Page Updated January 1, 2026

Navy Veteran and Firefighter Diagnosed with Mesothelioma Seeks Justice

Page Reviewed and Edited by

Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

Couple Blames Decades of Asbestos Exposure for His Mesothelioma

Shortly after his mesothelioma diagnosis, Mr. and Mrs. Read acted quickly to get justice for the negligence they blamed for his fatal illness. Their claim cites his several years of Navy service aboard the USS Agerholm and the USS Prichett, where he worked as a boiler technician, as well as his decades of working as a firefighter. He worked for the Brea Fire Department in Brea, California, from 1967 to 1972, and the Santa Fe Springs Fire Department in Santa Fe Springs, California, from 1972 to 1996.

The couple has cited dozens of companies for negligence, accusing them of having been aware of asbestos’s toxicity and link to mesothelioma but failing to take precautions and warn those exposed to products and materials that contained the carcinogen.

Mesothelioma Victim Worked as a Boiler Technician in the Navy

Today, it is well known that asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, but in the 1960s, when the mesothelioma victim served aboard Navy ships, the information had not been relayed to the public. However, the companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing materials for those ships had known of the dangers for decades and chose to keep the information quiet, leading to countless Navy veterans being sickened by exposure to the material. Mr. Read was exposed while the ships were sailing, as well as when they were docked and being maintained in California shipyards. He was also exposed to asbestos-containing materials while he worked as a firefighter.

The Reads are seeking compensation for the harms that they’ve suffered as a result of the companies’ negligence and failure to warn. The case is still in the discovery process.

Mr. Read’s story underscores a broader truth: veterans and first responders remain among the most at-risk groups for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Navy veterans and those who worked in shipyards or boiler rooms are especially vulnerable due to extensive asbestos use on military vessels throughout the 20th century. Likewise, firefighters often encountered asbestos in burning buildings or rescue scenarios. As more families come forward seeking accountability, these cases not only shine a light on past negligence but also serve as urgent reminders for at-risk individuals to seek medical evaluations and explore their legal rights. If you or a loved one served in a similar capacity and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation through trust funds, VA benefits, or legal claims. A no-cost case evaluation can clarify your options and help you act within critical time limits.