Asbestos on Amphibious Warships

About Asbestos on Amphibious Warships

Asbestos was used to build amphibious warships because the mineral resisted heat and corrosion and kept the vessels seaworthy.

Navy amphibious warships served as light aircraft carriers and supported military forces on the ground by carrying troops and supplies, so they needed to be durable and fireproof.

Crew members who served on these ships or maintained them may have unknowingly breathed in or inhaled asbestos fibers. When asbestos fibers enter the body, they become lodged there and can cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening diseases 10-50 years later.

Key Facts for Asbestos on Amphibious Warships

• Health risks: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos diseases
• High-risk areas: Engine and boiler rooms
• High-risk jobs: Machinists, pipefitters, boiler tenders, shipbuilders, and welders
• Uses: Adhesives, gaskets, fireproofing materials, pipe insulation, paints, pumps, and valves

Mesothelioma Hope can help veterans with mesothelioma from asbestos on amphibious warships access VA benefits, connect with mesothelioma specialists, and more. Get started by downloading our Free Veterans Compensation Guide.

This is not a complete list — many other amphibious warships had asbestos materials onboard. Use our Navy ship search below to find out if any naval ships you served on contained asbestos.

Why Did the U.S. Navy Use Asbestos on Amphibious Warships?

The U.S. Navy used asbestos products to build and maintain amphibious warships since these materials were strong, light, and could withstand high temperatures.

Despite its benefits and widespread use, the health risks associated with asbestos were not fully understood at the time.

By the early 1980s, the Navy had stopped using asbestos on amphibious warships and other vessels due to mounting evidence of the dangers. Extensive renovation projects were later undertaken to remove asbestos from these and other Navy ships.

Sadly, these safety measures came too late for many U.S. Navy veterans who had already been exposed to asbestos on amphibious warships.

Asbestos Products Found on Navy Amphibious Warships

Thousands of asbestos products were used in the construction, repair, and maintenance of Navy amphibious warships and other Navy ships due to their fireproofing and insulation properties.

These asbestos products included:

• Adhesives
• Deck and hull coverings
• Electrical equipment and wiring
• Fireproofing materials
• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Paints
• Pipes
• Sealants
• Valves

Veterans who worked with or in the vicinity of these materials before the early 1980s may have breathed in or swallowed microscopic fibers, causing them to develop asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma today.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos on Amphibious Warships?

Asbestos exposure on amphibious warships was widespread, putting countless crew members in danger. However, those who worked certain jobs may have come in contact with asbestos on a daily basis.

High-risk Navy amphibious warship jobs included:

• Boiler room workers
• Electricians
• Engine room workers
• Insulators
• Machinists
• Mechanics
• Pipefitters and plumbers
• Welders

Compensation for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos on Amphibious Warships

Former military service members with mesothelioma from asbestos on amphibious warships may be eligible for compensation from several sources. Learn more about mesothelioma compensation options below.

VA Benefits

Veterans with mesothelioma may be entitled to benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including tax-free disability compensation of nearly $4,000 a month.

Other VA benefits include:

• Free or low-cost VA health care
• In-home care
• Pensions
• Survivor benefits

Mesothelioma Hope works with VA-accredited attorneys who can help you file for VA benefits or increase your existing benefits. Get our Free Veterans Compensation Guide right now to take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits award over $1 million on average, which can be used to help pay for medical care, living expenses, and unexpected costs.

If a loved one has passed away from an asbestos disease, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to pursue compensation for lingering medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and pain and suffering.

These lawsuits are filed against companies that manufactured asbestos products without warning of the dangers of asbestos. The military or government is never sued, and taking legal action does not impact your right to VA benefits.

Asbestos Trust Funds

There’s an estimated $30 billion sitting in bankruptcy trusts created by asbestos companies that wanted to stay in business but avoid lawsuits.

Navy personnel who developed mesothelioma from asbestos on amphibious warships may be able to access money from multiple asbestos trust funds, maximizing their potential payout.

Asbestos trust fund claims don’t require you to appear in court, and many veterans get their first payouts within 90 days.

Find out if you can access asbestos trust fund money right now.

Settlement Amounts for Asbestos on Amphibious Warships

Nearly all mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court, providing asbestos victims with quicker access to much-needed compensation.

While the average mesothelioma lawsuit settlement is over $1 million, our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, has recovered much larger payouts for many veterans.

Settlements for veterans exposed to asbestos on amphibious warships includes:

• $3.84 million for a Navy machinist mate from Illinois with peritoneal mesothelioma after serving on the USS Point Defiance
• $3.78 million to a Pennsylvania Navy veteran with mesothelioma who was a gunner’s mate on the USS Lloyd S Carlson and USS David Stone
• $2.98 million for a Navy veteran from West Virginia who developed pleural mesothelioma after spending time aboard the USS Valley Forge
• $2.7 million to an Arizona Navy veteran who worked as an electrician’s mate on the USS Hamul, USS Lea, and USS Duluth before developing pleural mesothelioma
• $2.69 million for a Kansas Marine veteran with mesothelioma who spent 4 months on the USS Sumter doing electrical repairs

Seeking help from a VA-accredited lawyer specializing in asbestos-related claims can help veterans navigate the complex legal process.

Help for Veterans With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Hope is proud to help amphibious warship veterans who got sick after bravely serving our country.

Our team of Patient Advocates, VA-accredited claims agents, and asbestos attorneys are dedicated to supporting you and your family during this difficult time.

They can help you:

• File for VA disability benefits worth nearly $4,000 per month
• Connect with top doctors in the VA health care system
• Seek legal compensation averaging over $1 million

Call (866) 608-8933 right now or request our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get started.