Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was widely used in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was found to cause deadly and dangerous health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other ailments.

Navy veterans face the highest chance of exposure due to extensive asbestos use on Navy ships. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired ships, Asbestos Cancer Law Lawyer Mesothelioma Settlement motor vehicles, as well as those who repaired them, are also at risk.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos was a well-known building material for decades before it was discovered to have negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread and many veterans from all branches being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma or other diseases from breathing in the dangerous mineral. The Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers, have extensive experience in helping Army veterans receive va asbestos exposure benefits and compensation due to mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases.

The Navy employed asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with multiple MOSs may have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas of the ship, and also at nearby shipyards and construction sites.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was commonly employed in aircraft, such as fuel systems, rotors and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the production of gaskets, thermal insulation and fireproofing.

Navy pipefitters and welders were regularly exposed to asbestos while performing maintenance on Navy vessels. On pipes that run the length of a vessel asbestos-containing lagging was frequently employed. Navy welding technicians were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters often worked with asbestos-containing gaskets, seals, and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after having lung cancer as a result of his exposure to asbestos.

Metal fabricators and steelworkers working in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos class action lawsuit settlement when working in a shipyard or at construction sites. Asbestos was used for insulation, fireproofing and as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any welding work, especially when it is wet.

Asbestos was a frequent substance used by veterans of the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on motor vehicles or ships. VA benefits like disability compensation can help these veterans concentrate on their treatment for mesothelioma instead of worrying about paying for the cost of living. They may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos producers. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held accountable for the medical expenses of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Signs and symptoms

Many asbestos-related victims have suffered from a range of serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses can develop over a period of 20 to 50 years. Many veterans who worked in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health issues.

The military heavily relied on asbestos-based products up until the 1980s. Asbest was used in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were particularly at risk of exposure. asbestos cancer law lawyer mesothelioma settlement can be found in ship engines, boiler room and deck flooring.

In addition, military personnel in various other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, including plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos is frequently used as a building material to construct walls or roofs, as well as doors and windows. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.

These hazardous substances were a danger to service members' health even when they were off the ship or at their base. If a person breathed asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for prolonged periods of time, and caused scarring on the lungs' cells. In time, the scarring became so severe that it triggered the lung condition called asbestosis.

Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it could lead to the development of other health problems including mesothelioma which can take between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. People who have Pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous type of asbestosis, may be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also trigger mesothelioma especially if the family member was a worker or military personnel who handled asbestos-based materials. This is due to asbestos's ability to be carried in the air. Asbestos victims often brought these dangerous fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses, and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos at work. In these cases, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child can receive compensation for the asbestos-related illness of their loved one.

Treatment

Affected veterans face a number of treatment options that could aid in reducing symptoms, slow the progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. These include radiotherapy, surgery chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Most often, doctors suggest a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos was extensively used in military bases and ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall as well as cement mixtures, spackling and roofing to insulate and protect components. In the course of repairs and maintenance the materials were smashed, which put service members at risk of being exposed.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in their barracks, on naval vessels and during transportation, as well when they worked on aircrafts and vehicles. Asbestos was utilized in ship insulation, electrical wiring and boiler rooms and engine components and fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a high risk of exposure to asbestos since they often interacted with these components.

Because asbestos exposure lawsuit is a flexible and durable material, it was also used for insulating boilers, pipes, valves cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a great fireproofing material, and it was cheap and easy to make. Asbestos also withstands heat, which helped make it an ideal choice for engine components like turbines and engines.

Asbestos has been linked with numerous illnesses including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma comprise two frequent types of mesothelioma and both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall and cause malignant tumors to grow.

The asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for the mesothelioma of those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can help pay for needed medical care and other support services. To qualify for these funds, patients must undergo a thorough process that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. It is important to get legal representation for victims of mesothelioma who have suffered the difficulties associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. It can be difficult for veterans to prove that their condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms can be mistakenly interpreted as other ailments, like smoking-related COPD. Veterans should file a VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist veterans in gathering the evidence required to make an effective claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however certain branches of the military were at greater risk. Navy veterans were frequently at the highest risk because of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in many places such as boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced an increased risk when they worked with planes and vehicles which contained asbestos.

average asbestos settlement amount is an element that is found naturally, however it has to be extracted to be employed by the military. If asbestos isn't handled correctly, it can break down and become airborne. These tiny fibers can penetrate the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line chest and stomach. In time the fibers may cause the linings to scar and grow into tumors. These tumors are referred to as mesothelioma. They are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.

Other forms of asbestos-related ailments that can develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-induced COPD however, it is important for Veterans to see a doctor and get a clear diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This facility is located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who do not reside in the area. This could include travel and housing costs. In addition, many mesothelioma doctors offer private treatment options for patients who are not able to visit an VA facility.