Protecting Those Who Served: Understanding Asbestos Exposure Risks for U.S. Air Force Veterans:
Are you a U.S. Air Force veteran? If so, you may have been exposed to asbestos, notably if you served between 1930 and the 1980s. Here we explain why U.S. Air Force veterans are at risk and what steps to take if you or a loved one have an asbestos-related injury.
Asbestos Injury and Disease in the Military
Asbestos is a tough and durable fibrous material with heat-resistant qualities. Unsurprisingly, it was used in Air Force machinery, tools, construction, and apparatus - especially in the period between the 1930s and 1980s. Here are some areas where asbestos was prevalent:
- Airplane Engine Components: Asbestos was used in aircraft engine parts, posing a risk to maintenance and repair workers.
- Brake Lining: Asbestos was a common component in brake linings, potentially exposing individuals during maintenance activities.
- Cockpits: Asbestos could be present in the construction and insulation of aircraft cockpits.
- Insulation: Asbestos was widely used in various Air Force equipment and facilities.
- Wiring: Asbestos-containing materials may have been used in electrical wiring within Air Force installations.
- Construction of Air Bases and Training Facilities: Asbestos was utilized in constructing military bases and training facilities, contributing to the risk of exposure.
The danger is that when inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can settle into the body’s tissues. As a known carcinogen, asbestos fibers are toxic to humans and can cause various types of cancer if the exposure is frequent or at high levels.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining around various organs, including the abdominal cavity, heart, and lungs. This cancer is aggressive and, most often, fatal. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, therefore Air Force and other military veterans are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Warning signs of possible asbestos-related injuries, including mesothelioma, include:
- Breathlessness
- Dry cough
- Fever and malaise
- Swollen, clubbed fingertips
- Tiredness
- Wheezing
Seek prompt medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms and could have been exposed to asbestos.
Compensation for Air Force Veterans Exposed to Asbestos
To get compensated for asbetos-related injuries, Air Force veterans can claim VA benefits and file a personal injury claim. These two paths are not mutually exclusive. You can often claim VA benefits and file a lawsuit.
- VA Benefits: If you were exposed to asbestos during your service in the Air Force, and you have an asbestos injury, you can claim VA benefits. These are monthly, tax-free payments to help support you.
- Personal Injury Claim: A personal injury claim lets you file a claim against the manufacturer or company responsible for your asbestos exposure.
If a company is now bankrupt, you may also be able to claim compensation through an asbestos trust fund. In all cases, though, there may be strict time limits for filing an exposure claim. Call Madeksho Law Firm for assistance.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Claims
Household members and loved ones are also at risk of asbestos illness due to what’s known as “secondary” asbestos exposure. This is exposure through the shedding of asbestos fibers from clothes and other textiles.
These symptoms may not appear for decades after the exposure, making secondary exposure claims complex. Madeksho Law can help determine if you have a case and can get compensation. Call us at 888-910-MESO (6376).
Were You Exposed to Asbestos?
It’s difficult to say for sure if you were exposed to asbestos when serving in the Air Force, however, exposure is more likely if you:
- Worked directly with asbestos materials or components.
- Trained in air force bases built before 1980.
- Lived in military accommodation built before 1980.
However, any veteran could have been exposed to asbestos during military service. You should ask your doctor about asbestos exposure tests if you’re concerned about your exposure risks, especially if you have any of the respiratory symptoms described above.
Contact our Experienced Military Asbestos Attorneys
At Madeksho Law Firm, every veteran counts. We understand just how heartbreaking asbestos injury and disease can be, and we’re committed to seeking justice for our clients. Our managing partners grew up around the families of asbestos workers, giving us a personal understanding of the issues that matter to our clients. As a team, we will do everything possible to get military veterans and their loved ones the compensation they deserve.
As we work on a “no win, no fee” basis, there’s no risk in contacting us. Every consultation is free, and if you have a case, we’ll explain your legal options and next steps. We’re standing by, waiting to help. Contact us now at 888-910-6376 or complete our contact form.
