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During the bankruptcy proceeding of a company that provided valves, gaskets and other products coated in asbestos for the U.S. Navy, a $75 million trust was established to help those who were exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma.
Our mesothelioma lawyers for years have been helping our U.S. veterans, who have suffered the effects of exposure to asbestos, which was once a popular material used in all kinds of residential and commercial construction, as well as naval uses and car parts. Companies that used this natural mineral found that it was dangerous to employees, but too often ignored those risks.
Researchers and doctors eventually discovered that exposure to asbestos was harmful to employees and others who may have been nearby. Asbestos is a flaky mineral that can easily become airborne and ingested.
A frustrating aspect of asbestos exposure that results in mesothelioma is that it can linger for years or decades inside a person without any outward symptoms. As the asbestos forms tumors and mesothelioma, the person may discover some of the symptoms — heavy coughing, fluid build-up and chest pain. By then, the cancer is typically in its later stages.
So, even though the cancer can take decades to form, once a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they live only an average of 12 months. For such a long-working form of cancer, it can kill quickly, once discovered. Researchers have been trying to develop treatment options that may result in a cure or at least a prolonging of life, but thus far haven’t found one.
As our Mesothelioma Lawyer Blog has reported recently, scientists are looking at many options to determine if there is a potential cure for this deadly cancer.
This is the situation that many of our veterans are in today. They served our country faithfully for years or decades, only to face a life-threatening health crisis later in life. Now, in retirement, they are suffering from illnesses that resulted from that service time.
Because of laws that are designed to protect the government from lawsuits, suing the Navy can be pointless due caps on damages. But companies that contracted with the Navy have been exposed to litigation.
In this case, it involves Leslie Controls, which provided gaskets, valves and other products containing asbestos between the 1940s and 1980s for the Navy. The company has been slammed with lawsuits, causing it to file for bankruptcy protection. As part of a recent reorganization plan, the company dedicated $75 million, placed into a trust, for victims who were exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos has been linked not only to mesothelioma but other respiratory illnesses as well. The company is protected from lawsuits while the bankruptcy proceeding is taking place, but experts believe the lawsuits will continue once the bankruptcy is completed.
This company understands that its products have harmed many people and killed others. Exposure to asbestos is dangerous and companies that regularly used it have been facing lawsuits from sick people and families of those who have died as a result. If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos during service in the armed forces, it is time to seek legal representation.
More Blog Entries:
U.S. Troops and Veterans At Risk For Mesothelioma: February 14, 2012
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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