Guide to Asbestos Trust Fund Claims - (800) 291-0963

Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Rhode Island mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos exposure claims for shipbuilding, industrial workers, veterans, construction families

Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawsuits

If you or a loved one in Rhode Island has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you may qualify to file a Rhode Island mesothelioma lawsuit. Our experienced legal team helps Rhode Island workers, veterans, and families pursue financial compensation by identifying the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure—often due to negligent practices and a failure to provide proper safety warnings. We work closely with clients to build strong legal cases based on their occupational and environmental exposure history, including asbestos exposure at Providence shipyards, power plants, textile mills, chemical facilities, construction sites, and military bases across Rhode Island.

Through Rhode Island mesothelioma lawsuits, victims may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care, and wrongful death. At Mesothelioma Help Center, we guide Rhode Island families through every step of the legal process—with no upfront fees, and no payment unless we win. Our attorneys have decades of experience securing asbestos verdicts and asbestos trust fund claims, helping victims hold negligent corporations accountable and obtain the justice they deserve.

Here’s What You’ll Learn When You Read This Page:

  • Rhode Island mesothelioma lawsuits assist shipyard workers, builders, and Navy veterans exposed to asbestos.

  • 🔍 Attorneys examine jobsite exposure in Providence, Newport, and Quonset Point.

  • 🛠️ Old construction materials and boiler rooms were key sources.

  • 💵 Rhode Island residents may qualify for trust fund claims and settlements.


Asbestos Exposure History in Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest U.S. state, Rhode Island had significant asbestos exposure due to its shipbuilding industry, naval presence, manufacturing facilities, and construction trades. Workers in Providence, Newport, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and other cities faced exposure in shipyards, mills, and military bases. Many homes and schools still contain aging asbestos insulation and materials. Secondary exposure also affected family members through asbestos dust brought home on work clothes.

Number of People Exposed to Asbestos in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s exposure risk is closely tied to its shipbuilding history, industrial factories, and older school infrastructure. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in marine construction, textiles, and power facilities.

Each year, dozens of people in Rhode Island are diagnosed with mesothelioma, especially those with occupational histories tied to shipyards or building trades.

Exposure Source or Industry Estimated Number of People Exposed
Shipbuilding (e.g., Quonset Point, Providence Shipyards) Over 80,000 shipyard workers exposed to asbestos in engines, insulation, and fireproofing.
Industrial Plants and Textile Mills Approximately 100,000 exposed in heating systems, boilers, and machinery.
Power Plants and Utilities Around 75,000 exposed to asbestos in turbines, wires, and lagging.
Construction and Renovation Workers Nearly 100,000 tradespeople exposed during maintenance of homes and commercial properties.
Public Schools and Government Buildings About 50,000 staff and workers exposed in structures built before the 1980s.

Total Estimated Exposure:
Over 405,000 people in Rhode Island have been exposed to asbestos, especially in maritime and industrial occupations.


Asbestos Exposure Across Rhode Island: Where and How It Happened

From the 1940s through the 1980s, Rhode Island’s shipyards, textile mills, and schools made asbestos exposure widespread across the state.

🚗 Auto Repair Shops (Providence, Warwick, Pawtucket)
Asbestos brakes, clutches, and gaskets released fibers during repairs. Rhode Island mechanics inhaled dust while grinding brake pads, replacing clutches, and performing engine maintenance.

🏗️ Construction Sites (Statewide)
Homes, schools, and public buildings contained asbestos roofing, siding, flooring, and drywall. Carpenters, electricians, and roofers inhaled fibers during cutting, sanding, and installation.

🏚️ Demolition Projects (Providence, Cranston, Newport)
Demolishing older buildings released asbestos dust from ceilings, insulation, and flooring. Crews and nearby residents were exposed when dust spread during poorly contained demolition.

🏭 Industrial Manufacturing (Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls)
Factories used asbestos insulation in machinery, ovens, and furnaces. Industrial workers faced exposure while repairing high-heat equipment and operating production lines.

🎖️ Military Facilities (Naval Station Newport, Quonset Point NAS)
Asbestos lined hangars, barracks, and ship support facilities. Sailors and civilian staff inhaled fibers while repairing ships, maintaining housing, and insulating aircraft equipment.

📰 Paper & Textile Mills (Cumberland, Providence, Warwick)
Asbestos was used in boilers, dryers, and weaving machinery. Mill workers encountered fibers while repairing high-heat equipment and producing asbestos-containing fabrics.

Power Plants (South Street, Manchester Street, Newport)
Rhode Island power plants used asbestos in boilers, turbines, and piping systems. Workers inhaled fibers during turbine repairs and steam system overhauls.

🚂 Railroad Yards (Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket)
Locomotives and railcars contained asbestos brakes, gaskets, and insulation. Railroad crews inhaled fibers during brake replacements, engine repairs, and removal of lagging materials.

🛢️ Refineries & Chemical Facilities (Providence, East Providence)
Refineries and chemical plants used asbestos insulation for tanks, pumps, and piping. Workers were exposed while repairing heated systems and sealing gaskets.

Shipyards (Providence, Newport, Quonset Point)
Shipyards relied heavily on asbestos insulation in boilers, pipes, and engines. Shipbuilders and welders inhaled fibers during construction and retrofitting of naval and commercial vessels.

🏥 Hospitals & Medical Centers (Providence, Newport, Warwick)
Boiler rooms, ceilings, and HVAC systems in hospitals contained asbestos. Doctors, nurses, patients, and custodians risked exposure during renovations and infrastructure deterioration.

🏫 Schools & Universities (Statewide)
Asbestos ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and floor backing were common in Rhode Island classrooms. Teachers, students, and maintenance crews were exposed during daily use and renovations.


Asbestos-Related Illnesses in Rhode Island

Asbestos exposure can cause life-threatening diseases years or even decades after contact:

  • Mesothelioma: Cancer in the lining of lungs, abdomen, or heart

  • Lung Cancer: Increased risk from asbestos exposure, especially among smokers

  • Asbestosis: Chronic lung condition from long-term exposure

  • Pleural Plaques/Thickening: Scarring of the chest lining, reducing lung function

Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest or abdominal pain

  • Chronic coughing

  • Fatigue and weight loss


Common Asbestos Products Used in Rhode Island

Product Typical Locations Workers Exposed
Pipe Insulation Shipyards, power plants, mills Pipefitters, shipbuilders
Boiler Coatings Factories, schools, ships Boiler operators, engineers
Brake Linings & Clutches Auto shops, transportation yards Mechanics, transit workers
Asbestos Gaskets Naval vessels, chemical plants, pumps Navy personnel, machinists
Spray-On Fireproofing Ship hulls, industrial sites Sprayers, insulators
Joint Compounds Homes and buildings pre-1980 Drywallers, construction workers
Ceiling/Floor Tiles Schools, hospitals, government buildings Janitors, maintenance staff
Roofing Felt/Shingles Residential and commercial buildings Roofers, contractors

Why File a Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit allows victims and families to:

  • Hold corporations accountable for hazardous asbestos exposure

  • Recover compensation for:

    • Medical treatment and hospital bills

    • Lost earnings and reduced ability to work

    • Physical pain and emotional suffering

    • Funeral and wrongful death expenses

  • Access asbestos trust funds set aside by bankrupt companies

Rhode Island Settlements:
According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, mesothelioma settlements average $1 million to $1.4 million, with trial verdicts reaching $2.4 million or more.


Veterans & Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island

Thousands of veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving in Rhode Island—especially at naval installations and shipyards.

High-Risk Military Sites:

  • Naval Station Newport: Ships, boilers, barracks, aircraft maintenance areas

  • Quonset Point Naval Air Station (decommissioned): Engine repairs, insulation removal

  • Military Housing & VA Hospitals: Aging infrastructure with asbestos-containing materials

Veteran Compensation:

  • 100% disability rating for service-connected mesothelioma

  • Monthly, tax-free VA payments

  • Free VA cancer treatment and surgery

  • Survivor and dependent benefits

Our legal team assists veterans with both VA claims and legal actions.


High-Risk Occupations & Industries in Rhode Island

Industry Commonly Exposed Workers
Shipbuilding & Repair Welders, insulators, pipefitters, electricians
Naval & Military Bases Sailors, mechanics, HVAC techs, engineers
Power Generation Boiler techs, turbine mechanics, operators
Construction & Demolition Roofers, drywallers, carpenters, plumbers
Manufacturing Plants Line workers, maintenance staff, machinists
Auto Repair & Transport Diesel techs, mechanics, brake specialists
HVAC & Insulation Sheet metal workers, duct installers
Public Schools & Hospitals Custodians, janitors, school maintenance crews
Chemical & Processing Facilities Operators, engineers, maintenance crews
Paper & Textile Mills Weavers, machine operators, maintenance
Renovation Contractors Remodelers, tile installers, general laborers
Fireproofing Installers Sprayers, structural steel workers

Asbestos Companies Named in Rhode Island Lawsuits

Company Products & Exposure Exposed Workers
Johns-Manville Pipe insulation, cement, boiler wrap Shipyard workers, power plant crews
Owens Corning Thermal insulation and pipe coverings Navy crew, factory maintenance staff
Raybestos-Manhattan Brake linings and clutch pads Auto mechanics, fleet workers
Armstrong World Industries Floor and ceiling tile products Installers, school custodians
Georgia-Pacific Drywall joint compound and wallboard Painters, remodelers
WR Grace & Co. Zonolite attic insulation Contractors, home remodelers
CertainTeed Asbestos cement products and siding Roofers, siding installers
Babcock & Wilcox Boilers and power plant systems Utility workers, boiler technicians
Garlock Sealing Technologies Gaskets and packing materials Navy machinists, pump operators
Eagle-Picher High-temp insulation Turbine techs, refinery workers

Take Action Now

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer in Rhode Island, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our legal team is ready to help.

📞 Call 800.291.0963 now for a free consultation
✅ No upfront fees
✅ No charges unless you win
✅ 25+ years helping asbestos victims nationwide


Rhode Island Asbestos Regulations & Oversight

  • Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH): Enforces asbestos removal and licensing

  • EPA and OSHA: Regulate worker safety, demolition, and air monitoring

  • Asbestos Professionals: Must be licensed for abatement and disposal in RI


Rhode Island Cities with the Most Asbestos Exposure

1. Providence, RI Asbestos Exposure

Ship repair facilities, schools, and hospitals contained asbestos insulation. Shipbuilders, teachers, and medical staff inhaled fibers during ship maintenance, boiler work, and building renovations in the state’s capital city.

2. Warwick, RI Asbestos Exposure

Industrial plants, schools, and municipal buildings relied on asbestos. Workers, teachers, and city staff were exposed during equipment repairs, flooring projects, and facility upgrades.

3. Cranston, RI Asbestos Exposure

Factories, schools, and hospitals contained asbestos products. Factory workers, teachers, and medical staff faced risks during boiler room work, ceiling tile removal, and renovations.

4. Pawtucket, RI Asbestos Exposure

Textile mills, schools, and housing relied heavily on asbestos insulation. Mill workers, teachers, and residents inhaled fibers during machinery maintenance, home renovations, and classroom upgrades.

5. Woonsocket, RI Asbestos Exposure

Textile operations, schools, and municipal facilities contained asbestos. Workers, teachers, and city employees were exposed during machinery servicing, boiler repairs, and construction projects.

6. East Providence, RI Asbestos Exposure

Factories, schools, and hospitals used asbestos insulation. Factory employees, teachers, and medical staff inhaled fibers during boiler maintenance, flooring replacements, and facility upgrades.

7. Newport, RI Asbestos Exposure

Naval facilities, schools, and housing contained asbestos materials. Sailors, teachers, and residents were exposed during ship repair, boiler room work, and residential renovations.

8. Central Falls, RI Asbestos Exposure

Factories, schools, and housing relied on asbestos. Factory workers, teachers, and residents inhaled fibers during boiler work, home renovations, and classroom maintenance.

9. West Warwick, RI Asbestos Exposure

Textile mills, schools, and municipal facilities contained asbestos. Mill employees, teachers, and staff were exposed during machinery repairs, flooring projects, and building maintenance.

10. Cumberland, RI Asbestos Exposure

Factories, schools, and housing used asbestos products. Workers, teachers, and residents faced risks during equipment repairs, ceiling tile removal, and home upgrades.

11. North Providence, RI Asbestos Exposure

Schools, municipal buildings, and housing relied on asbestos. Teachers, city staff, and residents inhaled fibers during flooring replacements, boiler room work, and renovations.

12. Bristol, RI Asbestos Exposure

Shipyards, schools, and housing contained asbestos products. Shipbuilders, teachers, and residents were exposed during ship repairs, classroom renovations, and home maintenance.


Veterans in Rhode Island: Asbestos Exposure Risks

⚓ Naval Station Newport (Newport)

Naval facilities, training schools, and housing contained asbestos insulation. Sailors, Marines, and civilian employees were exposed during ship maintenance, housing upgrades, and boiler work.

⚓ Providence Shipyards (Providence)

Ship repair yards used asbestos in boilers, turbines, and insulation. Sailors and shipyard crews inhaled fibers during ship construction, refitting, and repair projects.

🪖 Rhode Island National Guard Armories (Statewide)

Older armories contained asbestos insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring materials. Guard members and staff were exposed during training drills, remodeling, and maintenance work.

🏥 Providence VA Medical Center (Providence)

This VA hospital contained asbestos in ceilings, boiler rooms, and labs. Veterans, doctors, and staff inhaled fibers during renovations and hospital upgrades.

⚡ Power Plants (Statewide)

Plants like Manchester Street relied on asbestos insulation in boilers and turbines. Engineers and maintenance staff were exposed during turbine repairs, shutdowns, and equipment servicing.


Asbestos Trust Funds Available

  • Over $30 billion in national asbestos trust fund assets

  • Available even if your employer is bankrupt or out of business

  • Claims may be filed with or without a lawsuit

  • Our team handles all paperwork and filings for you


⚓ Rhode Island Mesothelioma Cases

Rhode Island has one of the highest mesothelioma burdens in New England. Shipyards, textile mills, power plants, and construction industries relied heavily on asbestos, leaving thousands of workers and residents exposed before strict regulations took effect in the late 1970s.


👥 Who Qualifies

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in high-risk industries — including shipbuilding, textile production, construction, power generation, and military service — may qualify for claims. Veterans and family members exposed secondhand may also be eligible for compensation.


📊 Statistics

Rhode Island has recorded more than 500 mesothelioma cases in recent decades.

Each year, the state averages around 25 new diagnoses.

Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket report the highest case numbers due to shipyards, mills, and power plants.

Settlements in Rhode Island often exceed $1 million, with some jury verdicts reaching multi-million-dollar awards.


⚓ Rhode Island Asbestos Lung Cancer Cases

Rhode Island also has elevated rates of asbestos-related lung cancer in the U.S. Due to its shipyards, mills, power plants, and construction industries, thousands of workers were exposed for decades before regulations began in the late 1970s.


👥 Who Qualifies

Individuals diagnosed with lung cancer who worked in asbestos industries — including shipyards, textile mills, power plants, construction, and refineries — may qualify for claims. Family members exposed through contaminated clothing may also be eligible.


📊 Statistics

Rhode Island reports nearly 200 new asbestos-related lung cancer cases each year.

Providence, Warwick, and Newport record the most cases due to naval, industrial, and construction activity.

Thousands of asbestos lung cancer lawsuits have been filed in Rhode Island courts, often leading to six-figure settlements or asbestos trust fund claims.


📜 History of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer in Rhode Island

1940s–1970s: Rhode Island’s shipyards, textile mills, and power plants used asbestos in boilers, turbines, and insulation.
1980s: Regulations reduced use, but workers exposed decades earlier began developing asbestos diseases.
Today: Many cases involve shipyard workers, mill employees, veterans, and construction tradesmen exposed on the job.


FAQs About Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawsuits

👥 Who qualifies?
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-caused lung cancer in Rhode Island from workplace, military, or secondhand exposure may qualify for legal claims and asbestos trust fund compensation.

🏭 What industries caused exposure?
Shipyards, textile mills, power plants, chemical factories, construction sites, and military facilities across Rhode Island used asbestos, exposing workers, veterans, and residents to hazardous airborne fibers.

🎖️ Are veterans eligible?
Yes. Rhode Island veterans exposed during service—particularly at Naval Station Newport, Quonset Point, or Providence shipyards—may qualify for VA benefits plus legal compensation against negligent asbestos product manufacturers and suppliers.

📅 What’s the filing deadline?
Rhode Island law generally allows three years from diagnosis or death to file lawsuits, requiring prompt legal action to preserve rights and secure rightful financial compensation opportunities.

💵 Do I pay anything upfront?
No. Our Rhode Island mesothelioma attorneys operate strictly on contingency. Clients pay nothing upfront, and fees are only collected if financial compensation is successfully recovered.


How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help in Rhode Island

If you or a loved one in Rhode Island has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis, an experienced asbestos attorney can provide essential guidance and representation. Rhode Island industries — including shipbuilding, power generation, textiles, construction, and manufacturing — all relied heavily on asbestos products. Workers, veterans, and residents in Providence, Newport, Warwick, and Pawtucket were frequently exposed in shipyards, mills, schools, and public buildings.

⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

🔍 Investigate Job Sites and Exposure Records
Attorneys investigate asbestos exposures across Rhode Island, including Naval Station Newport, Electric Boat shipyard facilities, textile mills in Pawtucket, Narragansett Electric power plants, and older Providence construction projects, tracing exposure sources to build strong claims.

📝 File Trust Fund Claims and Lawsuits
Lawyers file asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits in Rhode Island courts, helping victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, long-term treatment costs, and family financial support.

👨‍👩‍👧 Represent Families of Deceased Workers
Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed on behalf of spouses, children, or estates of loved ones who passed away from asbestos-related diseases connected to Rhode Island industries.

💼 Work on a No-Win, No-Fee Basis
Rhode Island asbestos attorneys typically work on contingency — no upfront legal fees are required, and attorneys are only paid if financial compensation is successfully obtained.

🎖️ Assist Veterans with Military-Related Exposure
Rhode Island veterans faced asbestos exposure at Naval Station Newport, Quonset Point Naval Air Station, and shipbuilding facilities along the coast. Attorneys assist veterans with both VA benefits claims and lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.


Free Rhode Island Mesothelioma Case Review

📞 Call 800.291.0963 or complete the secure form below
✅ Get a free legal evaluation
✅ Review your job and military history
✅ Begin your claim with no risk


Find Out If You Qualify Today!

25 Years Working With Diagnosed Mesothelioma Victims!

Our Mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.

This means NO MONEY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES by the asbestos victims or their families. You will find the contingency fees to be among the lowest in the country.

Talk to a real live person!
Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. 

Call (800) 291-0963 to find out if you have a valid claim.

Free Mesothelioma Case Evaluation

Get Answers From Expert Mesothelioma Attorneys