Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Alaska

Due to its durability, heat resistance, and affordability, asbestos was widely used by numerous industries throughout the 20th century, exposing workers on job sites in Alaska, such as shipyards, power plants, paper mills, nuclear facilities, and oil refineries. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure poses significant health risks and is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer.

Written by:

Vanessa Firnhaber Oslund, Partner, Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 27, 2025

Home » Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Alaska

Since 1995, Oslund Udo Little has fought to protect the rights of those diagnosed with mesothelioma. We have deep knowledge of the laws governing mesothelioma cases and deliver personalized, comprehensive service, with compassionate support and fierce advocacy for those impacted by asbestos exposure in Alaska. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Alaska asbestos exposure attorney.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in Alaska: Key Risks

Individuals who have lived or worked in specific areas of Alaska are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to exposure to industrial products, consumer goods, and building materials containing asbestos.

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Alaska

Certain Alaskan industries have widely used asbestos in equipment or materials, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure for workers. These industries include the following:

The timber industry
Seafood processing plants
Military bases and shipyards
Shipbuilding and repairs
The mining industry
Oil refineries

Some Alaskan regions have a denser population, and thus have a higher concentration of high-risk industrial sites and construction made with asbestos-containing materials, making exposure more likely. Data published by the Alaska Department of Health shows the following Alaska boroughs had the most mesothelioma deaths between 1996 and 2020:

Anchorage: The Anchorage Borough had the most mesothelioma deaths by far, with 56 recorded incidents.
Matanuska-Susitna: Reporting a total of 13 mesothelioma deaths, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has the second-highest number.
Fairbanks North Star: With 10 recorded mesothelioma deaths, the Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks third for deaths caused by mesothelioma.
Kenai Peninsula: The Kenai Peninsula Borough also had a total of 10 mesothelioma deaths.

High-Risk Occupations in Alaska

Asbestos exposure is most common on job sites with high-temperature machinery and infrastructure, or in occupations that use heat-resistant equipment and materials. High-risk jobs prevalent in Alaska include the following:

Construction workers: Individuals who have worked in the construction industry may have been exposed to asbestos in building insulation, roofing materials, ceiling tiles, and flooring.
Shipbuilders and shipwrights: Asbestos was heavily used to insulate and fireproof ships, putting these workers at risk of exposure.
Active military personnel and veterans: Many military branches used asbestos to prevent fires on naval ships or at bases, such as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
Processing and power plant workers: Power and processing plants, including seafood processing facilities in Alaska, use machinery and equipment that may contain asbestos.
Electricians: Many electrical components were made with asbestos for protection against electrical heat and to prevent fires.

Although asbestos use has largely been phased out and the risk of exposure is now lower than it was, it remains a concern for individuals who work in older buildings or utilize older materials and equipment.

The Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are fibrous, flexible, and extremely resistant to heat. It was widely used in materials and equipment for decades in the United States. Asbestos poses a much lower risks when the materials containing it remain intact. However, it becomes dangerous when the materials break down and the mineral’s toxic fibers become airborne. The tiny fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and become lodged in bodily tissue, causing serious health issues.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen. It has only one known cause: asbestos exposure. Over time, the embedded asbestos fibers irreversibly damage cells. It can take several decades after exposure for mesothelioma to develop.

How Do I File an Asbestos Exposure Claim in Alaska?

If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma or another illness as a result, you may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit in Alaska or an asbestos trust fund claim. A skilled attorney can file your claim for Alaska mesothelioma compensation.

The process for filing an asbestos claim in Alaska can be complex without the assistance of qualified asbestos-exposure legal representation in Alaska. Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help you take these steps to file a mesothelioma claim:

Schedule a case evaluation with Alaska asbestos attorneys to learn about your rights and legal options.
Identify the source of asbestos exposure and collect evidence to support when and how the exposure occurred.
Submit the proper legal documents to file your claim, which will include details on your exposure, diagnosis, and the value of your losses.
Fight for a fair settlement or take your mesothelioma lawsuit to court.

Get Help with Your Mesothelioma Compensation Options

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in Alaska?

The Alaska statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. In mesothelioma cases, this two-year deadline would start on the day of your diagnosis. Family members who file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who died from mesothelioma have two years from the date of the death.

With such a short deadline, consider speaking with our team of mesothelioma attorneys as soon as possible. Our asbestos-focused law firm will begin working on your case immediately and support your family during this challenging time.

Mesothelioma Claims for Alaska Veterans

Some Alaska veterans were exposed to asbestos during active-duty military service and later developed mesothelioma. There are several options for these individuals to receive financial assistance, including through lawsuits, trust fund claims, and VA disability claims. Veterans and Asbestos Exposure

Veterans who served as shipyard workers, mechanics, construction workers, electricians, and metal workers may have handled or come into contact with asbestos. Possible veterans’ asbestos exposure sites include:

Elmendorf Air Force Base
Fort Richardson
Fort Greely
Fort Wainwright
Eielson Air Force Base
Sitka Naval Operating Base
Former Naval Air Facility Adak

If you served at any of these sites while in the military and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or a related condition, a mesothelioma lawyer for veterans can determine if you have a case.

VA Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to qualifying veterans who have developed service-connected mesothelioma, including the following:

VA disability compensation
VA health care
Veterans Pension program
Aid and Attendance benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC, for family members

Depending on the degree of your disability, you can receive a non-taxable monthly income and other benefits that support you and your family.

Personalized Legal Support for Alaska Veterans

If you need mesothelioma legal help in Alaska, our knowledgeable team of asbestos exposure attorneys has helped countless veterans and their families secure compensation. Along with our supportive and client-focused approach, we combine our experience, skills, and resources to develop a personalized strategy tailored to your case.

Why Choose Oslund Udo Little for Your Alaska Mesothelioma Claim

Asbestos law is our primary area of practice. When you choose to work with Oslund Udo Little, you will get a dedicated team of mesothelioma lawyers on your side who are ready to hold the responsible parties accountable. We understand the toll a mesothelioma diagnosis can take and will guide you through the legal process with patience, compassion, and respect.

After decades of handling asbestos-related cases, we strive to provide exceptional service to our clients and their families in the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska. As a result, we have been recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers for our commitment to securing justice for our clients and delivering exceptional legal services.

Our team has a proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, reflecting our zealous advocacy in and out of the courtroom. We have the resources to handle complex asbestos cases while supporting our clients every step of the way.

Contact Oslund Udo Little: Your Alaska Mesothelioma Legal Team

Mesothelioma has a particularly long latency period, with diagnoses coming several decades after people are initially exposed to asbestos. With that much time passing, Alaska mesothelioma claims can be challenging without legal representation.

At Oslund Udo Little, we will fight for the maximum compensation available to you to help carry the financial burden of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our attorneys can advise you of your mesothelioma compensation options and fight for the justice you deserve.