Veterans & Mesothelioma

In the 20th century, the U.S. Army used asbestos to ensure the durability of its jeeps, trucks and tanks. At the time, it was believed that asbestos could safely insulate these vehicles and reduce friction in brakes.

However, as asbestos-based products broke down over time, they released microscopic fibers into the air. U.S. Army mechanics who handled these auto parts could inhale the fibers and eventually develop asbestos-related illnesses.

Dangerous asbestos products used in U.S. Army vehicles included:

• Brake pads
• Clutches
• Gaskets
• Resins

The U.S. Army also used asbestos-containing construction materials like cement sheet and insulation to build bases and barracks. This put engineers, carpenters and others who worked on these buildings in danger of exposure.

Asbestos exposure aboard U.S. Navy ships was almost impossible to avoid. As a result, U.S. Navy veterans have the highest risk of mesothelioma today.

Asbestos products were used on almost all U.S. Navy ships until the early 1980s. The heat-resistant and durable properties of asbestos made it a key building material for U.S. Navy ships to reduce the risks of fires.

Asbestos-containing products on U.S. Navy ships included:

• Adhesives
• Fireproof doors
• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Packing material
• Ropes

From the engine room and boiler room to the machinery spaces, every part of the ship may have exposed U.S. Navy service members to asbestos.

Additionally, these ships were often cramped and poorly ventilated, allowing stray asbestos fibers to linger in the air and eventually be inhaled by U.S. Navy personnel.

U.S. Navy shipyard workers ran a higher risk of mesothelioma as well, since they installed, repaired and removed asbestos-containing products from ships.

Asbestos was widely used in U.S. Air Force planes because of its heat-resistant properties. However, it put thousands of U.S. Air Force at risk of developing mesothelioma and other deadly diseases decades later.

U.S. Air Force planes contained the following asbestos products:

• Brakes
• Cockpit heating systems
• Gaskets
• Heat shields for engines
• Jet exhaust and wiring insulation

U.S. Air Force aviation mechanics and jet engine inspectors could inhale asbestos fibers as they worked on engines, motor parts and other products.

Asbestos was also used in the construction of many U.S. Air Force bases and barracks. U.S. Air Force plumbers, pipefitters and carpenters all may have been exposed to asbestos while they worked on these buildings.

Like the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard relied on fire-resistant asbestos to build its ships.

Because the threat of fire aboard seagoing vessels was of great concern, the heat resistant and durable properties of asbestos made it a top-choice building material for most U.S. Coast Guard vessels.

Asbestos-based products often used on U.S. Coast Guard ships included:

• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Pumps
• Ropes
• Turbines to pipes
• Valves

The U.S. Coast Guard also used asbestos to build its bases, vehicles and planes.

Former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who served on naval vessels or in shipyards were at an especially high risk of asbestos exposure.

Beloved actor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Steve McQueen developed mesothelioma in the late 1970s after working in a shipyard decades earlier.

Asbestos products such as pumps, valves, boiler insulation, ropes and fireproofing materials were used throughout the ships, providing numerous opportunities for U.S. Marines to be exposed to the toxin.

The U.S. Marine Corps also relied on asbestos to build its bases, which put mechanics, construction workers and engineers at high risk.

Finding medical support and care is crucial after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our medical department, led by Registered Nurse Amy Fair, can help connect mesothelioma patients to the best treatment options available.

Our medical team can provide more information about:

• Mesothelioma treatments like surgery
• Hospitals that treat mesothelioma patients
• Top mesothelioma doctors

Amy and the team are also available to answer questions as a patient seeks treatment. Contact our team now to learn more.

“When I began work at the firm, I quickly realized how very rare and complex mesothelioma is, not only for the patient, but for their entire family. Answering patient questions, explaining options and sometimes just listening to a patient and their loved one is the number one reason why I’m here.”
– Amy Fair, Registered Nurse with Simmons Hanly Conroy

Asbestos Trust Funds

Some manufacturers of asbestos products declared bankruptcy to avoid mesothelioma lawsuits. Since bankrupt asbestos companies can’t be sued, these companies were forced to set aside money in trust funds to pay those with asbestos-related diseases.

Over $30 billion is estimated to be available in asbestos trust funds as of 2024. Our attorneys can file asbestos trust fund claims to help patients access a portion of this money.

The Simmons Hanly Conroy team deeply understands the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Chairman and founder John Simmons is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours as a combat engineer.

“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.”
– John Simmons, Chairman & U.S. Army Veteran

Our mesothelioma attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping veterans and civilians with mesothelioma access the compensation they’re rightfully owed.

It costs nothing upfront to work with our team — we only get paid if you do. Most of our clients start to receive compensation in 3 months or less.