Mesothelioma and U.S. Air Force Veterans
Representing Mesothelioma, Asbestos and Lung Cancer Clients Nationwide
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Until the 1980s, the Air Force widely used asbestos, a cancer-causing mineral, in aircraft, hangars, barracks, and more. As a result, there is a high risk of developing mesothelioma for Air Force veterans who served during this period. Contact The Gori Law Firm’s skilled mesothelioma lawyers for help seeking legal compensation for your asbestos exposure in the Air Force.
Mesothelioma in the U.S. Air Force
Individuals who served in the Air Force are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the body known as the mesothelium. This is because the Air Force did not take into account the health risks of asbestos exposure until the early 1980s and 1970s. The Air Force frequently used asbestos products in radar stations, barracks, aircraft, and more due to their durability, heat resistance, and affordability.
When people disturb asbestos by moving or interacting with asbestos products, they may inhale or ingest asbestos fibers. Because the body cannot break down asbestos fibers, they remain embedded in the mesothelium for decades, causing scarring and inflammation. Eventually, mesothelioma cancer cells may develop in the scars, leading to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos may also cause other conditions, including asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural effusion.
Legal Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Air Force
Many asbestos manufacturers were aware of the problems caused by asbestos exposure. However, they often continued to manufacture and sell asbestos products because they prioritized profit over others’ health and safety, causing millions of Air Force veterans to be exposed to asbestos. As such, asbestos manufacturers should be held responsible for asbestos-related illnesses that resulted from their negligence.
If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Air Force and have mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation and assistance from the following sources.
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for 100 percent disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You may also qualify for tax-free monthly payments and health care services.
Additionally, you could be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation if you are the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. To receive dependency and indemnity compensation, you must first file a VA claim. Contact The Gori Law Firm for additional information and guidance about VA disability claims.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a legal claim filed by mesothelioma victims or their loved ones against companies that manufacture and distribute asbestos-containing products.
- A mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit is filed by a person with mesothelioma. If successful, it can compensate the victim for their economic losses, which are financial damages such as medical fees and lost wages. Victims can also receive non-economic losses, which are more subjective in nature. This kind of compensation may include loss of potential business opportunities and emotional suffering.
- A mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the loved ones of someone who died from mesothelioma. If successful, it can compensate the family for funeral costs, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the deceased’s illness and death.
Asbestos Trust Funds
You may also be able to recover compensation from asbestos trust funds. Also known as 524(g) trusts, mesothelioma trusts, and asbestos bankruptcy trusts, asbestos trust funds are large sums of money set aside by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers to compensate current and future asbestos victims.
Asbestos trust fund eligibility requirements depend on the fund. Our team at The Gori Law Firm has ample experience handling mesothelioma trust fund claims, and we can determine whether you’re eligible to file a claim. If so, we’ll also help you through the filing process.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
The Gori Law Firm has recovered over $4 billion for our clients, many of whom are Air Force veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The following are some of the settlements and verdicts we have secured for veterans:
- $3.2 million for an Army Reservist with mesothelioma
- $2.7 million for an Air Force veteran with mesothelioma
- $2.4 million for a Navy veteran with mesothelioma
- $2.36 million for an Army veteran with mesothelioma
- $2.1 million for a Navy veteran with mesothelioma
- $1.8 million for a Navy veteran with mesothelioma
- $1.8 million for an Air Force Aircraft Mechanic with mesothelioma
- $1.7 million for a Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Air Force
Between the 1930s and 1980s, Air Force veterans were primarily exposed to asbestos in U.S. Air Force aircraft, as well as Air Force bases in the U.S. and abroad.
Asbestos in U.S. Air Force Aircraft
Air Force veterans were exposed to asbestos in aircraft stationed on bases, especially when working with the following aircraft parts:
- Electrical wiring
- Tires
- Brake pads and brakes
- Engines
- Torque valves
- Clutches
- Heating systems
Asbestos on U.S. Air Force Bases
Asbestos was also used in many products on Air Force bases, such as:
- Caulking
- Adhesives
- Paint
- Insulation
- HVAC systems
- Fireproofing materials
- Drywall
Several U.S.-based Air Force bases with known asbestos exposure include:
- Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois
- Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado
- Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York
Asbestos wasn’t only used on Air Force bases in the U.S. The following international Air Force bases were built with asbestos, as well:
- Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, the Philippines
- Aviano Air Base in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
- Suwon Air Base in Suwon, South Korea
- Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan
U.S. Air Force Jobs Most Affected by Asbestos Exposure
Some Air Force occupations may have exposed veterans to large amounts of asbestos. Workers at risk of occupational asbestos exposure include:
- Airmen
- Armorers
- Air Force mechanics
- Engineers
- Fuel specialists
- HVAC specialists
- Jet engine inspectors
- Jet mechanics
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Radio operators
- Repairmen
- Sheet metal workers
- Technicians
- Truck drivers
- Welders
Family members of service members may also be at risk of secondary asbestos exposure. For example, they may inhale or ingest asbestos fibers brought home in their loved one’s work clothes or hair.
Modern-Day Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Air Force
Although newer aircraft and military bases are no longer built with asbestos, service members living or working on Air Force bases may still be exposed to asbestos through older buildings and equipment.
Is Asbestos Still Used in the Air Force?
Generally, asbestos is no longer used in the Air Force. However, some U.S. Air Force buildings that were made with asbestos-containing construction materials are still currently in use. Additionally, asbestos is not banned in the U.S., although regulations limit its use. As such, Air Force auto parts and boilers may still contain asbestos.
The Gori Law Firm: Helping Air Force Asbestos Exposure Victims Nationwide
Located in Edwardsville, Illinois, The Gori Law Firm has helped thousands of people and their families recover compensation for life-changing personal losses from asbestos exposure. Not only can we help by answering your questions and recommending leading physicians in your area, but we can also determine your eligibility for different compensation options, negotiate with the opposing side, calculate the amount of damages you deserve, and represent you in court, if necessary.
Contact us today at (618) 659-9833 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free case review. We have offices nationwide, including in:
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- California
- New York
- Missouri
- Florida
U.S. Air Force and Mesothelioma FAQs
Is mesothelioma a VA disability?
Yes, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses are considered VA disabilities. The VA considers them to be 100 percent disabling, which means people with these conditions can get the maximum amount of VA benefits for their condition. Note, however, that the amount of benefits varies depending on the applicant’s number of dependents.
How do you prove asbestos exposure in the military?
You can prove asbestos exposure in the military by submitting the following documents:
- Service records that list your specialty or job
- Medical records that state your asbestos-related health condition
- A doctor’s statement showing a connection between your asbestos exposure during military service and your health condition
Talk to The Gori Law Firm to start filing for benefits for Air Force veterans exposed to asbestos.
What is the average mesothelioma settlement?
Average mesothelioma settlements range from $1 to $2 million, but they can be much more or less depending on the circumstances of your case. Amounts vary significantly depending on your age, medical fees, and other factors. Talk to The Gori Law Firm to learn how much you can recover for your case.
Will I be suing the U.S. government or the military?
You cannot sue the U.S. government or military for service-related military exposure. However, you can sue manufacturers who produce asbestos-containing products for the military.
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