A focused approach to Maine asbestos exposure cases

Since 1981, we have built our law firm around handling complex legal matters that require careful investigation and long-term case development. That foundation is especially relevant in asbestos exposure cases, where key details often go back decades.

With a strong team of 70 attorneys throughout New England, we bring both the resources of a larger firm and a more direct, case-specific approach. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to these claims. Each case is built around your work history, exposure risks, and medical circumstances.

Our early work included handling cases at the federal level, where preparation and evidence had to hold up under close scrutiny. That approach still shapes how we handle mesothelioma claims today.

Building a case means looking beyond what is immediately available. We trace work history, identify likely exposure points, and prepare for how companies may respond. Clear communication is part of that process, so you understand what is happening and how decisions are being made as your case moves forward.

Where asbestos exposure happens in Maine

In Maine, asbestos exposure is often tied to specific industries and job sites where asbestos-containing materials were widely used.

Shipyards and naval facilities were one of the most common sources. Workers at places like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Brunswick Naval Air Station were often exposed to asbestos via insulation and machinery.

Power plants and industrial sites also used asbestos for heat resistance and safety. Facilities such as Yankee Nuclear Power Plant and regional energy providers relied on asbestos in daily operations.

Maine’s paper mills and manufacturing plants are another frequent source. Companies like Great Northern Paper Company and other mill operations used asbestos in equipment and building materials, often without full awareness of the risks at the time.

Exposure was not limited to industrial settings. Asbestos was also used in residential construction materials and consumer products, which means some individuals were exposed outside of traditional job environments.

Consumer products and secondhand asbestos exposure

Not all asbestos exposure came from job sites. In some cases, it happened through everyday products or contact with someone who worked around asbestos.

Common examples:

• Talc-based products, like certain baby powders, have been linked to asbestos contamination in some cases
• Secondhand exposure, when asbestos fibers were brought home on clothing, tools, or equipment
• Household or building materials, where asbestos may have been present in insulation or older construction products

Because of this, identifying exposure is not always straightforward. A full review of work history, living environment, and product use is often needed to understand how exposure occurred.

Occupations linked to higher asbestos exposure risk

Certain jobs in Maine have consistently been linked to asbestos exposure. This includes shipyard workers, construction and demolition crews, and employees in paper mills or power plants.

Trades like electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters were also at risk due to regular contact with insulation and building materials that contained asbestos.

Even if your role does not appear on a typical list, exposure may still have occurred. These cases are evaluated based on the details of your work and environment over time.

What legal options are available for mesothelioma cases in Maine

There are several ways to pursue compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis, depending on how and where the exposure occurred.

In many cases, this involves filing a claim against manufacturers or companies that used asbestos-containing products. Some claims may be resolved through asbestos trust funds that were established when companies filed for bankruptcy. Workers’ compensation or VA-related claims may also apply if exposure happened in a workplace or during military service.

For families who have lost a loved one, a wrongful death claim may be an option. These cases focus on the impact of the loss, including financial support and the role the person played in the household.

What compensation may be available in mesothelioma cases

Mesothelioma cases often involve long-term medical care and significant changes to daily life. Compensation is typically based on how the illness has affected both immediate and ongoing needs. This can include medical treatment and related expenses. It can also account for lost income and the impact the illness has on the ability to work.

In some cases, damages may also reflect the broader impact of the diagnosis, including how it affects daily life and future planning.

Each case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific details involved.

How a Maine mesothelioma attorney builds your case

Building a mesothelioma case starts with understanding where exposure may have occurred. That often means reviewing work history, job sites, and any products connected to those environments.

Records and documentation help establish a timeline, but many cases also rely on industry knowledge and historical data about how asbestos was used in specific settings.

Medical records play an important role as well. They confirm the diagnosis and help connect the illness to past exposure.

In some cases, experts are involved to explain how exposure occurred and how it relates to the diagnosis. These details can make a difference when companies dispute responsibility.

Because of how much information needs to be gathered and verified, these cases take time. Some claims move forward within a matter of months, while others take longer, depending on how complex the exposure history is and how companies respond.

What clients say about working with Shaheen & Gordon

People who reach out to us are often trying to understand what comes next. Here’s what some former clients have shared about their experience: