Of all U.S. veterans, Navy veterans who served on ships built between the 1940s and 1970s were perhaps the most likely to suffer asbestos exposure. Virtually no area of a ship built during this time was without asbestos — mess halls, boiler rooms, navigation rooms, sleeping quarters, and engine rooms were all places where a Navy shipman might be exposed to the hazardous fibers. The risk asbestos exposure was only increased by the vast amount of products used on ships that contained asbestos, such as gaskets, valves, cables, adhesives and many others.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Early on, asbestos was viewed as a kind of miracle material, particularly useful for its insulating properties. However, by the 1960s, the risks associated with asbestos—including the risk of mesothelioma and other lung diseases caused by inhaling the toxic fibers—were becoming evident.

Despite the known dangers, asbestos was widely used until the 1970s when the government implemented regulations. By that time, millions of American workers and members of the U.S. military had suffered exposure to asbestos. In some cases, those who were exposed carried the dangerous fibers home on their person, inadvertently exposing their loved ones as well.

Now, decades later, doctors are seeing a surge in the number of cases of mesothelioma—a deadly form of lung cancer—in U.S. veterans, especially Navy veterans.

Navy Veterans’ Rights

Like all Americans and service members, Navy veterans have certain rights including the right to adequate health care and, in many cases, to compensation for their losses. Unfortunately, these rights are not always easy for an individual to pursue —VA hospitals are notorious for shoddy care these days, and fair compensation is rarely easy to come by.

If you are a Navy veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consult an attorney experienced in asbestos litigation. You may be entitled to seek compensation for the many losses your disease has caused, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more.

Contact us today for a complimentary, private consultation. One of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys will be happy to answer your questions and inform you of your rights and options.