Tully Rinckey PLLC has built a reputation for assisting veterans in a wide range of legal matters. The veterans of the United States military branches have served their country in times of war and peace, giving their time, effort and sometimes their lives as part of their service.
Mesothelioma, a disease with no known cure, has hit many U.S. veterans who have been repeatedly exposed to asbestos dust and asbestos-based products during their time in service. We believe that the veterans diagnosed with this disease should have a full understanding of their legal options.
Risk of asbestos exposure is especially severe for service members, as asbestos was frequently used on ships, shipyards, and in pipes and adhesives from the 1930s through the 1970s. Navy shipyard workers and machinery repairmen often face a higher risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. Veterans serving between 1940 and 1970 are at an increased risk due to the disease’s nature of development later in life.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that leads to the development of malignant cells in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma usually spreads rapidly through the mesothelial cells to the heart and abdominal organs. The life span ranges from 12 to 24 months after diagnosis, but can depend on when the cancer was detected and other factors.
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Nearly all cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos fiber inhalation. Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma has no known connection to smoking. The only established causal factor is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma has a latency period after asbestos exposure that ranges from 15 to 50 years. This means that someone who was exposed to asbestos over 40 years ago could be developing mesothelioma now.
Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Many newer treatments promise to improve a patient’s quality of life and longevity. However, the medical costs and emotional trauma associated with the disease can be extreme.
Many of the companies that manufactured asbestos are still in business today and liable for compensating victims of mesothelioma. If the person’s work history can be traced, the likelihood is that grounds for legal action against the asbestos manufacturer exist.
It’s a common belief among veterans suffering from mesothelioma that they have no legal recourse because they are barred from suing the government. However, veterans are free to sue the companies that manufactured and sold the asbestos. Furthermore, veterans are able to apply for VA benefits for asbestos-related disease if they can prove the exposure occurred during military service.
The amounts awarded in asbestos lawsuit settlements are based on many factors, such as the funds available, the duration and location of the asbestos exposure, and the patient’s overall health. An experienced attorney will know how to work with opposing counsel to ensure that the patient and his/her family receive the settlement they deserve.
If you or someone you know has mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, you or they may be entitled to a settlement from the asbestos manufacturer.
Choosing an attorney to represent you is a very personal decision. You should feel comfortable with the attorneys and staff at the law firm you deal with and be satisfied with the answers to your questions before you hire an attorney. Our firm collaborates with experienced asbestos litigation attorneys who apply the same values and morals to their work as our own firm.
Call Tully Rinckey at 8885294543 or email us at info@tullylegal.com to tell us your story and speak with an experienced asbestos litigation attorney today. You can also book your consultation online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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