Page Updated noviembre 21, 2025

Asbestos Exposure in U.S. Shipyards: Legal Options for Veterans

Página revisada y editada por

Abogado de mesotelioma Paul Danziger

Many U.S. Navy veterans and civilian shipyard workers who served in and around naval shipyards have been exposed to asbestos during their careers. This exposure can lead to devastating illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases decades later. For veterans, understanding how shipyard asbestos exposure occurred and what legal options are available is critical for securing financial compensation and accessing VA benefits.

How Shipyard Asbestos Exposure Affected Navy Personnel

Asbestos was widely used in U.S. naval shipyards throughout much of the 20th century for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Materials containing asbestos appeared in boilers, piping systems, insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing. According to expert resources, ship components like machinery casings, bulkheads, and ceiling panels also contained asbestos.

The job roles most at risk included pipefitters, welders, machinists, insulators, electricians, and boiler workers. These workers frequently disturbed asbestos-containing materials during construction, maintenance, or repair, releasing microscopic fibers into the air in poorly ventilated ship compartments.

Navy veterans in confined onboard spaces, especially engine rooms and boiler compartments, were particularly vulnerable. Even civilians working in shipyards shared the same risks, since many asbestos products passed through these yards and were installed on naval vessels.

Long-Term Health Risks for Shipyard-Exposed Veterans

Mesothelioma, the Primary Risk

One of the most serious long-term consequences of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen, or heart. Studies show that a significant portion of mesothelioma diagnoses trace back to shipyard work or naval service.

Other Asbestos-Related Diseases

Beyond mesothelioma, veterans may face risks of:

• Asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue)
• cáncer de pulmón
• Pleural thickening and pleural plaques

The latency period for many asbestos-related diseases is long which is often 10 to 50 years. This means veterans may not show symptoms until decades after their exposure.

Legal and Benefits Options for Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

Navy veterans exposed to asbestos in shipyards have a few key routes to pursue compensation. These can help cover medical costs, loss of income, and other burdens. The two main paths are VA benefits and civil/shipyard claims.

VA Disability Benefits for Navy Mesothelioma and Asbestos Illnesses

Veterans can apply to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for asbestos-related illness claims. If service connection is proven, they may qualify for monthly disability compensation plus health care coverage through the VA.

Notably, mesothelioma and asbestos-induced lung cancer often qualify for a 100% disability rating. Veterans should work with VA-accredited representatives or mesothelioma attorneys to build a strong claim, thoroughly documenting their service, exposure, and medical records.

Civil Lawsuits and Shipyard Claims (Asbestos Trust Funds)

In addition to VA benefits, veterans may pursue legal claims against the companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos-containing materials used in shipyards or aboard Navy vessels. These are **not** claims against the military or federal government, but against private asbestos companies.

Many of the companies that once built asbestos parts have since declared bankruptcy and created asbestos trust funds. These funds exist solely to compensate individuals who were exposed to asbestos and later developed disease. Shipyard claims may cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or income
• Dolor y sufrimiento
• Wrongful death compensation for surviving family members

Working with experienced mesothelioma attorneys is essential. These lawyers help veterans identify which trust funds may apply, recognize the responsible asbestos suppliers, and file claims before statutes of limitations expire.

How Veterans Should Prepare and File a Shipyard Asbestos Claim

Here is a practical roadmap for veterans seeking compensation related to shipyard asbestos exposure:

1. Document Military and Shipyard Service: List ships you served on, yards you worked at, job titles, duties, and dates of service.
2. Collect Medical Records: Obtain diagnoses, pathology reports, imaging (X-rays, CTs), treatment history, and physician notes.
3. Link Exposure to Potential Defendants or Trust Funds: Share your service history with a mesothelioma lawyer, who can identify the asbestos suppliers or manufacturers relevant to your case.
4. File Your VA Claim: Submit a fully developed claim (FDC) to the VA if possible, including both service and medical evidence.
5. Submit Civil or Trust Fund Claims: With your attorney, file a lawsuit or trust fund claim while respecting statute-of-limitation deadlines.

On top of legal action, you may also find practical and emotional support through organizations and dedicated veteran resources. For example, the veterans section of Mesothelioma Lawyer Center offers guidance on legal representation, Beneficios del VA, and next steps after diagnosis.

Examples of High-Risk Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure Sites

Navy veterans exposed in various shipyards may qualify depending on where they served. Notable high-risk sites include:

• Astillero Naval de Washington, which historically manufactured munitions and used asbestos in insulation, sealants, and fireproofing.
• Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where studies showed workers like pipe coverers and insulators had significant pulmonary abnormalities linked to asbestos.

These shipyard index pages help veterans determine whether their service location is associated with known asbestos risk, which is essential when filing exposure or trust fund claims.

Time Is of the Essence for Shipyard Asbestos Claims

Proactive action is critical for veterans facing asbestos-related illnesses. While mesothelioma and other diseases may take decades to appear, legal and benefits opportunities can be time limited. Many trust fund claims and civil lawsuits require filing within a time window defined by the statute of limitations.

By starting the process early, gathering documentation, contacting experienced mesothelioma attorneys, and submitting VA claims — veterans protect their rights and improve their chances of maximizing compensation.

“Exposure to asbestos causes most cases of mesothelioma.”

– Center for Disease Control and Prevention

For legal support and a better understanding of your rights, reach out to Centro de abogados especializados en mesotelioma today. Trained mesothelioma attorneys understand how to navigate both VA claims and asbestos trust fund filings on behalf of veterans and their families.

Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.