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Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

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Asbestos exposure is a well-known risk factor for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Unfortunately, Marine Corps veterans are at an elevated risk of exposure due to the prevalence of asbestos-containing materials in military installations, vehicles, and ships.

The danger posed by asbestos fibers is not limited to those who served in the Marines, as family members and civilians working in these environments are also at risk.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are dedicated to helping veterans, and their families receive the compensation they deserve if they were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our team is dedicated to prosecuting cases involving mesothelioma and Marines veterans.

Contact our mesothelioma lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

The Use of Asbestos-Containing Materials in the Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) [1] has a long history of using asbestos materials in various applications due to its unique properties, such as its heat, fire, and chemical damage resistance. However, the health risks associated with asbestos were not fully understood until decades after the material’s widespread use.

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The History of Asbestos Use in the Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps began using asbestos-based materials as early as the 1930s, with insulation, fireproofing, roofing materials, and gaskets applications. Asbestos was also commonly used in boiler rooms and engine spaces on Navy vessels, frequently transporting Marines and their equipment.

During World War II [2], asbestos use in the Marine Corps increased significantly as the military ramped up production of war materials. Asbestos insulation and other products was used extensively in ships, planes, and other military equipment.

Asbestos-Containing Products Used in the Marine Corps

Asbestos-containing products used in the Marine Corps included pipe insulation, boilers, gaskets [3], brakes, clutches, fireproofing, roofing materials, and electrical insulation.

These asbestos products were used in virtually every military installation, including Marine Corps bases, training facilities, and vehicles.

Marine Corps Bases with a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Marine Corps veterans who served or worked at certain bases may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos. These bases include:

  • Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
  • Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
  • Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
  • Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
  • Marine Corps Base Quantico
  • Marine Corps Base Hawaii (aka Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay)

The use of asbestos in these bases was extensive, and veterans who served or worked at these facilities may have an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

It’s important to note that while using asbestos-based products and materials has declined significantly in recent years, many Marine Corps veterans are still at risk of exposure due to the material’s long latency period.

Asbestos fibers can remain dormant in the body for decades before causing symptoms, and many veterans may not realize they were exposed to the material until years after their service.

As such, it’s important for Marine Corps veterans and their families to understand the risks associated with military asbestos exposure and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of asbestos-related medical conditions.

Asbestos Risks Associated with Exposure For Marine Corps Veterans

Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk for anyone who comes into contact with the mineral’s fibers. Unfortunately, many Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos while in the service and may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Marine Corps veterans exposed to asbestos during their service may be at an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma, as the mineral was used extensively in ships, vehicles, and military installations.

In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related medical conditions and diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural disease. Symptoms of these diseases may not appear for several decades after exposure, making early detection and treatment crucial.

Other Asbestos Risks

In addition to the well-known risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions, asbestos exposure can also cause other health problems. These may include respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as well as scarring of the lungs and an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

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Understanding The Risk of Asbestos Exposure During Military Service

Marine veterans who served during the 20th century are at an elevated risk of asbestos exposure due to its widespread use. Asbestos-based materials were used in everything from insulation and electrical components to brake pads and gaskets.

While asbestos use in the military has declined significantly in recent years, many Marine Corps veterans may still be at risk of exposure due to the long latency period of asbestos-related conditions.

It’s important for veterans to understand the risks associated with asbestos exposure and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of asbestos-related medical conditions.

Marine Corps veterans exposed to asbestos during service may be eligible for veterans benefits, including disability compensation [4] and health care. Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer and VA claims representative is important to ensure you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.

VA Benefits Available to Marine Veterans Exposed To Asbestos

Marine veterans exposed to asbestos while serving in the military are at an increased risk of developing severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits and services to eligible veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related medical conditions.

The VA provides several benefits for veterans [5] diagnosed with asbestos-related medical conditions. These benefits may include disability compensation, health care services, and other financial assistance.

Disability compensation is available to veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness that is service-connected, meaning it was caused or aggravated by their service. The compensation a veteran receives depends on the severity of their illness and how it affects their ability to work.

Healthcare services are also available to veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related medical conditions. These services may include medical treatment, prescriptions, and other forms of support that can help manage the symptoms of the illness. In addition, the VA provides financial assistance [6] to help cover the costs of medical care and treatment for eligible veterans.

How to Pursue VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for veterans benefits, but the process of pursuing these benefits can be complex and challenging.

It is essential for veterans with mesothelioma to work with an experienced attorney or a VA-accredited claims agent who can help guide them through the process.

To pursue VA benefits for mesothelioma, veterans must first file a claim with the VA. This claim should include all relevant medical records and other documentation that supports the veteran’s diagnosis and their claim for benefits.

The VA will review the claim and determine whether the veteran is eligible for compensation, healthcare services, or other forms of assistance.

To be eligible for veterans benefits for asbestos-related medical conditions, veterans must have served in the military and have been exposed to toxic chemicals during their service. In addition, veterans must have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness connected to their service.

The VA considers various factors when determining eligibility for benefits, including the severity of the illness, the length of service, and other relevant factors.

Marine veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service and diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are likely eligible for VA benefits. However, the process of pursuing these benefits can be complex and time-consuming.

Veterans seeking compensation and healthcare services should work with an experienced attorney or VA-accredited claims agent [7] to help navigate the process and protect their rights.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Asbestos exposure is a known cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions. Unfortunately, many Marines and other service members were exposed to asbestos fibers during their service.

Early Symptoms and Warning Signs Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lungs, heart, or abdomen lining. The early symptoms of mesothelioma can be vague and easily mistaken for other less severe conditions. Some common early symptoms of mesothelioma include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Persistent cough
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Difficulty swallowing

It is essential to consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you were exposed to toxic chemicals during your service.

Diagnostic Tests for Mesothelioma

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and have a history of asbestos exposure, your doctor may recommend some diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests for mesothelioma may include:

  • Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are commonly used to detect abnormalities in the body.
  • Biopsies: A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed and examined for signs of cancer.
  • Pulmonary function tests: These tests assess how well your lungs work and may help determine the extent of the asbestos-related disease.
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There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment options for mesothelioma may include:

  • Surgery may remove as much cancerous tissue as possible.
  • Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

It is essential to work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions are serious risks associated with asbestos exposure during service. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving your chances of survival.

If you were exposed to toxic substances during your service, discussing your medical history with your doctor and exploring all available options for diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Marine veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, including asbestos during their service are at high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions. Many of these exposures occurred at Marine Corps Air Station, Parris Island, and other Marine Corps bases and camps, where asbestos products were used extensively.

In addition, Navy ships used by the Marine Corps often contained asbestos products such as insulation, which can release toxic fibers when damaged by heat or chemical exposure.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help those who have been exposed to asbestos. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides indemnity compensation to Marines exposed to asbestos who have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related medical conditions.

Asbestos trust funds have also been established to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, including Marine veterans.

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help veterans pursue these compensation options and hold asbestos companies accountable for their role in causing harm to active service members and Marine veterans.

Additionally, mesothelioma specialists can diagnose and treat mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions, helping Marine veterans manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Filing A Mesothelioma Lawsuit as A Marine Corps Veteran

Marine Corps veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. These lawsuits can be filed against the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products that the veteran was exposed to during their service in the military.

To file a mesothelioma lawsuit, the veteran must work with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can help them navigate the complex legal process. The lawyer will gather evidence, including medical records and military service records, to build a case against the responsible parties.

Common Defendants in Mesothelioma Lawsuits Involving Marine Corps Veterans

In mesothelioma lawsuits involving Marine Corps veterans, the most common defendants are the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products. These may include companies that supply asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and other materials for use in Navy ships, aircraft, and other equipment.

Potential defendants may include contractors and subcontractors who performed work on Marine Corps bases and other military installations where the veteran was exposed to asbestos.

Marine Corps veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, veterans may also be eligible for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

To pursue compensation and justice for asbestos-related medical conditions, veterans should work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to help them explore their legal options. The lawyer can also help the veteran pursue a VA claim and access other available resources and benefits.

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How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You with Your Asbestos Exposure Case

If you or a loved one are a Marine Corps veteran and have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for their asbestos-related medical conditions.

By choosing us to represent you, you will have access to a free consultation and the assurance of a contingency fee. This agreement means you won’t have to pay anything upfront, and our payment is based on a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.

Our attorneys will help you navigate the complex legal process, including filing an asbestos trust fund claim, pursuing a VA mesothelioma claim, and pursuing financial compensation from responsible parties. We will use our knowledge and resources to investigate the facts of your case and pursue justice on your behalf.

Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers have successfully represented many Marine veterans and their families in obtaining the financial compensation they deserve. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 for a free legal consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.

Resources: [1] United States Marine Corps, [2] American History USA, [3] PubMed, [4] VA.gov, [5] VA.gov, [6] VA.gov, [7] VA.gov

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