Travis Air Force Base Toxic Exposure | California VA Cancer Claims
VA Disability Lawyers Investigating Air Force Base Injury Claims
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Air Force Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits
Reviewing cancer cases at travis air force base on behalf of former veterans and civilian contractors
The Lyon Firm is investigating toxic exposure claims for servicemen at Travis Air Force Base, as well as at other California military installations. Due to large amounts of PFAS, AFFF and asbestos on site, many California air stations have been cleaned up in recent years. But in many cases, the damage was already done and related cancers have been diagnosed in hundreds of air force veterans.
Many civilians and air force servicemen were unaware of the hazards of asbestos, AFFF, PFAS and other toxins, and handled the materials without proper safety equipment. Those directly impacted by the exposure may be able to file injury claims years later with a confirmed diagnosis. If you spent time at a California Air Force base in the last 50 years, it is likely that you were exposed to at least some level of toxic material. The CDC and other safety agencies have said that any level of asbestos exposure, even short durations, can raise the risk of developing cancers. It is thought that chronic toxic exposure will greatly increase your risk of certain medical conditions, and asbestos have been linked to the following:
More About Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base has been around since the 1940s when it played a big part in being the WWII gateway to the Pacific theater. Over the years it has operated a medical center, logistics base, airlift facility, and cargo and passenger terminal. The base is about 50 miles from San Francisco, and in the past has been the busiest Air Force Base in the United States. To get an idea of how large it is, in recent years Travis AFB included approximately 7,000 active USAF military personnel, 4,000 Air Force Reserve personnel and 3,500 civilian contractors.
The base, however, is thought to have been contaminated with asbestos in buildings and aircraft components, and more recently contaminated with PFAS and fluorinated chemicals, stemming from AFFF – a rather toxic fire suppressant. As a result of this toxic exposure, many air force veterans have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. Legal action may be necessary, in addition to available VA Disability benefits. Anyone that has lived or worked at Travis Air Force Base for a significant period of time and later suffers from a disease related to asbestos or PFAS exposure should contact an attorney to discuss the next steps.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has directed several reviews to remedy the Travis AFB grounds, ensuring that the public health and the environment are protected, mainly by treating groundwater, removing asbestos and excavating soil contaminated with PFAS.
Veterans who spent time at Travis Air Force Base were likely exposed to the following toxic materials:
- Petroleum – Benzene
- Volatile organic compounds
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Chromium
- Asbestos
PFAS exposure has strong links to severe health issues, including organ damage, immune system disorders, endocrine issues, and specific cancers that include:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bladder cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Male breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid cancer
What Kind of Claims Can a Travis Air Force Base Veteran File?
Following a confirmed cancer diagnosis linked to asbestos exposure or exposure to PFAS, veterans and civilians may be eligible for various types of compensation and benefits, that could include:
- Disability Compensation: Veterans with lung diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer can file for VA disability benefits and also can consider a personal injury lawsuit if the VA package cannot cover all medical costs and living expenses. The amount of a possible settlement will be determined by the severity of your medical condition and your ability to return to the workforce.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Asbestos-related disabilities can be compensated for with special monthly damage packages, which will provide increased financial aid.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Surviving family members of veterans who pass away due to toxic exposure can file claims to compensate for the loss of future earnings.
- Medical Care: Veterans with service-related illnesses or injury can always receive medical care through the VA healthcare system, and other health systems if the VA hospitals do not have the ability to treat them.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Services: These services are aimed to help veterans who cannot perform the tasks of a previous occupation and require vocational rehabilitation services to help them re-enter the workforce.
Handling Complex Asbestos Cases
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Why Hire Our Toxic Exposure Lawyers?
Joe Lyon has 20 years of experience filing work injury and toxic exposure cancer lawsuits on behalf of American workers and veterans. We take pride in representing America’s servicemen. After years of service, veterans deserve full compensation for any illness or injury sustained during their time in the Air Force or another arm of the military.
We have the resources and the dedication to take your case and reach a fast and significant settlement. We work with some of the country’s leading industry experts to draw a clear link between your time spent at a toxic air station and an illness that develops years later. Following a confirmed diagnosis, it is prudent to contact an attorney you trust to begin processing your claim.
Travis Air Force Base Asbestos FAQ
Asbestos was used for decades by not only the military but all over the country in various industries. The material is durable, heat-resistant and abundant and was thought to be the perfect insulator for construction, steel processing, paper milling, auto plants, aviation and shipbuilding. It wasn’t until the 1980s that asbestos was discontinued in the use on Air Force bases, but at that point it was in old machinery, planes, vehicles, buildings, barracks, mess halls and other locations.
Contact our lawyers with your documentation ready, which may include your service history and medical records. We can investigate and advise you on the best course of action. We offer free consultations.
Yes, you can pursue both options simultaneously to maximize your potential compensation. However, it’s best to contact a professional to make sure there are no conflicts. We can help you with a full compensation assessment.
Any personnel who ever handled asbestos was likely exposed to dangerous levels of the toxin. Asbestos was used in gaskets, seals, valves, heat shields, brakes and other aircraft components. The most toxic material, however, was in the buildings themselves.
AFFF and PFAS may have been in the groundwater, which would therefore impact the entire base.
Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements
Estate of Steve Thomas v. AK Steel Corporation, et al.
Summary: PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, Pennsylvania – Co-counsel represented the surviving spouse of a steel mill worker who developed mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure on the job. The case resulted in a settlement exceeding $2.7 million.
Estate of William P. Bush v. AK Steel Corporation, et al.
Summary: MADISON COUNTY, Illinois – Co-counsel represented the family of a steel mill worker who suffered asbestos exposure that later led to mesothelioma. The case resulted in a settlement exceeding $2.3 million.
Asbestos Lawsuits
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Taking the first step doesn’t have to be complicated. In just a few minutes, you can share the basics of your case, and our team will guide you from there:
- It begins with a few simple questions about your situation.
- From there, a member of our legal team reviews your case.
- Together, we’ll chart the path forward, helping you take the next step toward resolution.
