North Carolina Merchant Mariners Mesothelioma Lawyer

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North Carolina Merchant Mariners Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney

Merchant mariners or retired merchant mariners who have served in the United States Merchant Marine do not have veteran status despite ongoing efforts to get that designation approved. Nonetheless, the U.S. Merchant Marine has played a key role in military operations as well as civilian endeavors. It consists of a fleet of civilian-owned American merchant vessels. Some are operated by the government; others are private operations.

Merchant Marines and Mesothelioma Claims — Jones Act

Merchant marines have been susceptible to asbestos-related diseases for many of the same reasons that longshoremen, Navy veterans and shipyard workers have often been affected. Namely, the ships and equipment that they work in and around contain numerous products made with or contaminated by asbestos. Pipes, decks, insulation, gaskets and heating systems on ships are a few of the best-known sources of asbestos that merchant mariners have been in contact with.

A merchant mariner who has become ill with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure in the profession may recover compensation through processes and sources spelled out in the Jones Act. The official name of the Jones Act is the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. It allows injured sailors to make claims and collect compensation from employers when injury has been a result of negligence by a ship’s owner or crew members.

Mesothelioma Litigation Law Firm Representing Merchant Mariners Exposed to Asbestos

Like members of the U.S. Navy, people serving in the Merchant Marine are at risk of asbestos exposure while serving on ships. Much of the equipment on Merchant Marine vessels, including the boilers, furnaces and pipes, were insulated with products containing asbestos, putting everyone on the ship at risk of exposure. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos while serving with the Merchant Marine, an experienced mesothelioma litigation attorney can help you explore your legal options.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we represent Merchant Marines and other people who have been exposed to asbestos and are now suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, our mesothelioma lawyers represent clients across the nation. Call 800-849-5291 for a free consultation.

Merchant Mariners and Mesothelioma

Because many boilers on today’s ships were manufactured decades ago, today’s Merchant Marines are still at risk of mesothelioma. The crew members at the highest risk are those serving below deck and those who directly interact with the asbestos-containing equipment. However, anyone on a Merchant Marine vessel is at risk of asbestos exposure, as the quarters are cramped, and the particles can spread to different parts of the ship.

Not only crew members are at risk. People who worked in the construction or maintenance of Merchant Marine vessels are also vulnerable to developing mesothelioma.

Today, many Merchant Mariners have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping Merchant Mariners obtain justice and compensation for the losses they have suffered due to mesolthelioma.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one served in the Merchant Marine and is now suffering from the effects of asbestos exposure, we can help. Our top priority is diagnosis and medical benefits for clients to begin life-extending treatment as soon as possible. Our attorneys also pursue injury and wrongful death damages for loss of income, the victim’s pain and suffering, and survivors’ loss of companionship and support.

Contact Our North Carolina Merchant Marines Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Asbestos exposure in merchant marines is one of many occupational triggers of mesothelioma that our law firm is well familiar with. Our lawyers are prepared to evaluate your case if you were a merchant marine and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Based in North Carolina, we represent clients nationwide. Call 800-849-5291 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Our skilled and caring mesothelioma attorneys will explain your rights and fight for you.