Navy Mesothelioma Lawsuits | Justice for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos

Many U.S. Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos on ships and in shipyards. If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue legal claims against the asbestos companies responsible

Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma: What You Need to Know

For decades, asbestos was used extensively across U.S. Navy ships and shipyards. Veterans serving between the 1930s and 1980s were often exposed daily – in boiler rooms, engine rooms, sleeping quarters, and during ship repairs. Today, Navy veterans account for the majority of mesothelioma cases in the U.S.

If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma after Navy service, you may be eligible to pursue legal compensation from the asbestos manufacturers responsible for supplying contaminated materials.

Navy veterans make up the largest group of mesothelioma patients.
Asbestos was used in nearly every ship built before the 1980s.
Veterans may pursue asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.

Free Mesothelioma Consultation

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Do You Qualify for a Navy Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

If you served in the U.S. Navy and later developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue legal claims against asbestos manufacturers. Many Navy veterans also apply separately for VA disability benefits, but our firm focuses on lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Veterans who served on ships or in shipyards built before the 1980s often meet asbestos exposure criteria.

Medical Criteria

Most Navy veterans qualify if they meet at least one of the following:

Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular)
Diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis that progressed to malignancy
History of asbestos exposure while serving aboard a Navy ship or in a Navy shipyard
Latency period of 20–50 years between service and diagnosis
No other known cause for cancer outside of asbestos

Service & Documentation

Our legal team helps veterans prove exposure even if records are incomplete. Helpful evidence includes:

Official military personnel files (OMPF), including DD214 discharge papers
Navy Personnel Records such as NAVPERS 1070/604 (Enlisted Qualification History) and NAVPERS 1070/605 (History of Assignments)
Ship logs, deck logs, or historical data showing asbestos use on vessels
Medical reports confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis
Biopsy or pathology reports, and in some cases autopsy findings
Radiology or imaging reports (CT scans, X-rays)
Statements or affidavits from shipmates or co-workers verifying asbestos exposure
Medical bills and treatment records
Personal timeline of symptoms and impact on daily life

Even if you’re unsure about your records, our team can help request ship history, VA files, and other documentation to confirm eligibility upon acceptance of your case.
Request a Free Navy Mesothelioma Case Review →

Mesothelioma Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Because asbestos exposure on Navy ships often went undetected for decades, many veterans are only now experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions, which can delay proper diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Persistent Chest Pain

Shortness of Breath

Pleural Effusion (Fluid Buildup)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Abdominal Pain & Swelling

Nausea or Vomiting

Unexplained Weight Loss

Recently diagnosed? Find out your legal options now →

ALERT: Navy veterans should inform their doctors about possible asbestos exposure during service. Mentioning duty aboard a Navy ship or work in a shipyard can help physicians evaluate mesothelioma more quickly and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

Navy Asbestos Exposure & Legal Timeline

Asbestos was used on nearly every U.S. Navy ship for much of the 20th century. Understanding when exposure occurred – and when legal options became available – helps Navy veterans and families know their rights today.

1930s – 1980s

1930s – 1980s: Heavy Asbestos Use on Navy Ships

Asbestos was widely used in boiler rooms, engine rooms, piping, insulation, sleeping quarters, and shipyards. Veterans serving during this period were at the highest risk of exposure.

1970s

1970s: First Safety Regulations Issued

The U.S. government acknowledged asbestos dangers and OSHA introduced workplace exposure limits – but Navy ships already contained tons of asbestos materials.

1980s

1980s: Asbestos Phased Out of New Ships

Navy ship construction began moving away from asbestos, but older vessels remained in service for decades, continuing to expose sailors.

1990s–2000s

1990s–2000s: VA Benefits & Lawsuits Expand

Veterans became eligible for VA disability benefits for mesothelioma, while lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers expanded through multi-district litigation (MDLs).

2025

Today: Navy Veterans Filing Lawsuits Nationwide

Compensation in mesothelioma cases varies widely depending on exposure history, medical documentation, and available trust funds. Many Navy veterans and families have successfully pursued lawsuits against asbestos companies. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

If you served in the Navy between the 1930s and 1980s and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue legal claims for compensation.

Navy Veteran Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? We Can Help.

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Navy and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to pursue legal claims against the asbestos manufacturers responsible. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding asbestos companies accountable – and helping Navy families seek financial recovery.

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With over 30 years of experience and more than $100 million recovered, The Johnson Law Firm has stood up to asbestos manufacturers nationwide. We proudly fight for Navy veterans and their families.

Real Results for Navy Veterans

“These guys sure helped me out after I got diagnosed”
— LeRoy R.
1935 – 2008 | U.S. Navy Retired
Former National President of the Retired Enlisted Association
Member VFW, DAV, and American Legion

LeRoy Riddell, retired U.S. Navy veteran and national veteran association leader, navy mesothelioma lawsuit client testimonial

How a Navy Mesothelioma Lawsuit Works

When Navy veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s usually decades after service aboard ships or in shipyards where asbestos was used extensively. Veterans can file lawsuits against the asbestos manufacturers that supplied dangerous materials to the military – through lawsuits against the asbestos manufacturers that supplied dangerous materials to the Navy.

Exposure Documentation: We review Navy service records, ship logs, and shipyard assignments to prove asbestos exposure.
Medical Evidence: Pathology reports, scans, and doctor testimony confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis tied to asbestos.
Causation Evidence: We document your work history, environmental contact, pathology reports, and expert testimony to tie your diagnosis directly to specific asbestos products or job sites.
Liability Theories:
Failure to Warn: Manufacturers knew asbestos was dangerous but withheld warnings.
Defective Products: Insulation, gaskets, and piping exposed sailors to unsafe fibers.
Negligent Misrepresentation: Companies misled the Navy and the public about asbestos safety.
Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies that supplied asbestos to the Navy filed bankruptcy and created trust funds to compensate victims.
Settlements vs. Trial: Most Navy mesothelioma cases resolve through settlements or trust fund claims, but trials remain an option if necessary.
Contingency Fee Promise: You pay nothing upfront – we only collect if we secure compensation for you.
VA Benefits: Many Navy veterans are eligible for disability benefits and healthcare through the VA. While our firm does not file VA claims directly, these benefits can often be pursued separately alongside lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.

Results-Driven Representation:
With decades of toxic-tort and asbestos litigation experience, The Johnson Law Firm helps Navy veterans and their families pursue lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims against the companies responsible, fighting to maximize compensation from every available source.

Our Navy Mesothelioma Lawsuit Process

At The Johnson Law Firm, we guide Navy veterans and their families through every step of a mesothelioma claim – focusing on asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuit strategies to maximize recovery. Many veterans also apply separately for VA benefits, but our firm does not file VA claims directly.

Our Process:

Free Case Review: We review your medical history, Navy service records, and ship assignments at no cost. Even if you don’t have complete records, our team can help locate ship logs and exposure evidence.
Exposure & Medical Record Gathering: If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, we can help obtain Navy personnel files, shipyard documents, and medical records to establish a clear connection between your service and asbestos exposure.
Expert Medical & Toxicology Consultants: We work with leading pulmonologists, oncologists, and industrial hygienists to provide airtight evidence linking asbestos exposure aboard Navy ships to your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Asbestos Trust Funds & Litigation: Many asbestos companies that supplied the Navy filed for bankruptcy and created trust funds to compensate victims. We prepare and file claims with these trusts and, when appropriate, pursue lawsuits against non-bankrupt defendants.
VA Benefits: Many Navy veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits, but our firm does not file VA claims directly. We focus on pursuing lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims against the asbestos companies responsible for exposing service members to asbestos.
Settlement Negotiations & Trial Advocacy: We negotiate aggressively with asbestos companies and trust funds for the highest possible settlement – but we’re ready to go to trial if necessary.
Contingency-Fee Promise: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

For more than 30 years, The Johnson Law Firm has fought for Navy veterans and their families affected by asbestos exposure. We focus on pursuing your case so you can focus on your health and your family.

Navy Mesothelioma Lawsuit FAQs

Yes. While do not sue the U.S. Navy or government directly, you can file claims against the asbestos manufacturers that supplied unsafe materials to Navy ships. Many veterans also qualify for VA disability benefits alongside a private lawsuit.

While many Navy veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits, our firm does not file VA claims directly. We focus on pursuing lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. We can, however, coordinate legal action while you pursue VA benefits separately.

Boiler technicians, pipefitters, machinist’s mates, welders, electricians, and shipyard workers had the highest exposure risk. However, anyone who served aboard ships built before the 1980s may have been exposed.

Compensation for mesothelioma cases varies widely depending on factors such as service history, asbestos exposure records, medical documentation, and available trust funds. Some Navy veterans and families have obtained significant financial recoveries through lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. However, every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Helpful documentation includes:

Navy service records and ship assignments
Medical reports confirming diagnosis
Ship logs or asbestos exposure data
Statements from shipmates or co-workers

Statutes of limitations vary by state, usually 1–3 years from diagnosis. Veterans should act quickly to preserve their legal rights.

We work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront – we only get paid if we win compensation for you.

For more general information about mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos litigation, visit our Mesothelioma Lawsuit page.

Navy Veteran or Family Member? Get Your Free Mesothelioma Case Review

Our legal team is currently helping U.S. Navy veterans and their families pursue legal compensation through asbestos lawsuits and trust fund claims. We offer free legal consultations with no obligation.