Virginia Navy Shipyard Asbestos Exposure: What You Need to Know!

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a terminal form of lung cancer that can take years or even decades to develop noticeable symptoms. In Virginia, Navy shipyard asbestos exposure is one of the most commonly cited causes of mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you need to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer right away to help you pursue compensation.

What to Do After Virginia Navy Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

One of the largest shipyards in the United States is the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. Shipyards and shipbuilding facilities have historically been hot spots for asbestos exposure in the United States due to the high amounts of asbestos not only used in the construction of these facilities, but also in the ships themselves.

Mesothelioma isn’t a very common type of cancer, but due to the fact that it takes a very long time for the disease to show noticeable symptoms, there are thousands of cases diagnosed each year resulting from asbestos exposure that happened years ago. There were about 2,800 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States during 2021, the most recent year with available data.

This type of cancer is incurable and terminal. One of the most troubling aspects of this form of cancer is the fact that by the time noticeable symptoms appear, the disease has already likely reached a critical stage. The average five-year survival rate for all stages of mesothelioma is only 15%, according to the American Cancer Society.

The first signs and symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic the appearance of less serious medical conditions like pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses. Unfortunately, the disease progresses very slowly, and serious symptoms may not appear for a very long time, and by then, the disease has likely spread to various regions of the body.

After you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of Virginia Navy shipyard asbestos exposure, it is crucial to hire an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. They can help you accurately determine the most likely source of your condition and help you pursue compensation for your damages. Depending on how you developed this disease, you could have multiple recovery options available to you.

Claiming Compensation for Virginia Navy Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

Thousands of companies throughout the United States have been required to create mesothelioma injury trusts to pay those who have developed this cancer due to their products and operations. Each year, these trusts continue to pay benefits to those diagnosed with mesothelioma, and it is possible that you could qualify to file such a claim.

For military service members who were exposed to asbestos during their years of service, military benefits may be available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is also possible for those who have been exposed to asbestos while working to claim workers’ compensation benefits, and some may have grounds for personal injury claims against the specific parties responsible for their exposure.

Ultimately, receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be incredibly difficult news for any family. Navigating your legal options after your diagnosis will be challenging without an experienced attorney’s help, and the right attorney may be able to help you recover substantial compensation for your damages. The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience handling these cases for Virginia clients, so reach out to our firm today and learn how we can help with your case.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Liability for Asbestos Exposure?

Proving liability for asbestos exposure requires accurately identifying the source of the exposure. Because mesothelioma can take years or even decades to cause noticeable symptoms, it can be extremely challenging without an attorney’s help. If you developed mesothelioma because of Virginia Navy shipyard asbestos exposure, an attorney could help you identify the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused your condition.

What Damages Can I Claim for Mesothelioma in Virginia?

The damages you can claim for mesothelioma in Virginia could include all medical expenses related to your diagnosis, including the cost of future medical care and palliative treatment you will need as the disease reaches its final stages. You can also potentially recover compensation for lost income and lost earning potential, and a good attorney may be able to secure compensation for your pain and suffering.

Is Mesothelioma Curable?

No, mesothelioma is an incurable form of lung cancer. Once asbestos fibers enter the lungs, they can cause mesothelioma to gradually develop over time. The disease may progress more rapidly with intense and/or repeated exposure to asbestos, and it may also progress more rapidly for those who have a genetic predisposition to cancer. Once it develops, the only treatment consists of managing symptoms and preserving quality of life as much as possible.

Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Virginia?

You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer in Virginia to have a better chance of success with your case. It can be very difficult to accurately determine the source of the asbestos exposure that caused your condition, and you will have a limited time to pursue a claim after your diagnosis. Hiring an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of building a successful case and maximizing your compensation.

Can I Claim Disability Benefits for Mesothelioma in Virginia?

Yes, it is possible to claim disability benefits for mesothelioma in Virginia, depending on how you acquired the disease and the specific details of your situation. Those who are exposed to asbestos at work and develop mesothelioma may qualify for disability benefits from workers’ compensation insurance, and Social Security Disability is available to those who cannot work due to an incurable disease. Veterans may also receive VA benefits for mesothelioma.

The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases in Virginia and many other states. If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of Virginia Navy shipyard asbestos exposure, we can help you determine your most viable legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we offer for asbestos exposure cases in Virginia.