When mesothelioma patients turn to Simmons Hanly Conroy for the justice they deserve, many of them are U.S. veterans. In fact, more than 30 percent of Americans who are afflicted with mesothelioma were first exposed to asbestos during their time in the military. Veterans from all military branches – Navy and Army to the Air Force and Marines – often came into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
Up until the mid-1970s, nearly every ship and shipyard built by the United States Navy was constructed with asbestos materials. It was primarily used in engine rooms, boiler rooms and other below-deck areas of seagoing vessels and submarines. The asbestos was most dangerous when it was disturbed and made airborne, at which time it could be inhaled. This put Navy members at great risk due to the poor ventilation in below-deck areas. Because of the latency period of mesothelioma of in excess of 20 years, many of today’s Navy and Marine Corps veterans are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Other military service members also came into contact with asbestos. Many of them handled, worked with or disturbed asbestos-containing materials and, as a result, were exposed to asbestos. Those affected include military construction personnel, boiler tenders, and demolition specialists who served prior to the mid-1990s. More than 300 asbestos products were used in the U.S. military.
Currently, there are more than 20 million living U.S. veterans. It stands to reason that mesothelioma will claim the lives of many more of the brave men and women who have served. While we specifically recognize these individuals on Veterans Day, we remember them every day for their service and dedication to our country and for the price many of them are now paying because of that service.
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos may now be facing a disease with no cure. The mesothelioma lawyers of Simmons Hanly Conroy stand behind all U.S. veterans and are dedicated to helping them get the justice they deserve.
Simmons Hanly Conroy attorneys who have served, including myself, John Simmons, Mike Stewart and Brian Cooke , understand the importance of Veterans Day and taking the time to recognize the sacrifices made by our military. Don’t forget to thank the veterans in your life, and, from all of us here at Simmons Hanly Conroy, Happy Veterans Day.
