Navy Asbestos Settlements
Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can claim compensation. Compensation can consist of VA benefits as well as lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and trust fund claims.
Asbestos was widely employed on Navy ships and shipyards in the middle decades of the 20th century. All branches of the military who have used asbestos have developed mesothelioma.
VA Claims
The VA has established compensation procedures to ensure that asbestos-related illnesses can receive financial assistance. This includes disability benefits, as well as treatment and health care costs.
Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma may also receive monetary awards through trust funds for asbestos that are private and mesothelioma suits. Mesothelioma lawyers assist veterans and their families file these kinds of claims as quickly as they can.
The majority of Navy ships constructed between 1930 and the early 1980s had asbestos because it was widely used as a fireproofing and insulation material. Navy personnel were exposed asbestos while working on the ship, in a naval shipyard, or in repair work. Almost every type of Navy job was associated with a high risk of exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers were at highest risk because they would often remove asbestos-containing materials, including pipes, ceilings and boilers.
Navy repairmen electricians, plumbers, electricians and pipe fitters were at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that they worked in or around the asbestos lawyer-containing equipment on Navy vessels. Ships’ crews and firefighters in the gun turrets of ships were also at risk because they often wore protective clothing made with asbestos and gloves that were heat-resistant.
Asbestos producers knew of the dangers posed by their products in the 1930s, yet continued to reap profits from the deadly and hazardous substances. The only way to avoid being diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness was to stop working on toxic ships or in shipyards.
Following the devastating illnesses manufacturing companies that made asbestos-containing product filed for bankruptcy. These companies were forced to save money in asbestos trusts to compensate. These trust funds are able to provide financial compensation to veterans without affecting their VA benefits.
In the majority of instances, filing an VA claim is the best way to receive financial compensation. A VA approved lawyer can assist veterans and their loved ones complete the necessary paperwork to get this process started as fast as is possible. The lawyers at Sokolove Law have over 40 years of experience in filing VA claims on behalf of Navy veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Private Claims
Throughout the 1930s and 1970s, asbestos was employed in the construction of Navy ships. Asbestos became popular because it was affordable and had many desirable properties, such as corrosion resistance and resistance to fire. It also had soundproofing and insulation properties.
It was found in the engine rooms, boilers rooms, and other rooms beneath the decks of Navy vessels as well as Navy bases. Unfortunately it was found that the Navy was the part of the military that had the highest asbestos exposure rate. Asbestos was also discovered on auxiliary vessels, like barges, tugboats and seaplane tenders.
VA lawsuits and claims have paid out a number of Navy veterans who have been exposed to asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Compensation can assist veterans with their medical bills as well as other expenses related to the disease.
A lawsuit may offer an amount of money that is greater than an VA claim. A lawsuit is intended to hold businesses that produce or sell asbestos-based products to be accountable for their negligence. Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may file an action against these manufacturers to receive full compensation for their losses.
Mesothelioma lawyers in top firms can help veterans qualify for both VA compensation as well as private compensation. VA claims can award veterans financial aid and health care, whereas private compensation awards are typically $1 million or more.
Finding mesothelioma-related compensation legally through a lawsuit or settlement is an important step for Navy veterans and their families to take. Asbestos lawyers are aware of the aspects and nuances of this complicated process and can assist veterans through the entire mesothelioma lawsuit timeline.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled however, some cases will end up in court. The trial involves a jury and/or judge, and may result in a higher or a lower verdict than a settled case. A lawyer can assist veterans in deciding if the settlement is more beneficial than a trial. Some factors that weigh into this decision include the amount of compensation that is awarded as well as the stage of mesothelioma and the evidence from medical experts. An attorney for mesothelioma will diligently prepare the case and ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.
Trials
Asbestos lawyers can help veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses seek compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. These settlements average $1 million or higher. Veterans who file these lawsuits against asbestos lawsuit-based products, which place navy personnel at risk of exposure, are not legally liable to the U.S. military or the government.
Asbestos was utilized on a variety of types of Navy vessels until the 1980s. The toxic mineral was used in engine rooms, boiler rooms and other areas of vessels. Shipyard workers also had to be exposed to asbestos when they constructed, repaired and dismantled these naval vessels. In this period, workers were exposed to large quantities of asbestos lawyer-containing materials. Asbestos fibers would then disperse throughout the ship’s areas that were not ventilated. These areas included dining halls, sleeping rooms, and other common spaces. Families of Navy and shipyard employees often suffer from asbestos exposure secondhand.
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses or mesothelioma can receive financial compensation and health treatment. Navy veterans who are eligible to receive VA benefits can receive compensation to cover the cost of treatment and other costs associated with the illness. The kind of VA benefit a veteran gets is determined by the amount of asbestos exposure they experienced during their service, and if they were a Marine or Navy service member.
Mesothelioma sufferers can bring private lawsuits against asbestos-producing companies to supplement the VA benefits they receive. The lawsuits were brought against companies that produced asbestos-containing products, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 3M, Burnham Commercial Boilers, and John Crane Inc. These lawsuits seek compensation for the victim and their families.
Asbestos lawsuits are complicated and require the expertise of attorneys who specialize in these types of cases. Lawyers collaborate with mesothelioma experts to ensure a lawsuit is filed correctly to ensure that you receive the most appropriate amount of amount of compensation. Attorneys will also help veterans file trust fund claims, which are an important element of any asbestos settlement. Filing a private lawsuit doesn’t affect a veteran’s ability to claim VA benefits, and veterans can pursue both at the same time.
Settlements
Navy veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are able to be compensated from lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers. The compensation from a settlement or verdict may be used to pay medical expenses as well as lost wages, and other costs related to asbestos-related illnesses. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans to determine if they are eligible to file a suit against negligent asbestos-related companies.
Through the entire history of the Navy, asbestos was used to protect machinery and insulate ships. It was extensively used to shield the machinery in the engine rooms of ships. It was also utilized in storage and living areas, including sleeping rooms and caféterias. Insufficient ventilation made it possible for asbestos to disperse and cause contamination in other parts of the ship as well.
Even after the Navy banned asbestos use in 1975, it continued to be used in ships being repaired or retired from shipyards. The Navy then sold the old vessels as scrap metal, leading to more asbestos exposure. Shipyard workers also had to deal with asbestos exposure as they built or repaired these military vessels.
Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos at work might have received compensation for their illness as well as financial benefits and mesothelioma treatments for free. Compensation is typically awarded in the form of a settlement agreement instead of a trial that could result in a bigger jury award.
Mesothelioma lawyers will examine the veteran’s medical records including test results to determine their eligibility for compensation. Patients suffering from asbestos-related mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases could be eligible for monthly financial benefits, tax-free healthcare and assistance with everyday tasks.
Attorneys who represent mesothelioma patients work to ensure that their clients receive the highest possible amount of money. Most cases are settled, but a few go to trial. A trial involves an adjudicator and jury who will examine the evidence in each case to award damages. It is not uncommon for a verdict to be more than a settlement. Mesothelioma patients can win settlements in the tens of thousands of dollars. A trial’s outcome is unpredictable, however, so many lawyers prefer to settle a case instead of bringing it to trial.