Veterans who served on ships know more about asbestos products than most. Louisiana Veterans not only faced potential asbestos exposure while in the military, but also following discharge. Many Veterans, especially those in Southeast Louisiana, were employed at shipyards, in pipefitting, carpentry, insulation work, demolition of old buildings, or other types of construction and manufacturing.
Veterans who suffer from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related health problems should consult with an attorney to address where they were exposed to asbestos, and during what time period. Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos both while in the military, and post-service, while working in a shipyard or industrial plant. In a nutshell, Veterans may need to file a claim for disability service connection with the VA or a civil lawsuit in state court, or potentially both. Because symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often do not appear until 20 to 50 years after the exposure, acting as soon as possible after diagnosis is critical. If you are a Veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, our office can assist you in determining your options for VA service connection, and ensuring you file within any state court limitations periods. Call (504) 235-4075 to discuss with our office.