U.S. veterans with mesothelioma may qualify to file asbestos lawsuits. These lawsuits award over $1 million on average and don’t involve suing the military. Instead, lawsuits are filed against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, who hid the health risks.
Michael Stewart is an asbestos attorney at Simmons Hanly Conroy and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1984 to 1988. Since joining the firm in 2004, he has helped secure significant results for hundreds of clients facing mesothelioma and other life-altering injuries.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center reached out to Michael to discuss why U.S. Marine Corps veterans are at risk of mesothelioma and how those affected can pursue legal compensation for medical bills and any other expenses.
Get a free case review now to learn if a mesothelioma military lawyer can help you or a veteran you love recover compensation.
Q: Are U.S. Veterans at Risk of Mesothelioma?
Many U.S. veterans are in danger of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their military service. Those who served before the 1980s often worked with asbestos-containing products, such as gaskets, boilers, and piping used in military bases and ships for decades.
Unfortunately, symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure. Many veterans with mesothelioma I speak to have been diagnosed later in life, when they should be enjoying retirement.
It’s a tragic outcome for the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
Q: Who Is to Blame for Asbestos Exposure in the Military?
U.S. veterans shouldn’t blame themselves if they were exposed to asbestos and later developed mesothelioma. They were simply doing their duty to protect their country, often without any knowledge about the dangers they were facing.
The responsibility lies with companies that made and sold asbestos-containing products. Many of these companies knew asbestos caused serious health issues, but didn’t disclose this information in order to protect their own profits.
Countless U.S. veterans and civilians were put in harm’s way as a result of this negligence. The military asbestos claim lawyers at my firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, hold these corporations accountable and demand legal justice for those affected.
Q: Can U.S. Veterans File Military Asbestos Lawsuits?
U.S. veterans may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit with the help of an attorney. I understand it can sometimes feel overwhelming to take legal action, but our job as attorneys is to do the work for you. That way, you can focus on your health and your family.
I remember a case we handled for one U.S. Marine Corps veteran who sadly passed away from mesothelioma. We continued fighting for his family, securing compensation on their behalf for the profound loss they endured.
While we served in the Marine Corps at different times, we had that brotherhood of service in common. I understood how he was exposed to asbestos during his service — it was from the work he did and the time he spent on ship.
I genuinely enjoyed talking about our time in the Marine Corps and the stories he shared. The ability to represent this proud veteran at such a difficult time in his life was an honor I will always cherish.
Q: Can U.S. Veterans Get VA Benefits for Asbestos Exposure?
If a U.S. veteran was exposed to asbestos while serving and later developed mesothelioma, the VA has a wide range of benefits in place to help. Notable VA benefits include compensation often worth thousands of dollars per month and specialized treatment through the VA health system.
I’ve worked with many veterans over the years, and I know how frustrating it can be to navigate the VA on your own. An attorney can help you prepare your VA claim after a mesothelioma diagnosis, so you can get all of the benefits you deserve.
Q: How Does Mesothelioma Affect the Lives of U.S. Veterans?
Veterans, civilians, and families affected by mesothelioma are going through one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. Many of those diagnosed are older, meaning they must now fight cancer instead of enjoying a hard-won retirement and time with their families.
While we can’t give you your health back, mesothelioma lawyers can stand up to the manufacturers that may be responsible for your illness. We’ll work tirelessly to recover compensation for you and ease the financial burdens of your cancer diagnosis.
Q: What Should U.S. Veterans Know About Filing Asbestos Lawsuits?
If you’re thinking about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, I want you to know that it’s likely easier than you think. Our mesothelioma law firm and attorneys handle the bulk of the legal work for you, so you can continue getting treatment and spending time with loved ones.
Since we work on a contingency fee basis, there’s no financial risk involved in filing a lawsuit. You don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, we’d receive an agreed-upon percentage after securing compensation for you.
Mesothelioma lawsuit compensation can be essential to helping families afford medical bills, cover living expenses, and protect their future financially.
Q: Who Qualifies to Work With Mesothelioma Lawyers?
Anyone affected by a mesothelioma diagnosis may qualify to work with a lawyer and pursue compensation. This includes veterans, civilians, and family members.
The clients I’ve worked with come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common: They’ve been devastated by the impact of mesothelioma.
Even if you’re not sure that you have a valid case, be sure to reach out. We’ll listen to your story and guide you on the next steps. If you move forward, we’ll determine how you were exposed and gather the evidence to prove it.
However, it’s incredibly important to know that you only have a limited window to file your claim. Statutes of limitations on asbestos lawsuits are typically 2 or 3 years after your diagnosis, so don’t wait to speak with us.
Get Help Filing a Military Asbestos Lawsuit
Michael Stewart and the other asbestos attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to help U.S. Marine Corps veterans file military asbestos lawsuits to pursue life-changing compensation.
While facing mesothelioma is never easy, working with an attorney can give you and your family the financial freedom to make your cancer battle less stressful. Many other U.S. Marine Corps veterans have recovered millions of dollars by working with asbestos lawyers.
The mesothelioma veterans attorneys in our network:
- Don’t charge upfront costs or hourly fees
- Have assisted thousands of other veterans
- Can help clients in all 50 states
- Typically start securing results in a few months
Call (877) 450-8973 right now or get a free case review to connect with experienced military asbestos claims lawyers who may be able to help you.
