While many people may associate a mesothelioma diagnosis with those who worked in the construction or mining industries because of their contact with asbestos, many veterans may have faced exposure as well. Asbestos was used heavily in the 20th century. If veterans were exposed to asbestos during their service, they may receive a mesothelioma diagnosis later in life. While this diagnosis is incredibly difficult for a person to receive, as well as for their loved ones, there are actions they can take. If you or a loved one who served this country has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and the exposure occurred during the time of service, Frost Law Firm, PC can help fight for your rights.
Scott Frost served six years in the United States Army and is a graduate of United States Army Airborne School and Air Assault School. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division (First Team), and Third Corps. While on active duty, Scott helped soldiers and veterans obtain the benefits they earned through their service to their country. Because of this experience, Scott has continued to help veterans suffering from mesothelioma obtain benefits and is an Accredited Attorney for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
How Were Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?
Before the deadly long-term effects of asbestos were widely known, this material was heavily used because of its unique properties. Asbestos is fireproof, an effective insulator, and water-resistant. Veterans who served in the U.S. military before the 1970s may have been exposed because buildings, ships, shipyards, and other structures constructed during that time likely had asbestos involved in part of it. If at any time, those asbestos fibers were released into the air, those around it could easily inhale it and then the fibers are in their system—and asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma can develop years later.
Our law firm has provided mesothelioma for the following branches of the military:
If you served in Hawaii, you may have been stationed in one of the following areas:
- Aiea
- Barbers Point
- Hilo
- Honolulu
- Kapolei
- Kauai
- Keaau
- Kohala
- Lahaina
- Maui
- Molokai
- Nanakuli
- Oahu
- Pahala
- Papa Aloa
- Pearl Harbor
- Port Allen
It’s possible that if you or a loved one served in the military in one of these areas, you may have been exposed to asbestos and that could be the reason you’ve received a mesothelioma diagnosis. If you were in a different area but still developed mesothelioma, do not hesitate to reach out to our lawyers. We’ll discuss what happened and find a way to help you.
We’ll go over the benefits available to veterans with mesothelioma, what you need to do to receive those benefits and the advantages of having representation on your side. Let’s start with veterans’ benefits.
What Benefits Can Veterans Receive?
When you or a loved one is seeking financial aid for a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are some options available. Veterans can file a disability claim to collect benefits. They can also hold the party responsible for their exposure to asbestos and resulting illness with a lawsuit. When seeking these solutions, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer at your side who has helped others who have been in your situation. Let’s go over these ways you can get the benefits you deserve.
Disability Claim
When you file with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for disability benefits due to asbestos exposure, you have to meet some requirements. The contact with asbestos must have happened when you were serving in the military. You also must not have a dishonorable discharge.
The benefits from a disability claim can include health care and compensation. Your claim will have to include evidence that proves you’re eligible for these disability benefits. You’ll need medical records that show your diagnosis of mesothelioma, records of your service in the military, and you’ll also need a doctor’s statement that connects your illness or disability as a result of asbestos exposure during your time in the military.
While this may seem like a straightforward process, having a lawyer at your side will help ensure you have all the necessary documents to make a strong claim. If for some reason your claim is denied, you’ll have a professional in your corner to help contest that denial and move forward to getting you the benefits you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit
In addition to filing for disability, you can file a claim for losses and damages. Our lawyers will carefully investigate your case and go over when you were exposed, how you were exposed, and how the asbestos exposure is affecting your life now. Using medical records that show your diagnosis and required treatment, we’ll seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if you’re no longer able to work.
Another aspect of your claim will include other kinds of damages, like pain and suffering. Mesothelioma is an aggressive illness that can cut lives short. Intense treatments can slow its growth and extend life, but there isn’t a cure. This kind of news takes a huge toll on someone and their loved ones—especially when it happened because of negligence.
When you’re filing a claim, you need to make sure everything is filed properly and given to the right channels. Our lawyers will make sure everything is on time and done correctly so a technicality cannot jeopardize your claim. You’ll have peace of mind with experienced representation on your side.
Frost Law Firm, PC Is Here to Help You
Our law firm fiercely advocates for those who have been exposed to asbestos due to negligence. We realize how devastating this can be for those who served the country and were hurt will doing so. Our Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers will do everything possible to get you full and fair compensation. With this financial peace of mind, you can focus on the future and your care. To get started on your case, get in touch with our firm today for a free case evaluation. We can go over your options and find the best way for you to proceed.
