Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Veterans Are at a Higher Risk for Mesothelioma

While veterans represent just 8% of our nation's population, they comprise 30% of all known mesothelioma diagnoses in the country. The increased risk of mesothelioma is due directly to service-related asbestos exposure.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently more than 25 million people who have served in at least one of the United States military branches.

Many of them were put in health-compromising situations where exposure to asbestos was extremely high.

Mesothelioma is a dangerous cancer that forms in the lining of the internal organs. The only know cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Military and Asbestos Exposure

Veterans have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to civilians. This is because their mission often puts them directly in contact with asbestos.

This exposure comes from their service-related jobs. While all veterans share this exposure, a few occupations were put at higher risk than others.

Navy veterans typically have more exposure than other branches. This is due to the amount of asbestos that was used to construct 20th-century ships and shipyards.

While the Navy saw the highest risk, all branches experienced a dangerous level of exposure. That is why all veterans face a similar risk of developing mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.

No matter the job, branch, or rating, our mesothelioma lawyers have decades of experience tracing asbestos exposure for our veterans and their families.

Common Military Jobs With Known Asbestos Exposure:

• Boilertenders
• Machinist Mate
• Shipyard Workers (Shipfitters)
• Open Wheel and Tracked Vehicle Mechanics
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Welders
• Electrician's Mate
• Seabee

Even if your rating isn't on this list, all jobs in the military have a risk of asbestos exposure. Before the 80s, all military facilities, and equipment used products containing asbestos in their construction.

Just being in these environments increased the likelihood of our veterans developing dangerous cancers.

Areas With Known Asbestos Exposure

• Ships and Vessels
• Shipyards, Navy Yards and Bases
• Boiler and Engine Rooms
• Vehicles
• Aircraft and Air Bases
• Barracks
• Military Bases Around the Globe

Learn about your branch's specific asbestos exposure:

• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
  

Compensation for Veterans Diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer

Many forms of compensation are available to our veterans and their families after being diagnosed with either mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.

Families can receive payment from the Veterans Administration as well as seek compensation from the asbestos companies directly.

Types of Veterans Benefits for Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lung Cancer

Each branch of the military has used asbestos products starting as early as World War II. Every serviceman and servicewoman has faced the dangers of asbestos. If your cancer diagnosis is service-related, the Veterans' Administration offers the following benefits:

• VA Health Care
• Disability Compensation
• Special Monthly Compensation
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Asbestos Compensation

The phrase "asbestos compensation" refers to the entire package of benefits our mesothelioma law firm can recover for our veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer.

We want every veteran to know they have the opportunity to seek compensation from the asbestos companies directly.

Veterans can pursue this compensation and not worry about losing their already established veterans' benefits. We can win most of these benefits for you without going to court.

Why Are Asbestos Trust Funds Important for Veterans?

Asbestos trust funds provide a quick, easy, and reliable form of compensation for Veterans.

Court-ordered funds were set aside by asbestos manufacturers for potential future victims of mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer. Veterans make up a large percentage of these potential future victims.

Asbestos trust funds were created when the responsible asbestos companies filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. When established, these trust funds were worth a combined total of over $30 billion.

Veterans that served from World War II all the way up to Desert Storm were diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer can receive money from these trust funds.

Dickey Law Firm has over 20 years of experience handling bankruptcy trust applications. We can ensure that you or your family receive the most of your share of these funds.

Why Should Veterans File an Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

Sometimes, filing a lawsuit can be the best way to hold a specific company accountable for its wrongdoings. It also allows you to tell your and your family's story in court.

We never file asbestos lawsuits against the military

Asbestos lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers of asbestos products. These are the companies that profited from the use of asbestos and caused harm to you and your family.

The asbestos companies don't want the court to hear your story.

Most companies typically settle before your case can ever see a jury. In some cases, the largest asbestos settlements come from a lawsuit, but not every client is willing to take this step.

At Dickey Law Firm, we're here to advise and help guide you to the most compensation possible, but you are always in charge. Each client's situation is different, and we ensure that each case is handled with that in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions about Military Exposure

What years do veterans have to serve to be exposed to asbestos?

Veterans who have served from World War II to the present day have the potential for asbestos exposure. The heaviest use of asbestos as insulation was from the 1950s to the 1980s; however, the US Armed Forces still has assets worldwide that contain asbestos. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer and served in the military, you should call us for help.

What if a family member was a veteran and died from mesothelioma?

If they died from mesothelioma or lung cancer, then the family has the right to benefits in recognition of their service to our country. You may also be able to file claims with the Asbestos Trust Funds and a wrongful death lawsuit with the court. Please call, and we will help you navigate the veterans' benefits system.

Do I qualify if I was a Merchant Marine?

Yes, you qualify for benefits based on your service as a merchant marine. These benefits include access to the asbestos trust funds and filing a civil lawsuit. Depending on your years of service, you may also be entitled to Veterans' benefits. A short conversation with one of our attorneys will help determine your rights.

How long do veterans have to file for benefits?

Veterans have different time frames to file for benefits based on the type of benefit. Some of the compensation for veterans has no deadline. Other benefits have a very tight statute of limitations based on the date of diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. An experienced attorney will be able to help you determine what is possible. It is never too late to ask for help, but the sooner you reach out, the more rights you may have.