In the midst of the 20th century, the U.S. Navy saw asbestos as a cheap and effective way to insulate and fireproof the ships that would soon see action in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Asbestos was installed in ships, aircraft and facilities until the mid 1970s, long after the harmful effects of the fibers had been discovered. Navy veterans from several decades are still struggling with the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and throat cancer.
An Asbestos Lawyer Explains
If you think you’ve sustained an injury or illness because of your service on a Navy ship, you should consider speaking to an asbestos attorney about your rights and options for legal action.
Dangerous Asbestos on Ships
The Mesothelioma Center estimates that U.S. navy service members were exposed to much more asbestos than any personnel in any other military branch. This was corroborated by the release of medical records and schematics that showed the use of asbestos in ships, bases, logistical buildings and planes. The Mesothelioma Center also states that at least 20 different kinds of positions in the Navy are considered to have had a high risk of asbestos exposure. Some of these positions included boilermaker, boiler technician, engine mechanic and other personnel whose duties were mainly below deck. Other vulnerable positions included:
- Boatswain’s mate
- Damage controlman
- Aviation machinist mate
- Gunner’s mate
- Hull technician
- Engineman
- Construction Battalion workers/Seabees
- Pipefitters
- Water Tender
Though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does offer some medical assistance for those affected by asbestos exposure during their service, there is no guarantee that it will be adequate for the level of care you require. Additionally, there may not be any kind of compensation available for the lost wages you suffered as a result of being diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer or another condition that prevented you from holding employment. Lastly, there is no kind of VA payments available for the pain and hardship you and your family may be experiencing.
Conversely, legal action with the help of an asbestos attorney can potentially result in damages being awarded to you to pay for your medical costs, loss of wages, pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Our Asbestos Lawyers for Help Today
Contact our office today. There’s no need for you and your family to suffer the unknown future that comes with a mesothelioma, lung cancer or throat cancer diagnosis. You have the legal right to pursue compensation and having an experienced asbestos attorney can help you successfully pursue a claim.