General Dynamics Electric Boat Asbestos Exposure — Groton, Connecticut
Introduction
General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut is the largest and most extensively documented asbestos exposure site in the state — and one of the most significant in the entire northeastern United States. For decades, submarine construction involved the intensive use of asbestos insulation, gaskets, pipe covering, and valve packing throughout the confined interior spaces of Navy submarines. Workers exposed at Electric Boat face one of the most well-documented asbestos exposure histories in American industry. Learn more about what mesothelioma is and how it develops from asbestos exposure.
A landmark 1975-1976 study by Dr. Irving J. Selikoff examined 1,000 Electric Boat workers and found that approximately half had X-ray abnormalities consistent with asbestos exposure. Selikoff noted: "The abnormalities were found not only in insulators who used asbestos, but in all production trades. Asbestos was a ubiquitous contaminant in the yard, with many workmen exposed."
If you worked at Electric Boat and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, contact our mesothelioma attorneys today. Founding partner Edward Jazlowiecki holds a degree in Chemical Engineering — a qualification that gives the firm a rare technical understanding of the specific asbestos products, exposure conditions, and industrial processes involved in submarine construction.
Electric Boat — History and Background
General Dynamics Electric Boat was founded in 1899. In 1911, Electric Boat acquired the New London Ship and Engine Company in Groton, which became the company's permanent headquarters. Throughout the 20th century, Electric Boat was the U.S. Navy's primary submarine manufacturer.
- •1900 — Built the USS Holland, the Navy's first commissioned submarine
- •World War II — Produced submarines, submarine chasers, PT boats, and diesel engines
- •1954 — Launched the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine
- •Cold War era — Primary builder of nuclear attack and ballistic missile submarines
- •Today — Employs approximately 8,250 workers at the Groton shipyard
Each Naval submarine built at Electric Boat contained approximately 60,000 pounds of asbestos thermal insulation. Electric Boat does not have a bankruptcy trust — it pays successful claimants from its own funds.
How Were Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Electric Boat?
Submarine construction involved the heaviest concentration of asbestos exposure of any shipbuilding environment. The confined interior spaces of submarines — compartments barely large enough for workers to move in — meant asbestos dust had nowhere to disperse.
Asbestos-Containing Materials at Electric Boat
- •Pipe insulation — asbestos lagging on steam pipes throughout the submarine
- •Reactor compartment insulation — up to 90% asbestos on nuclear reactor systems
- •Valve packing and gaskets — asbestos material throughout plumbing and mechanical systems
- •Cable insulation — asbestos-wrapped electrical cables
- •Fireproofing materials — spray-on asbestos applied to hull interiors
- •Boiler and engine insulation — asbestos on propulsion systems
- •Hull insulation — spray-on and blanket asbestos applied to submarine hull interiors
Jobs with Highest Asbestos Exposure at Electric Boat
- •Pipe fitters and pipe coverers — directly installed asbestos pipe insulation
- •Insulators — applied asbestos insulation in confined submarine spaces
- •Boilermakers — worked directly with asbestos-insulated boilers and propulsion systems
- •Electricians — worked around asbestos cable insulation throughout submarine hulls
- •Nuclear technicians — worked in reactor compartments with heavy asbestos insulation
- •Shipfitters — fitted hull sections in confined asbestos-contaminated spaces
- •Painters — worked in enclosed spaces where asbestos dust settled on surfaces
- •Maintenance and overhaul workers — disturbed aged asbestos during submarine repair
Secondary Exposure — Family Members
Workers who were exposed at Electric Boat frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members who developed mesothelioma through this secondary exposure are entitled to pursue compensation. Secondary exposure cases are well documented in Connecticut courts.
Navy Veterans
Navy personnel who served on submarines built at Electric Boat were exposed to asbestos throughout their service. Veterans may be eligible for VA disability benefits in addition to civil claims and asbestos trust fund claims. Our firm also handles ship and maritime accident cases involving asbestos exposure on naval vessels.
Legal History — Electric Boat Asbestos Litigation
Electric Boat has been involved in asbestos litigation since the mid-1970s. Unlike many asbestos defendants that established bankruptcy trusts, General Dynamics Electric Boat remains solvent and pays successful claimants directly. Pending matters include a wrongful death suit (Case No. 3:17-cv-01363) on behalf of a deceased Electric Boat electrician and an asbestos personal injury action (Case No. 3:17-CV-1916) by a former radiological control technician exposed at Groton in 1973-1974.
Because a single submarine contained asbestos products from 20 or more manufacturers — most of which have established bankruptcy trusts — Electric Boat workers typically qualify for multiple trust fund claims in addition to any claim against Electric Boat itself.
Why Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC?
Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC is based in Bristol, Connecticut — approximately 50 miles from the Groton shipyard — and we know the Connecticut courts where these cases are litigated. Founding partner Edward Jazlowiecki holds a degree in Chemical Engineering giving the firm a technical understanding of the specific asbestos products used in submarine construction. We handle mesothelioma cases on a contingency basis: no fee unless we win. View our results.
Frequently Asked Questions
I worked at Electric Boat decades ago and have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Is it too late to file a claim?+−
No. Connecticut's statute of limitations for mesothelioma is three years from the date of diagnosis — not from the date of exposure. The three-year clock starts at diagnosis.
Electric Boat doesn't have a bankruptcy trust. Can I still recover compensation?+−
Yes. The many suppliers of asbestos products to Electric Boat did establish bankruptcy trusts, and Electric Boat workers typically qualify for multiple trust claims. General Dynamics Electric Boat is also a solvent company that can be pursued directly through civil litigation.
My family member worked at Electric Boat and I developed mesothelioma through secondary exposure. Do I have a claim?+−
Yes. Secondary asbestos exposure is a recognised and compensable cause of mesothelioma in Connecticut courts. Family members of Electric Boat workers who developed mesothelioma through secondary exposure are entitled to pursue compensation.
I am a Navy veteran who served on a submarine built at Electric Boat. What are my options?+−
Veterans have three concurrent pathways: VA disability benefits, asbestos trust fund claims, and civil litigation. An attorney can help you pursue all three simultaneously.
Contact Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC — Free Case Evaluation
If you or a family member worked at Electric Boat and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Visit our mesothelioma lawyers page to learn more, or submit a free case evaluation online.
Call: (860) 589-8000 — available 24/7
Email: Info@Jazlowiecki.com
No fee unless we win. Connecticut statute of limitations: 3 years from date of diagnosis.