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Merchant Marines and mesothelioma

Many Navy veterans have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure on Navy ships. But another group of employees who have widely been exposed to asbestos on ships is Merchant Marines.

These men and women offer valuable service transporting cargo and passengers in times of peace, and supporting the United States Navy in times of war.

Unfortunately, many Merchant Marines were exposed to asbestos on ships. In many cases, this exposure occurred decades ago. Before 1980, asbestos was commonly used on cargo ships and tankers.

But because of the long latency period between asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis, many of these individuals are now beginning to develop health problems due to asbestos exposure.

Recent Supreme Court ruling may help Merchant Marines

A recent Supreme Court ruling is proving beneficial for many individuals who were exposed to asbestos on ships, including Merchant Marines who developed mesothelioma.

Much of this exposure occurred when asbestos-containing equipment was being used on ships. In the past, the bare metal defense was used by some manufacturers to protect themselves from being held liable for sailors’ asbestos-related disease. These manufacturers of pumps, valves, boilers and other equipment prevalent on ships made equipment that required asbestos to be added in order for it to work. However, they denied taking responsibility for sailors’ mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease by arguing they made ‘bare metal’ equipment that contained no asbestos. Just recently, the Supreme Court decided, in a 6-3 ruling, that these manufacturers can be held liable when use of their equipment leads to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Learn more about the recent Supreme Court ruling that may positively affect those who served in the Merchant Marines.

Free consultation: Help for Merchant Marines

If you were exposed to asbestos as a Merchant Marine and have developed mesothelioma, talk to one of our lawyers to learn about your legal options. We represent clients throughout the U.S.

How can we help? Fill out the form for a free case review.

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