Mesothelioma is rare lung cancer that is often caused by exposure to asbestos. One of the leading fields where asbestos exposure occurs in the military. It is estimated that 30 percent of veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year because of the nature of the components in the industry that they work in. Any mesothelioma patient can and should file for compensation for their disease, as there may be a person or business that can be held liable for this deadly cancer.
When veterans get diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s a little different from when a civilian does. There is an entirely different system the veteran has access to for filing a mesothelioma claim. A veteran that has served their country would benefit from a mesothelioma lawyer. Here is a look at the many legal options available to veterans with mesothelioma.
Do Veterans Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Filing a claim for compensation because you have mesothelioma is always recommended. You may not qualify, but you will never know until you file. A mesothelioma lawyer will let you know before you go to that trouble what the chances of success of your case would be. If you are in the military, you probably have a good claim to make.
Many veterans shy away from legal help because they don’t want it to look like they are blaming the system in the country that they served and love so much. However, what you may not know is that it won’t be the government you are suing if you apply for compensation for mesothelioma.
Most mesothelioma in veterans is caused by the asbestos products that the military uses, not that the military develops. Those products are often developed by private sector companies that can and should be held liable for their asbestos products.
This is why veterans with mesothelioma will benefit from a lawyer.
Where is Asbestos Found in the Military?
For manufacturers, asbestos is an excellent product to use in development because it is both fire-proof and heat-resistant. This is why it is used a lot in defense systems that are trained for combat with explosives, gases, and flammable weapons. Asbestos is found in products used by every branch of the military:
• Navy and Coast Guard: On vessels, and extensively, due to the high risk of fire while at sea. Asbestos is even found in sleeping cabins.
• Army: Asbestos is found in barracks, insulation, and even in the cement around quarters. Officer quarters are not excluded.
• Air Force: Cargo bay, brakes, aircraft engines, brakes, cooling systems. Everyone from pilots to mechanics is at risk.
• Marine Corps: Marine Corps vehicles are built to protect lives, but unfortunately they also contain asbestos. They are among the many asbestos-containing products used by service members.
Legal Options for Veterans
With every branch of the military being impacted by asbestos exposure, it’s easy to show that you have a claim. Veterans Affairs does recognize asbestos-related illness and would substantiate your claims if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. These are the claims you are qualified to make:
• Post-service VA claim
• Pre-discharge VA claim
• Disability compensation
• Special monthly compensation if you are bedridden or can not work
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving members of your family
You may also be eligible for additional benefits such as specially adapted housing grants or veterans’ mortgage life insurance. Any of these benefits would be in addition to a legal filing for a mesothelioma claim seeking compensation for your damages.
File a Mesothelioma Claim
Most mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. They also often offer free consultations. Talk to a mesothelioma lawyer today to see if you are eligible for benefits beyond what the nation is already providing. You probably are.