Veterans and their families may worry about asbestos exposure long after service, and it’s natural to feel concerned. Even decades later, older buildings, ships, and equipment may still contain asbestos, putting veterans and their families at risk. The Gori Law Firm helps clients understand exposure risks and pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation.
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in military trades during much of the 20th century due to its resistance to heat and fire.
- Generally, Veterans cannot sue the military for service-related asbestos exposure due to the Feres doctrine.
- Other compensation options may be available to veterans and their families diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions.
- The Gori Law Firm can review your service record, identify possible exposure sources, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Does the Military Still Use Asbestos?
No, the military no longer uses asbestos in new construction, installations, or major equipment. However, older buildings and equipment may still contain asbestos. Knowing where asbestos was used and whether you were exposed is essential for understanding your risk and potential legal options for compensation.
Is Asbestos Still Present in Military Equipment or Buildings?
Yes, some older military equipment and structures may still contain asbestos. While its use has been largely restricted since the late 1970s, ships, barracks, vehicles, aircraft, and infrastructure built before then may still have asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing. Renovation, maintenance, or damage to those materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, creating significant health risks for service members and personnel.
Are Military Members and Veterans Still at Risk From Asbestos Exposure?
Mesothelioma and other illnesses caused by asbestos can take decades to develop, meaning veterans who served many years ago are still at risk. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers can become lodged in tissue, causing irritation that may result in mesothelioma, often appearing 10 to 50 years after exposure.
Family members of service members are also at risk through secondary exposure. During the height of occupational asbestos use from the early 1900s through the 1970s, women were often exposed when caring for workers. Wives and daughters who hugged returning service members or handled their work clothing experienced brief daily exposure, which over time could be sufficient to cause mesothelioma.
Identifying where and how asbestos exposure took place is essential for pursuing legal claims, benefits, and compensation. The Gori Law Firm can help clients gather this information and navigate the process.
Understanding Asbestos Use in the U.S. Military
As early as 1918, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported high fatality rates among asbestos workers and noted occupational health concerns. Over the following decades, these concerns grew, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that medical research began to clearly establish the link between asbestos exposure and serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
What Is Asbestos and Why Was It Used?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used throughout much of the 20th century because it was affordable and resistant to heat and fire. It was prevalent in various industries and occupations, including construction, shipbuilding, automotive, oil refineries, power plants, railroads, and metalworking. Military applications mirrored these uses, with asbestos present in buildings, ships, aircraft, and protective equipment, putting service members at risk like their civilian counterparts. All branches were affected, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines.
Federal Regulation and Military Compliance
The creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helped usher in widespread regulation of asbestos exposure in workplaces, including many military-related environments. In 1977, the release of the Sumner Simpson papers suggested that some manufacturers had long been aware of asbestos hazards while downplaying the risks. In 1989, the EPA issued a rule aimed at banning and phasing out most asbestos-containing products, but the Fifth Circuit later struck down significant portions of that rule in 1991. Even so, asbestos use had already dropped sharply by the early 1990s.
What To Do if You or a Loved One Was Exposed to Asbestos While Serving in the Military?
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos during military service, it is essential to monitor your health and act quickly if symptoms appear. Early detection can expand treatment options and improve long-term outcomes. Consider taking the following steps to protect your health and financial well-being:
- Watch for symptoms and seek medical care: See your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms. Share your history of asbestos exposure to help guide testing and diagnosis.
- Understand your treatment options: Early diagnosis can allow for treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to manage the disease and improve survival.
- Explore legal and financial support: An experienced asbestos lawyer can help you pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
Taking these steps can help safeguard your health and provide crucial support for you and your family.
Can I Sue the Military for My Asbestos Exposure and Illness?
No, veterans cannot file lawsuits against the military for illnesses linked to asbestos exposure during service. Under the Feres doctrine, the government is shielded from claims related to injuries sustained while on active duty. However, there are other options available for veterans to seek compensation. Those options include filing an asbestos trust fund claim, seeking VA benefits, and filing a lawsuit against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.
Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure Before Becoming Ill?
In most cases, you can’t pursue an asbestos personal-injury claim without an asbestos-related diagnosis, but preserving records early can protect future legal options. If you know or suspect you were exposed, you can protect your ability to file a future claim by collecting key information now. Consider documenting:
- Where you served and the time periods
- Your job title and responsibilities
- Descriptions of the buildings or assets you worked on
- Any additional relevant details
When To Seek Legal Guidance for Asbestos Exposure
A diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma, is an important time for veterans to consult a lawyer. An attorney can help protect your right to compensation and explain the options available. Law firms experienced in veterans’ asbestos exposure claims, like The Gori Law Firm, can review your service record, identify possible exposure sources, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose The Gori Law Firm for Your Asbestos Lawsuit?
The Gori Law Firm is a nationally recognized mesothelioma law firm dedicated to providing clients with the support and resources they need throughout their cases. Since 2008, our team has handled thousands of cases, achieving results that have secured over $4 billion in compensation for individuals and families impacted by asbestos exposure. See what our clients say about us.
Contact Our Asbestos Lawyers Today
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness as a result of exposure during your military service, our mesothelioma attorneys can review your case and help you understand your options for compensation.
Contact us online or call 618-659-9833 today for a free consultation.