Due to prolonged exposure to toxic materials like asbestos, many former Navy servicemen and civilians who worked at Alameda Naval Air Station were later diagnosed with serious lung diseases and cancers like mesothelioma. Contact a toxic exposure attorney to discuss your legal options and to file the proper VA asbestos exposure claims for compensation.
Who was at Cancer Risk at NAS Alameda?
Almost anyone who spent months or years on a naval base with toxic substances around was at risk of developing serious medical conditions and associated cancers. Those at particularly high asbestos exposure include pipefitters, plumbers, electricians, aircraft mechanics, maintenance crews, and any staff involved in construction and demolition.
Asbestos was widely used on many naval bases, not only in NAS Alameda. The material was once thought to be the ideal insulator because of its heat-resistant properties coupled with its abundance, light weight and durability. However, health safety experts finally caught on that the material is extremely toxic and can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and a number of other serious lung diseases.
What Compensation is Available for Alameda Naval Veterans?
Veterans who were exposed to toxins at any naval base and later diagnosed with a related cancer can file a VA claim and seek rightful compensation. The following damages may be sought by you and your attorney:
- Medical Expenses: victims of asbestos exposure can apply for the reimbursement and future cost of related illnesses, treatments, medications, consultations, and rehab programs.
- Lost wages: Any serviceman who is unable to serve any longer due to a service-related injury or illness can apply for full disability that should cover lost earnings in the past and future.
- Settlements and VA cancer claims can compensate families for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship and reduced quality of life.
More About Alameda Air Station
The massive Alameda Naval Air Station, now known as Alameda Point, is a defunct Navy installation located on Alameda Island in the City of Alameda. The base was first opened over a hundred years ago, and operated until it was closed, largely due to ground contamination and was eventually deemed an EPA Superfund site.
Solid wastes generated at the site were disposed of in two on-base landfills, and liquid industrial wastewaters generated prior to 1974 were discharged untreated into Seaplane Lagoon and the Oakland Inner Harbor. The Navy, with significant EPA oversight, has conducted investigations, cleanups and transition development of the area.
Wastes generated at Alameda included industrial solvents, acids, paint strippers, degreasers, caustic cleaners, pesticides, chromium and cyanide wastes, waste oils containing PCBs, radium associated with dial painting and stripping, medical debris, and asbestos.
The base was closed in 1997, and NAS Alameda was listed as a Superfund cleanup site on 22 July 1999. At least 25 locations on the naval base were identified as needing remediation.
