Did you or a family member serve aboard the USS Barton DD 722? Any service member on this or any similar Navy vessel commissioned before 1978 was likely exposed to asbestos. Sadly, this means there is a connection between mesothelioma and the USS Barton. When exposure to asbestos results in a serious illness, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, service members and families are entitled to financial compensation.
USS Barton DD 722 and Asbestos
The USS Barton DD 722 was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine and commissioned in 1943. The vessel and the service members aboard her fought in World War II (from Normandy to the Pacific), the Korean War, and took part in various military exercises until the ship was decommissioned in 1968.
Unfortunately, the brave service members faced an unknown danger from the Barton itself. This hidden danger was asbestos contained in various parts of the ship, and the effects of exposure may just be coming to light.
The History of USS Barton DD 722 and Asbestos
At the time the USS Barton was built and active, thousands of industrial and construction products used or contained asbestos. Service members working in the boiler room or engine room were likely exposed to the highest levels of airborne asbestos on the USS Barton. But asbestos was also present in the common areas, mess hall, sleeping quarters, and other parts of the ship. Any service member who stepped foot on the Barton likely had some exposure to asbestos.
Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. Asbestos is extremely dangerous when it is airborne because it can be inhaled and enter the lungs. There, it can lie dormant for decades before causing a debilitating condition known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often fatal within five years of diagnosis.
Symptoms often connected with mesothelioma of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) are:
- Cough
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Lower back or chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face and arms
- Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
- Weight loss (without trying)
Another form of mesothelioma is called peritoneal mesothelioma. This is caused by ingesting asbestos fibers. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Weight loss (without trying)
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, or you suffer from other asbestos-related cancers or asbestosis, it is important to seek medical attention.
There is a significant financial burden in dealing with mesothelioma, and the USS Barton is only one of many ships upon which workers and service members may have been exposed to asbestos. Nemeroff Law Firm is specially equipped to protect your legal rights to compensation for injury caused by asbestos exposure.
Status After Discharge From Service on the USS Barton DD 722
It is important to note that your military discharge status and other factors may affect your ability to collect benefits from the government. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to be eligible for this form of compensation, you must be a Veteran who:
- Was not dishonorably discharged
- Was exposed to asbestos during military service
- Has an asbestos-related disease as a result of exposure during military service
Specific evidence is required to apply and qualify for benefits through the VA. An attorney with experience in asbestos and mesothelioma cases can help those exposed to asbestos on the USS Barton and others navigate these requirements and identify other potential sources of compensation.
Our Expert Attorneys and Staff Can Help You
Nemeroff Law Firm has the skills and expertise to ensure you or your loved one get the compensation you need and deserve from all parties involved in your asbestos exposure.
If you served on the USS Barton DD 722 or another Navy ship and were exposed to asbestos, and you are experiencing any of the conditions above, contact us immediately so we can help you recover the benefits to which you are entitled. Please call us at 214-774-2258, visit our website to chat today.