The U.S. Navy used large amounts of asbestos in ships and shipyards for fireproofing and durability. The Navy used more asbestos than any other branch, and that asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
For much of the 20th century, sailors worked and lived in ships lined with asbestos insulation, valves, and gaskets. Manufacturers hid the health risks, and today, roughly one in three mesothelioma patients is a Navy veteran or shipyard worker.
VA Benefits
Veterans who develop mesothelioma from service-related asbestos exposure may qualify for tax-free VA disability compensation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that veterans with health conditions caused by exposure to asbestos during service may be eligible for disability compensation if they meet two requirements:
- They have a health condition caused by asbestos exposure
- They had contact with asbestos while serving
Monthly benefits can exceed $4,000 for veterans with a 100 percent disability rating. Surviving spouses and dependent children may also qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Legal Claims Against Manufacturers
Because the government is generally immune from suit, veterans often pursue claims against the manufacturers of asbestos products rather than the Navy. Mesothelioma lawyers have secured settlements for Navy veterans.
These claims are based on failure to warn and product defect theories. Veterans may file in states other than Louisiana, depending on where the exposure occurred and which courts have jurisdiction.
Steps After Diagnosis
Navy veterans should document their service records, ship assignments, and duties. Consult both a VA-accredited claims agent and an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Filing a VA claim does not prevent pursuing a civil lawsuit, and vice versa. Because different statutes of limitation apply, prompt action is crucial.
Pourciau Law Firm is proud to advocate for Navy veterans who were put at risk by asbestos products. We work with medical experts and investigators to build strong claims, secure VA benefits, and pursue compensation from negligent manufacturers.
If you served in the Navy and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call us at 504-305-2375 to discuss your legal options. You can also complete our online intake form, and one of our experts will get back to you.