Jim’s Story

Up until the mid-1970s, nearly every U.S. Navy ship and shipyard was constructed with asbestos materials. It was primarily used in engine rooms, boiler rooms and other below-deck areas of seagoing vessels and submarines.

Since asbestos exposure is the direct cause of mesothelioma, it’s no surprise that more than 30% of Americans afflicted with mesothelioma were first exposed to asbestos during their time in the U.S. Navy.

Unfortunately, Simmons Hanly Conroy client Jim Gahan was one of those Navy veterans.

Receiving a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

From 1973 to 1993, Jim worked as a U.S. Navy boiler technician aboard the USS Independence, USS Truckee and USS Vulcan. Jim had extensive expertise working in the ships’ engine and boiler rooms, making sure the ships functioned properly. Working near the ships’ boilers, valves, pumps, gaskets, packing, engines and other machinery exposed Jim to toxic asbestos fibers.

Years later, in 2009, Jim began experiencing respiratory problems. On a visit to a Houston hospital, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The doctors told Jim he only had a few months to live — his treatment options were limited because the disease was too far advanced.

Shocked by the doctor’s prognosis, Jim and his wife Peggy knew they needed to act fast. Medical bills began piling up, creating a growing financial burden for the family. Jim was not old enough to qualify for Medicare or Social Security, and he had not received disability. The couple needed help.

Seeking Justice Through a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

His legal team and asbestos attorney created a tailored plan to guide Jim and Peggy through the mesothelioma lawsuit process.

Over the course of the lawsuit process, Jim’s family became part of the Simmons Hanly Conroy family. In fact, the Gahans have sent his attorney’s children Christmas presents over the years.

By working with the firm, Jim and Peggy were able to secure financial compensation that would ultimately provide them financial security and peace of mind.

“I think that takes the client-attorney relationship to another level,” said Jim’s attorney. “Our firm and our lawyers, we’re more than just an attorney-client relationship. These people rely on us.”

Just 19 months after his diagnosis, on Nov. 20, 2010, Jim passed away. Regardless of the cause of his death, Jim was proud to serve his country for all of those years. While he felt he should have been warned about the dangers of asbestos, he did not regret the time he spent in the Navy.

“Jim did not waste time feeling sorry for himself or being resentful about something he knew he could not change,” his attorney said. “It was never a pity party for him.”

Simmons Hanly Conroy is honored to help military veterans with mesothelioma like Jim struggling to balance a challenging diagnosis and difficult financial circumstances.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we may be able to help. Learn more about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with Simmons Hanly Conroy today.

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Written by:Simmons Hanly Conroy

Editorial Team

The Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.