Simmons Hanly Conroy defenders of veterans who died of diseases related to asbestos
In this Veterans Day, please remember to light a candle in memory of those who gave their lives to protect us; say a prayer for those still abroad to protect us; and thank those who served and returned to a nation they have done great.
As a company that specializes in diseases linked to asbestos, many of our clients are veterans. Today we would like to plead on behalf of those who died of lung cancer and mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos during their time of service.
Throughout the twentieth century, the US military made widespread use of asbestos, a dangerous mineral linked to a number of diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos was popular because of its heat resistant properties, making it especially useful for fireproofing and residential areas
seagoing vessels.
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 23 million living former fighters in the country today. Thank you to the decades of military use of uncontrolled asbestos, many of these veterans were exposed to asbestos without knowing it throughout their years of service. Veterans of the Navy who worked in and around ships constructed before the mid-1970s are particularly at risk because they may have been exposed to concentrated doses of asbestos under the bridge. Since the early symptoms of mesothelioma normally do not appear until decades after exposure, many of these veterans have recently been diagnosed with this
deadly disease.
Despite this, nearly 1,700 tons of asbestos was imported into the United States in 08. It is not prohibited, and - although it is highly regulated -. Asbestos is still present in household products such as insulation, shingles and siding
former American soldiers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease does not shy from a fight. They do not waste time feeling sorry for themselves or be irritated about something they know they can not change. They are proud of their service to their country and the time they spent in the Navy, Army, Air Force or Marines. Like every American worker, however, they deserve a chance to be heard.
The same goes for a veteran who has fallen on hard times. One of our lawyers, Mike Stewart, a veteran himself, volunteers with veteran field of Madison County. It is a court program led by veterans for veterans. The special court help honorably discharged veterans who are struggling with legal problems resulting from drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
This is an excellent article on the program Veterans Court of Madison County who ran St. Louis Post-Dispatch yesterday.
On behalf of Simmons law firm, I want to thank past, present and future US veterans around the world for their sacrifice on behalf of our country. We are always proud of the men and women who constantly risked their lives to protect ours. We hope through their example, we will be inspired to become better people and a better nation.
