U.S. Navy Veteran & Industrial Worker || Seven-Figure Compensation
Case Overview
This case involves a U.S. Navy veteran with decades or work in an industrial setting. The victim was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma 40 years prior to his occupational and military exposure. He also had exposure to asbestos through his hobbies and home remodeling projects.
Cases like this demonstrate how primary and secondary exposure, sustained over time, can result in severe asbestos cancer. It also was a text book example of the victim and the family not being aware of the exposure until it was too late.
Occupational & Exposure Summary
Naval Service (Early 1960s)
• Assignment aboard a U.S. Navy ammunition and repair vessel
• Work in combined engine and boiler spaces
• Operation and maintenance of pumps, evaporators, generators, and piping
• Removal and replacement of gaskets and packing materials
• Proximity exposure during multiple dry-dock overhauls involving shipyard contractors
Industrial Manufacturing (1970s–1990s)
• Employment at large-scale industrial facilities producing wood products, paper goods, and aluminum containers
• Participation in seasonal maintenance shutdowns
• Hands-on work involving gaskets, brakes, ovens, and legacy equipment
• Exposure during contractor-led repairs and equipment teardown
Commercial Construction (Late 1960s–Early 1970s)
• Union commercial construction work
• Scaffold and form construction near steam systems and industrial equipment
• Repeated bystander exposure during installation of insulated mechanical systems
Medical Diagnosis
The individual was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma more than four decades after initial exposure. The latency period aligns with established epidemiological data linking asbestos exposure to mesothelioma.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
The case required detailed investigation into 3 decades of exposure including:
✓ Naval vessel research
✓ Task-level exposure analysis
✓ Identification of historically asbestos-containing components
✓ Corroboration through occupational patterns and industry standards
The evidence demonstrated the victim had extensive asbestos exposure for over 30 years which was more than sufficient to cause asbestos lung disease and mesothelioma. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers built this multi-decade exposure profile.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
The matter resulted in a confidential multi-million dollar recovery, derived from multiple responsible entities tied to asbestos-containing equipment and materials.
Compensation was based on multiple asbestos product manufacturers failure to warn about the dangers of asbestos, pain and suffering, loss of income, and ultimately wrongful death. Resolution was achieved without trial because the product manufacturers elected to settle versus risking a much larger loss via a jury verdict.
Key Takeaway
Mesothelioma is rarely caused by a single exposure and unfortunately every time an individual has an exposure event, it increases the likelihood of asbestos related disease. The asbestos manufacturers made incredible amounts of profits and overlooked employee and consumer safety. Even though the family received several millions in compensation, they would have given it all back to have their loved one with them a little longer.
Families often don’t realize they may qualify for compensation until it’s too late get your case evaluated today!