Greetings to all readers who are affected by mesothelioma, particularly navy veterans who have been diagnosed with this illness. It can be demoralizing to learn that you have mesothelioma, especially when you’ve given everything to serve your country. However, there is hope for you. The US government has allotted 18 billion dollars worth of trust funds for mesothelioma claims, which are meant to cover the medical treatments and financial support necessary for military personnel who were exposed to asbestos during service.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the cells lining the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which can cling to clothing, accessories, and equipment that veterans can bring home. It takes decades for the disease to manifest and show symptoms, which include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. There are four stages of mesothelioma, and the prognosis worsens as the disease progresses.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in many industries due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulation properties. The US military used asbestos-containing products extensively in ships, planes, submarines, tanks, and buildings. However, asbestos is hazardous to human health because its fibers can break down into dust and be inhaled, leading to the development of mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
What are Trust Funds?
Trust funds are financial resources that have been set up to compensate mesothelioma victims or their families. There are two types of trust funds available for mesothelioma claims: managing trust funds and section 524(g) trust funds. The managing trust funds are established by the asbestos manufacturers and suppliers themselves, while section 524(g) trust funds are created by the US bankruptcy court to handle the claims against bankrupt companies that produce or distribute asbestos products.
What is the Asbestos Injury Trust Fund?
The Asbestos Injury Trust Fund is a managing trust fund that was created by Owens Corning, a manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, to resolve its mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease liabilities. Owens Corning’s trust fund was established in 2006 and has a balance of approximately 5 billion dollars. The fund has been paying out claims to mesothelioma victims since its creation.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund is a charitable organization that provides financial assistance and support to active-duty and retired sailors, marines, and their families. The organization has established a Mesothelioma Assistance Fund that provides grants to navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their military service. The fund offers assistance for medical expenses, transportation, housing, and other expenses related to the illness.
What is the Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Program?
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Program is a federal program that provides comprehensive benefits and services to eligible veterans and their families. The VA offers benefits for medical care, disability compensation, pensions, education and training, home loans, life insurance, and other services. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos during their military service may be eligible for VA benefits.
What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)?
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers’ compensation law that provides benefits to civilian employees of the US government who are working overseas. The act covers employees who work for private employers on US military bases or under contract with the government to perform work overseas. The DBA provides benefits for medical care, disability compensation, and death benefits to employees who have been injured or killed on the job.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides benefits to seamen who have been injured or killed while working on US vessels. The act covers seamen who work on ships, barges, tugs, and other vessels that are owned and operated by US citizens or companies. The Jones Act provides benefits for medical care, disability compensation, and death benefits to seamen who have been injured or killed on the job.
If you’re a navy veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention from a qualified specialist who has experience in treating this type of cancer. You should also contact an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases, as they can help you navigate the complex legal system and file a claim against the responsible parties. Additionally, you should explore all the financial resources available to you, including the trust funds, VA benefits, and charitable organizations.
What is the Trust Fund Table?
| Trust Fund | Establishment Year | Balance (in billions of dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Owens Corning Asbestos Injury Trust Fund | 2006 | 5 |
| Johns Manville Bankruptcy Trust | 1988 | 2.5 |
| Combustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | 2003 | 1.4 |
| Travelers Indemnity Co. Asbestos Claims Reserves | 2003 | 1.1 |
| Asbestos Settlement Trust | 2011 | 1 |
FAQs
1. What are the different types of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be classified into four types based on its location and the affected cells: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and testicular mesothelioma.
2. What is the difference between asbestosis and mesothelioma?
Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which can lead to scarring of the lung tissue and difficulty breathing. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs.
3. How long does it take for mesothelioma to develop?
It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Yes, family members of navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may have legal grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
5. What is the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state and can range from one to six years after the diagnosis of mesothelioma or the discovery of the causal relationship between the illness and asbestos exposure.
6. Can I file a claim against the US government for mesothelioma?
Yes, navy veterans who have been exposed to asbestos during their military service may file a claim against the US government under the Federal Tort Claims Act or the Veterans Affairs Benefits Program.
7. How long does it take to receive compensation from the trust funds?
The time required to receive compensation from the trust funds varies depending on the specific fund and the complexity of the case. It can take anywhere from several months to several years for mesothelioma victims to receive compensation.
8. What documents do I need to file a mesothelioma claim?
You will need to provide documentation such as medical records, work history, and evidence of exposure to asbestos to file a mesothelioma claim. An experienced attorney can help you gather this information.
9. Can I file a claim against multiple trust funds?
Yes, mesothelioma victims may file a claim against multiple trust funds if they have been exposed to different asbestos-containing p
roducts produced by different companies.
10. What is the average compensation for mesothelioma claims?
The average compensation for mesothelioma claims varies depending on the severity of the illness, the duration of asbestos exposure, and the available evidence. It can range from thousands to millions of dollars.
11. Do I have to pay taxes on mesothelioma compensation?
Generally, compensation received as a result of a personal injury or illness is not taxable. However, it’s always best to consult with a tax professional to determine your tax obligations.
Yes, mesothelioma victims who were exposed to asbestos outside the navy can file a claim against the responsible parties, such as the manufacturers, suppliers, or contractors who produced or handled asbestos-containing products.
13. Can I receive compensation if I have already received VA benefits?
Yes, mesothelioma victims who have already received VA benefits can still file a claim against the trust funds or other sources of compensation available to them.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, mesothelioma is a devastating illness that affects many navy veterans who have been exposed to asbestos during their service. However, there are resources available to help these veterans receive the medical care and financial support they need to overcome this illness. The trust funds, VA benefits, and charitable organizations are just some of the ways that navy veterans with mesothelioma can secure the compensation they deserve. We encourage all eligible veterans to explore these options and seek legal assistance to file a claim against the responsible parties.
As we conclude this article, we’d like to remind our readers that mesothelioma is a serious illness that requires immediate attention and care. We urge those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek medical attention and explore all the legal and financial resources available to them. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in unlocking the benefits of the trust funds for navy veterans with mesothelioma.
Closing/Disclaimer
This article is meant to be an informative resource for navy veterans with mesothelioma and their families. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented here. However, this article should not be taken as legal or medical advice, and readers should always consult with qualified professionals before taking any action related to mesothelioma claims or treatment. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damages or losses that may result from the use of this information.
