Mesothelioma Cases are Especially Common Among Navy Veterans
Many estimates show that approximately 30% of individuals afflicted with Mesothelioma are veterans. These are predominantly from the Navy. There are roughly 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses each year and 2,500 deaths. In fact, the numbers are rising as there is a long latency period from the time of asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma develops. As veterans ourselves, The Doctor Lawyer Team is proud to represent and guide our shipmates and their families as they battle this tragic disease and face its consequences.
Many Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos in the boiler rooms of ships or while working in shipyards. In many cases, wives or family members were exposed to asbestos while doing laundry for military or civilian workers. Asbestos exposure is common for people involved in construction, shipping, and mining. Asbestos was a commonly used material in these industries because of its durability and ability to resist heat. It is the only cause of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is one of several asbestos-linked diseases. Because of the risks, asbestos is no longer used in construction. However, this change occurred far too late and its deadly implications persist.
Proving the source of asbestos exposure is very complicated, and rigorous investigation is required to build a solid mesothelioma case. Our veteran mesothelioma lawyers with The Doctor Lawyer Team will ensure that your case is fully investigated and developed to maximize compensation. We ensure that no stone is left unturned to identify all the potential sources of asbestos exposure that may have contributed to the mesothelioma diagnosis. This is of paramount importance because while many manufactures went bankrupt, many others are still in business. We will ensure that clients maximize recovery from the numerous Trust funds created for victims, and importantly, that all possible manufactures still in business are identified for potential lawsuits. There are numerous potential sources of recovery and all must be thoroughly vetted and explored. We ensure our clients benefit from every possible avenue for recovery. Veterans may also benefit from VA disability compensation. It is important to align the language that is being presented in such claims with the language used for other areas (i.e. Trust funds and potential lawsuits). Getting us involved early will be advantageous. Finally, we will guide you every step of the way.
About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer commonly linked to asbestos exposure, and it is often fatal. Roughly 3,000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. The disease attacks the linings in your lungs, leading to inflammation and other respiratory distress. There are several types of mesothelioma, each with its own evolving treatments that change rapidly along with the science.
Pleural mesothelioma is the type diagnosed at the highest rate, growing between the pleural space between the chest wall and lung. It then progresses through the lung and other chest areas (thoracic cavity).
Because mesothelioma is rare, many oncologists and surgeons do not have experience working with mesothelioma patients. However, The Doctor Lawyer Team is prepared to connect you with the right resources, whether they are civilian practitioners or through the VA system.
The challenge is that the long-term effects of asbestos exposure, including developing mesothelioma, can take decades to appear. That means much of the evidence may not be available anymore. However, Navy veterans may be able to reference records indicating many instances where asbestos exposure would have occurred.
The Doctor Lawyer Team has the connections and resources to ensure that your case is fully developed and every possible source of exposure is discovered. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Common Causes of Asbestos Exposure That Can Lead to Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a serious condition you should not ignore. As noted above, nearly one-third of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States are veterans of the Navy.
Several Navy jobs that have been associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Boatswain’s Mate
- Boiler Technician
- Pipefitter
- Welder
- Hull Maintenance Technician
- Fire Control Technician
- Damage Control Worker
- Metalsmith
- Water Tender
- Lagger
- Electrician’s Mate
- Gunner’s Mate
- Machinist’s Mate
Some naval vessels with high asbestos exposure risks include:
- Aircraft Carriers
- Auxiliary Ships
- Cruisers
- Destroyers
- Minesweepers
- Submarines
If you have worked in certain other professions or have lived in specific conditions, you may be at risk of developing this disease. Note these common examples of workers whose risks of asbestos exposure can cause them to develop mesothelioma:
- Shipyard workers
- Boiler room workers
- Firefighters putting out fires in old homes or buildings
- Construction workers renovating or demolishing older homes or buildings
- People who work in mines
- Industrial and power plant workers
Types of Mesothelioma Legal Claims, Lawsuits, and Settlements
Veterans suffering from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure while in the Navy or another branch of the Armed Forces can make a VA claim, and The Doctor Lawyer Team can guide you through this process. While the VA recognizes both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma as 100% disabling, they will only recognize mesothelioma as a service-connected disability if a majority of exposure occurred during active duty.
Both veterans and civilians can seek relief through the Asbestos Trust Fund. Over 50 companies that created or benefited from asbestos products were forced to create asbestos bankruptcy trusts. These trusts represent more than $30 billion available to mesothelioma cancer victims to cover cancer treatment costs, help with family bills, and secure a family’s future.
Outside of veterans’ claims involving the VA, there are three types of mesothelioma claims you may be able to make:
- Claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or installer of asbestos that is still in business — the challenge here is identifying the company in the first place. If you can do that, you can file a claim based on developing mesothelioma from their products. We can help you assess the many factors that affect the proper choice of forum.
- Claim with trust funds for asbestos victims established by companies that have admitted to limited liability in the past. The purpose of the funds is to pay claims of people exposed to asbestos. You have to fit a specific criterion to be entitled to this compensation.
- File for a workers’ compensation claim according to state laws if you were exposed to asbestos while working.
Discuss your unique case with an attorney at The Doctor Lawyer Team to identify your next steps.
How to File a Mesothelioma VA Claim or a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
If you seek to file a mesothelioma VA claim as a veteran of the U.S. military, we are well-prepared and honored to help you pursue the maximum benefits for which you may be eligible. Before beginning the filing process, we will need to review the details of your veteran status, medical diagnosis, and exposure history. We would then collect evidence to support your claim before guiding you through filing and steps thereafter, as needed.
If you seek to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma, your first step is to secure the support of a legal representative who understands the rules and procedures. A mesothelioma case can be complex and confusing. The Doctor Lawyer Team has helped many veterans and civilians navigate their mesothelioma cases from start to finish.
The next step is to do an investigation based on the facts of your situation. Different people become exposed to asbestos in various ways. Many cases have involved participation in shipyard or boiler room activities in the navy, while other roles involving shipbuilding, mining, manufacturing, metalworks, or related jobs have exposed people in a variety of industries.
The first goal is to determine that you were exposed because of your involvement in these activities so you can file for a claim. We would then help you seek to maximize the compensation for which you may be eligible through the appropriate channels. Every case is unique and requires a custom assessment to identify the relevant avenues to explore.
If you need help with your mesothelioma claim, contact The Doctor Lawyer Team. We will provide you with legal guidance to build your case. Start by scheduling a consultation with us today.
