According to statistics, asbestos was an integral part of the U.S. military for most of the 20th century because of its ability to insulate and provide fireproof protection, increasing the risk that veterans are now suffering from mesothelioma due to exposure to the toxic substance.
Nearly one-third of people who develop mesothelioma are veterans, mainly those who were in the Navy. Although some workers exposed to asbestos can develop Asbestosis, others can develop the rare form of cancer as a result of the exposure. It is important to be aware of particular risks if you are a U.S. veteran, as well as what your rights are in protecting yourself and seeking compensation.
High Risk Exposure of Mesothelioma in Veterans
According to the government, people who regularly worked or spent time in the following areas as part of their duty may have been exposed to asbestos:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Storage rooms
- Sleeping quarters and mess halls
- Shipyards (especially during World War II)
- Demolition areas
Specifically, those who held such job positions as:
- Mechanics
- Repairmen
- Pilots
- Marine inspectors
- Merchant marine crewmen
- Guardsmen (who respond to crises like Hurricane Katrina)
- Electricians
Even though the use of asbestos in the U.S. has dropped significantly since the 1970s, other countries like Iraq and Afghanistan still use asbestos in manufacturing, causing our troops to potentially continue to be exposed to asbestos and risks associated with mesothelioma.
Environmental Exposure Lawsuits
Liability lawsuits have filed in several states against the construction companies that are still producing these materials for use abroad. In addition, many U.S. veterans have filed to receive compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but this compensation does not even begin to address the costs associated with mesothelioma, and filing these claims can also be difficult, given the high burden of proof that the department requires for a successful claim.
Fortunately, asbestos victim’s trust funds have been formed to help compensate victims, but Louisiana has a very brief statute of limitations, or time limit from when you discover that you have mesothelioma and the deadline to file your claim (only one year). This can be tough when it sometimes takes 20 – 50 years after exposure for symptoms to appear, making these claims tricky.
In addition, if your loved one has suffered and passed away due to mesothelioma/exposure to asbestos, you have the option of filing a wrongful death claim.
Our asbestos lawyers are here to help
There is no known cure for mesothelioma. The disease develops at a very gradual rate, and victims are often given a projected six to eighteen months to live once that it develops. Each case is different, depending on the individual’s exposure, circumstances, injuries, culprit/defendant, whether you are bringing a case or settling, etc.
We firmly believe that mesothelioma victims and their loved ones deserve the greatest possible compensation to cope with the effects of asbestos exposure. We can help you to obtain this by building a powerful case on your behalf, or even assisting you in other claims for compensation. We can discuss your particular history of asbestos exposure, as well as your mesothelioma diagnosis, if you contact us (504) 522-7885 or online.