We Know Mesothelioma

Are You A Veteran Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that can result from exposure in many situations. Many people are unaware that the U.S. military began using asbestos extensively after World War II, especially on naval ships, and only started phasing it out in the 1980s.

The attorneys at Weinstein Caggiano PLLC are dedicated to helping people with asbestos-related illnesses and their families. We fight to recover the compensation you need and deserve. From our office in Seattle, we represent clients throughout Washington and the West Coast.

The History Of Asbestos In The U.S. Military

Asbestos is a fire-retardant material, which makes it very useful in many military settings. The health risks were well-known from the beginning. In fact, civilizations have been using asbestos since ancient times, noting that it caused a lung illness in those who were exposed. Doctors began regularly documenting asbestos-related illnesses around the turn of the 20th century.

Despite the health warnings, the use of asbestos boomed in many trades with the industrial revolution. Though its use increased after World War II, all branches of the U.S. military began using asbestos sometime in the 1930s. It last used asbestos in the 1980s. That means veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War and potentially even the Gulf War may have been exposed to asbestos.

Navy Veterans Are At The Highest Risk

Navy veterans have been the hardest hit by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in the construction of navy ships until the 1980’s because it was flexible and insulative. Fire is a constant fear on ships and asbestos was used extensively throughout naval ships. Most often, it was used in boiler rooms, engine rooms and rooms that stored weapons or ammunition. Veterans making repairs and maintaining equipment faced the highest level of exposure, and those working in the same rooms were also exposed. For many of the same reasons, members of the U.S. Merchant Marines were also exposed.

At-risk occupations building or serving on Navy ships included:

  • Pipefitters
  • Damage controlmen
  • Seabee
  • Welders
  • Boilermakers
  • Fire control technician
  • Shipwrights
  • Hull technicians
  • Gunner’s mates
  • Insulators
  • Machinists’ mates
  • Sheet metal workers
  • Laborers
  • Deckhands
  • Painters

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses could have been prevented if the equipment manufacturers would have put the health and safety of service members first by warning of the hazards of their asbestos-containing products. Our veterans deserve better. If you or a family member now have mesothelioma after serving in the military, make sure you are receiving all the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Understand Your Rights

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim and your rights to a lawsuit. To schedule your appointment, please call us at 206-558-9441 or reach out to us online. We are happy to meet with you by phone, schedule a Zoom meeting or come to you in person.