As the month of May comes to a close, many of us celebrate the beginning of summer with backyard barbecues and parades. During our weekend celebrations, it’s important for us to take a moment to remember the true significance of Memorial Day.
Since the Civil War, Memorial Day has been a way for us to honor soldiers who lost their lives in service to the United States. Their sacrifices and the sacrifices of those who served alongside them are what allow us the comforts and freedoms we know today.
“Think about the important role that veterans have played in protecting our nation,” said U.S. Army veteran John Simmons, firm founder and chairman. “Thank veterans. Tell them that you appreciate their service.“
While many have sadly fallen in the line of duty, other veterans continue to face service-related battles after returning home. Mesothelioma is just one of the many devastating health battles too many veterans must face after selflessly serving our country.
Each and every year, all of us at Simmons Hanly Conroy remember and honor the veterans we have lost, and we will continue to fight for the health and well-being of those who have fallen ill after their military service.
The Battles Soldiers Face During and After War
Nearly 1.2 million American soldiers have died protecting our freedoms. The incredible sacrifices these servicemen and women made will forever echo through American history — and their bravery will continue to set an example for all American citizens to follow.
In addition to remembering the brave men and women in uniform who have died in battle this Memorial Day, we also honor U.S. veterans continuing to fight as a result of service-related injuries.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 200,000 men and women transition out of the military every year — and these veterans face no shortage of hardships upon retiring from active duty.
Roughly 33% of veterans suffer from chronic mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Additionally, more than 53% experience chronic physical health issues as a result of their service.
Physical Health Issues Battled at Home
Veterans face a host of service-related health conditions after their service. Their fight must continue at home.
Some service-related health conditions may include:
- Brain and head trauma from injuries sustained during military service
- Diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances
- Health issues from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
- Tinnitus and hearing loss from loud explosions and noises
- Wounds caused by shrapnel or gunshots
Other incurable diseases such as cancer also affect veterans at alarming rates. The VA Central Cancer Registry records roughly 50,000 cases of cancer among veterans each year.
Military Asbestos Exposure: Veterans with Mesothelioma
One of the most devastating service-related cancers is mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. The highly durable and flame-resistant material was used heavily throughout different industries — including the U.S. military — throughout much of the 20th century, despite asbestos companies knowing of the health risks.
About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Veterans sadly make up about one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces used asbestos in military aircraft, ships and vehicles. U.S. Navy veterans are at a particularly high risk for mesothelioma due to the large amounts of asbestos used on naval ships.
Asbestos-related diseases are devastating and treatment is costly, putting veterans in health and financial stress. Veterans with mesothelioma do not have to navigate this alone. Thankfully, mesothelioma compensation may be available to help pay for treatment and other expenses.
Additionally, veterans can file mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers, which doesn’t affect their ability to receive VA benefits.
Honoring Fallen Soldiers and Serving U.S. Veterans
This Memorial Day, it’s important to take time to reflect on the freedoms we all hold dear and appreciate how these freedoms were created and sustained. For decades, brave men and women in uniform have put their lives on the line to serve and protect all Americans.
Our firm is dedicated to supporting veterans and their loved ones, especially those impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Many of our mesothelioma lawyers and staff members have also served in the U.S. Armed Forces, so we know the struggles veterans go through and use our experience to fight for their rights every day.
“Our law firm has represented over 3,000 veterans, and we’ve employed staff who have served across all of the U.S. Armed Forces,” explains Chairman John Simmons. “We have attorneys in the Marine Corps, linguists who served in the Air Force, machinists who served in the Navy and nurses who served in the Army.”
If you or a loved one is battling mesothelioma after serving in the U.S. military, we may be able to help. Call (800) 326-8900 or fill out our contact form today for a free, no-obligation legal case review.
