At Ferraro Law, we recognize that veterans have already given so much in service to our country. It’s especially unjust that many now face serious health challenges due to asbestos exposure during their time in the military. Veterans from various branches, particularly those who served in the Navy, worked as shipyard workers, or handled asbestos-containing materials in older facilities, may be at a heightened risk for malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Our mission is to stand by veterans and their families, helping them understand their rights, hold companies or employers responsible, and secure compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, emotional burdens, and long-term care needs.
Understanding Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure for Veterans
Understanding Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure for Veterans
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos comprises a group of minerals once widely used for fireproofing and insulation. Found in countless industrial and military applications, these fibers can lodge in lung tissue or the lining of the abdomen or heart. Over time, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause conditions like malignant mesothelioma, pleural thickening, and reduced lung function. Regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization have long recognized these health hazards.
What is Mesothelioma?
Who is at Risk?
Veterans from shipbuilding trades, mechanical repairs, or roles involving asbestos insulation or asbestos-containing materials face a higher risk of asbestos-related conditions. Even short-term exposure can lead to issues decades later, making it vital to connect the dots between past service and present illness.
Other Asbestos-Related Diseases Beyond Mesothelioma
While mesothelioma often receives the most attention, it’s not the only asbestos-related threat veterans face. Understanding these conditions helps you take the right steps to protect your health and secure compensation if warranted.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Over time, scarring in the lungs leads to shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Although not cancerous, asbestosis can severely impact quality of life and may make veterans more vulnerable to other conditions.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers. Veterans who encountered asbestos in shipyards or industrial settings may also be at a heightened risk for lung cancer. Early detection and medical imaging are crucial for improving outcomes.
Throat Caner
Asbestos exposure increases the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer, particularly for veterans in shipyards and construction. Symptoms like hoarseness, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing may signal serious concerns, making early detection essential.
Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening
Asbestos fibers can damage the pleura, causing pleural plaques or diffuse pleural thickening. These conditions limit lung capacity and may cause breathing difficulties or chest discomfort. Veterans with such findings likely will receive ongoing medical monitoring.
Other Conditions
Beyond these more common illnesses, asbestos exposure may contribute to various gastrointestinal issues and other diseases. Research in industrial medicine and occupational and environmental medicine continues to shed light on the connections between asbestos and rare health problems. Though less understood, these conditions should not be overlooked when seeking legal or medical guidance.
Legal Considerations for Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques, and other asbestos-related conditions can all warrant legal action if linked to service-related exposures. Even if you don’t have mesothelioma, you may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and reduced quality of life. Ferraro Law’s approach is comprehensive: we investigate your entire asbestos exposure history, identify all responsible parties, and pursue every possible path for recovery. By recognizing the full spectrum of asbestos-related diseases, we provide holistic support for veterans and their families.
40 Years of Fierce Representation
40 Years of Fierce Representation
How We Can Help You
How We Can Help You
Assessment & Consultation
We begin with a free consultation, listening carefully to your story. We review military records, job histories, and any details suggesting exposure to asbestos, whether aboard ships, at shore facilities, or through asbestos products used in maintenance or repair. By understanding the unique context of your case, we can outline legal options in plain, accessible language.
Tailored Legal Strategies
Every veteran’s experience is unique. Our attorneys and legal team will gather evidence, examine your medical records, and consider multiple avenues—from asbestos trust funds to direct claims against asbestos companies—to build a strategy that reflects your needs. Whether you were a shipyard worker exposed to white asbestos fibers, a Navy veteran working with bonded asbestos in engine rooms, or served in areas with asbestos materials, we craft a plan designed to maximize your potential recovery.
Ongoing Support & Communication
We understand the legal process can be overwhelming. Throughout your case, we keep open lines of communication, answer questions quickly, and help you understand how issues like VA benefits, VA health care, and VA disability rating may interact with your claim. Our goal is to empower you at every step, so you never feel uncertain or alone.
What We Handle
What We Handle
Ferraro Law assists veterans dealing with a broad range of asbestos-related challenges:
Navy and Shipyard Exposure
Navy veterans and shipyard workers often encountered asbestos-containing materials daily, from pipes and gaskets to floor tiles, brake linings, and asbestos insulation aboard ships. Decades later, this can lead to conditions like pleural mesothelioma and pleural thickening. We connect your service record to these exposures, holding responsible parties accountable.
Military Bases and Facilities
Older bases frequently contained chrysotile asbestos and other hazardous substances in building materials. Veterans may have unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibres, increasing their risk for malignant pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases. Our investigative process links these exposures to your current health status.
Secondary Exposure for Family Members
Asbestos dust can travel on clothing or equipment, affecting family members at home. Loved ones may develop conditions related to occupational exposure they never personally experienced. We consider these scenarios when building comprehensive claims that seek justice for everyone impacted.
Claims Against Employers and Manufacturers
If private companies supplied toxic substances or asbestos products to the military without proper warnings, they may bear legal responsibility. Our firm utilizes connections with national trial lawyers, industry research, and insights from occupational and environmental medicine studies to leave no detail overlooked.
Deciding Whether to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Deciding Whether to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis or other asbestos-related health issues as a veteran can be challenging. Hiring a mesothelioma lawyer helps clarify your legal options, link your service-related exposures to your condition, and help you proceed with confidence. At Ferraro Law, we explain how the legal process works, explore potential VA benefits and VA disability rating implications, and consider whether filing a VA claim or even a wrongful death lawsuit (if a loved one has passed) makes sense.
By choosing to seek legal counsel, you find a partner who can simplify complex legal terms, evaluate available evidence, and provide strategic guidance. This support is invaluable as you navigate a challenging period marked by health concerns, emotional stress, and financial uncertainties.
Service-Related Exposure: Compensation for Victims
Service-Related Exposure: Compensation for Victims
For veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their military service, compensation can alleviate financial burdens and support long-term care.
Potential compensation can include:
Medical Expenses
Coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and specialized treatments at VA facilities or private clinics, ensuring you receive quality care.
Counseling and Mental Health Services
If the plaintiff’s injuries hinder your ability to work, you may seek both past and future income loss.
Lost Military Benefits and Earnings
Reimbursement for lost wages, missed promotions, or reduced retirement benefits due to service-related asbestos illness.
Dependents’ Support
Financial assistance can extend to spouses, children, and other dependents, providing stability and addressing the gap left by a veteran’s compromised health or, in fatal cases, wrongful death benefits.
Losing a loved one to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness is a profound loss, especially for families of veterans who were exposed during their service. While no compensation can replace the person you’ve lost, families may be able to pursue damages to cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial and emotional hardships caused by their passing.
What to Look for in a Veterans Mesothelioma Attorney
What to Look for in a Veteran's Mesothelioma Attorney
Relevant Experience
Look for a reputable mesothelioma law firm with a proven track record in veteran’s claims. Familiarity with military asbestos exposure, Navy shipyards, construction industry work, and other common military scenarios is crucial.
Compassionate Communication
Your attorney should listen carefully, explain complex issues—like chrysotile asbestos exposure or occupational exposure scenarios—in easy-to-understand terms, and treat you with respect.
Resources and Reach
A qualified legal team digs deep into your case, working with experts, using workplace and environmental health data, and exploring trust fund options to help secure the compensation you deserve.
No Upfront Costs
With a contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to worry about paying legal fees upfront. This allows you to focus on your health and treatment without added financial stress.
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro Law
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro law
Partnering with Ferraro Law means you’ll have an experienced legal team on your side, one that provides personalized guidance, clear communication, and strategic advocacy to help you pursue the best potential outcome for your case.
We never treat you like just another case. We consider your specific exposure during your service, whether through asbestos insulation on ships, bonded asbestos in base housing, or asbestos fibers in industrial settings.
Our team examines medical records, employment documents, and mineral commodity summaries to pinpoint exactly how and when you encountered asbestos dust and toxic substances. This meticulous approach builds a strong, evidence-backed claim.
Many mesothelioma cases achieve mesothelioma settlements without going to court. However, if necessary, our experienced trial attorneys will seek asbestos verdicts that fully reflect your losses and ongoing treatment costs.
With a contingency fee basis, you owe nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. This financial relief allows you to prioritize yourself and your treatment.
We clearly explain asbestos law, mesothelioma law, and the legal aspects of your case. By empowering you with knowledge, we help you make informed decisions at every turn.
Although based in Florida, we assist veterans nationwide. Our broad reach and familiarity with various jurisdictions mean we can adapt strategies that suit your location and circumstances, combining big-firm resources with the understanding of a local practice.
Our experience and compassionate approach is what makes us one of the top veteran’s mesothelioma law firms in the country. We make sure you never feel lost in a massive bureaucracy—maintaining the support and fierce representation you need during this challenging time.
Client Experiences
Client Experiences
When veterans face asbestos-related illnesses stemming from their service, they turn to Ferraro Law for dedicated legal support and advocacy. By navigating complex military records, leveraging veterans’ benefits, and maintaining open communication, our attorneys build compelling cases that aim for fair compensation for medical expenses and lost benefits. Through these efforts, Ferraro Law not only provides financial relief but also helps veterans receive the recognition and respect their service deserves.
“You not only told us it was going to be okay, you showed us that it’s going to be okay.”
SUZANNE
ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA
My father passed away from mesothelioma and The Ferraro Law Firm has been there for me and my family for over 10 years. Our attorney, Aleksandra Sikorska, and Nestor in the settlements department will get the job done and are very kind and compassionate.
Michelle
It has been 12 years since my father passed away. Every time this anniversary comes, it always overwhelms me with a mixture of emotions. On one side, just like most people, I start to reminisce about the great times we had as a family and how I miss it so much. On the other side, I can’t help but remember the pain and suffering he endured the last several months of his life. I believe closure sits right in the middle of these emotions. Closure is always hard when someone you love passes away. To us, closure felt unattainable. It was hard because we did not understand why he was taken from us so soon. Collectively as a family we felt that he never needed to suffer the way that he did. When I start to think about closure, part of me thinks about James Ferraro Jr. and The Ferraro Law Firm. My mother found the law firm while my father was still alive. She had inquired about possibly finding out, and holding accountable, those individuals and/or companies that had contributed to my father’s illness. They went to work for my mother immediately and inevitably helped her find a little piece of closure that she so desperately needed following his death. As I have always said, no amount of money could ever replace my father. However, because of the tireless work of James Jr. and the rest of the firm, my mother was able to move forward with her life. She moved forward knowing she would be okay, our family would be okay, and that those responsible were held accountable. Fast-forward to today and I still think about James Jr. and the firm during this anniversary. I cannot stress enough the amount of appreciation my family and I have for them and what they did for us.
I would like to personally thank you and your associates for your efforts on behalf of my husband, Ken. He enjoyed many conversations with you and your staff during his illness. Your help was very much appreciated.
D.R.
The Ferraro Law Firm went above and beyond for me. They were responsive and professional at every step of my case and exceeded my expectations.
Ana Zaun
The Steps Your Mesothelioma Lawyer Will Take for Veterans
The Steps Your Mesothelioma Lawyer Will Take for Veterans
Once you decide to hire a veteran’s mesothelioma attorney, they will guide you through a structured, step-by-step process:
1
Initial Consultation
Your lawyer will discuss your military history, identify possible exposure to asbestos incidents, and consider health issues like diffuse pleural thickening or abdominal cavity involvement.
2
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
The firm collaborates with experts, reviewing ship maintenance logs, construction records, and building materials inventories to track asbestos use. They will also consider occupational exposure data from industrial medicine and occupational and environmental medicine studies.
3
Claim Preparation & Filing
With a clear understanding of your case, your team will prepare thorough documentation to include with your claim. Whether you’re pursuing a VA claim, private litigation, or trust fund claims, they prioritize precision and compliance with all deadlines.
4
Negotiation & Settlement Discussions
Your legal team seeks mesothelioma settlements that fairly cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, clinical trial participation, and other related expenses. They negotiate from a position of strength and experience of asbestos litigation.
5
Trial Preparation (If Needed)
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your attorney is prepared for trial. Their trial attorneys will present a compelling narrative to the court, seeking a verdict that acknowledges your service, sacrifices, and health challenges.
6
Ongoing Support & Communication
At every stage, your lawyer will keep you informed—explaining complex medical terms, discussing risk factors, and suggesting ways to coordinate VA benefits with private compensation. Our priority is that you remain an active participant in your own legal journey.
Meet Your Veterans Mesothelioma Attorneys
Meet Your Veterans Mesothelioma Attorneys
Learn More About Our Team
Ferraro Law’s attorneys recognize the unique challenges veterans face when diagnosed with mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure during military service. Jim L. Ferraro, Marc P. Kunen and and James L. Ferraro appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made and tailor their legal strategies accordingly. With their in-depth knowledge of veterans’ benefits, military records, and applicable laws, these attorneys strive to secure the compensation and respect you and your family have earned.
James L. Ferraro Sr.
For over 40 years, Jim has led high-impact cases against major corporations in asbestos, environmental, and injury litigation—securing billions of dollars and meaningful outcomes for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Marc p. Kunen
Marc focuses on complex injury and product liability cases, including asbestos, toxic torts, and wrongful death. He’s secured some of Florida’s largest verdicts—like a $70 million award in 2019—and plays a key role in the firm’s national trial strategy.
James L. Ferraro Jr.
James handles high-stakes injury and environmental cases, focusing on toxic torts, product liability, and public impact litigation. He leads the firm’s national MDL work and has helped recover tens of millions of dollars for cities, families, and individuals harmed by corporate negligence.
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.
have more questions?
Additional Resources
Additional Resources for Veterans
Mental Health and Emotional Support
Beyond addressing the physical harm caused by asbestos exposure, we understand the emotional toll of dealing with serious illnesses. Veterans often experience stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. We encourage you to utilize VA counseling services, connect with veteran-focused support groups, or speak with therapists trained in occupational and environmental medicine stressors. Emotional resilience can make a significant difference in your overall quality of life.
Navigating VA Benefits and Claims
Securing a fair VA disability rating can complement your legal claim, providing consistent financial and healthcare support. VA representatives can guide you through the administrative steps, while we focus on holding the private sector accountable. Combining both efforts may yield a more stable financial future.
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
Asbestos Fibers
Tiny, tough fibers released from asbestos materials that can be inhaled and may harm the lungs over time.
A rare cancer strongly tied to asbestos exposure, often forming in the lining of the lungs.
Occupational Exposure
Contact with harmful substances like asbestos during one’s work duties.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Funds created by asbestos-related companies that went bankrupt, set aside to help people harmed by their products.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Long-lasting breathing problems that can develop after inhaling asbestos fibers or other irritants.
Bonded Asbestos
Asbestos mixed with other materials, commonly in older buildings or ships. While more stable, it can still release fibers if disturbed.
Breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers, often without realizing it, due to materials breaking down or being disturbed.
Asbestos Related Disease
Any illness, often in the lungs, that can form after contact with asbestos fibers.
Lung Cancer
A type of cancer starting in the lungs, which can be linked to long-term asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Materials
Products containing asbestos—like old insulation, tiles, or brake parts—once used for heat resistance or durability.
Chrysotile Asbestos
A common type of “white” asbestos used in many older products. Even this form can cause health problems if fibers are inhaled.
Asbestos Dust
Fine particles from asbestos-containing items that easily spread when disturbed, making them easy to breathe in.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
A form of mesothelioma affecting the lung lining, strongly associated with inhaled asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Insulation
Insulation made with asbestos to resist heat in older structures, still hazardous if fibers are released.
What's Next?
what’s next?
attorney referral program
attorney referral program
Ferraro Law is nationally renowned for achieving significant settlements in complex personal injury cases. Firms across the country refer clients to Ferraro Law, recognizing our commitment to exceptional service, groundbreaking results, and readiness to tackle cases others find too risky or costly.
