Welcome to this informative article about the USS Franklin and the deadly disease it left in its wake – mesothelioma. For those who are not aware, the USS Franklin was an aircraft carrier that served during World War II, and its story is one of the most significant tragedies of the war. Unfortunately, the legacy of the ship’s crew has continued in the form of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
The USS Franklin and Its Role in World War II
The USS Franklin, also known as “Big Ben,” was commissioned in 1944, and it became an integral part of the Pacific fleet during World War II. The ship set out for its first mission in January 1945, and it would play a crucial role in the Battle of Iwo Jima and other important campaigns. The ship was struck by kamikaze attackers on March 19, 1945, while it was just 50 miles from Japan. The explosion was massive and resulted in two-thirds of the crew being killed or injured.
The Immediate Aftermath of the Attack
The USS Franklin was nearly destroyed in the attack – it was engulfed in flames, and the crew did not have the necessary fire-fighting equipment to put out the fire. The ship was abandoned, and the crew waited for rescue to arrive. Many sailors were forced to jump into the sea to avoid being burned alive. The rescue operations were hindered due to the ongoing war, and it took four days for the sailors to be rescued.
The Long-Term Effects of the Attack
The attack on the USS Franklin had long-term effects on the crew. In addition to the physical injuries and psychological trauma, the sailors were exposed to asbestos during the rescue operations and cleanup. Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of ships at the time, and it was present in insulation, pipes, and other areas of the ship. The sailors breathed in the asbestos fibers, which led to mesothelioma and other health issues.
The Connection between USS Franklin and Mesothelioma
The link between the USS Franklin and mesothelioma is undeniable. The crew was exposed to asbestos during the rescue operations, and many of them later developed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It can take decades for symptoms to appear, and there is no cure for the disease.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, and it can be challenging to diagnose the disease.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
The Victims of USS Franklin and Mesothelioma
The victims of USS Franklin and mesothelioma are the sailors who bravely served their country during World War II. They were exposed to asbestos in the line of duty and paid the ultimate price. Many of them passed away without receiving the care they deserved, and their families were left to suffer the consequences.
Remembering the Victims of USS Franklin
It is essential to remember the victims of USS Franklin and mesothelioma. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten, and their legacy should serve as a reminder of the importance of worker safety and the need to avoid exposing workers to hazardous materials.
The Legal Rights of USS Franklin and Mesothelioma Victims
The victims of USS Franklin and mesothelioma have legal rights. They may be eligible for compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The families of the victims may also be eligible for compensation for their loss.
Contacting an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and served on USS Franklin, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Table: Statistics on USS Franklin and Mesothelioma
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Year Commissioned | 1944 |
| Year of Attack | 1945 |
| Casualties | 800 killed or injured |
| Exposure to Asbestos | The majority of the crew was exposed to asbestos |
| Cases of Mesothelioma | Over 100 cases have been reported |
| Survival Rate | The 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 10% |
| Legal Rights | Victims and their families have legal rights to compensation |
FAQs about USS Franklin and Mesothelioma
Q: What is mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Q: What is asbestos?
A: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials before it was discovered to be harmful.
Q: Was asbestos used on USS Franklin?
A: Yes, asbestos was commonly used in the construction of ships at the time, including USS Franklin.
Q: How were sailors exposed to asbestos on USS Franklin?
A: Sailors were exposed to asbestos during the construction and maintenance of the ship, as well as during the rescue operations and cleanup after the attack.
Q: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
A: The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss.
Q: Can mesothelioma be treated?
A: There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q: What are the legal rights of USS Franklin and mesothelioma victims?
A: Victims of USS Franklin and mesothelioma have legal rights to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Q: Is there a time limit for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit?
A: Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, and it varies by state.
Q: Who is responsible for the exposure to asbestos on USS Franklin?
A: The supplier of the asbestos-containing materials and the manufacturers of the equipment that contained asbestos may be responsible for the exposure.
Q: How can an attorney help me if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
A: An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, navigate the legal process, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Q: Can exposure to asbestos cause other illnesses besides mesothelioma?
A: Yes, exposure to asbestos can cause other illnesses, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques.
Q: What is the connection between USS Franklin and mesothelioma?
A: Many sailors who served on USS Franklin were exposed to asbestos during the rescue operations and cleanup after the attack, and many of them later developed mesothelioma.
Q: What is the survival rate for mesothelioma?
A: The 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 10%.
Q: How can I prevent exposure to asbestos?
A: To prevent exposure to asbestos, avoid disturbing materials that contain asbestos, and hire professionals to handle asbestos-containing materials during renovations or repairs.
Conclusion
The USS Franklin and mesothelioma are tragic reminders of the sacrifices made during World War II and the dangers of exposure to asbestos. The victims of this tragedy deserve to be remembered, and their legacy should serve as a warning to future generations. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and served on USS Franklin, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Take Action Today
Contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after serving on USS Franklin.
Disclaimer
This article is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.
