LEGAL SUPPORT
The Veterans Asbestos Alliance is a national law firm focused exclusively on helping veterans and their families affected by mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease. With decades of experience in asbestos litigation, our mission is to provide compassionate, expert legal guidance, helping veterans pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
We understand the challenges that come with an asbestos cancer diagnosis. That’s why we deliver personalized support with the care and attention each case deserves. Contact us today to speak with an attorney for a free case review.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Legal Options
Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Funds
Many companies that knowingly used asbestos in their products—despite its dangers—were later forced to file for bankruptcy. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, they were required to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate individuals who developed mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer due to exposure to their products.
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Over $30 billion is available in asbestos trust funds for asbestos victims and their families.
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Claims can often be processed without going to court.
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Payments can be received quickly compared to a lawsuit.
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Learn more about Asbestos Trust Fund Claims here.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
In addition to seeking compensation through asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, you may also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers. Depending on your circumstances, pursuing both avenues can help maximize your compensation.
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A personal injury lawsuit can provide higher compensation than an asbestos trust fund claim.
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Most cases result in a settlement, avoiding a lengthy trial.
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Our legal team handles all legal aspects, so you don’t have to go to court unless necessary.
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To Learn more about Personal Injury Lawsuits for Asbestos Cancer click here.
Most asbestos lawsuits are settled out of court. Settlements often provide quicker compensation without a lengthy trial.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If a loved one has passed away due to mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
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Compensation can cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost financial support.
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Families may also be eligible for asbestos trust fund claims.
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Learn more about Wrongful Death Lawsuits
VA Benefits
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer due to military asbestos exposure may qualify for VA benefits, including:
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VA Disability Compensation (for service-related illnesses).
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VA Pension Benefits (for wartime veterans with limited income).
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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses.
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Learn more about VA Benefits
FREE CLAIM EVALUATION
We offer free claim evaluations to determine if you or a loved one is eligible to receive compensation for an asbestos-related cancer. To get started, simply complete our simple Claim Evaluation Form or contact us to speak directly with one of our attorneys.
THE LEGAL PROCESS
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation through personal injury lawsuits. These lawsuits are filed against the companies responsible for asbestos exposure, seeking damages for the pain, suffering, and financial hardships caused by the disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, personal injury lawsuits can help secure justice and financial relief.
What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal claim made by a person (or their family, if the person is no longer able to file) against a company or entity that is responsible for causing harm or injury. In the case of mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, the injury is caused by asbestos exposure, and the responsible parties are typically the manufacturers or distributors of asbestos-containing products.
Why Veterans Can Pursue Personal Injury Lawsuits
Many veterans were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, particularly in areas like shipyards, military bases, and during the maintenance of military vehicles and equipment. These exposures may have occurred decades ago, but the effects of asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, may take years or even decades to manifest. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer and can prove that your exposure to asbestos occurred during your military service, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure.
What Compensation Can Veterans Receive Through Personal Injury Lawsuits?
The compensation from a personal injury lawsuit can help cover the following:
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Medical Costs: Including treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications.
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Lost Wages: For veterans who can no longer work due to their diagnosis.
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Pain and Suffering: For the emotional and physical toll caused by mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer.
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Future Medical Expenses: Compensation for ongoing care and treatments that may be required in the future.
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Other Damages: Including emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on quality of life.
How Can Our Legal Team Help?
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be complex, especially when trying to gather evidence from years or even decades ago. Our legal team has decades of experience in asbestos litigation and can help veterans by:
Gathering Evidence:
Collecting historical records, documents, & testimonies that link asbestos exposure to military service.
Identifying the Responsible Parties:
Determining which companies may be liable for asbestos exposure.
Negotiating Settlements:
Working with defendants to reach fair settlements or taking the case to trial, if necessary.
Ensuring Maximum Compensation:
Fighting to secure the highest possible compensation for veterans and their families affected by asbestos-related cancers.
WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS
When a loved one passes away due to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, families may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits help surviving family members seek compensation for their loss and hold asbestos companies accountable for the harm they caused.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In most states, the following individuals may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
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The spouse of the deceased
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Children or legal dependents
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Parents of the deceased
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The executor or representative of the estate
Laws vary by state, so it’s important to consult with one of our experienced attorneys to understand your rights.
What Compensation Is Available?
Wrongful death claims can provide financial relief for families facing the emotional and economic burden of losing a loved one. Compensation may cover:
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Medical Expenses – Costs related to treatment before death
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Funeral and Burial Costs – Expenses associated with laying a loved one to rest
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Loss of Income and Benefits – Compensation for lost wages and financial support
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Loss of Companionship – The emotional loss suffered by family members
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Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the suffering experienced by the victim before passing
How Are Wrongful Death Cases Proven?
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the following elements must be proven:
The defendant (company) exposed the deceased to asbestos – This often involves reviewing work history, military service records, or product exposure.
The asbestos exposure directly led to mesothelioma or lung cancer – Medical records and expert testimony help establish this connection.
The family suffered damages as a result of the death – Financial, emotional, and other losses must be documented.
Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)
Each state has a time limit (statute of limitations) for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, typically 1 to 4 years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can prevent families from seeking compensation.
LEGAL QUICK FACTS
You May Not Need to
File a Lawsuit
Bankrupt companies that are responsible set aside over $30 Billion into asbestos trusts to compensate those diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma. If you qualify, obtaining compensation from these asbestos trusts is much simpler than filing a lawsuit.
No Attorney’s Fees Unless
You Get Paid
Mesothelioma Lawyers only are paid if they successfully settle your claim. If they are unable to get you a settlement, you owe nothing.
There is a Time Limit to
File a Claim
State laws, which are referred to as “statutes of limitations” give individuals one to six years, depending on the state, from the date of diagnosis of mesothelioma to file a lawsuit.
The Attorneys Do The
Hard Work
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys will collect all the necessary information to file your claim. They travel to you and assist you in completing all relevant paperwork and documents.
There is Not a Set Settlement
Amount
The money you receive depends on your diagnosis, the state in which you are filing a lawsuit as well as the number of companies that you sue.
Loved Ones May Qualify for
Asbestos Claims
Even if a loved one has already passed from an asbestos-related illness, a spouse or family member may still have legal rights to file a lawsuit or claim.
FILING A VA CLAIM FOR ASBESTOS-RELATED CANCER
If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for financial assistance and medical benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA recognizes mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer as a service-connected disability, meaning that if your illness is linked to asbestos exposure during military service, you can receive monthly disability compensation, VA healthcare, and other benefits.
ELIGIBILITY FOR VA BENEFITS
To qualify for VA benefits related to asbestos exposure, you must meet the following criteria:
Military Service:
You must have served in a branch of the U.S. military where you were likely exposed to asbestos. The highest risk was among Navy veterans, particularly those who served aboard ships or in shipyards, but other branches also had exposure risks, including mechanics, construction workers, and boiler room personnel.
Asbestos Exposure:
You must have been exposed to asbestos during your military service, not before or after. The VA evaluates each case individually, considering job duties and service history.
Diagnosis of an Asbestos-Related Disease:
You must have a confirmed medical diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer from a qualified physician.
HOW TO FILE A VA CLAIM FOR ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES
Filing a VA claim for mesothelioma or lung cancer can be complex, but following these steps can help ensure a smoother process:
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Complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
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The DBQ is a form available on the VA’s website that documents your medical condition and symptoms.
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Your doctor should complete this form to provide medical evidence supporting your diagnosis.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
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Medical Records: Diagnosis, treatment history, and physician statements.
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Service Records: DD-214 form (discharge papers) and any records showing your military occupation.
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Exposure Evidence: Muster rolls, deck logs, ship records/specifications, maintenance records, or any other documents proving you worked around asbestos-containing materials.
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Buddy Statements: Signed statements from former service members who can confirm that you worked in asbestos-exposed environments.
3. Submit Your VA Claim
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You can file your claim online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
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Working with an accredited VA claims agent, attorney, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can improve your chances of success.
4. VA Claim Review and Decision
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After submitting your claim, the VA will review your evidence and may request additional medical exams or documentation.
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If approved, you will receive monthly compensation based on your disability rating, along with potential VA healthcare coverage.
Filing a VA claim for mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer can be time-sensitive, as there are deadlines (statutes of limitations) depending on the circumstances of your case. While the process may seem complex and time-consuming, these benefits can help cover cancer treatment costs, living expenses, and financial security for dependents.
Types of VA Benefits for Asbestos-Related Diseases
Disability Compensation: Tax-free monthly payments based on the VA disability rating system.
(usually a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma)
VA Pension: Additional financial assistance for veterans with low income.
VA Healthcare: Access to VA hospitals and treatment for your asbestos-related illness.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): If a veteran passes away due to mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, surviving spouses and dependents may be eligible for benefits.