Navy & Maritime Ships with Asbestos
The U.S. Navy, as well as the commercial maritime industry, made extensive use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in the construction and renovation of its ships. Researchers note that at one time or another, the number of hazardous products used in Navy vessels reached nearly 300. All shipbuilders were constantly in danger of contamination by inhaling asbestos fibers, but it was those workers who tore apart old ships for repair or refurbishment that were at the greatest risk for developing an asbestos-related disease.
Once again, the tragedy of mesothelioma is compounded by the knowledge that when so many U.S. service persons and shipyard workers gave so much of themselves, and the companies that supplied the asbestos-containing materials and the government were aware of the hazards, they were rewarded with the development of a pathology caused only by the asbestos they worked with everyday.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer typically affecting the lining of the lungs. Primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, most cases are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. The latency period can be as long as 50 years.
The mobilization of the U.S. work force during World War II is the greatest example of the dedication and patriotism of Americans. We have even dubbed this generation of men and women the “Greatest Generation” in acknowledgement of their service and their sacrifice. As industrial workers, shipbuilders and repairers and other maritime professionals, soldiers, and future veterans dedicated themselves to defend the country and to provide for its security, they were working with asbestos, an enemy as deadly as the soldiers we were all fighting against. The longer and the harder they worked, the more they were exposed to asbestos and the higher their potential for development of asbestos-related diseases.
Naval records for asbestos-containing materials used in shipyards, ship construction or ship repairs still exist and are used in investigating mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos cases. Veterans and current members of the Navy are not allowed to file a lawsuit or make a claim against the military for injuries such as asbestos exposure. However, they may utilize the Department of Veterans Administration which provides benefits for veterans and their families, such as medical care and disability compensation. The process for filing to receive the benefits for mesothelioma can be a long and hard process because providing proof that exposure came from Navy service and not from companies who were using asbestos can be difficult.
While you concentrate on the treatment and recovery of your cancer, the lawyers of Belluck & Fox can help you to prove that the contamination that caused your sickness came from your service time so you can complete the claim and move on with your life.
Military specifications have helped to identify many asbestos-containing products for veterans’ asbestos claims or lawsuit, including (but not limited to):
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Enlisted veterans who were exposed to asbestos and suffered contamination may include (but are not limited to):
- Boiler Technicians
- Construction Mechanics
- Damage Controlmen
- Electronics Technicians
- Enginemen
- Firemen and Fire Control Technicians
- Laborers
- Lathers
- Longshoremen
- Machinists
- Navy Yard Workers/Yardbirds
- Shipbuilders
- and many others.
One of the most tragic facts about asbestos-related injuries is that U.S. veterans were disproportionately exposed and are now disproportionately suffering from the diseases associated with asbestos exposure. There is no cure for mesothelioma and the treatment is long and arduous. The pain and discomfort in the lungs leave the victims breathless and weak.
The wide variety of occupations of the victims of asbestos disease proves that no one was immune – even family members have been afflicted. Although fire and engine rooms were most commonly associated with asbestos disease, no place aboard Navy ships was safe, including sleeping quarters, mess halls, and navigation rooms, due to asbestos in pipes. Thousands were exposed to asbestos while working at shipyards and dry docks.
The lawyers at Belluck & Fox pride themselves on their commitment and support to you when investigating your case. From the initial meeting, we will start our research and investigation to get to the source of your asbestos exposure, and we will continue to represent you throughout every phase of litigation.
