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 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. 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 military duty, with some not emerging until decades later. Their fight continues long after they’ve returned 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 like asbestos
- 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. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year.
Veterans sadly make up about one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Asbestos was used by every branch of the U.S. military during the 20th century, including the:
This highly durable and flame-resistant material could be found in military aircraft, ships, and vehicles. Large amounts of asbestos were used on naval ships, placing U.S. Navy veterans at particularly high risk for mesothelioma.
“I always knew that there was asbestos,” said Walter, a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma. “I asked them what the material was made out of you know and they told me asbestos. Nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.”
Asbestos-related diseases are devastating and treatment is costly, but veterans with mesothelioma do not have to navigate this challenge alone. Thankfully, mesothelioma compensation may be available to help pay for treatment and other expenses.
Additionally, veterans can file mesothelioma lawsuits against the asbestos companies that used this dangerous material despite knowing the risks — not the government or military.
Honoring Fallen Soldiers and Serving U.S. Veterans
This Memorial Day, it’s important to reflect on the freedoms we all hold dear and appreciate how they 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.
As a veteran-founded law firm, we’re committed to supporting those who have served our country, especially veterans and families impacted by mesothelioma.
Many of our asbestos attorneys and staff members have also served in the military, so we understand the unique struggles veterans face and use our experience to fight for their rights.
“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 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 now for a free, no-obligation case review.
