November 11, 1918 marked the end of the most destructive and far-reaching war of its time — World War I. Over the years, the milestone has commemorated the truce that ceased hostilities between Allied nations and Germany, the cause of world peace, and the bravery which drove soldiers to the Great War. Today November 11 is nationally recognized as Veterans Day,a day where we uplift and celebrate American veterans of all wars and hardships. While on this day men and women who have served are thanked and remembered for their sacrifice, many of them suffer on a different front– exposure to asbestos from products encountered during their years of service.
Veterans and Mesothelioma
For many decades, manufacturers used asbestos like any other naturally-occurring and highly durable material used in construction – with consistent abundance. The toxic fiber was used extensively in navy ships and military bases built before the 1980s. After much research and evidence to support it, asbestos was officially identified as the only known cause of pleural mesothelioma.
When inhaled into the lungs, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring that may later develop into serious and fatal conditions, especially with prolonged exposure. The chance of disease is especially real for veterans, who make up approximately 30 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses in the U.S. each year. Though the military began prohibiting the use of asbestos in certain operations as early as the 1970s, many who were exposed decades ago have only been diagnosed with mesothelioma recently. The delayed diagnosis is because of the disease’s long latency period. It can take up to 50 years for symptoms to appear depending on the patient’s age and the duration of exposure.
How Can Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel Help Veterans Suffering from Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma has long been deemed a “service-connected” medical condition. With the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys, veterans can research their exposure and determine if filing a mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit is appropriate.
Though these veterans valiantly served our country, they now suffer from diseases that could have been prevented through corporate transparency and certified warnings about the asbestos-containing products supplied to the military.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented veterans and individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffer from a disease caused by asbestos like mesothelioma, we can help.