Mesothelioma Lawyers for U.S. Coast Guard Veterans

Unfortunately, many Coast Guard veterans were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while serving our country. This toxic mineral was used extensively in Coast Guard vessels, facilities and equipment until the 1970s. Asbestos fibers easily become airborne when disturbed and can be inhaled, which is linked to serious diseases like mesothelioma many years later.

If you or a loved one served in the Coast Guard and now has mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or a mesothelioma lawsuit. Braver Law can help you take action and plan for your family’s future.

Where Asbestos Hazards Lurked in the Coast Guard

Coast Guard veterans worked and lived aboard a variety of vessel types, from massive cutters and icebreakers to small harbor tugs and patrol boats. Unfortunately, many of these ships used asbestos-containing materials extensively for insulation, gaskets, valves, seals, flooring and fireproofing from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Specific areas where Coast Guard members faced asbestos exposure risks include:

• Engine rooms – asbestos was used in insulation around pipes, boilers and machinery. The friction from vibrations and high temperatures readily released asbestos fibers into the air.
• Boiler and pump rooms – asbestos insulation and gaskets surrounded high-temperature equipment. Maintenance work could often release asbestos dust.
• Sleeping quarters – asbestos was used in decking, tiles, ceiling panels and insulation. Fibers could spread through ventilation systems.
• Mess halls – galley ovens and cooking equipment often contained asbestos insulation that deteriorated over time.
• Machine shops – many auto parts, gaskets and equipment that mechanics worked on contained embedded asbestos.

Coast Guard facilities on land also used asbestos materials in construction. Personnel at air stations, lighthouses, recruiting offices and other buildings faced risks from damaged or deteriorating asbestos in walls, ceilings, flooring and insulation. Just living in base housing put families at risk.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to explore your options, fill out the form to file a claim.

High-Risk Coast Guard Jobs for Asbestos Exposure

Certain Coast Guard occupations faced increased risks of asbestos exposure through their daily duties:

• Machinist’s mates worked hands-on maintaining ship engines and equipment. This exposed them to asbestos in gaskets, brakes, valves, boilers and insulation on pipes, pumps and turbines.
• Damage controlmen fought shipboard fires and handled leaks. Their repair work exposed them to asbestos in insulation, gaskets, decking and adhesives.
• Electrician’s mates repaired electrical systems. They often handled wiring insulation and circuit boards that contained asbestos.
• Enginemen operated and maintained vessel propulsion systems. This exposed them to asbestos in engine parts like gaskets, brakes and insulation.
• Construction mechanics repaired and built structures and equipment. Sawing, drilling and sanding asbestos cement boards or insulation released toxic dust.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is linked to a rare cancer called mesothelioma. Inhaled asbestos fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles, where they are linked to cell damage and tumor growth over time. This cancer can take between 10-50 years to develop after exposure.

Early mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain or swelling. While there is no cure, various treatments can relieve symptoms and possibly prolong life. Because mesothelioma is so strongly linked to asbestos, people diagnosed with it may be eligible for compensation.

Our Coast Guard Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help

Braver Law represents veterans, shipyard workers, and others harmed by asbestos and other toxic exposures. If you or someone you love served in the U.S. Coast Guard and now has mesothelioma, contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Our team understands the challenges veterans face when battling this cancer. We work to document where and how asbestos exposure occurred during your Coast Guard service, and we use that history to build asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on your health and family.

Helping Coast Guard Veterans With Mesothelioma

During peacetime and war, Coasties courageously conduct search and rescue missions, enforce maritime law, protect our ports, build aids to navigation, clean up environmental hazards and more – all to safeguard America’s waters, environment and people.

Unfortunately, many Coast Guard veterans were unknowingly exposed to asbestos during their honorable service. This toxic mineral was used extensively in Coast Guard infrastructure and equipment for many years. Today, many Coasties are being diagnosed with mesothelioma – a serious cancer linked to inhaling asbestos fibers.

At Braver Law, we are committed to veterans harmed by asbestos exposure during their military service. Our attorneys document asbestos exposure in every branch and pursue trust fund claims and lawsuits for veterans and their families.

We battle to get justice for veterans, first responders, industrial workers and others who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases through no fault of their own. We help Coast Guard veterans and their families pursue compensation from the companies and asbestos trusts responsible for their exposure. Now we’re ready to help you.

The Risks Coast Guard Members Faced from Asbestos

During the height of asbestos use from the 1930s through the 1970s, Coast Guard personnel faced constant exposure risks from serving aboard vessels made with asbestos materials. Asbestoswas used extensively in insulation, gaskets, seals, valves, flooring, ceiling panels and adhesives throughout cutters, harbor tugs, buoy tenders and small patrol boats.

When these asbestos-containing products deteriorated or were disturbed through maintenance, repair, damage or accidents, toxic asbestos fibers were released into the air and inhaled by crew members. Common high-risk areas for exposure included engine rooms, sleeping quarters, mess halls, boiler rooms, machine shops and damage control lockers. Even routine tasks like sweeping up dust could raise asbestos levels.

Those living and working at Coast Guard bases and stations on land also faced risks. Asbestos was used widely in insulation, walls, flooring and roofing materials. Without proper precautions, renovations or maintenance work could release asbestos fibers within barracks, air stations, depots, housing, offices and other facilities. Families could carry this asbestos dust home on clothing.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with or may be suffering from Mesothelioma, contact Braver Law by filling out the form to file a claim.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Helping U.S. Coast Guard Veterans Get Compensation for Mesothelioma

If you served in the Coast Guard and now have a mesothelioma diagnosis, we can help. Braver Law can help you take action and understand your legal options.

With your needs in mind, here are just some of the ways we can help:

• Thorough investigation to pinpoint where and how asbestos exposure occurred during your service. This is crucial to document for strong compensation claims.
• Identifying and filing claims with asbestos trust funds set up by companies that used asbestos.
• Filing lawsuits against companies responsible for asbestos exposure to seek compensation.
• Helping you find doctors, cancer centers and clinical trials.
• Helping you seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

Standing Watch Over Those Who Stand Watch – Our Mesothelioma Lawyers

The challenges of battling mesothelioma can seem overwhelming. Our team can handle your case so you can focus on treatment and time with loved ones. The attorneys at Braver Law treat clients like family, with compassion and respect.

To learn more about how we can help, contact us for a free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Lawyers for U.S. Coast Guard Veterans