Legal help for veterans with asbestos-related lung cancer from Navy ship service
For decades, asbestos was a commonly used material aboard Navy ships, putting countless service members at risk for serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you or a loved one worked on a Navy ship and have been diagnosed with lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for substantial compensation through lawsuits, trust funds, and veterans’ claims. Even if you are a smoker, you can still file a claim and seek justice for the harm caused by asbestos exposure.
Who was exposed to asbestos on Navy ships?
Navy ships built between the 1930s and the 1980s were packed with asbestos, particularly in areas prone to high heat and fire, such as boiler rooms, engine rooms, and areas surrounding pipes and insulation. The following job roles were at an especially high risk for asbestos exposure:
- Boilermakers worked in close contact with steam pipes and boilers, which were heavily insulated with asbestos. This insulation would break down over time, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
- Shipyard workers who built, maintained, and repaired Navy ships were exposed to asbestos while cutting, installing, or removing asbestos-containing materials.
- Welders often worked in confined spaces where asbestos was used for fireproofing, further increasing their risk of inhaling dangerous fibers.
- Electricians and pipefitters handled asbestos-laden materials while maintaining electrical systems and repairing piping on Navy vessels.
- Engine room workers labored for years in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces filled with asbestos-insulated machinery and pipes.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just those directly handling asbestos materials who were affected. Anyone working in proximity to asbestos on Navy ships, consultants, subcontractors, or even family members who laundered contaminated uniforms, could have been exposed. Whether or not a person was in the service, if they were exposed to asbestos in a Navy shipyard and now have lung cancer, they may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
How did asbestos exposure happen?
The danger of asbestos exposure lies in the tiny fibers that are released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. On Navy ships, these materials were present in a wide range of equipment, from gaskets and valves to insulation around engines and boilers. As the ships aged, asbestos materials would break down and release fibers into the air, which workers inhaled over time. Shipyard tasks and activities linked to asbestos exposure are numerous and include:
- Removing asbestos lagging in engine rooms or using asbestos paste to re-wrap pipes.
- Demolishing asbestos-containing structures or removing asbestos materials before or after 1970.
- Handling damaged asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
- Regularly working below deck where asbestos was common, and ventilation was poor.
Asbestos exposure on Navy ships was often constant and occurred over long periods, which increased the risk of developing health problems. Unfortunately, it can take decades for asbestos-related diseases to manifest, which means many veterans who are 65 and older are only now being diagnosed with illnesses caused by exposure that occurred decades ago. Even a one-time exposure to asbestos can lead to serious, life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma – a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Legal options for veterans with lung cancer or mesothelioma
Veterans and civilians who worked on Navy ships and later developed lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses may have ways to get compensation. Even if they smoke or used to smoke tobacco, they can still file claims. This is because asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and the law recognizes this. Courts and trust funds don’t deny claims just because someone smoked.
- Filing an asbestos trust fund claim. One important way to get compensation is through asbestos trust funds (ATFs). Many companies that made products with asbestos went bankrupt because of lawsuits from workers who got sick. These companies created trust funds to help pay people who were harmed. Veterans who got lung cancer or mesothelioma from asbestos exposure on Navy ships can get money from these funds. People often file claims with multiple ATFs. Filing a claim typically involves:
- Providing evidence of asbestos exposure and diagnosis.
- Showing the connection between Navy service and the asbestos-related disease.
- While this may seem like a lot of work, an experienced attorney will handle all of these steps for the claimant. It all starts with a free case consultation. Many victims receive substantial compensation from these trust funds, which can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
- Filing a lung cancer lawsuit. In addition to filing claims with asbestos trust funds, veterans and their families can file lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits can result in significant compensation, particularly if the case goes to trial and a jury awards damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. However, filing an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit requires experienced legal representation. A skilled attorney can help lung cancer victims navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation, ensuring that their case is filed within the statute of limitations and their chances of a successful outcome are maximized.
- Wrongful death lawsuits. If a loved one passed away from mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, surviving family members might have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits seek compensation from manufacturers of asbestos-containing products for the financial and emotional losses experienced by the family due to their loved one’s untimely death.
Compensation for asbestos-related illnesses often includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral costs. Navy shipyard asbestos exposure victims with lung cancer frequently settle claims for six-figure amounts, providing significant financial support for their recovery or families.
Veterans’ lung cancer claims and VA benefits
Veterans with asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma can file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for benefits, as the VA recognizes asbestos exposure as a service-related hazard. Many people fear that seeking compensation could affect their VA benefits, Medicare, or Medicaid, but this is not true. Filing a lung cancer claim will not interfere with these benefits, and here’s why:
- Separate systems. Compensation claims for asbestos-related illnesses are separate from VA benefits and government healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
- No impact on VA benefits. The VA recognizes asbestos-related illnesses as service-connected, so filing a claim for compensation will not reduce or affect your VA disability benefits.
- Medicare and Medicaid are protected. Filing a lung cancer claim will not disqualify a person from receiving Medicare or Medicaid. These programs will continue to provide coverage as usual.
- Experienced lawyers ensure protection. An attorney experienced in asbestos-related claims and veterans’ benefits can guide lung cancer victims and their families through the process and ensure benefits remain untouched. Working with a skilled attorney allows veterans to pursue the compensation they deserve while keeping their medical and financial benefits fully intact.
Do you have a claim?
Asbestos exposure aboard Navy ships has affected countless veterans, many of whom are only now realizing the full impact of that exposure. Whether through trust fund claims, VA benefits, or lawsuits, there are multiple avenues to pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you served on a Navy ship and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like lung cancer or mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Even if you smoked or have a complex medical history, you should not hesitate to get legal advice. An experienced asbestos exposure attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, file your claims in a timely manner, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
