The Risk of Mesothelioma in U.S. Navy Veterans
Although every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces used asbestos, the U.S. Navy is believed to have had the highest rate of asbestos use. As a result, U.S. Navy veterans may have the greatest risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
About 33% of mesothelioma cancer cases were linked to asbestos exposure in U.S. Navy shipyards or ships.
A large number of U.S. Navy service members worked with and around asbestos without even knowing it. Many companies used asbestos in construction materials and products on naval vessels and military bases — despite knowing the risks.
At Sokolove Law, we can help U.S. Navy veterans in all 50 states hold the makers of these deadly products accountable, file for VA benefits, and secure financial compensation.
We’ve secured over $5.1 Billion for mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide from the companies that made asbestos-containing products — not the U.S. Navy or the government.
Get free help determining if you or a loved one qualifies for compensation. Billions of dollars may be available to help U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma and their families.
“What convinced me to carry on with a lawsuit was when I was informed I wasn’t suing the government, I wasn’t suing the U.S. Navy. I was suing the manufacturer. I got mad then. Because they knew, many years prior, what asbestos would do to a human.”
– Walter, U.S. Navy Veteran & Sokolove Law Client
Our Past U.S. Navy Asbestos Settlement Amounts
Over the last 45+ years, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.1 Billion total on behalf of mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide.
A few of the mesothelioma settlements and verdicts we’ve secured for U.S. Navy veterans include:
- $40 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran who developed pleural mesothelioma
- $10.2 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran who was exposed to asbestos
- $9.9 Million for a boiler tender who served in the U.S. Navy
- $9.3 Million for the family of a veteran who passed away from mesothelioma
- $5.5 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran and mechanic
- $5.33 Million for a postal carrier and boiler tender in the U.S. Navy
- $4.42 Million to an Indiana boiler room repairman in the U.S. Navy
- $4 Million for a veteran who worked at a shipyard in Massachusetts
- $3.87 Million to a Connecticut auto mechanic who served in the U.S. Navy
- $3.84 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran and sheet metal machinist
- $3.5 Million for a pipefitter and union insulator
- $3.1 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran and union sheet metal worker
- $3 Million for an auto mechanic in Tennessee
- $2.84 Million for a Pennsylvania U.S. Navy veteran and elevator mechanic
While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, we’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if your family qualifies for U.S. Navy asbestos settlements. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Mesothelioma U.S. Navy Compensation for Veterans & Families
Filing a U.S. Navy asbestos claim can hold the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products accountable for their negligence while providing victims with much-needed compensation.
Mesothelioma compensation for U.S. Navy veterans can help:
- Pay for medical bills
- Cover lost wages
- Hold the companies that made these dangerous products accountable
- Secure their family’s financial future
By working with one of our VA-accredited attorneys, you can get experienced help pursuing all of the compensation options available to your family.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that made asbestos-containing products attempted to avoid paying those who became ill after exposure to their products by declaring bankruptcy instead.
As a result, the courts ordered these companies to set money aside in asbestos trust funds for current and future mesothelioma victims.
Estimated Amount in Asbestos Trust Funds
Our asbestos lawyers can help U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma pursue compensation from all of the asbestos trust funds they qualify for — from the comfort of their own home.
Find out if you can access compensation from asbestos trusts now. This compensation will not affect your eligibility for VA benefits.
Mesothelioma Legal Claims
By filing a legal claim, U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma can seek financial compensation from the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos and the disease it caused.
Mesothelioma lawsuits for U.S. Navy veterans can result in compensation in two ways:
- Mesothelioma U.S. Navy Settlements: Rather than going to trial, most companies will work with your attorney to come up with a fair asbestos settlement offer. Over 99% of our cases result in a settlement.
- Asbestos Verdicts: Some cases do go to trial — usually because the company refuses to pay for your illness or their settlement offer is too low. Though trials don’t guarantee compensation, we’re prepared to fight on your behalf in court if needed.
"Veterans have a right to hold responsible the companies that produced and sold asbestos-containing materials to the military. Filing an asbestos legal claim does not impact VA benefits."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Mesothelioma legal claims award between $1 Million and $11.4 Million on average, depending on if they settle or go to trial.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
We've already helped thousands of veterans receive compensation. See if you qualify now during a free case review.
How to Pursue Mesothelioma U.S. Navy Compensation
The easiest way to file an asbestos claim is to work with an established mesothelioma law firm like Sokolove Law.
We’ll handle every step of the claims process on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and your loved ones.
Though every case can be different, the legal process for filing an asbestos exposure claim generally involves the following steps.
During a free case review, our team can help determine if you may be eligible for compensation.
Our asbestos attorneys can travel to meet you at a time and location of your choosing — at no cost to you. Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started.
At Sokolove Law, we have an extensive warehouse of evidence and database of asbestos exposure information which includes lists of known exposure job sites and asbestos-containing products.
In fact, we may have already represented veterans who were exposed to asbestos on the same ship or in the same products as you.
“I was surprised at the stuff my mesothelioma lawyer knew. He just knew the names of all the pumps and the valves going far back for a way...They were prepared. They could go back to Day 1.”
– Walter, U.S. Navy Veteran & Sokolove Law Client
Once we’ve gathered the evidence necessary to prove your case, we’ll get to work filing your claim against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure before any deadlines.
Remember, we won’t sue the U.S. Navy or the government for mesothelioma. Asbestos U.S. Navy claims are filed against the companies that made the asbestos-based products you were exposed to.
Reaching an asbestos settlement occurs when the defendant and your legal team agree on a fair amount of compensation for the extent of injuries in your case. The average mesothelioma settlement is between $1 Million and $1.4 Million.
Over 99% of our mesothelioma claims result in settlements, which allows our clients to avoid the trial process and start receiving compensation faster.
Many of our U.S. Navy veteran clients begin receiving mesothelioma compensation within 90 days of contacting us for help with their claim.
In the rare event that we’re unable to reach an asbestos settlement in your case, your mesothelioma attorneys are prepared to fight for a verdict on your behalf in court.
The average mesothelioma verdict is between $5 Million and $11.4 Million. Our team will work to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible in your case.
Our VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyers can help you pursue compensation from both U.S. Navy asbestos settlements and VA benefits.
VA Benefits for U.S. Navy Veterans with Mesothelioma
U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma usually qualify for a 100% disability rating, allowing them to receive over $3,800 a month in VA benefits in addition to health care.
VA benefits available to U.S. Navy veterans and their families include:
- Aid & Attendance
- Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Funeral and Burial Reimbursement
- Housebound Benefits
- Military Headstone
- Spouse and Dependent Children Benefits
- Survivor Pension
- VA Burial
- VA Disability
- VA Funeral Honors
- VA Health Care
- VA Pension
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited mesothelioma attorneys can help you file VA claims for benefits, increase your disability rating to 100%, or file an appeal if you were denied benefits.
Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Navy
Asbestos is durable, inexpensive, and heat-resistant, which made it ideal for shipbuilding during the 20th century. However, this material is extremely dangerous to humans.
When damaged or disturbed, asbestos breaks into tiny fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. These fibers can get trapped in the body and irritate your internal tissues for decades, eventually causing cancer to develop.
Before the dangers were known, asbestos was used in hundreds of different products on U.S. Navy ships, including in:
- Adhesives
- Bedding compounds
- Boilers
- Cables
- Caulk
- Floor tiles
- Deck coverings
- Electrical coating
- Engines
- Gaskets
- Grinders
- Insulation
- Lagging and rope
- Meters
- Packing
- Paint
- Paneling
- Piping
- Pumps
- Thermal materials
- Tubing
- Turbines
- Valves
Whenever these ship parts were installed, repaired, or removed, asbestos dust was released into the air of tightly enclosed ship areas.
As these components aged, their exteriors also wore down, making it harder to avoid disturbing the asbestos and easier to release the dangerous fibers into the air.
Types of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos
Asbestos covered the interiors of most U.S. Navy ships, including:
- Aircraft carriers
- Amphibious warships
- Auxiliary vehicles
- Battleships
- Cargo ships
- Cruisers
- Cutters
- Destroyers
- Escorts
- Frigates
- Merchant marine ships
- Minesweepers
- Patrol boats
- Submarines
- Tankers and oilers
- Tenders and tugs
Over 3,300 U.S. Navy ships are known to have used asbestos-containing products on board, putting countless sailors and crew members at risk of exposure.
Find out if the specific ship you served on had asbestos onboard — explore our U.S. Navy ships list now.
For our veterans, there is a strong likelihood that you had exposure to asbestos products while serving our country. That's certainly true of the majority of our Naval veterans. But if you're in the Air Force, or Navy, or Marines, or Army, Coast Guard, and you were around aircrafts, they also contained asbestos. We tell our veterans that you should always file the mesothelioma lawsuit because it is a place where you're going to get full compensation, or at least the closest compensation and justice we can get you. But if you have the option of filing a VA claim, you certainly should look into that as well. Don't fall into the trap that the VA claim is your best and only solution. The Veterans Administration, while it provides benefits, those benefits at least in their full form, are only paid out to the veteran. Once the veteran is deceased, the family doesn't receive the same monthly benefit as they once did. The Veterans Administration does not pay you for any of your pain, any of the suffering you have, any the loss of enjoyment of your grandchildren or your wife, that doesn't happen. If you go in the civil court system, we can make claims for all of those things and get you more fully compensated. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Sokolove Law is here to help call us today at 800-647-3434.
U.S. Navy Jobs at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Sadly, asbestos exposure in the U.S. Navy was not limited to just one job, location, or type of vessel. Given the poor ventilation on U.S. Navy ships, the majority of those on board were likely exposed to asbestos.
Service members who worked onboard ships or in shipyards were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Some jobs aboard these naval vessels put sailors at an even higher risk.
U.S. Navy ratings with a high risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Boilermakers, boiler operators, boiler tenders, and boiler technicians
- Deckhands and sailors
- Electricians
- Enginemen and engine room mechanics
- Gas turbine system technicians
- Hull technicians
- Laggers
- Machinist’s mates
- Pipefitters
- Shipfitters and steamfitters
- Shipbuilders and shipyard workers
- Submarine engineers
- Water tenders
- Welders
Many other jobs in the U.S. Navy may have also been at risk of asbestos exposure, and unfortunately, their loved ones could be at risk too.
U.S. Navy service members who worked with or around asbestos may have carried asbestos dust home with them on their clothing or hair, potentially exposing loved ones as well. This is known as secondhand asbestos exposure.
If you served in the U.S. Navy and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation that can help cover the costs of medical care and more. See if you qualify now for free.
Sokolove Law: Mesothelioma Lawyers for U.S. Navy Veterans Nationwide
Over the last 45+ years, Sokolove Law has recovered more than $5.1 Billion on behalf of mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide, including many notable results for U.S. Navy veterans.
Our mesothelioma lawyers for U.S. Navy veterans may be able to:
- Determine how and when your asbestos exposure occurred
- Identify the companies responsible for your illness
- Pursue mesothelioma compensation on your behalf
- File VA benefit claims or increase your disability rating to 100%
Let us fight for the justice you deserve. Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation case review.
Mesothelioma U.S. Navy Settlements FAQs
Can you sue the U.S. Navy for mesothelioma?
No. When you sue for mesothelioma, you're taking legal action against the companies that made the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to during your service — not against the U.S. military or government.
Who qualifies for U.S. Navy asbestos settlement amounts?
You may qualify for a U.S. Navy asbestos settlement or verdict if you’re:
- A U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
- The family member or estate representative of a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Unsure if you qualify? Call (800) 647-3434 now for free help determining your eligibility.
How much are mesothelioma U.S. Navy settlements worth?
Mesothelioma U.S. Navy settlements can be worth millions of dollars, though this amount varies based on many individual details in each case.
Factors that impact mesothelioma U.S. Navy settlement amounts include:
- How severe your asbestos-related disease is
- The number of products containing asbestos you were exposed to
- How many companies made these products
- The duration of your exposure to these products
See if we can help you pursue mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation now for free. We’ll do everything we can to maximize your payouts.
What do mesothelioma lawyers for U.S. Navy Veterans do?
Mesothelioma lawyers for U.S. Navy veterans can:
- Determine if you may be able to take legal action during a free case review
- Collect evidence and gather testimony to build your case
- File mesothelioma claims before any deadlines
- Negotiate mesothelioma U.S. Navy settlements on your behalf
- Fight for you in court if the case goes to trial
Our VA-accredited mesothelioma attorneys can also help U.S. Navy veterans pursue VA benefits for any asbestos-related diseases.
How much do mesothelioma attorneys for U.S. Navy veterans cost?
At Sokolove Law, there are no hourly fees or upfront costs to work with our mesothelioma attorneys for U.S. Navy veterans.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there’s no financial risk for U.S. Navy veterans or their family members to take legal action.
Don’t wait to reach out to our dedicated team. Determine if your family may qualify for mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation during a free case review.
Is mesothelioma a VA disability?
Yes. The VA considers mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases to be disabilities caused by military service if asbestos exposure occurred during your time in the U.S. Navy.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans with mesothelioma are eligible to receive over $3,800+ a month in VA disability benefits.
What is the VA disability rating for mesothelioma?
The VA disability rating for mesothelioma is 100%, due to the severity of this illness.
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited attorneys can help you prepare and file your VA claim or increase your disability rating so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see how we may be able to help you. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Can spouses or family members get mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation?
Yes. If your spouse or loved one is a U.S. Navy veteran and has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, you may qualify for mesothelioma compensation.
Average mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation amounts that may be available include:
- Over $1 Million from a U.S. Navy asbestos settlement
- Between $300,000-400,000 total from asbestos trust fund claims
- $3,800+ a month in VA disability benefits and free health care
Mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation can help pay for medical treatments, living expenses, and more, so you can focus on your health and loved ones instead of finances.
While compensation is never guaranteed, our team will fight hard to get you the money you deserve. Find out if you may be eligible for compensation now.
Are U.S. Navy veterans exposed to asbestos during service?
In many cases, yes. A third of all mesothelioma diagnoses can be traced back to asbestos exposure that occurred on U.S. ships or shipyards.
U.S. Navy veterans who served before the late 1990s may have been at risk of asbestos exposure, as this dangerous mineral could be found throughout naval ships and across U.S. military bases up until this time.
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Navy, we may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation.
Find out more about your options now during a free case review.
When did the U.S. Navy stop using asbestos?
During the late 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. Navy took drastic steps to remove as much asbestos from U.S. Navy ships as possible.
However, they were unable to remove all of the asbestos aboard, meaning some ships in active use may still contain asbestos.
Is there deadline on receiving mesothelioma Navy compensation?
Veterans and their families only have a limited amount of time to pursue mesothelioma U.S. Navy compensation due to statutes of limitations. In some states, it can be as little as 1 year after your diagnosis.
Once the deadline passes, you won’t be able to pursue U.S. Navy mesothelioma compensation again.
That’s why it’s important to contact a member of our team as soon as possible. We can help you understand what your legal options are and file your claim before the deadline.
