The Marine Corps has accepted the challenge of taking on some of the toughest wartime missions assigned to our servicemen and women. Although those missions have changed, the constant for the Marine Corps is an unyielding commitment to protecting the lives of United States citizens and the interests of America. Marine Corps veterans understand the fact that the Corps’ purpose by congressional mandate “is to be this nation’s rapid response force…we are thus called to be most ready when the nation is least ready.” Unfortunately, many Marine Corps veterans were not aware they were encountering an invisible enemy, asbestos exposure, which leads to mesothelioma cancer and other forms of asbestos related diseases. The next step is to find mesothelioma help for Marine Corps veterans faced with the invisible enemy: a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Marine Corps veterans at risk for developing mesothelioma
Marine Corps veterans were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure when the mineral was friable. When asbestos products or materials are disturbed or damaged, the mineral is easily crumbled by hand. In a friable state, asbestos fibers are released into the air becoming breathable to anyone exposed. Once inhaled, these fibers may lodge in the lungs. It is these fibers which cause mesothelioma and other related diseases.
Marine Corps veterans were often teamed with the Navy in operations requiring first strike capability by sea. Utilizing naval ships and transports built before the mid 1970’s, these operations placed many veterans at risk for mesothelioma due to the high levels of asbestos materials present in these vessels. Additionally, Marine Corps veterans faced a number of jobs and activities that placed them in danger of asbestos exposure that could lead to mesothelioma. Marine Corps veterans who served within the following trades or had contact with veterans or civilian shipyard employees who performed these occupations and/or activities could suffer from secondary asbestos exposure dangers:
- construction, building renovation
- mechanic
- pipe fitter
- manufacturing
- welder
- installation of products like roofing and flooring
- demolition of old buildings
- insulation work
- carpentry and activities
- demolition specialist
- boiler operator
Asbestos minerals were widely accepted and used due to their exceptional heat resistant properties, fireproofing, insulation, and cost effectiveness. Due to these characteristics, asbestos has been used in a vast array of manufactured goods including:
- roofing shingles
- ceiling and floor tiles
- cement products
- paper products
- vehicle transmission parts
- vehicle brakes
- vehicle clutches
- gaskets
- packaging
- fabrics
- coatings
Marine Corps aviators
Ground forces were not the only segment of Marine Corps veterans susceptible to asbestos exposure. Aviators, like their ground troop brethren, faced great risk of exposure through their joint operations with the Navy. Whether it came from secondary asbestos exposure from personnel or exposure onboard ship, Marine Corps pilots faced the same deadly exposure. Adding to the Marine Corps aviator’s risks, the aircraft flown by Marine Corps pilots and Navy Pilots often utilized insulation parts containing asbestos.
Mesothelioma help for Marine Corps veterans: legal rights
Marine Corps veterans still do not have the option of filing a lawsuit against the government for damages suffered during their service. In spite of that fact, there is an opportunity to file an asbestos lawsuit against the company or companies that manufactured or installed the asbestos products which caused eventual development of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos lung cancer.
Marine Corps veterans and their families are entitled to take legal action and have a good chance of prevailing. Many thousands of lawsuits have been filed against asbestos companies for product liability compensation.
If you are a Marine Corps veteran and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases, you may be eligible to receive compensation. If you want to talk to an asbestos attorney about the nature of asbestos legal action, please contact us today.