Navy Asbestos Settlements

Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible for compensation. Compensation can consist of VA benefits and lawsuits against asbestos producers and trust fund claims.

Asbestos was extensively utilized on Navy Asbestos Settlement ships as well as in shipyards in the middle decades of the 20th century. All branches of the military that have used asbestos have developed mesothelioma.

VA Claims

The VA has established compensation methods to ensure that asbestos-related diseases can receive financial assistance. This includes disability benefits, as well as medical treatment and health costs.

Navy mesothelioma patients can also receive monetary awards through private asbestos trust funds and mesothelioma lawsuits. Mesothelioma attorneys help veterans and their family members to file claims as fast as they can.

Most of the Navy ships constructed between the 1930s and the early 1980s contained asbestos because it was widely used as a fireproofing material and insulation material. Navy personnel were exposed to asbestos while working on the vessel or in a shipyard and in repair jobs. Almost every type of Navy job carried a significant risk of exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers are the greatest risk, as they frequently remove asbestos-containing materials such as pipes, ceilings and boilers.

Navy repairmen electricians, plumbers, electricians and pipe fitters were at a high risk of mesothelioma because they worked in or around the asbestos-containing equipment used on Navy vessels. Firefighters and sailors in the gun turrets on ships were also at risk since they frequently wore protective clothing made with asbestos and gloves that were heat-resistant.

Asbestos producers were aware of the dangers associated with their products as early as the 1930s, but they continued to profit from these dangerous and deadly materials. The only way to avoid being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease was to stop working on these toxic ships or in shipyards.

In the aftermath of these devastating diseases, the manufacturing companies that produced asbestos-containing products declared bankruptcy. The companies were required to set aside money in pact act asbestos exposure trusts for Navy Asbestos Settlement compensation. Trust funds can be used to provide financial compensation to veterans, without affecting their VA benefits.

In the majority of cases, a VA claim is the best alternative for receiving financial compensation. A VA approved lawyer can assist veterans and their families complete the required paperwork in order to begin the process in the shortest time possible. Sokolove Law has over 40 years of experience filing VA claims for Navy veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma.

Private Claims

Asbestos was a common component in the construction of ships and Navy ships from the 1930s and into the 1970s. Asbestos gained popularity because it was affordable and had many desirable properties, including corrosion resistance and fire resistance. It also had soundproofing and insulation properties.

It was also found in the engine rooms, boilers rooms, and other rooms under decks of Navy vessels as well as Navy bases. Sadly the Navy had the highest level of asbestos exposure among the branches of the military. Asbestos was also discovered on vessels used for auxiliary purposes, like barges, tugboats and seaplane tenders.

Many Navy veterans who were exposed to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases have been awarded compensation through VA lawsuits and claims. Mesothelioma compensation can aid veterans in paying for their medical treatment as well as other expenses related to the disease.

A lawsuit could result in an amount of money that is greater than an VA claim. A lawsuit is a way to hold the companies that produce or distribute asbestos-based products accountable for their negligence. Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue an action against these manufacturers to seek full compensation for their losses.

Top firms offer veterans legal assistance to obtain VA compensation, as in addition to private compensation. VA claims can provide financial aid and health services for veterans, whereas private compensation awards typically amount to at least $1 million or more.

Navy veterans and their families should take steps to obtain legal compensation suing for asbestos exposure mesothelioma. Asbestos lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of the process and will guide you through the timeline of mesothelioma lawsuits.

The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits are settled however, some cases will end in court. This involves a jury and/or judge, and may result in a greater or lower verdict than a settled case. A lawyer can assist veterans decide if it makes more sense to take a settlement or go to trial. Some factors that weigh into this decision include the amount of compensation offered and the stage of mesothelioma as well as the availability of medical evidence. A mesothelioma lawyer will diligently prepare the case and ensure the most favorable result is reached.

Trials

Asbestos lawyers assist veterans suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases to seek compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. Settlements typically amount to $1 million or higher. Veterans who file lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos-based products that put navy workers in danger of exposure, aren't legally liable to the U.S. military or the government.

Up until the 1980s, many types of Navy vessels were constructed of asbestos. The toxic mineral was used in engine rooms, boiler rooms and other areas of vessels. Shipyard workers also suffered from exposure as they constructed or Navy Asbestos Settlement repaired the naval vessels. In this period, workers knowingly handled huge amounts chances of getting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos fibres then spread through the ship's unventilated spaces. These areas included sleeping quarters, dining halls, and other common spaces. Families of Navy and shipyard workers often have secondhand asbestos exposure.

Veterans who suffer from mesothelioma-related asbestos-related illnesses can be eligible for financial compensation and health care. Navy veterans who qualify for VA benefits are able to receive reimbursement that covers the cost of their treatment and other expenses associated with the condition. The kind of VA benefits a veteran can receive depends on the amount of asbestos they were exposed to during their time in service and whether they were exposed to asbestos mostly as an Marine or a Navy service member.

Mesothelioma patients can bring private lawsuits against asbestos producers to enhance the VA benefits they receive. These lawsuits are filed against companies who produced asbestos-containing products such as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 3M, Burnham Commercial Boilers and John Crane Inc. These lawsuits seek to recover compensation for the victim as well as the family members of the victim.

Asbestos cases are complex and require the expertise from lawyers who specialize in asbestos cases. Lawyers collaborate with mesothelioma specialists to ensure that a lawsuit is filed properly to receive the maximum amount of compensation. Attorneys also assist veterans file trust fund claims, which are an important part of any asbestos settlement. A lawsuit filed does not impact a veteran's ability to apply for VA benefits. Veterans can pursue both at once.

Settlements

Navy veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are able to get compensation from lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers. Settlements or verdicts may be used to pay for medical expenses or lost wages, as well as other expenses related to asbestos-related diseases. An attorney for mesothelioma can assist veterans in determining if they are legally qualified to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies.

Throughout the history of the Navy, asbestos was used to protect machinery and insulate ships. It was widely used to shield machinery in ship engine rooms. It was also utilized in living quarters and storage areas, such as caféterias and sleeping rooms. Poor ventilation made it easy for asbestos to disperse and cause contamination in other parts of the ship, as well.

Even after the Navy banned its use in 1975, asbestos continued to be found in ships that were being repaired or removed from shipyards. The Navy then offered these old vessels for scrap metal which led to increased exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers were at risk of asbestos exposure too, as they built repair, dismantle and rebuild these military vessels.

Navy veterans exposed to asbestos at work could have received compensation for their illnesses, including monetary benefits as well as free mesothelioma treatment. Compensation is typically awarded in a settlement agreement instead of a trial, which could result in a larger jury award.

Mesothelioma attorneys will review the medical records of veterans including test results to determine their eligibility for compensation. Asbestos sufferers suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases could be entitled to monthly financial benefits, tax-free medical treatment and assistance with everyday tasks.

Attorneys who represent mesothelioma patients work to ensure that their clients receive the highest possible amount of money. While most cases reach a settlement agreement however, a few cases end up in court. A jury and judge decide on damages after evaluating the evidence in every case. It is not uncommon for a verdict to be much greater than the amount of settlement. Some veterans with mesothelioma have received compensation in the tens of billions of dollars. The outcome of a case is unpredictable. Many attorneys prefer to settle claims, rather than going to trial.