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Asbestos Exposure in the Navy

Representing Mesothelioma, Asbestos and Lung Cancer Clients Nationwide

USS Ronald Reagan carrier group at sea

Asbestos was commonly used in naval vessels for its fire-retardant and insulative properties. Although its use in modern ships has decreased, older vessels still contain asbestos materials. If you developed one of these diseases after exposure to asbestos in the Navy, contact The Gori Law Firm for a free case review. Over the years, we have secured over $4 Billion in compensation for asbestos exposure victims and their families.

How Was Asbestos Used in the Navy?

Asbestos was used in various parts of ships due to its fire retardant and insulative nature. While its use in modern vessels has been reduced, older ships still require caution and proper handling as they may still contain asbestos-containing materials, such as:

  • Insulation
  • Fireproofing
  • Boilers
  • Gaskets and Seals
  • Brakes and Clutches
  • Cables and Wiring
  • Cement and Construction
  • Clothing and Protective Gear

The use of asbestos in the Navy has caused significant health risks to sailors and shipyard workers. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or deteriorate, asbestos fibers become airborne, which, if inhaled or ingested, can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. To mitigate these risks, recent efforts have been made to remove and replace asbestos-containing materials on naval vessels.

The Risk of Asbestos Exposure for Navy Veterans

Although all Navy personnel stationed at a base are at risk of asbestos exposure, the ones at the highest risk are mechanics, technicians, electricians, plumbers, and others who repair equipment containing asbestos. These workers are still at risk of exposure, as they frequently take apart and repair older Navy base equipment that still contains asbestos.

Asbestos exposure on Navy bases generally occurs when asbestos products are moved, cut, or disturbed, releasing microscopic particles of the material into the air. Workers then inhale these tiny asbestos fibers, which accumulate in the lungs. This accumulation can damage cells and lead to chronic pulmonary conditions. In the long run, this exposure can result in potentially fatal diseases, including various types of cancer.

Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the thin tissue surrounding the lungs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, which is the only known cause of this type of cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is one of the more aggressive forms of cancer, with an average survival rate of only 12 to 21 months following diagnosis. The standard treatment options for mesothelioma are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, these treatments are often ineffective due to the resistance of mesothelioma to many common cancer treatments.

One of the biggest challenges in treating mesothelioma is that it is often diagnosed too late. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of many other lung diseases, making it difficult to diagnose early. This is why it is important to know the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Recent studies have found that Navy veterans who worked in shipyards and bases are at an elevated risk of mesothelioma. The following workers were found to be at the greatest risk: Machinist’s mates, Pipefitters, Boiler technicians, Fire control technicians, and Water tenders.

VA Benefits for Asbestos Exposure

Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service in the Navy may be eligible for disability benefits from the VA. The VA recognizes a range of asbestos-related health conditions as service-related disabilities, including:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Lung cancer
  • Asbestosis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Pleural plaques
  • Pleural effusions
  • Cancer of the larynx, pharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital system

If you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the Navy and have since been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may be eligible to file for disability compensation through the VA.
To prove your eligibility for asbestos-exposure benefits, you must provide documentation of your service, including your discharge date and information about duties performed at the base, vessel, or shipyard where you served. In addition, you will need to submit medical records that verify your diagnosis and statements from a physician confirming the connection between your diagnosis and past asbestos exposure while serving in the Navy.

It’s important to note that Navy veterans who served before 1980 are eligible for benefits without having to meet a minimum period of active duty. However, those who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served for at least 24 months or completed their active-duty period to qualify for benefits. It is also important to note that those who received a dishonorable discharge are not eligible for benefits.

When filing for benefits, victims of asbestos exposure in the Navy may have to provide evidence that their asbestos exposure occurred during their service and not from a civilian source.

Should Navy Veterans File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Individuals who were exposed to asbestos during their service and civilian workers who suffered asbestos exposure on bases or in shipyards may pursue civil lawsuits after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related health condition. In civil court cases, liability for asbestos exposure in the Navy lies with the parties outside of the military who were responsible for manufacturing products and materials containing asbestos.

If you are seeking legal action because of asbestos exposure in the Navy, it is important to have a legal team with the experience and knowledge to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

The Gori Law Firm has a proven history of obtaining favorable settlements for Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma during their service. Our experienced Mesothelioma Attorneys understand the unique challenges veterans face when seeking compensation for asbestos-related illnesses that they acquired during their service.

For years, we have been devoted to advocating for those who unknowingly came into contact with asbestos while serving in the military. Our mission to attain fairness for Navy veterans and their loved ones is steadfast, and we are fully equipped to offer legal expertise and empathetic support during these trying times. Some of our most notable results for Navy veterans include:

  • $2.4 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Service Member
  • $2.1 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Age 61 – Deceased – Navy Service Member
  • $1.8 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Service Member
  • $1.7 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Service Member
  • $1.7 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Boiler Tender
  • $1.2 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Service Member
  • $1.1 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Radar Technician
  • $1.1 MILLION – Mesothelioma – Deceased – Navy Service Member

A diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or any other asbestos-related illness can have a life-changing impact on your family. If you or a loved one are a Navy veteran dealing with the consequences of asbestos exposure, know that you don’t have to face this battle alone. The Gori Law Firm’s seasoned asbestos exposure attorneys offer a complimentary review of mesothelioma cases. Don’t wait. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

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