Veterans and Mesothelioma

About 30% of annual mesothelioma claims come from veterans because every branch of the military relied on asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a mineral that can be found in various construction materials, especially in products used prior to the 1970s. Due to its average 10-50 year latency period, mesothelioma does not usually present itself until much later than the asbestos exposure occurs.  Veterans might have a high risk of asbestos exposure if they served in military occupations from 1930 to 1980. 

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos in the U.S. military and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be eligible for compensation.  Call (800) 529-3476 now or fill out the following form to start your FREE consultation so that you can focus on your health and loved ones while we focus on your mesothelioma claim.  It costs nothing upfront to work with our team — we only get paid if you do.

Why Veterans Get Mesothelioma

Asbestos is known to be the main cause of mesothelioma. Tiny fibers can float in the air and, if inhaled, may get trapped in the body. This can lead to irritation and changes in cells that sometimes result in cancer. While the outlook for mesothelioma can be challenging, it’s important to note that early detection and new treatment options are helping more people live longer and healthier lives.  

Veterans face a higher risk for mesothelioma due to past exposure to asbestos. From the 1930s to the 1980s, the military widely used asbestos for its heat-resistant qualities. It was found in many materials, including insulation and shipbuilding. Understanding this history can help us support our veterans better today. 

Here is a breakdown of asbestos exposure by military branch:

Navy Veterans

Asbestos exposure aboard U.S. Navy ships was almost impossible to avoid. As a result, U.S. Navy veterans have the highest risk of mesothelioma today.

Asbestos products were used on almost all U.S. Navy ships until the early 1980s. The heat-resistant and durable properties of asbestos made it a key building material for U.S. Navy ships to reduce the risks of fires.

Asbestos-containing products on U.S. Navy ships included:

• Adhesives
• Fireproof doors
• Gaskets
• Insulation

From the engine room and boiler room to the machinery spaces, every part of the ship may have exposed U.S. Navy service members to asbestos.

Army Veterans

In the 20th century, the U.S. Army used asbestos to ensure the durability of its jeeps, trucks and tanks. At the time, it was believed that asbestos could safely insulate these vehicles and reduce friction in brakes.

However, as asbestos-based products broke down over time, they released microscopic fibers into the air. U.S. Army mechanics who handled these auto parts could inhale the fibers and eventually develop asbestos-related illnesses.

Dangerous asbestos products used in U.S. Army vehicles included:

• Brake pads
• Clutches
• Gaskets
• Resins

The U.S. Army also used asbestos-containing construction materials like cement sheet and insulation to build bases and barracks which put engineers and carpenters who worked on these buildings in danger of exposure.

Air Force Veterans

Asbestos was widely used in U.S. Air Force planes because of its heat-resistant properties. However, it put thousands of U.S. Air Force at risk of developing mesothelioma and other deadly diseases decades later.

U.S. Air Force planes contained the following asbestos products:

• Brakes
• Cockpit heating systems
• Gaskets
• Heat shields for engines
• Jet exhaust and wiring insulation

U.S. Air Force aviation mechanics and jet engine inspectors could inhale asbestos fibers as they worked on engines, motor parts and other products.

Asbestos was also used in the construction of many U.S. Air Force bases and barracks. U.S. Air Force plumbers, pipefitters and carpenters all may have been exposed to asbestos while they worked on these buildings.

Marine Corps Veterans

Former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who served on naval vessels or in shipyards were at an especially high risk of asbestos exposure.

Beloved actor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Steve McQueen developed mesothelioma in the late 1970s after working in a shipyard decades earlier.

Asbestos products such as pumps, valves, boiler insulation, ropes and fireproofing materials were used throughout the ships, providing numerous opportunities for U.S. Marines to be exposed to the toxin.

The U.S. Marine Corps also relied on asbestos to build its bases, which put mechanics, construction workers and engineers at high risk.

Coast Guard Veterans

Like the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard relied on fire-resistant asbestos to build its ships.

Because the threat of fire aboard seagoing vessels was of great concern, the heat resistant and durable properties of asbestos made it a top-choice building material for most U.S. Coast Guard vessels.

Asbestos-based products often used on U.S. Coast Guard ships included:

• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Pumps
• Ropes
• Turbines to pipes
• Valves

The U.S. Coast Guard also used asbestos to build its bases, vehicles and planes.

Service members today might come across asbestos in older machines, buildings and military housing. When buildings with asbestos get damaged during combat, it can also pose a risk to soldiers. Moreover, family members of active duty service members and veterans could be exposed to asbestos if dust settles on uniforms, boots, or gear. It’s important to recognize these risks.

Veterans Compensation for Mesothelioma

If you are a veteran battling mesothelioma, the team at 1-800-LAW-FIRM can help you uncover how you were exposed to asbestos and who should be held accountable.

We hope you will give us the opportunity to file a mesothelioma claim on your behalf, so you can get the financial compensation you deserve.  This compensation can be used to pay for:

• Treatments and hospital visits
• Medications
• Travel costs for treatment
• Non-treatment expenses (like mortgages, groceries, and other bills)

Where does this compensation come from?

Asbestos Trust Funds

Some manufacturers of asbestos products declared bankruptcy to avoid mesothelioma lawsuits. Since bankrupt asbestos companies can’t be sued, these companies were forced to set aside money in trust funds to pay those with asbestos-related diseases.

Over $30 billion is estimated to be available in asbestos trust funds as of 2024. Our team can file asbestos trust fund claims to help patients access a portion of this money.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

A mesothelioma lawsuit seeks compensation from manufacturers of asbestos products. These corporations knew that asbestos could cause deadly illnesses but concealed the facts for decades.  1-800-LAW-FIRM partners with the top mesothelioma law firms that handle asbestos exposure lawsuits today to ensure that your claim is litigated by the law firm best suited for your specific case. 

Why 1-800-LAW-FIRM?

Contact 1-800-LAW-FIRM to receive your free, confidential consultation. Our team has over 30 years of experience working with mesothelioma patients and their families. They can help navigate the complexity of the legal process and make recommendations customized specifically for you and your case.

Our team will let you focus on your health and loved ones while we focus on your mesothelioma claim.