Yakima Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyer
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that develops decades after asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma diagnosis can upend your life and devastate your family. Unfortunately, many Yakima residents are at risk of developing the disease, especially those who have worked in certain occupations.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the dedicated Yakima mesothelioma lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little can pursue compensation and justice for you. Speak with an attorney today.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: June 17, 2025
- Despite asbestos being largely phased out of use, Yakima residents remain at risk of its exposure through contaminated soil, older buildings, and vehicles.
- Mesothelioma has a latent period of decades, taking up to 50 years to develop. This can make it difficult to prove exposure.
- Some occupations have incredibly high rates of asbestos hazards, including many military and factory jobs.
- The statute of limitations to file a claim in Washington is three years, so it’s critical to act quickly to get legal help.
Asbestos Lawyers Serving Yakima, WA
Many industries prevalent in Yakima, WA, have been linked to asbestos exposure. In particular, the region has deep agricultural roots, growing much of the fresh produce in the Pacific Northwest and supplying a large percentage of the crops consumed in the U.S. However, asbestos exposure in the agricultural industry can come from many sources, including aging farm machinery and equipment, contaminated soil, and more.
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, work with a local Washington mesothelioma lawyer who understands the regional risks and the complexities of litigating an asbestos exposure case.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little has been fighting for clients in the Pacific Northwest since 1995. We understand the enormous toll a difficult medical diagnosis can take on a family, and we help guide our clients through the legal process with patience and compassion.
Millions Recovered for Washington Mesothelioma Victims
If you have been sickened by asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The primary way to collect compensation for mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is through a personal injury lawsuit. In a lawsuit, you can pursue compensation from the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Meanwhile, many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have filed for bankruptcy protection in the face of their mounting liability. Several companies with ties to the Pacific Northwest, such as E.J. Bartells, are among those that have filed for bankruptcy. The courts have ordered them to establish asbestos trust funds, ensuring those harmed by exposure could still seek compensation. More than $30 billion remains in these trust funds.
Additionally, compensation is also available through VA disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and workers’ compensation.
Unfortunately, due to the long latent period of mesothelioma, it can be challenging to identify the source of exposure and prove fault. An experienced Yakima asbestos attorney can build the strongest case possible and pursue the maximum compensation through all possible avenues.
Bergman Oslund Udo Little is the Pacific Northwest’s Premier Mesothelioma Law Firm. We have decades of investigating asbestos job sites and sources of exposure in the region. Our attorneys have a proven track record in Washington, recovering over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Over our decades of service, we have formed close relationships with our clients. We treat each client as family, and our clients feel the same way.
We’ll investigate, gather, file a claim within the statute of limitations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. In Washington, you have three years to file suit, so contact us as soon as possible.
Asbestos Exposure in Yakima, WA
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, highly toxic, and carcinogenic mineral that is fire-resistant and excellent at retaining heat. Since asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it is possible to have environmental exposure. However, its properties have made it useful for manufacturing things such as electrical insulation, home construction materials, older appliances, automotive parts, and more.
Unfortunately, its fibrous nature makes it easy to inhale when it is handled or disturbed. When the tiny fiber-like tendrils are airborne, they become embedded permanently in the lungs, esophagus, and other organs of those nearby.
Local Sites of Concern in Yakima
Common Sources of Exposure
Since asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed, occupations that have handled or worked near materials containing it are at the highest risk. However, secondary exposure is possible. For example, a construction company’s administrator who works in the office can be exposed when an on-site employee enters the office with fibers on their clothing. Likewise, family members can get secondary exposure when a worker returns home with contaminated clothing.
Many industries widely used asbestos throughout the 20th Century. Thus, many common items were made with asbestos, such as the following:
- Attic insulation
- Flooring tiles
- Roofing shingles
- Brake pads in older vehicles
- Construction products in older buildings, such as schools or warehouses
- Talc products, such as baby powder or cosmetics
Prolonged and repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Sadly, many asbestos companies were well aware of the dangers of asbestos and put profits over public health by covering up the truth. If you or a loved one has been sickened by asbestos exposure, a Yakima asbestos lawyer can hold the company responsible for your suffering accountable.
High-Risk Occupations in Yakima, WA
Occupational exposure remains one of the highest risks for asbestos-induced harm. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stated that “there is no safe level of exposure,” countless workers have been exposed to the material on the job for decades.
Many jobs have an elevated risk for exposure, including the following:
- Construction workers routinely disturb asbestos-containing materials in insulation and drywall.
- Paper mill workers encountered asbestos used in machinery to avoid friction fires.
- Electricians often work around older buildings and come into contact with asbestos-insulated wiring and panels.
- Industrial workers are exposed, much like other factory workers, through asbestos-insulated gaskets and other equipment.
- Military service members and veterans, particularly those serving on Navy ships, have had a high level of exposure.
- Refinery workers working in a high-heat environment that relied on asbestos for fire resistance, including in their personal protective equipment.
- Shipyard workers, such as those at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, used asbestos to fireproof and insulate ships. These workers have among the highest levels of exposure due to working in confined spaces with limited to no ventilation.
- Power plant employees are at risk for exposure because asbestos was used widely throughout power plants to prevent catastrophic overheating of electrical equipment.
- Pilots may have been exposed, as many older airport buildings and aircraft may contain asbestos.
If you or a loved one has worked in one of these occupations and been exposed to asbestos, contact Bergman Oslund Udo Little online or call 206-957-9510.
Mesothelioma & Military Bases With Asbestos Exposure
Military service members have been routinely exposed to asbestos while serving the country, both at home and abroad. They face exposure due to the widespread use of these fibers in the construction of military bases, naval ships, and land vehicles.
These brave people put their lives on the line, not expecting to confront a deadly disease from hidden exposure decades later. Sadly, military veterans account for nearly one-third of all asbestos-related deaths in the U.S. every year. In Yakima, exposure may have occurred at the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center, which has confirmed contamination and is in the cleanup process.
If you’re a veteran from Yakima diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to VA benefits or an asbestos trust fund. A Yakima mesothelioma attorney can help determine which compensation avenue makes sense for your unique case.
Contact Bergman Oslund Udo Little—Your Trusted Yakima Mesothelioma Lawyer
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, our focus on asbestos law has allowed us to become the premier mesothelioma law firm in the Pacific Northwest.
We provide a free case review service to help you get started. When you’re ready, contact us online or by phone at 206-957-9510 to learn about your mesothelioma compensation options.
Yakima, WA Mesothelioma FAQS
Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the disease and your legal options.
Which Jobs Are at the Highest Risk for Exposure?
Who Should I Contact if I or a Loved One Has Been Exposed?
Early detection is critical. Contact your doctor immediately if you believe you or your loved one has been exposed to asbestos and experiences any signs of mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath, chest and abdominal pain, fatigue, and a persistent cough. Next, speak with a trusted and experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Who Can Sue for Mesothelioma?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after primary or secondary asbestos exposure can sue to recover damages.
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Imaging and biopsies are the first steps. If a diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests, such as an MRI, can be used to determine the extent of your illness.
Get Help with Your Mesothelioma Compensation Options
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
