton to the power plants of Pleasants County, union tradesmen were routinely exposed to asbestos while doing their jobs. Union asbestos exposure in WV has left hundreds of families dealing with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you or a loved one worked in a union trade and later developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation.
Trades Most Affected by Union Asbestos Exposure in WV
Nearly every skilled trade in West Virginia faced risk:
- Boilermakers – Local 667
- Insulators – Local 80
- Pipefitters – Local 152
- Electricians – IBEW Locals
- Millwrights & Machinists – IAMAW Locals
- Steelworkers – USW locals across Northern Panhandle
- Laborers – LIUNA and cleanup crews
Union members frequently worked in environments with insulation, refractory brick, gaskets, cement, and lagging—many of which contained asbestos well into the 1980s and beyond.
How Were WV Union Workers Exposed?
Asbestos exposure happened during:
- Equipment installs, shutdowns, and retrofits
- Grinding, chipping, and demolition work
- Boiler, pipe, and turbine maintenance
- Overhauls at coal plants, steel mills, and chemical sites
Even if workers wore masks later in their careers, earlier exposures often occurred with no protection or warning. Many brought fibers home on their clothes—leading to take-home exposure for family members.
Filing a Legal Claim for Asbestos Exposure in West Virginia
You may be able to file for:
- Personal injury compensation
- Wrongful death claims
- Bankruptcy trust filings for defunct manufacturers
We help union workers and families identify exposure sources using job records, union files, coworker affidavits, and product documentation. Many claims settle without trial.
Why Choose a WV Asbestos Lawyer with Union Experience?
Attorney Lee W. Davis has handled over 3,000 asbestos cases—many for West Virginia union members. From Weirton Steel to Union Carbide Institute, he knows the job duties, exposure sources, and union worksites that matter.
👉 Search Asbestos Job sites in West Virginia
Act Now – Time Is Limited
West Virginia law limits how long you have to file. If you or your union member loved one has been diagnosed, don’t wait.
📞 Call (412) 781-0525
📝 Or fill out the secure form below for a free case review. No fees unless we recover compensation.
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