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With Veterans Day having passed in November, it is important that all of our military veterans be lauded for their efforts to keep us safe from harm — which makes the freedoms we enjoy as Americans possible.
Sadly, however, many older veterans are struggling in the last years of their lives because after years of service, they were exposed to asbestos and now have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma lawyers have seen how service in the military has turned into a struggle to breath and we worry about the future for many of our veterans. Many ships and shipyards and other military installations used asbestos for decades.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used for insulation on buildings, coating for pipes, in brake pads, floor and ceiling tiles and other products. It was used extensively in the United States from the early 20th Century until around 1991, when studies conclusively showed that the effects of asbestos are life-threatening.
Asbestos exposure can lead to cancerous tumors forming on the walls and lining of major organs. After years of developing, they can spread throughout the body like other forms of cancer.
Mesothelioma has no cure. Researchers know that it is caused by exposure to asbestos, but they don’t know how to cure people who have it. In fact, it’s deadly 100 percent of the time. And given that a person can be exposed to a small amount of asbestos and live with the cancer for 30 years without knowing it, linking sickness to exposure can be challenging.
National Public Radio recently interviewed a veteran suffering from mesothelioma. Frank Currie, a Navy veteran who was stationed at Pearl Harbor, witnessed the attacks aboard the USS Tennessee.
He said he saw the USS Arizona get hit with a bomb and shoot 12 to 15 feet in the air. He said he wishes he could forget the death he witnessed that day, but he can’t.
And along with suffering haunting memories of one of the darkest days in U.S. history, Currie suffers from mesothelioma. The article doesn’t say whether his mesothelioma was a result of his service in the U.S. Navy, but many Navy veterans have made the link.
No segment of the population has been hit harder from mesothelioma than our veterans. The Navy was one of the largest consumers of asbestos, using its fire-resistant nature to ensure that large fires didn’t break out in ships, causing them to sink.
But those who were around the flaky mineral may have survived their tour of duty only to realize decades later that nights working in boiler rooms or around other equipment inside a ship may have led to their death.
Our veterans should be honored all year, not just on one designated holiday. And they certainly deserve to be able to live healthy lives after serving, unlike many who have mesothelioma as a result of their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I prove my military service caused mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease?
We connect your asbestos exposure history to specific duty stations, shipyard roles, or asbestos products you encountered. Our team consults military archives, medical records, and industry experts to establish a clear link between your service and your mesothelioma diagnosis.
02.
Will legal action affect my VA benefits or VA disability rating?
Typically, no. Suing asbestos companies doesn’t impact your VA benefits since the VA’s determinations are separate. We’ll clarify any potential interactions so you can proceed with confidence, knowing you won’t jeopardize the support services you rely on.
03.
Are there other diseases related to asbestos exposure besides mesothelioma?
Yes. Veterans may face asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques, and other conditions that diminish lung function or cause chronic respiratory diseases. We incorporate these diagnoses into your claim, ensuring the compensation reflects all aspects of your health challenges.
04.
Does early diagnosis help my case?
Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and provide strong medical evidence for your claim. Identifying conditions like peritoneal mesothelioma or malignant pleural mesothelioma sooner can support more targeted treatments and may reinforce the validity of your legal claim.
05.
What if the companies responsible have declared bankruptcy?
Many have created asbestos trust funds for victims. Even if a company has changed ownership or finances, these trust funds remain a resource for compensation. We explore all options, ensuring no potential avenue for recovery is overlooked.
06.
Could family members be included in the claim?
Yes. If family members suffered other diseases due to secondhand exposure (for example, asbestos dust carried home on uniforms), their exposure may also be considered. We craft comprehensive strategies that seek justice for everyone affected.
07.
How long might my claim take?
Timelines vary. We balance a thorough investigation—possibly involving mineral commodity summaries, industrial records, and environmental protection agency data—with your need for timely results. We keep you updated so you’re never in the dark.
08.
Are there mental health resources available while I pursue my claim?
Coping with asbestos-related cancers, loss of lung function, and ongoing treatments can be emotionally taxing. While we focus on legal aspects, we encourage veterans to seek mental health support through VA programs, counseling services, or veteran support groups. Emotional well-being is as important as physical health.
09.
How does Ferraro Law support long-term advocacy?
We remain a resource even after your claim settles or is finalized in court. Should new exposures come to light, or if evolving medical research links your condition to previously unknown health hazards, our team stands ready to reassess your options, guide you through any VA claim adjustments, or consider filing additional claims if necessary.
10.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide, collaborating with local counsel when needed. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims means that we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
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When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
Stephanie and all the folks at the Ferraro Law Firm were professional and excellent in handling my case. Even more importantly they were very kind and treated me like family. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. Thank Y’all so much.
Matthew F.
Working with Daniel J. Di Matteo, Attorney and Partner at The Ferraro Law Firm was and is a life-changing forever experience. He is committed to a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is at the 100th percentile. Daniel handled everything with calmness, sensitivity and support that I needed through this difficult time. He always protected me and had my best interests. I am completely satisfied with the results.
If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
Harvey W.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
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