Asbestos exposure in the Navy has been a significant concern for decades, impacting the health and well-being of countless service members and shipyard workers. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral valued for its heat resistance and durability, was extensively used in naval vessels and shipyards for insulation, fireproofing, and other applications. If you have suffered asbestos exposure, an asbestos lawyer in Chicago will work to hold responsible parties accountable.
However, the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and facilities has had devastating consequences, lead to asbestos-related diseases among Navy veterans and civilian workers. The following is a look at the history of asbestos use in the Navy, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and how a skilled asbestos exposure lawyer can ensure you receive maximum compensation.
History of Asbestos Use in the Navy
Asbestos has a long history of use in the Navy. The military prized asbestos-containing materials for their fire-retardant properties and resistance to heat, making them ideal for insulating boilers, pipes, and engine rooms onboard ships. Various other applications utilize asbestos, including gaskets, seals, brake linings, and electrical insulation. Asbestos use in Navy ships and shipyards peaked during World War II and continued for decades afterward.
Exposure to Naval Ships and Shipyards
Service members have faced significant asbestos exposure in the Navy aboard ships and shipyards. From the early 20th century through the mid-1970s, the Navy extensively utilized asbestos in constructing, maintaining, and repairing ships.
Here’s a closer look at how service members suffered asbestos exposure in Navy ships and shipyards:
Ship Construction
Various components, including insulation, pipe fittings, boilers, electrical wiring, gaskets, and deck materials, incorporated asbestos-containing materials during the construction of Navy ships.
Shipyard workers, including welders, pipefitters, electricians, and insulation installers, were exposed to asbestos fibers during the installation and assembly of these materials. Asbestos dust and fibers can become airborne during construction, putting workers at risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles.
Maintenance and Repair
Navy ships required regular maintenance and repair to ensure their operational readiness. Asbestos-containing materials used in ship construction deteriorated over time, requiring replacement or repair. Service members responsible for maintenance and repair tasks, including boiler cleaning, pipe insulation removal, and hull repairs, were exposed to asbestos fibers released during these activities.
In addition, shipyard workers who performed overhaul and renovation work on Navy ships were exposed to asbestos while removing and replacing insulation, flooring, and other asbestos-containing materials.
Occupational Tasks
Service members assigned to various occupational specialties aboard Navy ships suffered asbestos exposure during routine duties and operations. For example, sailors assigned to engine rooms, boiler rooms, and other areas with high heat and machinery were at increased risk of asbestos exposure due to asbestos insulation and piping.
Service members involved in firefighting, damage control, and emergency response activities may also have suffered exposure to contaminated materials used in fireproofing and insulation.
Living Quarters and Common Areas
Asbestos exposure in the Navy extended beyond engine rooms and machinery spaces. They also appeared in living quarters, mess halls, and common areas aboard Navy ships. Sailors and other service members who lived and worked in these areas encountered exposure to asbestos fibers released from deteriorating insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, and other building materials. After performing tasks in asbestos-contaminated areas, they may have inadvertently brought asbestos fibers into living quarters on their clothing and personal belongings.
Many people who suffered asbestos exposure during their service or employment have developed asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, with latency periods ranging from ten to 40 years or longer. Thousands of servicemen and women have fallen ill or tragically passed away due to exposure.
How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos
A skilled lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to naval veterans diagnosed with diseases associated with asbestos exposure. However, you must know you won’t take any legal action against the Navy or any other part of the US government. Instead, you’ll hold accountable the asbestos manufacturers who caused you harm.
Here’s how an asbestos exposure lawyer can help:
- Legal experience: An experienced asbestos exposure lawyer understands the complex legal issues surrounding asbestos litigation. They deeply understand all asbestos laws, regulations, and precedent cases. This knowledge allows them to provide naval veterans with the most effective representation possible.
- Case evaluation: Your attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine its strength. This evaluation includes reviewing your medical records, military service history, and evidence of asbestos exposure to assess liability and damages.
- Gathering evidence: You’ll need evidence of your asbestos exposure to get the money you deserve. Your lawyer will gather that evidence to support your claim. This evidence includes documentation of your military service, records of asbestos exposure during naval service, and medical records confirming the diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease. They may also interview witnesses, consult medical professionals, and obtain professional testimony to strengthen your case.
- Identifying responsible parties: An attorney will identify the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure, including asbestos manufacturers, shipbuilders, contractors, or other entities involved in the naval supply chain. They will pursue compensation from these parties through legal action, including filing lawsuits or claims against asbestos trust funds.
- Handling the legal complexities: Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, explaining your rights and options at each case stage. They’ll also file the necessary paperwork, comply with procedural requirements, and represent your best interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
- Maximizing compensation: Your lawyer will pursue many forms of compensation from those responsible for your suffering. Your damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with your disease. Your attorney will ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
- Support and advocacy: Finally, an asbestos-exposure lawyer will provide compassionate support and advocacy throughout the legal process. They understand the challenges faced by veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice you have coming.
Please Don’t Hesitate to Contact an Asbestos Lawyer
You don’t deserve to suffer because you served your country. Unfortunately, companies that put profits over safety caused your disease. An asbestos exposure lawyer will work to hold them accountable. Be sure to get in touch with one as soon as possible.
