Asbestos Exposure at Zidell Dismantling
Navy ships constructed before and during World War II included many components made from asbestos. These materials were utilized throughout the ships to insulate areas prone to fire hazards and to protect the crew aboard. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and the only cause of mesothelioma. When disturbed, it can be inhaled by crew members on naval vessels. This exposure has led to significantly higher rates of lung cancer and mesothelioma among Navy veterans and shipyard workers.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: May 8, 2025
If you have been exposed to asbestos at a shipyard in the Pacific Northwest and are suffering from mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Bergman Oslund Udo Little is dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.
Legal Victories and Case Results
In a landmark case, Dennis Woodruff, a 75-year-old Tacoma resident suffering from terminal mesothelioma, was awarded $11.2 million by a unanimous Pierce County jury. Working as a laborer at Zidell Dismantling’s sister company, which dismantled World War II Navy ships at the Port of Tacoma between 1970 and 1973, Woodruff was repeatedly exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos.
“This case was unique from the start, as it was challenging to determine who should be held responsible for our client’s asbestos exposures,” said Chandler Udo, partner at BOUL. “It was clear that he had been exposed at a job site where navy ships were being scrapped and large quantities of asbestos-containing insulation were being removed. Throughout the course of the case, we discovered that a company called Zidell Explorations owned the asbestos on the ships and had common officers and directors who would visit the job site to oversee the work.
Our argument to the jury was that the asbestos belonged to Zidell, they were aware of the hazardous nature of asbestos, and their owners and directors were on-site overseeing the job but failed to warn or protect our client.”
The jury found Zidell Explorations, the Portland-based sister corporation, negligent and responsible for causing Woodruff’s cancer. The Port of Tacoma, although found negligent, did not cause the injury. As a result, Zidell Explorations alone is liable for the awarded amount.
During his time at Zidell Dismantling, Woodruff worked extensively on and off ships, without wearing respiratory protection. Unbeknownst to him, the insulation ripped off during the ship dismantling process contained asbestos. Witnesses from the same time period described the incredibly dusty and dirty conditions caused by the dismantling process. The jury concluded that Zidell Explorations failed to warn or protect Woodruff from asbestos hazards, leading to his disease.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little, represented by trial attorneys Chandler Udo and Justin Olson, played a pivotal role in achieving justice for Dennis Woodruff and another individual affected by mesothelioma. In Woodruff’s case, the $11.2 million verdict stands as one of the highest jury awards in Washington state history for asbestos-related lawsuits. The trial, which began in June and concluded with the verdict on August 5, showcased the determination of the legal team in holding Zidell Explorations accountable.
Understanding Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals, was widely used until the 1970s due to its heat resistance and other beneficial properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) when asbestos fibers become embedded. It typically manifests 30 to 50 years after exposure and is primarily caused by asbestos inhalation.
Mesothelioma is not limited to those directly working with asbestos products. Individuals in the vicinity of asbestos-related work, including family members exposed to asbestos dust carried on work clothes, are also at risk. Sadly, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and most victims succumb to the disease within six to eighteen months of diagnosis.
Importance of Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness
This case at Zidell Dismantling shed light on the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases in Washington state. With the fourth highest rate of mesothelioma in the country, the state’s shipbuilding, aluminum, and wood processing industries have contributed to a high proportion of affected individuals. It is crucial to raise awareness about asbestos exposure risks, particularly among workers and their families who may unknowingly face this danger.
Seeking justice through legal avenues is essential to holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence. The victories achieved by Bergman Oslund Udo Little in the case of Dennis Woodruff demonstrates the significance of legal representation for asbestos exposure victims. These results not only provide financial compensation but also serve as a means of raising awareness and promoting stricter safety measures to prevent future incidents. By seeking accountability, we can strive for a safer future and support those affected by asbestos-related diseases.
Contact Bergman Oslund Udo Little’s Tacoma Mesothelioma Attorneys to find out if you qualify for compensation.
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