US Army Asbestos Exposure Lawyer in Greensboro

Many U.S. Army veterans were exposed to asbestos during their service, putting them at risk of developing certain life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. At Ward Black Law, we want to stand up for veterans who answered their country’s call and became ill as a result. That’s why we offer comprehensive support to veterans and military family members who have developed health complications caused by asbestos exposure in the U.S. Army.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related condition after serving in the Army, you could be entitled to an array of VA benefits, including disability, health care, and dependency compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could also have other avenues for pursuing significant financial recovery from different sources.

Our experienced legal team is ready to review your service history, determine where and how the exposure likely occurred, and pursue your claims on your behalf. Let us worry about the paperwork and hearings so you can focus on living your life and spending time with your loved ones.

Ready to get started? Contact us online or call Ward Black Law today for a free case review with our knowledgeable North Carolina asbestos exposure lawyers.

U.S. Army Veterans and the Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, has excellent insulating and fire-resistant properties. For years, these qualities made it a sought-after material for numerous applications, including construction and manufacturing. However, not long after asbestos use became widespread, researchers discovered that inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers could contribute to severe health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Before the dangers of asbestos exposure became common knowledge to the public, it was used extensively in many homes, schools, power plants, and factories. The U.S. Army recognized the practical applications of asbestos and used it to construct military bases, vehicles, and equipment.

By the late 1970s, the public had started learning about the risks of asbestos exposure. However, the U.S. Army had already used the hazardous material for decades, exposing countless soldiers and their families to its dangers. This prolonged exposure put many Army personnel and their loved ones at greater risk of developing potentially fatal asbestos-related diseases.

Many countries have banned asbestos completely, but the United States still has yet to follow suit. Asbestos remains present in many older buildings, including military facilities. As a result, many individuals continue to face the risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. The legacy of asbestos use in the U.S. Army has left a lasting impact on the health and well-being of veterans and their families, who now grapple with the consequences of their exposure to this hazardous material.

How Did the U.S. Army Use Asbestos?

Asbestos was present in a variety of materials and products in the Army, such as:

• Brake pads and clutch plates for vehicles and machinery
• Cement foundations for buildings and other structures
• Flooring and ceiling tiles in barracks and offices
• Gaskets for engines, pumps, valves, and mechanical systems
• Gloves, fireproof suits, and protective clothing for personnel
• Insulation for walls, pipes, and electrical systems
• Pipes and plumbing systems for water and sewage
• Roofing materials for weatherproofing and fire resistance

Army Jobs with High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Certain Army occupations presented a higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. Some examples of these high-risk jobs include:

• Carpentry and construction jobs involving cutting, sanding, or drilling asbestos-laden materials
• Demolition jobs involving structures containing asbestos that release fibers into the air
• Shipyard jobs, where asbestos was prevalent in ship construction and maintenance
• Firefighter jobs that involved asbestos-containing protective gear and asbestos exposure from fire suppression activities
• Insulating jobs, where workers installed, removed, or worked around asbestos-containing insulation materials
• Milling and mining jobs in locations where asbestos was processed or extracted
• Vehicle maintenance jobs involving asbestos in brakes, clutches, and gaskets

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Risks in Army Families

Families of army servicemembers were also at risk for secondhand asbestos exposure for years. Veterans could inadvertently bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin, putting their families at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. This indirect asbestos exposure, also known as “take-home” or “household” exposure, can lead to severe health conditions, just like direct asbestos exposure.

Military family members can pursue claims against the companies that manufactured, distributed, installed, or designed the asbestos-containing products that led to their exposure.

It is essential for family members affected by secondhand asbestos exposure to consult with our experienced asbestos exposure attorneys, who can provide guidance on their legal options and help them pursue the compensation they deserve.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Army

Veterans with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related conditions could be eligible for compensation through the VA. According to the VA, veterans exposed to asbestos can claim benefits if they meet two requirements. First, they must prove that they are suffering from asbestos-related conditions. Second, they must demonstrate that asbestos exposure occurred during their military service.

If you meet these conditions, you could be entitled to the following types of benefits:

• Disability compensation
• Health care
• Pension
• Special monthly compensation

Additionally, some veterans can often pursue compensation from the manufacturers, distributors, installers, and designers of the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to during their service.

By pursuing claims through the VA and additional sources, veterans affected by asbestos exposure can obtain the medical care they deserve and the financial security they need to live their fullest lives possible.

What to Do if You Were Exposed to Asbestos in the Army

If you suspect that you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the Army, you should take the following steps:

• Inform your doctor about your potential asbestos exposure and tell them about any symptoms or health concerns you have.
• Submit to the diagnostic testing your doctor recommends, such as X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies to detect any asbestos-related conditions.
• Keep records of your military service, medical diagnoses, and treatment plans.
• Contact our experienced asbestos exposure attorneys to discuss your legal options.