Navy Asbestos Settlements
Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation. Compensation may include VA benefits as well as lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and trust fund claims.
Asbestos was widely utilized on Navy ships and in 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 established compensation methods to ensure that asbestos-related illnesses receive financial assistance. This includes disability benefits along with health and treatment costs.
In addition to the compensation offered by the VA, Navy veterans with mesothelioma may also qualify for financial awards from private mesothelioma lawsuits as well as asbestos trust funds. Mesothelioma lawyers aid veterans and their families file these types of claims as fast as is possible.
Asbestos was widely used as a fireproofing material and insulation in most Navy ships built between the 1930s and the beginning of the 1980s. Asbestos was found on ships, in naval shipyards and during repair work. Asbestos was a danger in nearly every Navy job. Shipyard workers were at the highest risk because they would often dismantle asbestos-containing materials such as ceilings, pipes, and boilers.
Navy repairmen, electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters were at high risk of mesothelioma because they worked in or around the asbestos-containing equipment on Navy vessels. The firefighters and sailors working in the gun turrets of ships were also at risk due to the fact that they frequently wore protective clothes that contained asbestos and heat-resistant gloves.
Asbestos producers knew of the dangers associated with their products in the 1930s, but 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, the manufacturing firms which produced asbestos-containing products were forced to file for bankruptcy. The companies were required to set aside money in asbestos trusts for compensation. These trust funds are able to award financial compensation to veterans without impacting their VA benefits.
In most cases, the VA claim is the best option for receiving financial compensation. VA approved attorneys can help veterans, their families and loved ones fill out the necessary paperwork so that this process can begin as quickly as possible. Sokolove Law has over 40 years' experience in filing VA claims for Navy veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma.
Private Claims
Throughout the 1930s and 1970s, asbestos was used to construct Navy ships. Asbestos became popular because it was inexpensive and had a variety of desirable properties, including corrosion resistance and fire resistance. It also had soundproofing and insulating properties.
This is why it was discovered in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and other areas below decks on Navy vessels as well as on Navy bases. Sadly the Navy had the highest rate of asbestos exposure in all the branches of the military. Asbestos could also be found on auxiliary vessels such as tugboats, barges, and seaplane tenders.
Many Navy veterans who were exposed to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have been awarded compensation through VA lawsuits and claims. Mesothelioma compensation may assist veterans with their medical care as well as other expenses related to the disease.
Compensation through a lawsuit can be higher than the compensation offered by an VA claim. A lawsuit aims to hold those who manufacture or distribute asbestos-based products accountable for their actions. Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses.
Top firms offer veterans legal assistance in obtaining VA compensation as and private compensation. VA claims can grant veterans financial aid and health care, while private compensation awards on average $1 million or more.
Navy veterans and their families should make sure they are able to get legal compensation for mesothelioma. Asbestos lawyers are knowledgeable of the intricacies of the process and will guide you through the mesothelioma lawsuit timeline.
The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits are settled however some cases wind in court. This could involve a judge or jury, and may result in a higher or lower verdict than a settlement. A lawyer can help a veteran determine whether it is better to settle or go to trial. The factors that influence this decision include the amount of compensation offered as well as the stage of mesothelioma as well as the availability of medical evidence. A mesothelioma lawyer will be working hard to prepare the case and ensure the best possible outcome.
Trials
Asbestos lawyers can help veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses pursue compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. These settlements average $1 million or higher. Veterans who file lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-based products, which put navy personnel at risk of exposure, are not sued by the U.S. military or the government.
Until the 1980s, many types of Navy vessels were made from asbestos. The hazardous mineral was utilized in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and various other areas of vessels. Shipyard workers were also exposed to asbestos when they constructed, repaired and dismantled these naval vessels. The workers unknowingly handled large amounts of asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos fibres would then propagate throughout the ship's non-ventilated spaces. These areas included dining halls, sleeping rooms, and other common spaces. Family members of Navy and shipyard workers typically were exposed to asbestos secondhand.
Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses or mesothelioma can receive financial compensation in addition to health treatment. Navy veterans who are eligible for VA benefits may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of their treatment as well as other expenses that are associated with the disease. The type of VA benefit a veteran receives is determined by how much asbestos exposure they experienced during their service, and whether or not they were a Marine or Navy service member.
Mesothelioma patients may file private lawsuits against asbestos producers to enhance the VA benefits they receive. The 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 compensation for the victim as well as the family members of the victim.
Asbestos lawsuits can be complex and require the expertise of lawyers who specialize in these types of cases. Lawyers collaborate closely with mesothelioma specialists to ensure that a lawsuit is filed properly in order to receive the highest amount of amount of compensation. Attorneys will also help veterans to file trust fund claims, which are an important element of any asbestos settlement. Filing a lawsuit does not impact a veteran's ability to apply for VA benefits. Veterans can file both at once.
Bloomington asbestos lawyer who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases can be compensated through lawsuits filed against asbestos producers. Settlements or verdict may cover medical costs in addition to lost wages and other expenses associated with asbestos-related diseases. A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans determine whether they're legally qualified to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos-related companies.
In the past, throughout the time of the Navy, asbestos was used to protect machinery and insulate ships. It was widely employed in the ship's engine rooms boiler rooms, pump and engine rooms due to its capacity to withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees. It also was employed in storage areas as well as living quarters such as cafeterias and sleeping rooms. Poor ventilation allowed asbestos to spread and contaminate the remainder of the ship.
Even after the Navy banned asbestos use in 1975, asbestos continued to be used in vessels being repaired or removed from shipyards. The Navy then sold the old vessels as scrap metal, leading to more exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers also faced asbestos exposure when they built or repaired these military vessels.
Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos in their work might have received compensation for their illness. This could be in the form of monetary benefits as in addition to free mesothelioma therapies. Compensation is usually awarded as part of an agreement to settle, rather than an appeal that could result in a bigger jury award.
Mesothelioma attorneys will look over the medical records of the veteran including test results to determine their eligibility for compensation. Asbestos patients suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may be entitled to monthly monetary benefits, tax-free medical treatment and assistance with daily tasks.
Attorneys who represent mesothelioma sufferers work to ensure that their clients receive the most possible compensation. While the majority of cases settle with an agreement for settlement however, a few cases end up in court. A trial involves the jury and a judge who will review the evidence presented in each case and award damages. It is not uncommon for a jury verdict to be higher than the amount of a settlement. Veterans with mesothelioma can receive settlements in the tens of thousands of dollars. The outcome of a trial is uncertain, however, so many lawyers prefer to settle claims instead of taking it to trial.