Asbestos Exposure at St. Regis Pulp & Paper Mill
Paper mill workers were often exposed to asbestos and other toxic materials during their routine workday. This was due to the use of asbestos in equipment and building materials, such as dryer felts, gaskets, adhesives, talc, and sandpaper backings. The asbestos dust released during routine maintenance could lodge in workers’ lungs and cause lung diseases and cancers like mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: May 8, 2025
Since the process of pulping and processing paper requires a high amount of heat, asbestos was commonly used to insulate machinery, pipes, and other equipment inside of paper mills. Alongside insulation, asbestos was used to mitigate the risk of fires through the use of asbestos building materials such as roofing shingles, wall panels, and flooring.
Legal Victories and Case Results
Bergman Oslund Udo Little obtained a $4.6 million verdict for a 63-year-old man diagnosed with mesothelioma who had been exposed to asbestos while working as an electrician at St. Regis Paper Mill in Tacoma and the Lockheed shipyard in Seattle. The verdict serves as another testament to the law firm’s commitment to fighting for the rights of asbestos exposure victims.
Understanding Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used until the 1970s because of their heat resistance and other beneficial properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (known as the pleura) when asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue. This cancer typically manifests 30 to 50 years after exposure and is primarily caused by inhaling asbestos.
Mesothelioma is not only a concern for those who work directly with asbestos products. Individuals nearby, including family members who may be exposed to asbestos dust carried on work clothes, are also at risk. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and most patients lose their battle with the disease within six to eighteen months after diagnosis.
Importance of Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness
This case from St. Regis Paper Mill 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 for the electrician from St. Regis Paper Mill demonstrate 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.
Contact Bergman Oslund Udo Little’s Tacoma Mesothelioma Attorneys to find out if you qualify for compensation.
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