The toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm are investigating new asbestos injury claims on behalf of former members of the Coast Guard. Thousands of veterans of the United States Coast Guard have served our nation with unwavering dedication, only to fall ill due to chronic toxic exposure to asbestos and several other industrial toxins during their years of service.
For decades, U.S. Coast Guard service members unknowingly faced asbestos exposure while serving on ships, in shipyards, and in various military facilities. Today, many veterans are discovering that their time in service led to serious and life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related illness after serving in the Coast Guard, you may have legal rights to pursue compensation. At The Lyon Firm, we believe that after you have spent your life protecting our country, you shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone.
A Coast Guard asbestos exposure lawyer can sit down with you to help you navigate VA benefits, trust fund claims, and lawsuits against the companies that made these dangerous products when you call (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form today.
“The Lyon Firm truly cares for their clients. From first call to last settlement check… they are a dependable law firm every step of the way. Joe and John are responsive and great to work with. Thank you!”
– Mitch T. | Client
The History of Asbestos Use in the U.S. Coast Guard
Asbestos was widely used in the construction and maintenance of Coast Guard ships from the 1930s through the late 1980s. The mineral’s fireproof and insulating properties made it an attractive material for shipbuilders — but also a dangerous one.
Because the Coast Guard is not as large as other military branches, such as the Navy, the presence of asbestos on these vessels was sometimes addressed later than in other branches. Many Coast Guard veterans and mesothelioma patients today are only just discovering the impact of those years spent in tight, poorly ventilated spaces.
Unfortunately, service members were rarely warned about the risks. Inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to severe health problems decades after exposure, meaning many veterans are only now being diagnosed.
Asbestos was commonly used as an insulator throughout Coast Guard vessels built before the 1990s. Asbestos was cheap, heat-resistant, durable, and widely available, making it very popular as a material used for insulating piping, boilers, and other ship components.
Coast Guard personnel, including mechanics, electricians, boiler maintenance crews, and others involved in vessel maintenance or repair, were often exposed to asbestos fibers during their service. It has been documented that asbestos fibers, when disturbed and inhaled, can lodge themselves in the lungs and stomach tissues, leading to serious health conditions years or even decades later.
Health Risks of Coast Guard Asbestos Exposure
For most Coast Guard veterans who later fall ill, the connection between occupational toxic exposure and their illness may not be immediately clear. Because symptoms of asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to appear, it’s not always easy to draw the link between past occupational exposure and current health conditions.
Several cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Other Cancers: Asbestos has been associated with asbestosis and cancers of the larynx, esophagus, bladder, stomach, and other organs.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 20 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Why Choose an Asbestos Lawyer for Veterans
Serving in the Coast Guard meant putting your life on the line to protect others. Many veterans never imagined that doing their duty could later lead to serious health issues from asbestos exposure.
The Lyon Firm offers free case reviews and consultations to evaluate your situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our attorneys have the resources and experience to pursue significant asbestos settlements. We’ve successfully represented veterans and other American workers harmed by asbestos and other industrial toxins. We understand the unique challenges older veterans face and provide compassionate, personalized legal support. Our goal is to pursue maximum compensation from all available sources, including VA benefits, trust funds, and lawsuits.
If you or a loved one served in the Coast Guard and is now facing an asbestos-related illness, don’t go through this alone. Call us at (513) 381-2333 or contact us online for a free case review.