Mesothelioma and U.S. Army Veterans
Asbestos was widely used throughout the U.S. Army until the 1980s. Its heat-resistant properties made it an effective material for building insulation, equipment components, and other materials that veterans handled during service. As a result, thousands of Army veterans are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The skilled mesothelioma Army attorneys at The Gori Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for health care and other costs.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral known for its resistance to heat, which makes it attractive for many products, including insulation, motors, brake pads, and electrical wiring. Left alone and contained, it is generally safe. However, when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause long-term health complications, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
U.S. Army veterans who worked on military bases, lived in barracks, or handled equipment containing asbestos are at high risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. If you notice symptoms or receive a diagnosis related to asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney. The skilled mesothelioma Army lawyers at The Gori Law Firm can help you seek compensation through a lawsuit, VA claim, or asbestos trust fund.
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Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Army
Asbestos was widely used in the U.S. military, including the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, until the 1980s. Even today, many military bases still contain asbestos. Veterans who lived in military barracks, constructed or maintained buildings, or worked with machinery containing asbestos face the highest risk of developing mesothelioma and other long-term health complications related to asbestos exposure.
Bases and Buildings
The Army used asbestos for insulation, floor tiling, roofing, and other materials in its buildings and bases. It was quite useful because it was cheap, widely available, and resistant to heat and fire.
However, when the health effects of asbestos exposure became known, the military largely discontinued its use. In the 1980s, the Army made an effort to remove asbestos from base housing and other buildings. However, traces of the substance can still be found. Some Army bases known to contain buildings and housing with asbestos include:
Asbestos was also widely used in international Army bases before the 1990s. No matter where you were exposed, our asbestos exposure attorneys can help.
South Carolina
Washington
Louisiana
New Jersey
Asbestos was also widely used in international Army bases before the 1990s. No matter where you were exposed, our asbestos exposure attorneys can help.
Vehicles
Many Army vehicles, including tanks, used asbestos for insulation and wiring. Veterans who repaired or maintained Army vehicles or who used them for transportation may be at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure in Combat
Veterans who served in Army combat zones also face a heightened risk of asbestos-related diseases. Since asbestos is incredibly toxic when released into the air, damage to buildings and equipment during combat can be highly dangerous to anyone who breathes in dislodged asbestos fibers.
U.S. Army Jobs With High Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Millions of Army veterans have likely come into contact with asbestos at some point during military service. However, certain service members are at higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. Army personnel at risk of occupational asbestos exposure include:
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Electricians – Electricians install and maintain electrical wiring, which may contain asbestos materials to reduce heat and friction. Since installation occurs during construction and renovation projects, electricians may risk exposure to asbestos fibers from building materials, including pipes and insulation.
Construction and demolition workers – Builders responsible for constructing bases, buildings, and barracks may come into contact with many materials containing asbestos. Exposure can also occur during the renovation and removal of asbestos materials.
Carpenters – Carpenters build the frame and interior of buildings and barracks. They may handle asbestos in insulation, roofing, floor and ceiling tiles, and other materials.
Insulators – Veterans responsible for installing insulation in buildings may breathe or inhale asbestos fibers during the building or renovation process.
Mechanics – Engines, motors, and other vehicle parts may contain asbestos in their wiring and insulation. Mechanics who service Army vehicles are at risk of exposure.
Artillerymen and infantrymen – Service members who frequently handle explosives and weapons that get hot are at higher risk. Their clothing and gloves may contain asbestos to protect them from the heat released by the materials they handle.
Firefighters – The protective clothing worn by firefighters may contain asbestos as an insulator. Veterans responsible for putting out fires may unknowingly inhale asbestos fibers released from building insulation and other materials.
Mesothelioma Compensation for U.S. Army Veterans
Our mesothelioma lawyers can pursue multiple avenues to obtain compensation for U.S. Army veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. The Gori Law Firm will evaluate the circumstances of your case and determine which ones you are eligible for. Your options may include:
VA Benefits
If you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. We can help you prepare a claim demonstrating your service-connected disability and submit it to the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, you’ll receive monthly compensation you can use for living expenses, as well as many other benefits.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Asbestos litigation can help you recover compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and more. The Gori Law Firm will go after asbestos manufacturers and distributors whose toxic products harmed your health.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Facing mounting lawsuits concerning the toxic effects of their products, some asbestos companies declared bankruptcy to avoid liability. However, the courts required many of these companies to set up asbestos trust funds for future mesothelioma victims. We can help you file a claim with existing asbestos trust funds to recover damages for your medical expenses and more.
Billions Recovered Nationwide for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos
The Gori Law Firm is a full-service personal injury law firm and has recovered over $4 billion in compensation for our clients. Some of our mesothelioma settlements and verdicts for veterans include:
The legal team at The Gori Law Firm works hard to maximize the compensation available for asbestos exposure victims. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation case review.
Mesothelioma & U.S. Army Veterans FAQs
Many clients have questions about what to expect during the mesothelioma claims process. Here are a few of the most common questions we receive.
Is Mesothelioma a VA Disability?
Yes, illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are considered VA disabilities. Successful claimants can receive monthly, tax-free compensation to assist with living expenses, as well as access to other benefits for Army veterans.
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Mesothelioma?
It’s possible to obtain a 100 percent VA disability rating for mesothelioma if you can prove it is related to your time in service. The attorneys at The Gori Law Firm can review your case and help you prepare a VA claim to maximize the benefits you’re eligible for.
Why Do Veterans Get Mesothelioma?
The use of asbestos-containing materials was widespread through every branch of the U.S. military until the 1980s. Even today, service members may come into contact with asbestos if they work on older ships or bases. Army veterans in certain professions, including construction, demolition, and artillery, are at higher risk of asbestos exposure.
How Do You Prove Asbestos Exposure in the Military?
Proving asbestos exposure starts with obtaining a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease. From there, the attorneys at The Gori Law Firm can examine your service and medical records to pinpoint when and where you may have been exposed to asbestos in the Army.
Will I Be Suing the U.S. Government or the Military?
No. The Gori Law Firm aggressively pursues asbestos manufacturers and distributors whose products put your health at risk. We can also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds if the company that made you sick is no longer in business.
