Technology Is Making Navy Asbestos Settlement Better Or Worse
Navy Asbestos Settlements
Compensation is accessible to Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Compensation can consist of VA benefits, lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and trust fund claims.
Asbestos was extensively used on Navy ships and in shipyards in the middle decades of the 20th century. All branches of the military that have employed asbestos have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
VA Claims
The VA has developed compensation methods for veterans who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses. This includes disability benefits, as well as health care and treatment costs.
In addition to compensation from the VA, Navy veterans with mesothelioma may also qualify for monetary compensation from private mesothelioma lawsuits as well as asbestos trust funds. Mesothelioma attorneys help veterans and their families make claims as swiftly as they can.
Asbestos was extensively used as a fireproofing material and insulation in most Navy ships built between the 1930s and the beginning of the 1980s. Asbestos was used on ships, in naval shipyards and during repairs. Asbestos posed a threat in almost every Navy job. Shipyard workers were at greatest risk since they often remove asbestos-containing materials, including pipes, ceilings and boilers.
Navy repairmen electricians, plumbers, electricians and pipe fitters were at a high risk of mesothelioma because they worked in or around the asbestos-containing equipment found on Navy vessels. Ships' crews and firefighters in the gun turrets of ships were also at risk due to the fact that they frequently wore protective clothing constructed from asbestos and heat-resistant gloves.
Asbestos producers were aware of the risks associated with their products from the 1930s, but continued to reap profits from these dangerous and deadly substances. The only method to avoid being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease was to stop working on these toxic ships or in shipyards.
Following the onset of these devastating diseases manufacturing companies that produced asbestos attorneys-containing products filed for bankruptcy. These companies were forced to save money in asbestos trusts for compensation. Trust funds can be used to pay financial compensation to veterans without affecting their VA benefits.
In most instances, filing a VA claim will be the most effective method to receive financial compensation. A VA approved attorney can help veterans and their loved ones complete the required paperwork in order to start the process as quickly as possible. Sokolove Law has more than 40 years' experience in filing VA claims for Navy veterans with asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma.
Private Claims
Asbestos was used in the construction of ships and Navy ships throughout the 1930s until the 1970s. Asbestos was a well-known material due to its cost and had many desirable qualities including fire resistance, corrosion resistance insulation properties, as well as soundproofing.
It was discovered in boiler rooms, engine rooms and other areas below decks on Navy vessels and at Navy bases. Unfortunately it was found that the Navy was the division of the military that had the highest rate of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was also found on auxiliary ships like seaplane tenders, tugboats, and barges.
Many Navy veterans who were exposed to mesothelioma and other asbestos attorney-related diseases have been awarded compensation through VA lawsuits and claims. Mesothelioma compensation may assist veterans with their medical expenses as well as other expenses related to the condition.
The amount of compensation offered through a lawsuit could be more than provided by the VA claim. A lawsuit seeks to hold companies that produce or distribute asbestos-based products accountable for their negligence. Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma could bring a lawsuit to seek 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 provide financial aid and health services for veterans, whereas private compensation awards typically range from $1 million or higher.
The process of obtaining legal compensation for mesothelioma through a lawsuit or settlement is an important step for Navy veterans and their families to take. Asbestos lawyers understand the details of this complicated procedure and can guide veterans through the entire mesothelioma litigation timeline.
While most mesothelioma cases reach an agreement, a few cases end up going to trial. The trial involves a jury and/or judge, and may result in a higher or lower verdict than a settled case. A lawyer can assist veterans in deciding if the settlement is more beneficial than a trial. The decision is influenced by many factors which include the amount of compensation awarded and the stage of the mesothelioma. A mesothelioma attorney will diligently prepare the case and ensure that the most favorable result is reached.
Trials
Asbestos lawyers can help those suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases seek compensation from Navy asbestos settlements. These settlements average at least $1 million. The U.S. government and the military aren't sued when veterans pursue these lawsuits that are filed against the producers of asbestos-based products, which expose navy personnel to the risk of exposure.
Up until the 1980s, many types of Navy vessels were constructed of asbestos. The hazardous mineral was utilized in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and various other areas of vessels. Shipyard workers were also exposed to asbestos when they constructed, repaired and dismantled these naval vessels. In this time workers handled huge quantities of asbestos-containing material without knowing they were handling it. Asbestos fibres then propagate throughout the ship's non-ventilated spaces. These areas included sleeping quarters, dining halls, and other common spaces. Families of Navy and shipyard employees often suffer from asbestos exposure secondhand.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial compensation and health care to veterans suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness. Navy veterans who qualify for VA benefits are able to receive compensation to cover the cost of their treatment and other expenses incurred with the disease. The kind of VA benefits a veteran can receive is contingent on the amount of asbestos they were exposed to during their time in service and whether they were exposed primarily as an Marine or an Navy service member.
To augment their VA benefits, mesothelioma patients can file private lawsuits to asbestos producers. The lawsuits were brought against companies who produced asbestos-containing products, like 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 lawyers who specialize in these types of cases. Lawyers collaborate with mesothelioma experts in order to ensure that a lawsuit is filed correctly in order to obtain the most appropriate amount of amount of compensation. Lawyers can also assist veterans file trust fund claims, which are an important element of any asbestos settlement. A private lawsuit will not hinder a veteran's ability apply for VA benefits and veterans can pursue both simultaneously.
Settlements
Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are able to be compensated from lawsuits filed against asbestos producers. Settlements or verdicts can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with asbestos-related diseases. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans to determine if they are eligible to file a suit against negligent asbestos companies.
Asbestos was employed on Navy ships throughout naval history to insulate and fireproof machinery onboard. It was widely employed to protect engines in ship engine rooms. It also was utilized in storage areas and living quarters such as sleeping rooms and cafeterias. Insufficient ventilation allowed asbestos lawsuit to spread and infect the remainder of the ship.
Even after the Navy banned asbestos use in 1975, asbestos continued to be found in ships 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 also risked asbestos exposure when they built repairs and dismantled these military vessels.
Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos attorney in their work might have received compensation for their illness. This could include monetary benefits, as well as free mesothelioma treatments. Compensation is usually awarded as part of an agreement to settle instead of an appeal that could result in a larger jury award.
Mesothelioma attorneys will review the veteran's medical records, including test results, to determine if they are eligible for compensation. Asbestos Lawsuit sufferers suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may be entitled to monthly financial benefits, tax-free medical care and assistance with everyday tasks.
Lawyers representing mesothelioma patients work to secure the best possible compensation for their clients. While most cases reach an agreement to settle, a few end up in trial. A jury and judge will determine the amount of damages based on the evidence in each case. It is not uncommon for a verdict to be much greater than a settlement. Some veterans with mesothelioma have received awards in the millions of dollars. The outcome of a trial is not certain. Many lawyers prefer to settle claims instead of go to trial.
