Booklet
FREE Mesothelioma Information Packet
Enter your information to receive a packet free of charge at your doorsstep within 24 hours. Or call
1-877-NYLAW09 (877-695-2909).
* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Address:
* City:
* State:
* Zip:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email Address:
* Required Fields
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Yes No
placeHoder

Navy Veterans Asbestos Lawsuits — Frequently Asked Questions

Why have so many Navy veterans been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Between World War II and the early 1970s, thousands of tons of asbestos insulation were used to insulate boilers, pipes, equipment and machinery on board Navy ships. Firemen, machinist mates, and boiler tenders working below deck were the most heavily exposed, but seamen above deck were exposed as well. Sailors aboard ships being constructed, repaired, overhauled, decommissioned or brought out of mothballs in shipyards were heavily exposed too. Many asbestos manufacturers that supplied the Navy with asbestos products knew about the dangers of exposure to asbestos as far back as the 1920s yet deliberately chose not to warn the public, the shipyard workers or sailors about these dangers.

Why is exposure to asbestos so dangerous while aboard ship?

Exposure to asbestos, even at lower levels for brief periods of time, can be dangerous in any setting, but experts agree that heavier exposures are more likely to cause diseases like mesothelioma. The close quarters, minimal ventilation and vast amounts of asbestos used aboard Navy ships combined to create a situation where sailors and shipyard workers were exposed to massive amounts of highly concentrated asbestos fibers mostly below decks. These exposures, which occurred during routine repair as well as during overhaul and construction in shipyards, are responsible for many of the cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed today.

Do you sue the Navy?

No. We do not take legal action against the Navy or the government. We typically file lawsuits against the manufacturers and suppliers of the asbestos products used aboard ships and at shipyards, and sometimes against private contractors, commercial ship lines or commercial shipyards.

Do you represent Navy veterans and shipyard workers often?

Two of the largest groups of clients that Belluck & Fox represent in asbestos cases are Navy veterans and shipyard workers. Helping veterans, shipyard workers and their families receive compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases has been the core of our legal practice since 1996.

Will you file my case as a class action or as an individual lawsuit?

Each claim that we file is an individual lawsuit. We do not file class actions for asbestos cases. An individual lawsuit maximizes your opportunity to receive compensation. It also provides us an opportunity to present the unique and compelling aspects of each case. We take great pride in our relationships with our clients, and will represent you as an individual.

What does my involvement need to be if I do file a lawsuit?

Many people are understandably apprehensive about the litigation process. We will make it as easy and convenient as possible for you. For example, we will travel to your home instead of you coming to our offices if that is more convenient for you. Most of the paperwork involved can be handled through the mail. At the beginning of your case, you will meet with one four attorneys to discuss the facts of your case including your history of asbestos exposure. You will be asked to sign authorizations which allow us to retrieve your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. You may be asked to give a deposition, which is simply an opportunity for lawyers from the other side to ask some questions. This will be scheduled at your convenience and usually at or near your home. The overall process will not require you to spend a lot of your time on your case.

How long will my lawsuit take?

We make every effort to advance asbestos cases as quickly as possible. The time line varies from state to state, but most states provide accelerated dockets for people diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer. In most of these states, we can resolve your case in six to twelve months.

Click here to see more Frequently Asked Questions about asbestos lawsuits.

We have been helping Navy veterans and shipyard workers with mesothelioma for over a decade. If you have any questions about your legal rights, please contact us.