Navy Firefighters at risk for asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma.

In recent news about the dangers of asbestos exposure, a jury awarded nearly $2.6 million to the wife of a former Navy firefighter who died from asbestos-related cancer.

The Navy firefighter died of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos inhalation.

Reportedly, the widow's lawsuit was the first asbestos-related case to go to verdict in Connecticut in 20 years.

A former Connecticut resident, the Navy firefighter served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972, a majority of that time as a fireman on the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier.

On the ship, he worked on pumps and other equipment, which were heavily insulated with asbestos.

When a firefighter contends with a fire in a home or building that contains asbestos, it is highly likely that asbestos fibers will become airborne.

This can happen when a firefighter punches a hole through a wall, ceiling or floor to rescue someone who may be trapped.

If there is a collapse, there is a very high probability that broken walls, blistered paint, plaster and cement will crumble to dust that contains asbestos.

We now know that every branch of the U.S. military and many civilian employers have used asbestos in some way in decades past.

Asbestos exposure was especially prevalent for service members since it was used throughout ships and machinery from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Pipes, gaskets, and many other ship parts and machinery contained asbestos.

Veterans who served on a ship were likely exposed, and many now have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer.

Shipyard workers, in particular, are at great risk for mesothelioma because they worked directly with asbestos when building ships and salvaging parts.

Many Navy firefighter veterans have come forward to say their work environment led to a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer from asbestos.

If this has been your experience, we may be able to help.

For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has handled some of the most legally complicated and groundbreaking asbestos litigation in the country. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure or secondary exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.