Louisiana Mechanics and Mesothelioma
Mechanics are among the occupations most commonly exposed to asbestos, putting them at risk of developing mesothelioma. Workplaces such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, gas stations, tire shops and heavy haul trucks and equipment maintenance facilities may pose a risk of asbestos exposure due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials throughout most of the 20th century.
Last Updated:
- September 30, 2025
Key Facts About Mechanics
Asbestos Exposure Risk:
High
Asbestos Products:
Brake pads and linings, Clutches, Gaskets and seals, Engine components, and more
Job Sites:
Automotive Repair Shops, Car & Truck Dealerships, Gas Stations, Heavy Truck Repair Shops, Industrial Plants with Plant Vehicles, and more
Compensation Available:
Yes, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, or asbestosis.
Why Are Mechanics At High Risk for Mesothelioma?
Jobsites in many industries used asbestos-containing materials in automotive, big truck repair and maintenance, construction, insulation, machinery, protective equipment, and other applications. This widespread use has put millions of workers at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which, if inhaled or ingested, can lead to diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma many years later.
In Louisiana, auto & big truck mechanics who worked before 2010 were frequently exposed to asbestos products. Mechanics did not need to handle these products directly to be affected. They could have worked near other mechanics who used asbestos-containing materials. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they float in the air where they can be inhaled or ingested by anyone on a job site.
Asbestos Products That Exposed Mechanics
Asbestos-containing products commonly used by mechanics include the following:
- Brake pads and linings
- Clutches
- Gaskets and seals
- Engine components
As parts were repaired or replaced, asbestos fibers could become airborne, exposing mechanics.
A Former Mechanics Story
“We didn't know it was that dangerous.”
I joined Local 60 in 1963 and I served a five years apprenticeship and then became a mechanic. In that apprenticeship, I went to a lot of chemical plants, industrial work, power houses, oil refineries all up and down the Mississippi River . Even in the beginning of my apprenticeship, I worked with a smaller company that did a lot of installations of building houses and we’d put the air conditioning with asbestos.
Common Workplaces Where Mechanics Faced Asbestos Exposure
- Automotive Repair Shops
- Car & Truck Dealerships
- Gas Stations
- Heavy Truck Repair Shops
- Industrial Plants with Plant Vehicles
Types of Mechanics With a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Types of mechanics that could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of mesothelioma include the following:
- Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Auto & Truck Mechanics
- Brake Mechanic
- Diesel Mechanic
- Engine Room Mechanic
- Heavy Duty Mechanic
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Hydraulic Mechanic
- Machinery Mechanic
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Turbine Mechanic
Louisiana Local Unions Supporting Mechanics
Local unions help workers by providing information about asbestos exposure and inviting law firms like our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., to speak to members about risks and prevention. Baron & Budd, P.C. is the official occupational injury lawyer for the AFL-CIO of Louisiana and its local affiliates. The firm has built strong relationships with local leaders and members.
If you have any questions, please contact the Louisiana AFL-CIO for assistance.
Our Sponsor
Baron & Budd, P.C. is an officially endorsed provider and Occupational Disease Counsel for the AFL-CIO of Louisiana and all Affiliated Local Unions. The firm’s members have cultivated long-standing friendships and business relationships with the Local leadership and members. They are frequently invited to present information on mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestos exposures to the Retiree Clubs and active members.
Compensation Available for Louisiana Mechanics with Mesothelioma
If you are a Louisiana mechanic who has been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. There are legal avenues available for both victims and their families to pursue their rights and seek justice:
- Mesothelioma Lawsuit: A mesothelioma lawsuit allows patients to seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering due to negligent asbestos exposure. These lawsuits focus on companies that caused the exposure, like manufacturers of asbestos products.
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Since the late 1980s, numerous asbestos trust funds have filed for bankruptcy protection in the face of mounting liability. The courts ordered them to establish these trusts to compensate those harmed by asbestos exposure. These funds currently hold approximately $30 billion combined.
Settlements for Mechanics with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and lung cancer patients can recover anywhere from $500,000 to $10 million in compensation. Results may vary and are not guaranteed.
Our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., has obtained the following settlements:
$3,625,231
for an aircraft mechanic who worked with an asbestos-containing pipe covering product
$3,122,080
to the family of a man who worked as a mechanical contractor on various construction sites
$1,811,800
for a man who worked as a boiler tender aboard Navy ships and later worked as an auto mechanic
$3,447,461
for the family of a man diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 71 from asbestos exposure while working as a mechanical contractor at various industrial sites in several states throughout his career
Results are not guaranteed and vary.
Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates Today
If you or a loved one were a mechanic in Louisiana and has developed a disease from asbestos exposure, contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocate for more information. We can connect you with our sponsor, Baron & Budd, P.C., who can recommend the best mesothelioma physicians and may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Content Reviewed by
Todd Kale
Todd Kale meets with mesothelioma patients and their families across Louisiana to investigate their asbestos exposure, providing compassionate support and guidance during a difficult time.
Cited Source
- Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. www.epa.gov, (October 15, 2024)
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- Why Are Mechanics At High Risk for Mesothelioma?
- Places Where Mechanics Faced Asbestos Exposure
- Types of Mechanics With a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Louisiana Local Unions Supporting Mechanics
- Compensation for Mechanics with Mesothelioma
- Settlements for Mechanics with Mesothelioma
- Contact Louisiana Mesothelioma Advocates