U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Sailors who served on U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships during the mid-20th century were frequently exposed to asbestos, a material then commonly used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. These auxiliary ships, designed to provide essential services and support to combat vessels, contained asbestos in various parts, including insulation for pipes, boilers, electrical systems, and bulkhead panels. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled or ingested, leading to severe health issues. Many service members unknowingly inhaled these hazardous fibers, which can remain dormant in the body for decades before causing diseases such as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that many veterans began to show symptoms only years after their service. Mesothelioma, in particular, has a grim prognosis, often leading to significant medical expenses and suffering. Consequently, many affected veterans have pursued mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These legal actions aim to hold accountable the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products and provide financial relief to those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The history of asbestos exposure on U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of these veterans and ensuring they receive the necessary support and compensation for their service-related health issues.
To ensure your claim’s success, follow these steps:
Gather Information: Document your service history, including ship assignments and duties, to establish your exposure link.
Consult an Attorney: Seek legal counsel experienced in asbestos cases to guide you through the process.
Medical Records: Maintain detailed medical records, including diagnosis, treatment, and related expenses.
File Your Claim: Your attorney will help you prepare and submit your asbestos trust fund claim to the appropriate trust.
Follow Legal Proceedings: Attend any required hearings or proceedings as your claim progresses.
Receive Compensation: If your claim is successful, you’ll receive compensation to help cover medical costs and ensure your financial security.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many have successfully obtained compensation through asbestos trust funds. With legal assistance, you can seek the justice and support you deserve.
History of U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships and Asbestos Exposure:
U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships have played an essential role in supporting naval operations by providing vital services such as fuel, supplies, repairs, and medical care. These ships, which include oilers, supply ships, and hospital ships, were crucial in ensuring that combat and support vessels remained operational during wartime, particularly throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Constructed primarily in the mid-20th century, many of these auxiliary ships were built using asbestos-containing materials for their superior fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos was used in various components, including pipe and boiler insulation, electrical wiring, and bulkhead panels. While these materials were chosen for their safety benefits, they inadvertently exposed thousands of sailors to hazardous asbestos fibers.
Over time, the severe health consequences of asbestos exposure on Navy personnel became tragically evident. Sailors working on auxiliary ships were at high risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, especially during routine maintenance, repairs, or as the materials naturally degraded. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to debilitating health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, which often manifest many years after the initial exposure. Veterans who served on these ships have faced significant health challenges, prompting many to pursue legal action for compensation. The history of asbestos use on U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships underscores the era’s widespread reliance on asbestos and highlights the ongoing need for support for affected veterans and stringent safety measures to prevent future exposures.
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_auxiliaries_of_the_United_States_Navy
Quick Facts About Navy Ship Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
- U.S. Navy Ships play a crucial role in military operations, but they used asbestos extensively in their construction.
- 1 in 3 U.S. Veterans may develop asbestos-related diseases in their lifetime.
- Symptoms often appear 10-50 years after initial asbestos exposure.
- Shipyard workers, Navy Sailors, U.S. Marines, and civilian contractors were at risk during Navy Ship work.
- Veterans have the legal right to sue asbestos manufacturers for compensation and justice.
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
FAQs for Navy Veterans Who Served on Auxiliary Ships and Are Worried About Mesothelioma
What Are Auxiliary Ships, and Why Should I Be Concerned About Mesothelioma?
Auxiliary ships supported the Navy but had asbestos, which can lead to mesothelioma, a dangerous cancer. If you served on these ships, you might be at risk.
How Can I Get Checked for Mesothelioma, and What Should I Do if I’m Diagnosed?
If you have symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, see a doctor. If they diagnose mesothelioma, get treatment immediately and talk to a lawyer.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Have Mesothelioma Because of My Service on Auxiliary Ships?
You have the right to file a lawsuit against companies that made asbestos products. This can help you get compensation for your medical bills and suffering.
How Do I File an Asbestos Trust Fund Claim, and What Documents Do I Need?
Work with a lawyer to submit your asbestos trust fund claim. You’ll need proof of asbestos exposure and your medical records.
Are Mesothelioma Lawsuits Usually Successful, and What Can I Expect From Them?
Many mesothelioma lawsuits end in compensation. This money can cover your medical expenses and offer financial support during this challenging time.
How U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ship Personnel Were Exposed to Asbestos
Captains: Captains overseeing ship operations and maintenance on Navy auxiliary ships could encounter asbestos exposure while inspecting or supervising repairs involving asbestos-containing materials commonly used in ship construction.
Chaplains: Chaplains on Navy auxiliary ships may have been exposed to asbestos when visiting ship compartments for spiritual support and counseling, entering areas with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials.
Chief Petty Officers: Chief Petty Officers, responsible for training and leadership on Navy auxiliary ships, could have been exposed to asbestos during ship maintenance, inspections, and training involving asbestos materials.
Communications Officers: Communications officers on Navy auxiliary ships could have been exposed to asbestos while overseeing ship communication systems, including equipment located in compartments with asbestos materials.
Crew Members: Crew members, including sailors, marines, and officers on Navy auxiliary ships, faced asbestos exposure as ship materials deteriorated over time, releasing airborne asbestos fibers.
Damage Control Officers: Damage control officers on Navy auxiliary ships were at risk of asbestos exposure during training exercises and ship damage repair situations, where asbestos-containing materials could be encountered.
Deck Officers: Responsible for ship deck operations on Navy auxiliary ships, deck officers might have been exposed to asbestos during maintenance and repair tasks on deck, where asbestos materials were used.
Ensigns: Junior officers like ensigns on Navy auxiliary ships may have been exposed to asbestos while performing ship duties and maintenance tasks, including working in compartments with asbestos insulation or materials.
Gunnery Officers: Gunnery officers on Navy auxiliary ships might have faced asbestos exposure during weapons maintenance and inspections in areas with asbestos-containing materials used for fireproofing and insulation.
Hospital Corpsmen: Responsible for medical care on Navy auxiliary ships, hospital corpsmen could have been exposed to asbestos when treating ship crew members with asbestos-related health issues or injuries from asbestos exposure.
Intelligence Officers: Intelligence officers on Navy auxiliary ships may have been exposed to asbestos when visiting compartments with asbestos materials during their duties if proper precautions were not taken.
Lieutenants: Officers responsible for ship functions on Navy auxiliary ships, such as lieutenants, might have encountered asbestos exposure during repairs and maintenance, where asbestos materials were common in ship components.
Naval Engineers: Naval engineers managing ship systems on Navy auxiliary ships could have been exposed to asbestos during inspections and maintenance of systems containing asbestos insulation or gaskets, posing inhalation risks.
Navigation Officers: Navigation officers on Navy auxiliary ships might have encountered asbestos exposure during ship inspections, maintenance, and navigation duties in compartments and systems with asbestos-containing materials.
Operations Officers: Operations officers on Navy auxiliary ships may have faced asbestos exposure during ship operations and maintenance, as asbestos materials were used in ship construction and required inspections.
Quartermasters: Responsible for ship navigation and logistics, quartermasters on Navy auxiliary ships may have been exposed to asbestos when conducting inspections and maintenance, risking inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Supply Chiefs: Supply chiefs overseeing ship supply operations on Navy auxiliary ships could have encountered asbestos exposure when managing inventory, including asbestos-containing materials used in ship construction.
Supply Officers: Supply officers on Navy auxiliary ships may have been exposed to asbestos when managing ship inventory, including asbestos-containing insulation materials, necessitating handling precautions.
Yeomen: Yeomen, handling administrative tasks on Navy auxiliary ships, may have encountered asbestos exposure while dealing with paperwork related to ship maintenance, repairs, and personnel assignments involving asbestos materials.
U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships and Asbestos Containing Products
Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships: The Risk to Navy Personnel
Asbestos products on Navy Auxiliary ships put Navy personnel at risk of asbestos exposure. These products, like insulation, gaskets, and valves, could release tiny asbestos fibers into the air when damaged or disturbed. Crew members working with or near these materials during ship maintenance, repairs, or inspections could unknowingly inhale or ingest these fibers, which, over time, may lead to asbestos-related illnesses like Mesothelioma. Understanding these risks is crucial for those seeking compensation through asbestos trust funds.
Asbestos Products on Navy Attack Auxiliary Ships
Compasses: Asbestos components in ship compasses could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers when inspected or maintained.
Deck Coatings: Asbestos-containing deck coatings posed exposure risks to crew members during installation, repairs, and maintenance tasks.
Duct Insulation: Asbestos duct insulation could degrade over time, releasing asbestos fibers into ship ventilation systems and potentially exposing crew members.
Electrical Panels: Crew members inspecting or maintaining electrical panels with asbestos insulation faced exposure risks when handling or working near these panels.
Elevator Shafts: Asbestos materials used in elevator shafts could deteriorate, releasing fibers and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Engine Components: Workers maintaining ship engines with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during repairs and inspections.
Fire Doors: Crew members handling or inspecting asbestos-containing fire doors could be exposed to asbestos fibers released during door operation.
Fireproofing Materials: Asbestos fireproofing materials used in ship construction could deteriorate, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members.
Flooring Tiles: Crew members installing, removing, or replacing asbestos-containing flooring tiles risked exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.
Gaskets: Gaskets containing asbestos were used in ship machinery. Crew members involved in maintenance and repairs faced potential exposure to asbestos fibers.
Hydraulic Systems: Asbestos-containing materials in ship hydraulic systems posed exposure risks to crew members performing maintenance and repairs on these systems.
Insulated Hoses: Crew members handling insulated hoses with asbestos-containing materials could be exposed to asbestos fibers during use and maintenance.
Joint Compound: Asbestos-containing joint compound used in ship construction posed exposure risks during application and repairs for crew members.
Lockers: Asbestos-containing locker materials could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers, exposing crew members during inspections and maintenance.
Mast Insulation: Asbestos insulation on ship masts could degrade over time, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Missile Systems: Crew members handling and maintaining missile systems with asbestos-containing components risked asbestos exposure during inspections and repairs.
Navigational Equipment: Asbestos components in ship navigational equipment could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers when inspected or maintained.
Packing Materials: Asbestos-containing packing materials used in ship machinery posed exposure risks during maintenance and repairs for crew members.
Pipe Insulation: Asbestos pipe insulation could deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers. Crew members conducting maintenance and repairs faced exposure risks.
Pumps: Workers maintaining ship pumps with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during repairs and inspections.
Refrigeration Systems: Asbestos materials used in ship refrigeration systems posed exposure risks to crew members performing maintenance and repairs on these systems.
Rope: Asbestos-containing rope materials used on ships posed exposure risks to crew members handling or working near these materials.
U. S. Navy Auxiliary Ships and Asbestos Exposure
Here is a list of U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships that have been associated with asbestos exposure:
| USS Acontius (AGP-12) | USS Agenor (ARL-3) | USS Albemarle (AV-5) |
|---|---|---|
| USS Alhena (AKA-9) | USS Almaack (AKA-10) | USS Alshain (AKA-55) |
| USS Amador (AGP-4) | USS Ammonoosuc (AO-10) | USS Amphion (AR-13) |
| USS Andromeda (AKA-15) | USS Antaeus (ARL-14) | USS Antares (AKS-3) |
| USS Antigua (CVE-38) | USS Antiope (AG-86) | USS Anzio (CVE-57) |
| USS Apache (ATF-67) | USS Aquarius (AKA-16) | USS Aquarius (AKA-21) |
| USS Aquarius (AKA-53) | USS Arcturus (AK-18) | USS Ariel (AF-22) |
| USS Artemis (AKA-21) | USS Ascella (AK-137) | USS Asterion (AKA-51) |
| USS Atlas (AK-49) | USS Atsion (AK-101) | USS Aucilla (AO-56) |
| USS Aurora (AF-8) | USS Avenal (AK-13) | USS Aylwin (AKA-71) |
| USS Azimech (AK-124) | USS Baependi (CVE-61) | USS Balch (APD-68) |
| USS Ballard (AVD-10) | USS Bannock (AT-81) | USS Barataria (AVP-33) |
| USS Barnstable (AG-10) | USS Barry (DD-933) | USS Barrow (AK-174) |
| USS Bashaw (SS-241) | USS Basilone (DD-824) | USS Bates (AKA-56) |
| USS Bausell (DD-845) | USS Baxter (APA-94) | USS Baya (AGSS-318) |
| USS Beadle (AK-129) | USS Bellatrix (AKA-3) | USS Belle Grove (LSD-2) |
| USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) | USS Bellerophon (ARL-31) |
Please note that the presence of asbestos on these ships does not necessarily mean that all personnel on these vessels were exposed to asbestos, but it indicates the potential for exposure. Asbestos exposure risks varied depending on the specific duties and locations of individuals on board.
U. S. Navy Ships and Asbestos Exposure
Amphibious Ships: Asbestos was used extensively in shipbuilding and repair. On amphibious ships, personnel were exposed during maintenance, where asbestos was present in insulation, gaskets, and pipes.
Aircraft Carriers: Asbestos was used in aircraft carriers’ construction, putting those serving on them at risk. Maintenance and repairs, often involving asbestos-containing materials, increased exposure.
Aircraft Transports: Asbestos exposure occurred during maintenance on aircraft transports, with asbestos found in insulation, brake linings, and engine components.
Ammunition Ships: Personnel on ammunition ships faced asbestos exposure during repairs, as asbestos was used in various ship components like insulation and pumps.
Attack Cargo Ships: These ships contained asbestos in multiple components, including insulation, boilers, and valves, leading to exposure risks during maintenance.
Attack Transport Ships: Maintenance on attack transport ships involved asbestos-containing materials in various ship parts, increasing the risk of exposure.
Auxiliary Ships: Asbestos exposure risk arose from maintenance work on auxiliary ships, with asbestos present in insulation and engine components.
Aviation Store Ships: Asbestos was used in aviation store ships for fireproofing, putting personnel at risk during maintenance or repair tasks.
Barrack Craft Ships: Asbestos-containing materials, including insulation and piping, exposed personnel to asbestos while serving on barrack craft ships.
Battleships: Asbestos exposure occurred on battleships due to asbestos use in boilers, pipes, and other ship components, especially during maintenance and repairs.
Cable Repair Ships: Asbestos was present in cable repair ships, posing risks to personnel during maintenance, where asbestos insulation was prevalent.
Escort Carriers: Escort carriers’ construction involved asbestos, leading to exposure risks during maintenance and repair activities involving asbestos-containing materials.
Fast Combat Ships: Fast combat ships had asbestos in insulation and engine components, increasing exposure risk during maintenance work.
Fleet Replenishment Ships: Asbestos exposure on fleet replenishment ships happened during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
General Store Ships: Asbestos use in general store ships’ construction exposed personnel to risks during maintenance and repairs.
Hospital Ships: Asbestos exposure occurred on hospital ships during maintenance, with asbestos found in insulation and engine parts.
Merchant Marine Ships: Personnel on merchant marine ships faced asbestos exposure during maintenance tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Military Sealift Vessels: Asbestos exposure risks arose during maintenance and repairs on military sealift vessels, where asbestos insulation and components were present.
Minesweepers: Asbestos was used in minesweepers, putting personnel at risk during maintenance tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Cruisers: Asbestos was used in Navy cruisers’ construction, exposing personnel to risks during maintenance, repairs, and overhauls.
Navy Destroyers: Navy destroyers had asbestos in insulation and components, increasing exposure risk during maintenance and repair activities.
Navy Frigates: Personnel on Navy frigates faced asbestos exposure risks during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Landing Craft: Asbestos exposure occurred on Navy landing craft during maintenance, where asbestos was present in insulation and piping.
Navy Laying Ships: These ships had asbestos in insulation and components, exposing personnel to risks during maintenance and repairs.
Navy Oil Transporters: Asbestos was used in Navy oil transporters, putting those serving on them at risk during maintenance and repairs.
Navy Salvage Ships: Personnel on Navy salvage ships faced asbestos exposure risks during maintenance and repairs involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Towboats: Asbestos exposure happened on Navy towboats during maintenance tasks involving asbestos insulation and components.
Navy Tugboats: Asbestos use in Navy tugboats’ construction posed risks to personnel during maintenance and repairs.
Patrol Torpedo Boats: Asbestos exposure occurred on patrol torpedo boats due to asbestos use in insulation and engine components.
Rescue Ships: Asbestos exposure risks arose on rescue ships during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Seaplane Tenders: Maintenance on seaplane tenders exposed personnel to asbestos, with asbestos-containing materials in insulation and pipes.
Submarines: Asbestos was used extensively in submarine construction, putting submariners at risk of exposure during maintenance and repairs.
Vehicle Cargo Ships: Asbestos exposure risks happened on vehicle cargo ships during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos insulation and components.
Navy Sailors and shipyard workers were daily exposed to toxic asbestos dust and fibers where they inhaled and ingested them without any protection in their workplace. Families of workers and other government contractors that were exposed to asbestos secondhand are also developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease.
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Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer: A Guide for Navy Veterans
If you’re a Navy Veteran who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during your service, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer is crucial, as it can significantly impact your settlement.
Specialized Expertise: Mesothelioma cases are highly specialized. Look for a lawyer experienced in handling mesothelioma cases, particularly for Veterans. Their knowledge can make a substantial difference in your settlement.
Timely Action: Mesothelioma cases can take 1-3 years to settle. Asbestos companies may delay proceedings, but a skilled attorney will work to expedite your case. If a patient passes away, it becomes a wrongful death case, allowing family members to seek compensation.
Understanding Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer affecting organs like the lungs and abdomen. If you experience symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection is critical.
Support for Veterans: Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma face tough questions about living with the disease and legal options against asbestos manufacturers. Seek legal counsel to explore your rights.
Asbestos Trust Funds: If a loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, consult an experienced lawyer to learn about compensation options from asbestos trust funds, which total over 30 billion dollars.
Statute of Limitations: File your mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations. The window to file varies but is typically 2-3 years, with some states allowing up to 6 years. Don’t let this window expire while grieving.
Mesothelioma Latency Period: Understand that mesothelioma can develop 10-50 years after exposure. Even if you were exposed during your service, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Comprehensive Assistance: Reach out to experienced mesothelioma lawyers who will come to you, providing comprehensive support to navigate the legal process.
Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis as a Navy Veteran can be overwhelming, but the right lawyer can guide you through the process. Call our Mesothelioma Toll-Free Helpline at 888.640.0914 for expert help and answers to your questions. Your well-being and rights matter.
About Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in helping individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure secure economic damages. These damages are vital financial compensation that aims to alleviate the financial burdens accompanying mesothelioma.
Economic damages cover a wide range of expenses, including medical bills for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care. They also address lost wages and future earning capacity, acknowledging the impact mesothelioma can have on one’s ability to work.
To navigate the complexities of economic damages, mesothelioma attorneys provide essential expertise. They assess eligibility, gather crucial evidence, and advocate tirelessly to secure the compensation individuals rightfully deserve. Economic damages are a crucial lifeline for mesothelioma patients and their families, helping them manage the financial implications of this challenging disease.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
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U.S. Navy Auxiliary Ships, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Lawsuits