Navy Veterans | Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma Navy Veterans Claims: Why Do You Need an Asbestos Attorney?

Over 80% of all mesothelioma cancer diagnoses are caused by asbestos exposure. If you’re a Navy veteran who has mesothelioma, you were likely exposed on the job serving your country. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help prove your claim, and secure compensation for your treatment and your family’s future financial security.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. While there are mesothelioma treatments available, they are expensive, especially for retirees on a pension. For many, a mesothelioma diagnosis is terminal, meaning a cure isn’t possible. If you have a treatable form of this cancer, you need swift access to robust funds to afford life-saving healthcare. For those managing end-of-life decisions, a lawsuit can allow you to provide your family with financial support when you can no longer be here.

Your Veterans Affairs claim for mesothelioma treatment benefits may be difficult or impossible to prove without an experienced attorney to build your case. Likewise, if any additional negligence or liability from third-party entities is found related to your asbestos exposure in the Navy, a separate lawsuit could lead to additional funds for you and your family.

Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 for a free consultation and comprehensive representation — you deserve the maximum available support in the face of such a devastatingly preventable mesothelioma diagnosis.

Navy Asbestos Settlements: Do They Cover the True Cost of Mesothelioma Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). Mesothelioma most often affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs, but rarer types of mesothelioma affect tissue in the abdomen, around the heart, and around the testicles.

Here are examples of the costs and harms associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis which a lawsuit can help compensate:

• Medical expenses: Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive, including costs for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical procedures. Damages may be sought to cover current and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If the mesothelioma diagnosis prevents the individual from working or significantly reduces their ability to work, damages may be sought for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. This includes compensation for past lost income, as well as potential future income that the individual would have earned had they not been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
• Pain and suffering: Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that can cause significant physical pain, emotional suffering, and a decreased quality of life. Because of the long incubation associated with asbestos cancer, many are diagnosed right on the cusp of a retirement they’ve worked so hard to earn. Damages may be sought to compensate for the anguish, distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the illness.
• Loss of consortium: A loss of consortium usually refers to the loss of intimacy within a marriage, but other family members like children may also experience a loss of companionship and guidance as their parent suffers from this illness.
• Wrongful death damages: When a person dies as a result of mesothelioma, their surviving family members, such as spouses, children, or dependents, may seek damages for the losses they have suffered. These damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional distress caused by the death of a loved one.

It’s important to note that the specific damages awarded in a mesothelioma lawsuit can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, jurisdiction, applicable laws, and the strength of the evidence presented. Consulting with an experienced toxic exposure lawyer is essential to understanding the potential damages that may be pursued in a specific mesothelioma lawsuit.

Military veterans, including Navy veterans, make up approximately 30% of all mesothelioma cases. The Navy is believed to have used asbestos more than any other U.S. military branch. Contact the Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 to discuss your service, your health diagnosis, and your needs for a better future.

Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma: How Does Navy Asbestos Exposure Happen?

Asbestos exposure is often linked to jobs in mining, steel, construction, demolition, and working with older materials on cars. Asbestos was also extensively used on Navy ships for several purposes due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

Some of the asbestos-containing materials commonly found on Navy ships include:

• Thermal insulation and fireproofing materials: Asbestos was used in various forms of thermal insulation, such as insulation blankets, blocks, and pipe coverings. It was used to insulate boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes, and other high-temperature equipment. Asbestos was used in fireproofing materials applied to bulkheads, decks, and structural components to enhance fire resistance and limit the spread of flames in the event of a fire.
• Gaskets, packing, piping, and ductwork: Asbestos-containing gaskets and packing were used in valves, pumps, and other machinery to create a seal and prevent leakage of fluids or gases. Asbestos-containing materials were used in pipe insulation, duct insulation, and duct tape, primarily for thermal insulation and to prevent condensation.
• Electrical equipment: Asbestos was present in electrical equipment insulation, including wire insulation, electrical panels, and switchgear. It provided insulation and fire protection in case of electrical malfunctions.
• Brake linings and clutch facings: Asbestos-containing materials were used in the brake linings and clutch facings of machinery and equipment, including engines, winches, and pumps.
• Deck coverings: Asbestos was present in deck coverings, such as vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT) and asphalt asbestos tile (AAT). These tiles were commonly used for flooring in various areas of the ship.

U.S. Navy ships built prior to 1980 contained hundreds of asbestos products in nearly every part of each ship, from bow to stern. While efforts were made to remove and replace asbestos-containing materials on Navy ships once there was awareness of the health risks, the damage to many sailors and dock workers was already done.

It’s also important to note that older ships and shipyards may still have asbestos-containing materials present, posing an ongoing risk to Navy veterans and workers.

Almost all Navy veterans who served from the 1930s until the 1980s were potentially exposed to asbestos materials on destroyers, battleships, carriers, cruisers, frigates, patrol boats, and the shipyards where they were built, docked, or repaired. Only in 1975 did the Navy discontinue the use of asbestos products in ships, but asbestos remained for many years after.

Other service members have been irreparably harmed by toxic exposure from chemicals in burn pits, Agent Orange, and water contamination on military bases where their civilian family members were also poisoned. Reach out to us online or by calling (513) 381-2333 for a free consultation on any cases of toxic exposure related to your military career.

How Do Mesothelioma Lawyers Help Navy Veterans?

Navy veterans may need an asbestos attorney for mesothelioma claims for several reasons:

• Proving the source of asbestos exposure: Navy veterans have a higher risk of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos-containing materials in naval ships and shipyards. However, your attorney still needs to provide proof that the exposure came from your service time, not other environments.
• Complex legal processes: Filing a mesothelioma claim can be a complex legal process. An experienced asbestos attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases can help navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and build a strong case on behalf of the Navy veteran. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle the intricacies of asbestos litigation and understand the specific laws and regulations surrounding asbestos exposure in the military.
• Identifying responsible parties: Determining the responsible parties is crucial in mesothelioma claims. An asbestos attorney can investigate and identify the companies or manufacturers responsible for the asbestos-containing products used in naval operations. They can help determine liability and pursue legal action against these entities to seek compensation for the veteran’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
• Access to resources: Asbestos attorneys often have access to a network of resources, including medical experts, investigators, and databases that can assist in building a strong case. They can help gather medical records, employment history, military service records, and other relevant evidence to support the claim.
• Maximizing compensation: An experienced asbestos attorney can help Navy veterans maximize their compensation. We have the knowledge and negotiation skills to assess the full extent of damages suffered by the veteran and fight for fair compensation through settlements or, if necessary, by taking the case to trial.

It’s important for Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma to consult with an asbestos attorney who is experienced in these types of cases. You deserve a full understanding of your legal options, the viability of your case, and your rights within the VA legal framework and appeals process.

Contact Mesothelioma Attorneys for U.S. Navy Veterans

There is one silver lining regarding mesothelioma cases: the success rates of settlements regarding asbestos exposure injury are quite high. While it may be necessary to prove that occupational exposure is the primary cause of lung cancer or mesothelioma, that is your attorney’s job, not yours.

Related Links — Naval Bases & Shipyards

• Bremerton Naval Shipyard
• Groton Naval Submarine Base
• Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
• Lockheed Shipyard
• Mare Island Naval Shipyard
• Naval Base San Diego
• Naval Station Everett
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard