Navy Asbestos Settlements

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

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

VA Claims

The VA has come up with compensation methods for veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments. This includes disability benefits, along with health and treatment expenses.

In addition to the compensation offered by the VA, Navy veterans with mesothelioma can also receive cash awards from private mesothelioma lawsuits as well as asbestos trust funds. Mesothelioma lawyers assist veterans and their families file these kinds of claims as fast as they can.

The majority of Navy ships constructed between the 1930s and the early 1980s had asbestos since it was extensively used as a fireproofing and insulation material. Asbestos was used on ships, in naval shipyards and during repair work. Asbestos was a risk in almost every Navy job. Shipyard workers were at the greatest risk since they often take asbestos-containing items down such as ceilings, pipes, and boilers.

Navy repairmen, electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters were at a high risk of mesothelioma because they worked in or around the asbestos-containing equipment found on Navy vessels. The risk was also very high for firefighters and sailors working in the gun turrets on ships, who were wearing gloves that could withstand heat and protective clothing comprised of asbestos.

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

In the aftermath of these deadly diseases, the manufacturing companies that produced asbestos-containing products were forced to file for bankruptcy. The companies were required to set aside money in asbestos trusts to pay compensation. Trust funds can be used to provide financial compensation to veterans without impacting their VA benefits.

In most instances the filing of a VA claim is the most effective method to receive financial compensation. VA approved attorneys can help veterans their families, friends and loved ones fill out the necessary documents so that the process can begin as quickly as possible. The lawyers at Sokolove Law have over 40 years of experience in filing VA claims on behalf of Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos attorney-related diseases.

Private Claims

Asbestos was used in shipbuilding and construction for Navy ships throughout the 1930s until the 1970s. Asbestos became popular because it was inexpensive and also had many desirable properties, such as corrosion resistance and resistance to fire. It also had insulating and soundproofing properties.

It was also located in the engine rooms, boilers rooms, as well as other areas under decks of Navy vessels as well as Navy bases. Unfortunately it was the case that the Navy was the part of the military that had the highest rate of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was also found on ships used for auxiliary purposes, such as seaplane tenders, tugboats and barges.

VA lawsuits and claims have repaid a lot of Navy veterans who have been exposed to asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Compensation can help veterans pay their medical bills and other expenses associated to the disease.

The compensation offered by a lawsuit may be even higher than that provided by an VA claim. A lawsuit is designed to hold companies that make or sell asbestos-based products to be accountable for their negligence. Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may sue to obtain compensation for their losses.

Mesothelioma lawyers in top firms assist veterans in qualifying for both VA compensation and private compensation. VA claims can provide health services and financial aid to veterans, while private compensation awards are typically at least $1 million or more.

Obtaining legal compensation for mesothelioma through a lawsuit or settlement is a crucial step for Navy veterans and their families to take. Asbestos lawyers know the ins and outs of this complicated procedure and can assist veterans through the entire mesothelioma litigation timeline.

The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits are settled however, some cases will end in the courtroom. This involves a jury and/or judge, and could result in a higher or lower verdict than a settled case. A lawyer can help an individual decide if it makes more sense to settle the case or go to trial. A few factors that impact this decision include the amount of compensation offered and the stage of mesothelioma and the availability of medical evidence. An attorney for mesothelioma will work diligently to prepare the case and ensure the most favorable outcome is achieved.

Trials

Asbestos lawyers can help those suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos attorney-related illnesses seek compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. Settlements of this kind pay $1 million or more on average. The U.S. government and the military aren't sued when veterans pursue these lawsuits that are filed against the makers of asbestos-based products that put navy workers at risk of exposure.

Asbestos was utilized on a variety of kinds of Navy vessels until the 1980s. The hazardous mineral was utilized in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and in other areas. Shipyard workers also experienced exposure while they built, repaired and broke down the naval vessels. During this period workers handled large amounts of asbestos-containing material without knowing they were handling it. Asbestos fibers would then get spread throughout the ship in unventilated areas. These areas included sleeping quarters, dining halls and other common spaces. Family members of Navy and shipyard workers often were exposed to asbestos secondhand.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers health and financial aid to veterans suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease. Navy veterans who are eligible to receive VA benefits could receive compensation to cover the cost of treatment and other expenses associated with the illness. The type of VA benefits a veteran can receive is determined by the amount of asbestos exposure they had during their service, and if they were a Marine or Navy service member.

Mesothelioma sufferers can make private lawsuits against asbestos-producing companies to increase 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 damages for compensation for the victim and their families.

Asbestos lawsuits are complicated and require the expertise of lawyers who specialize in these cases. Lawyers work with mesothelioma experts to ensure a lawsuit is properly filed to ensure that you receive the most lucrative compensation. Attorneys also assist veterans file trust fund claims which are a crucial element of any asbestos settlement. Filing a lawsuit does not impact a veteran's ability to apply for VA benefits. Veterans can file both simultaneously.

Settlements

Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases can be compensated through lawsuits filed against asbestos producers. Settlements or verdicts can cover medical expenses or lost wages, as well as other expenses related to asbestos-related diseases. A mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans determine if they are eligible to bring a suit against asbestos lawsuit companies that are negligent.

Throughout the time of the Navy asbestos was employed to protect machinery and to insulate ships. It was extensively employed in ship engine rooms boiler rooms, engine rooms and pump rooms due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It was also utilized in living quarters and storage areas, including cafeterias and sleeping rooms. Lack of ventilation made it easier for asbestos to disperse and contaminate other parts of the ship as well.

Even after the Navy banned asbestos use in the year 1975, it was still present in vessels being repaired or decommissioned in shipyards. The Navy then sold the old vessels as scrap metal, which led to more asbestos exposure. Shipyard workers were also at risk of exposure to asbestos too as they built repair, dismantle and rebuild these military ships.

Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos while at work might have received compensation for their illness. This could be in the form of monetary benefits as well as free mesothelioma treatment. Compensation is typically awarded through a settlement agreement instead of an actual trial before a jury, which could result in a greater amount.

Mesothelioma lawyers will examine the veteran's medical records including test results to determine their eligibility for compensation. Asbestos victims suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for monthly monetary benefits, tax-free medical treatment and assistance with everyday tasks.

Attorneys who represent mesothelioma patients work to ensure that their clients receive the best possible compensation. Although most cases end up with a settlement agreement but a few are in court. A judge and jury will decide damages after evaluating the evidence in every case. It is not uncommon for a verdict from a jury to exceed the amount of a settlement. Some veterans with mesothelioma have received settlements in the tens of millions of dollars. The outcome of a trial can be unpredictable, however, so many attorneys prefer to settle a case instead of taking it to trial.