Navy Asbestos Settlements
Compensation is accessible to Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Compensation could consist of VA benefits and lawsuits filed against asbestos manufacturers, as well as trust fund claims.
In the middle of 20th century, asbestos was widely used in shipyards and on Navy ships. Asbestos victims from all branches of the military have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
VA Claims
The VA has established compensation procedures to ensure that veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses can receive financial aid. This includes disability benefits as well as health care and treatment costs.
Navy veterans with mesothelioma can also be awarded cash prizes through private asbestos trust funds and mesothelioma suit. Mesothelioma lawyers help veterans and their families file these kinds of claims as fast as they can.
The majority of Navy ships built between the 1930s and the early 1980s contained asbestos since it was extensively employed as a fireproofing and insulation material. Asbestos was used on ships as well as in naval shipyards, and during repairs. Asbestos posed a threat in nearly every Navy job. Shipyard workers were at the greatest risk since they often dismantle asbestos-containing materials such as ceilings, pipes, and boilers.
Navy repairmen electricians, plumbers, electricians and pipe fitters were at a high risk of mesothelioma because they worked near or on the asbestos-containing equipment used on Navy vessels. Firefighters and sailors in the gun turrets of ships were also at risk since they frequently wore protective clothes that contained asbestos and heat-resistant gloves.
Asbestos manufacturers were aware of the dangers of their products from the 1930s, but continued to make money from these hazardous and deadly materials. The only way to avoid being diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness was to stop working on these toxic ships or in shipyards.
Following the onset of these deadly diseases manufacturing companies that produced asbestos-containing products were forced to file for bankruptcy. As a result, these companies were forced to create funds in asbestos trusts to pay victims. Trust funds can pay veterans without impacting their VA benefits.
In most instances, filing a VA claim is the most effective method to receive financial compensation. VA authorized lawyers can assist veterans their families, friends and loved ones fill out the required documents so that the process can be completed as swiftly as it is possible. Sokolove Law has more than 40 years of experience filing VA claims for Navy veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma.
Private Claims
Throughout the 1930s and 1970s, asbestos was used to build Navy ships. Asbestos was popular because it was affordable and also had many desirable properties, such as fire resistance and corrosion resistance. It also had insulating and soundproofing properties.
This is why it was discovered in boiler rooms, engine rooms and other areas beneath decks on Navy vessels and at Navy bases. Unfortunately the Navy had the highest percentage of asbestos lawsuit exposure among the branches of the military. Asbestos was also discovered on ships used for auxiliary purposes like seaplane tenders, tugboats, and barges.
VA claims and lawsuits have paid out a number of Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos lawsuit-related diseases, or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma compensation may assist veterans with their medical expenses and other costs associated with the condition.
Compensation through a lawsuit can be even higher than that provided by a VA claim. A lawsuit aims to hold the companies that produce or distribute asbestos-based products accountable for their actions. Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue a lawsuit against these manufacturers to recover all compensation for their losses.
Top firms offer veterans legal assistance to obtain VA compensation as well as private compensation. VA claims can award veterans financial aid as well as health care, while private compensation awards are typically $1 million or more.
Navy veterans and their families must take steps to secure legal compensation for mesothelioma. Asbestos lawyers are knowledgeable of the intricate details of the process and will guide you through the mesothelioma lawsuit timeline.
The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits settle however, some cases will end up in the courtroom. This could involve a judge or jury, and may lead to a higher or lower verdict than a settlement. A lawyer can aid a veteran in deciding whether the settlement is more beneficial than trial. A few factors that impact this decision are the amount of compensation offered and the stage of mesothelioma as well as the evidence from medical experts. A mesothelioma lawyer will put in a lot of effort to prepare the case, and ensure the most favorable outcome.
Trials
Asbestos lawyers assist veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses to get compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. These settlements average one million dollars or more. The U.S. government and the military aren't sued when veterans seek these lawsuits which are filed against the makers of asbestos-based products that expose navy personnel to risk of exposure.
Until the 1980s, many types of Navy vessels were constructed of asbestos. The hazardous mineral was used in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and in other areas. Shipyard workers also suffered from exposure as they constructed, repaired and broke down the naval vessels. In this time workers handled large amounts of asbestos-containing materials without even knowing they were handling it. Asbestos fibres would then spread through the ship's unventilated spaces. These areas included sleeping rooms, dining halls and other common areas. Family members of Navy and shipyard workers frequently were exposed to asbestos secondhand.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers health and financial aid to veterans suffering from mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease. Navy veterans who qualify to receive VA benefits can receive compensation to cover the cost of treatment and other expenses related to the disease. The kind of VA benefit a veteran receives is determined by how much asbestos exposure they experienced during their time of service, and if they were a Marine or Navy service member.
Mesothelioma sufferers may make 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 compensatory damages for the victim and their family.
Asbestos lawsuits are complicated and require the expertise of attorneys who specialize in these types of cases. Lawyers work closely with mesothelioma specialists to ensure that a lawsuit is filed properly to get the maximum amount of compensation. Attorneys can also assist veterans with the filing of trust fund claims which are a crucial component of any asbestos settlement. Filing a lawsuit does interfere with a veteran's eligibility to apply for VA benefits. Veterans can pursue both at once.
Settlements
Navy veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are able to be compensated from lawsuits filed against asbestos manufacturers. Settlements or verdicts may cover medical expenses as well as lost wages and other expenses associated with asbestos lawsuits-related diseases. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans to determine if they are qualified to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies.
Asbestos was utilized on Navy ships throughout the history of naval vessels to insulate, fireproof and protect machinery onboard. It was extensively used to protect engines in ship engine rooms. It was also utilized in living quarters and storage areas, such as cafeterias and sleeping rooms. Poor ventilation made it easy for asbestos to disperse and contaminate other parts of the ship as well.
Even after the Navy banned its use in 1975, asbestos continued to be discovered in vessels being repaired or decommissioned at shipyards. The Navy then sold these old vessels to scrap metal which resulted in more exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers were at risk for asbestos exposure, too, as they worked to build repairs, build and dismantle these military vessels.
Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace may have been awarded compensation for their condition which includes monetary compensation and free mesothelioma treatment. Compensation is usually awarded through an agreement to settle instead of an actual trial before a jury that could result in a larger award.
Mesothelioma lawyers will examine the medical records of a veteran and test results to determine if they are eligible for compensation. Asbestos patients with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be entitled to monthly financial benefits, tax-free healthcare and assistance with everyday tasks.
Lawyers representing mesothelioma patients strive to secure the highest possible compensation for their clients. Most cases are settled, but a few go to trial. A trial is a hearing between a judge and jury that will review the evidence presented in each case to award damages. It is not unusual for a verdict to be much more than the amount of settlement. Patients with mesothelioma could receive payouts of tens of millions of dollars. The result of a trial is uncertain. Many attorneys prefer to settle claims rather than going to trial.