Mesothelioma Attorney Marine Veterans in Greensboro NC

The attorneys at Ward Black Law understand the sacrifices U.S. Marine Corps veterans have made to protect our nation. Yet many of these brave individuals unknowingly faced exposure to asbestos during their service. That exposure can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases.

The dedicated personal injury lawyers at Ward Black Law help Marines and their families seek justice and compensation for asbestos-related illnesses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, contact us today for a free case review to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that had many uses in the United States due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. It was a common material in constructing and maintaining ships, aircraft, and buildings until the late 20th century.

When someone inhales or ingests asbestos fibers, they can lodge in the lungs or other organs, leading to serious health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease occurring when asbestos fibers become trapped in the lung tissue. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and scarring, leading to a decrease in lung function. Asbestosis symptoms typically include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue

In severe cases, asbestosis can cause heart failure and other life-threatening complications.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Its cause is asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, with symptoms often not appearing until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure. Common symptoms include chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen.

Although there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, early diagnosis, and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies.

Asbestos Exposure and Marine Corps Veterans

U.S. Marine Corps veterans are among those with the highest risk of asbestos exposure. The military used asbestos-containing materials in various applications, putting Marines at risk of exposure during their service.

The long latency period of asbestos-related illnesses means that symptoms often do not appear until decades after exposure. As a result, many Marine Corps veterans are only now facing the health consequences of their service-related asbestos exposure decades ago.

How Were U.S. Marines Exposed to Asbestos?

Due to the presence of asbestos in many areas of life, Marines may have encountered asbestos in a wide variety of environments. However, some of the most common places for asbestos exposure for Marines were ships, shipyards, aircraft, barracks, and air stations.

Asbestos Exposure on Ships and in Shipyards

Asbestos was used extensively in constructing and maintaining naval vessels, including ships used by the Marine Corps. Marines serving aboard these ships faced exposure to asbestos in insulation, pipe coverings, gaskets, and other materials. Shipyard workers and those responsible for ship maintenance and repairs were also at high risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure on Aircraft and at Air Stations

Asbestos-containing materials were also common in military aircraft, primarily for insulation and heat protection, as well as in electrical equipment and brakes. Marine Corps veterans who worked on aircraft or served at air stations faced exposure to asbestos during routine maintenance and repair work. Asbestos was also present in the construction of many military air stations, increasing the risk of exposure for those working or living on the base.

Compensation for Marines Exposed to Asbestos

Marine Corps veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other legal avenues. This compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to their asbestos-related illness.

To file a claim with the VA, a veteran must demonstrate that their asbestos exposure occurred while serving in the military. They must also show that they received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps.

In addition to benefits from the VA, individuals who have developed asbestos-related diseases after exposure in the Marine Corps could be entitled to significant compensation from many other sources, such as the companies responsible for manufacturing and distributing asbestos products.

Manufacturers, distributors, and premise owners  can be liable to asbestos claimants for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Emotional distress

Our experienced North Carolina asbestos exposure attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation from all available sources. We have represented members of the military for asbestos diseases for more than 30 years

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Risks in Marine Families

Family members of Marine Corps veterans may also be at risk for secondhand asbestos exposure. This “take-home” exposure can occur when asbestos fibers were brought home on clothing, hair, other personal items, or in vehicles driven by the Marine in which the family rode

If you are a family member of a Marine Corps veteran and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may also be eligible for compensation through legal claims against the manufacturers or distributors of products containing asbestos. Contact our knowledgeable attorneys for guidance on your legal options.

What If a Veteran Marine Dies from an Asbestos-Related Illness?

If a Marine Corps veteran dies from mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, their surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through the VA and through claims against any other employer of the Marine that exposed him or her to asbestos as well as the asbestos manufacturer and distributor.. These compensation options can help cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering of those left behind.

How Can U.S. Marine Corps Veterans Get Legal Help After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

If you or a loved one is a Marine Corps veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve from all available sources.

At Ward Black Law, our dedicated team of North Carolina personal injury lawyers concentrates on helping Marine Corps veterans and their families fight for justice and compensation. We understand the challenges you face and will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused.