Mesothelioma Lawyers for U.S. Marine Corps Veterans

The U.S. Marine Corps has a long history of using asbestos in buildings, vehicles, aircraft and ships. Asbestos was heavily used in the military from the 1930s through the 1970s for its heat resistance and insulating abilities. Unfortunately, this put Marines at risk of inhaling or ingesting deadly asbestos fibers.

Marines who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for VA benefits or legal compensation. Hiring an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand all the options available. The mesothelioma attorneys at Braver Law can help veterans pursue VA claims, asbestos lawsuits, and compensation from asbestos trust funds – fill out the form to file a claim and receive compensation.

How U.S. Marines Were Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos was ubiquitous in the Marine Corps for most of the 20th century. Marines encountered the toxic mineral on bases, in buildings, on ships, in vehicles and in aircraft. Just some of the ways Marines were exposed to asbestos include:

• Working with vehicle brakes and clutches that contained asbestos
• Maintaining aircraft packed with asbestos gaskets, insulation and fireproofing
• Repairing ship piping, boilers and engines lined with asbestos insulation
• Living in asbestos-contaminated barracks, gyms and other buildings
• Handling asbestos-containing wallboard, floor tiles and cement products

Just being around these asbestos materials and breathing in the fibers could be enough to cause mesothelioma decades later. Marines in maintenance jobs were most at risk, but anyone could be exposed.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Braver Law to file a claim.

The Risks of Mesothelioma for U.S. Marine Corps Veterans

Because of widespread asbestos use, U.S. Marine Corps veterans face increased risks of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.

• A 2015 study found Marine Corps veterans had 2-3 times the rate of mesothelioma compared to the general population.
• About 25-30% of all mesothelioma cases are veterans exposed to asbestos during military service.
• Marines made up about 16% of veterans filing VA claims for mesothelioma-related health issues.
• The Marine Corps saw heavier use of asbestos compared to other branches of the military.
• Marine Corps MOSs with some of the highest asbestos exposure include aircraft mechanics, vehicle mechanics, machinists, electricians, plumbers and construction occupations.

The long latency period of mesothelioma means most veterans are not diagnosed until decades after their asbestos exposure during active duty – the average patient is diagnosed at age 74.

Bases and Buildings

Marine Corps bases and buildings constructed through the 1970s contained large amounts of asbestos products. Asbestos was used in insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, plumbing, roofing, siding and cement construction materials. Just living in asbestos-contaminated barracks or offices put Marines at risk.

Specific bases with known asbestos issues include:

• Marine Corps Air Station El Toro – Asbestos is used extensively in buildings. The base closed in 1999 due to contamination.
• Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort – Older buildings used asbestos-cement siding, insulation, and flooring.
• Camp Lejeune – Asbestos problems were discovered during renovations in the 1980s-90s. Thousands exposed over the decades.
• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point – Hundreds of buildings constructed with asbestos materials.

Marines who developed mesothelioma after living or working in contaminated facilities may be eligible for compensation.

Aircraft

Marine Corps aircraft mechanics faced very high risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used extensively in aircraft components including brakes, gaskets, valves, insulation and fireproofing. Anyone working on plane maintenance likely inhaled toxic fibers, especially prior to the 1980s.

Specific aircraft used by the Marine Corps with asbestos components include:

• Grumman F-14 Tomcat
• McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
• Bell AH-1 Cobra
• Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
• Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules

Marines with the MOS of plane mechanic, electrician or technician are most at risk for mesothelioma and should consider having a screening.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Braver Law to file a claim.

Vehicles

Marines worked hands-on maintaining and repairing asbestos-containing vehicles and heavy equipment. Asbestos materials were used in brakes, clutches, gaskets, steel piping, engines and firewall insulation. Mechanics and technicians faced asbestos exposure risks working on:

• Tanks
• Humvees
• Transport and cargo trucks
• Forklifts
• Jeeps
• Amphibious assault vehicles

Marines in motor transport or vehicle maintenance occupations were highly exposed to asbestos on the job. This puts them at a greater risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer later in life.

Shipyards

Many Marines worked in shipyards repairing and overhauling U.S. Navy ships. This type of work exposed them to immense amounts of asbestos found in ship insulation, gaskets, valves, pumps, boilers and engines. Major shipyard facilities where Marines worked include:

• Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
• Long Beach Naval Shipyard
• Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard
• Charleston Naval Shipyard
• Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

Shipyard work is considered some of the most dangerous regarding asbestos exposure. Marines in machinist, electrician, pipefitting, welding and other shipyard occupations are at high risk and should consider medical monitoring.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Braver Law to file a claim.

Ships

In addition to shipyard work, serving aboard asbestos-laden ships and submarines also put Marines at risk. Nearly all U.S. Navy ships built before the 1980s contained asbestos materials. Just some of the ship types that posed exposure risks include:

• Aircraft carriers
• Battleships
• Destroyers
• Frigates
• Cruisers
• Amphibious assault ships
• Attack submarines
• Ballistic missile submarines

Common asbestos products found on ships included insulation, gaskets, valves, pumps, turbines, boilers and electrical wiring. Marines who maintained engine rooms or worked below deck are most at risk today for developing mesothelioma.

Braver Law Helps U.S. Marine Corps Veterans

The mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law can help veterans with asbestos-related diseases file lawsuits and compensation via asbestos trust fund claims. With decades of experience, they understand what it takes to build a strong case for veterans suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos–related cancers.

The firm offers free consultations to veterans and family members. They work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until they win your case. There are no upfront costs or fees.

Braver Law also helps guide veterans through VA claims, getting service records, and finding specialty treatment at VA centers. For dedicated help from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, contact Braver Law today.

VA Benefits for U.S. Marine Corps Veterans with Mesothelioma

VA benefits for U.S. Marine Corps veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma include:

Disability Compensation

Veterans can receive monthly tax-free compensation if their mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure during service. Rates depend on the severity of the disability.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Extra compensation can help offset the costs of mesothelioma care and compensate for the quality of life lost. Rates depend on the level of aid and attendance needed.

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)

Surviving spouses and dependents can receive monthly DIC benefits if the veteran’s death was related to service. This also includes free CHAMPVA health insurance.

VA Health Care

The VA covers mesothelioma treatment, medications, surgery and clinical trials at VA facilities. This includes priority access with no out-of-pocket costs.

How Braver Law’s Mesothelioma Lawyers Support U.S. Marine Corps Veterans

Braver Law’s experienced attorneys assist veterans through every step of seeking compensation for mesothelioma, including:

• Helping file VA claims for disability, special monthly compensation or DIC
• Asbestos trust fund claims
• Obtaining service records and medical records from the National Personnel Records Center
• Finding specialty mesothelioma care at VA facilities
• Getting medical opinions linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure in service
• Filing lawsuits against manufacturers who put veterans at risk

Our mesothelioma lawyers have a deep understanding of veterans benefits law and the claims process. We will work tirelessly to make sure our clients get all the compensation they deserve in an efficient manner.

Legal Compensation Options for U.S. Marines with Mesothelioma

In addition to VA benefits, Braver Law helps Marines pursue legal action to recover financial compensation, such as:

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Lawsuits can be filed against asbestos manufacturers and suppliers who were negligent in protecting workers. Settlements often reach into the millions.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Many asbestos companies set up trusts to pay victims. Each trust has set criteria and amounts it pays for asbestos diseases.

The attorneys at Braver Law handle all aspects of mesothelioma lawsuits and trust fund claims for maximum compensation for veterans. There are no upfront fees or costs to clients.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Veterans can often file lawsuits against manufacturers who exposed them to asbestos, even decades ago. Mesothelioma lawsuits often name defendants such as:

• Asbestos product manufacturers
• Equipment and vehicle manufacturers
• Shipbuilding companies
• Premises owners of contaminated bases or buildings

Successful suits can recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium for spouses

Braver Law can handle complex cases and get verdicts and settlements for veterans.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Many companies set up asbestos bankruptcy trusts to pay victims. All trusts have set criteria on disease, history of exposure and claim values. Braver Law helps clients file claims with trusts like:

• Johns Manville Trust
• Owens Corning Trust
• WRG Asbestos Trust
• Babcock & Wilcox Trust
• Pittsburgh Corning Trust

The 65+ asbestos trusts together have billions in assets to compensate victims. But filing trust claims can be complex. Braver Law makes the process easy and smooth for veterans and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions