Recent years have seen a surge of mesothelioma diagnoses, in part because of the large number of veterans who are now being diagnosed with the disease. Mesothelioma has a notoriously long latency period—often between three and five decades—so veterans who served before the 1970s when asbestos was widely used in the military are only now experiencing the devastating effects of the deadly cancer.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have certain legal rights and should be properly compensated for a disease they developed while serving their country. To learn more about your rights, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Military Life and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos was extensively used in a variety of military products and settings after World War II in the 1940s. Gaskets, adhesives, cables, valves, and insulation materials were just some of the many asbestos-containing products frequently used in the military.

However, even those who did not work directly with such products faced the risk of exposure—particularly those who worked on navy ships built prior to the 1970s. Engine and boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, mess halls and navigation rooms were all places where a navy shipman might be exposed to the dangerous fibers.

To make matters worse, service members were likely to carry asbestos dust home on their person. Today, there are more and more cases of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma because of second-hand asbestos exposure. For instance, women who washed their husband’s uniforms might have suffered frequent exposure to the hazardous material.

Medical Treatment for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for mesothelioma. Still, there are treatment options, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, among other things. In some cases, a person diagnosed with mesothelioma may wish to participate in clinical trials aimed at discovering new and alternative treatments.

The cost of treating mesothelioma, as one can imagine, is steep, and the government may not cover all of a veteran’s medical expenses. By filing a civil claim, however, a veteran may be able to obtain compensation to help cover medical expenses and other mesothelioma-related losses.

Legal Help for Veterans with Mesothelioma

If you or your loved one is a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important not to despair. This is no doubt a difficult time, but we may be able to help. Contact us today and let us listen to your case. We’ll advise you as to your legal options and help you plan a course of action.

Related Veteran Mesothelioma News 

April 28, 2008 - U.S. Navy Victims of Asbestos Exposure Receive Help  

Oct 29, 2007 - Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Asbestos Charges 

Sept 27, 2007 - Asbestos Found on Airforce Property