Navy veterans who have proudly served the country may find they’ve developed a deadly disease during their service. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer, is an illness that takes years to develop, but once it does, the person has to undergo treatments to try and stop the cancer’s spread. This diagnosis can bring a lot of pain and suffering to the veteran and their family. Frost Law Firm, PC represents those who have developed mesothelioma because of negligent exposure to asbestos. Our lawyers understand the connection between Navy veterans and mesothelioma, and we’ll do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.
With full and fair compensation, you can move forward with financial security. You’ll be able to afford the medical care you need and maintain your quality of life. While our attorneys cannot undo the mesothelioma diagnosis, we can and will seek justice on your behalf.
Asbestos Exposure in the Navy
If you served in the Navy and have mesothelioma, you may wonder how you were exposed to asbestos in the first place. Asbestos was a commonly used substance before the 1970s due to its heat resistance and effectiveness as an insulator. While the use of asbestos has decreased, some of those structures built during that time could have lasted. Once the fibers were in the air, you may have breathed them in, where they settled and started to do damage.
According to the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, those who were in the Navy may have been exposed to asbestos because of several reasons. The military has used asbestos-containing material (ACM) products such as:
- Brakes, Gaskets, and Valves
- Cements
- Adhesives
- Floor and Pipe Coverings
The Center also notes the Navy used ACM in their shipyards and ships built before the mid-1970s. The ships’ boilers and engine rooms often had ACM for fire safety. They were also present in mess halls, sleeping quarters, and navigation rooms. Those who were on the ships could have easily faced exposure because ACM was in nearly every room.
Navy personnel could have been exposed in the following situations:
- A structure with asbestos underwent renovation or was removed.
- Serving on ships with keels laid before 1983.
- Working on shipyards from the 1930s to the 1990s.
- Working below deck in the early 1990s. At this time, asbestos was often present below deck and the ships had poor ventilation, making it more likely for asbestos fibers to remain in the air where veterans could breathe them in.
- Those with the job of removing damaged asbestos lagging and then repairing pipes with ACM. Typically, those who had this task did not have protective equipment.
- Handling, working with, or disturbing any ACM during their time serving. Those who worked as pipefitters, welders, boilers operators, renovators, and demolition specialists could have been exposed if they did this work before the mid-1990s.
It’s also important to know that other factors can increase one’s chances of suffering from poor health effects after asbestos exposure. If someone was consistently exposed to asbestos over a long period of time, they are more at risk. Smoking, pre-existing lung conditions, and age can also contribute to a higher risk of asbestos-related problems. Seeing a doctor for regular check-ups and keeping up with vaccinations can help.
What Can Navy Veterans Do?
If there are Navy veterans who have not yet experienced health issues due to asbestos exposure but are still concerned about it, they can take some precautionary measures to decrease their risk. Quitting cigarettes is a crucial step, as smoke and asbestos make it more likely for a person to develop lung cancer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, then there are a few steps you can take to get compensation and coverage for the losses mesothelioma causes. Those with mesothelioma can apply for disability benefits and they can file a personal injury claim. With these two methods, those who were diagnosed with mesothelioma can have a more secure financial future. Before taking either of these actions, it’s best to have a skilled lawyer at your side who is familiar with these kinds of cases and will know how to protect your rights. Applying for benefits and going through the personal injury process can be complicated. A lawyer will help you follow the correct steps and gather everything necessary to show you need and deserve the benefits and compensation.
Seek Representation with Frost Law Firm, PC
When our lawyers represent you, we’ll always advocate for your best interests. As we go through the legal process together, we’ll answer your questions and explain each step so you’re well-informed and up to date on your claim. There could be a situation where you’re offered a settlement. If this settlement is less than what you deserve, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers have experience fighting for our clients in the courtroom and are ready to do the same for you.
Because the legal process can be long and complex, it’s beneficial to get started on your case as soon as possible. Legal claims have a statute of limitations—which means if you try to file a claim outside of this time, you may not be eligible to seek compensation. This can cause a significantly stressful situation financially and emotionally. When you contact our lawyers quickly after your diagnosis, you can rest assured knowing we’ll get everything filed on time.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can turn you and your family’s lives upside down. Allow Frost Law Firm, PC to help you get it back on track and call us today. We’re here to help.
