Wednesday, October 28, 2009

United States Navy And Merchant Marine Veterans May Face Risk Of Mesothelioma Or Other Asbestos Diseases

The law firm of Hissey Kientz, LLP wishes to alert veterans of the United States Navy or Merchant Marine that they may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other diseases as a result of asbestos exposure suffered during their time in the military. Until the mid-1970s, many vessels used by the United States Navy or Merchant Marine were outfitted with parts or equipment containing asbestos. As a result, veterans who served in the United States Navy or Merchant Marine during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War may have been put at risk of developing asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) October 28, 2009 -- The law firm of Hissey Kientz, LLP wishes to alert veterans of the United States Navy or Merchant Marine that they may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other diseases as a result of asbestos exposure suffered during their time in the military. Until the mid-1970s, many vessels used by the United States Navy or Merchant Marine were outfitted with parts or equipment containing asbestos. As a result, millions of men and women who served in the military may have been unknowingly exposed to toxic asbestos particles.

Contact the mesothelioma attorneys at Hissey Kientz, LLP to learn more about your legal rights.
Contact the mesothelioma attorneys at Hissey Kientz, LLP to learn more about your legal rights.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used for insulation or heat-protection in many industrial and construction applications. Although the United States Navy banned the used of asbestos materials on new vessels in 1972, ships continued to be built using products with asbestos for several years afterward. Despite the efforts to remove asbestos from ships built before this time, millions of naval veterans may have been exposed to asbestos during their time in the military.

Asbestos could be found onboard nearly all types of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cargo ships, cruisers, destroyers, dock landing ships, escort ships, transport ships, fast combat ships, frigates, hospital ships, military sealift command, patrol ships, repair ships, submarines, tankers, oilers, tenders and tugboats. At least 298 asbestos-containing products were used onboard United States Navy ships, including pipe coverings, gaskets, deck coverings, brakes, clutches and other engine room components.

When asbestos parts or insulation onboard a ship becomes disturbed, it can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne, creating dust. Inhaling or otherwise ingesting asbestos dust fibers can lead to a number of serious and potentially deadly diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, heart or abdomen.

Because of its long latency period, it may take decades before a person who has been exposed to asbestos to develop symptoms of mesothelioma. As a result, veterans who served in the United States Navy or Merchant Marines during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War may only now begin to show symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on the type of the disease a patient may have. Some of the most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, abdominal pain, fatigue, stomach problems or other symptoms.

Because only a doctor can diagnose a patient with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, veterans of the United States Navy or Merchant Marine who have been exposed to asbestos should schedule a physical examination with their doctor if they begin to experience these symptoms. Your doctor can perform a physical examination, take MRIs or X-rays and conduct respiratory or other tests in order to diagnose your condition. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, your doctor may be able to offer a number of treatment options which can help to manage the symptoms of the disease.

If you have served in the United States Navy or Merchant Marine and believe you have developed mesothelioma or another disease caused by asbestos exposure, you may wish to contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. An asbestos lawyer can help you to gather the evidence necessary to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos materials used onboard United States Navy or Merchant Marine ships. If necessary, an attorney can also help you in the process of scheduling the necessary medical examinations necessary to identify your condition.

About Hissey Kientz, LLP
Hissey Kientz, LLP (http://www.hkllp.com) is currently accepting cases involving veterans of the United States Navy or Merchant Marine who have developed mesothelioma or other injuries as a result of asbestos exposure. Hissey Kientz, LLP also represents other victims of asbestos diseases, as well as those injured by a fentanyl or Duragesic overdose, acute phosphate nephropathy as a result of a Fleet Phospho-soda product Digitek, Zicam, the Composix Kugel mesh patch, gadolinium MRI contrast dyes, Reglan, FELA railroad injury lawsuits, Raptiva, the Ortho Evra patch, Fen-Phen or "herbal Fen-Phen" products containing ephedra or ma huang, as well as other defective drugs and devices. To learn more about the firm and other drug cases, visit Hissey Kientz, LLP (www.hkllp.com) or call toll-free at (866) 275-4454.

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