Between the 1930s and the 1970s, hundreds to thousands of veterans who served in the U.S. Army were exposed to asbestos, a material that was used extensively for insulation and fireproofing of military buildings or ships. Tragically, many of our servicemen did not know then the health risks of asbestos. As symptoms of mesothelioma begin to appear only decades after initial exposure, many of those who suffer from this disease are now elderly. To cope with the physical, emotional, and financial stress of dealing with this disease, veterans may file a lawsuit with the help of a reputable mesothelioma lawyer or apply for the Veterans Administration (VA).
Seeking Manufacturer’s Compensation
Filing a lawsuit may not only hold a company liable for causing exposure to asbestos, it may also help a victim receive monetary compensation to cover medical bills and loss of income.
When considering a lawsuit, choosing a reputable and experienced mesothelioma lawyer cannot be stressed enough. Since these lawsuits are complex, they require specialized skills. Many of the manufacturers of asbestos products in the 20th century were bought by other companies or have ended business. However, many have set up bankruptcy trust funds to compensate asbestos exposure victims. This is one reason why most asbestos-related cases end up in settlements. A lawyer who knows the ropes of asbestos lawsuits can be a victim’s best bet in getting fair compensation. If a victim decides to go to trial, he or she may be awarded money if the defendant is proven guilty of negligent or wrongful exposure.
VA Benefits
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can also receive compensation from the VA for injuries developed while serving in the Army or Navy. However, the paperwork involved in filing for VA benefits can be confusing and the filing process can be lengthy and complicated. A mesothelioma lawyer can help speed up the claims process. With medical bills and other financial needs mounting, a veteran cannot wait for months or even years for the VA to approve his claim. Even if the victim is only filing for VA benefits, getting assistance from a mesothelioma lawyer can help achieve additional compensation. He or she can help a veteran to secure documents that prove the illness is service-connected.
If a victim wants to learn more the legal options for compensation, attorneys at Baron and Budd have extensive experience handling asbestos-related cases. Please visit their website at www.mesotheliomanews.com to review the law firm’s track record. The website also contains plenty of invaluable information related to mesothelioma.
