NAVAL VETERANS

The high incidence of mesothelioma cancer among naval veterans is blamed on extensive use of asbestos in the military

NAVAL VETERANS HAVE LEGAL OPTIONS

June 14, 2010 – Due to an overreliance on asbestos in the construction of naval warships to help reduce fires at sea, there is a frightenly higher incidence of asbestos-related diseases among naval veterans today.

Mesothelioma is the signature asbestos-related cancer that has plagued naval veterans for decades, and is caused by regular inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers in confined areas below deck.

According to a U.S. senator seeking to ban the use of asbestos in the United States, 26 percent of mesothelioma patients today are naval veterans and shipyard workers. In addition, naval veterans also account for 16 percent of asbestos-related lung cancer and 13 percent of severe respiratory diseases, like asbestosis.

Close quarters aboard ships inevitably led to many asbestos materials (like steam pipe wraps) being struck during work activities, which can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos exposure occurs when the fibers are accidentally inhaled.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period; that is, a long period between the initial asbestos exposure and the moment doctors can recognize symptoms of mesothelioma. That’s why the majority of naval veterans being diagnosed today are, for the most part, retired naval veterans.

Naval veterans have legal options

As is the case in all asbestos claims and mesothelioma lawsuits, a complaint is filed against the manufacturers of the asbestos products that caused the injury. Courts recognize their liability because certain manufacturers kept quiet about the serious health risks they knew their products presented.

Ailing naval veterans have the legal option to seek assistance through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), but illnesses such as mesothelioma are not always recognized by the VA as a service-related medical condition, which makes it extremely difficult to claim and receive benefits.

For nearly 25 years, the Asbestos Litigation Unit at Weitz & Luxenberg has obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements for asbestos-injured naval veterans and their colleagues in asbestos-laden shipyards. The firm’s successful track record is rooted in a landmark case that involved 36 retired Brooklyn Navy Yard workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma, and other fatal diseases linked to occupational asbestos exposure.

In that historic case, Weitz & Luxenberg’s asbestos cancer lawyers obtained $75 million for their clients, most of whom died from their illnesses. In those circumstances, surviving family members received the financial compensations.

Protect your family’s financial future today by obtaining a free appraisal of your case through the convenient communication form here.