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The USS Forrestal, an iconic supercarrier of the U.S. Navy, represents a significant chapter in military and maritime history. Launched in the 1950s as the pioneer of the Forrestal-class aircraft carriers, it was a marvel of engineering. However, the legacy of the USS Forrestal is shadowed by the widespread use of asbestos throughout the vessel. Asbestos, prevalent in naval ships from the 1930s to the 1970s, was incorporated into various components, including pumps, valves, boilers, and even the insulation of living and operational quarters. This exposure has had lasting health repercussions for many who served aboard.
The manufacturers, aware of the risks of asbestos, failed to adequately warn those on the USS Forrestal, leading to numerous cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among veterans. The Williams Law Firm, P.C. specializes in asbestos-related cases. Our lead mesothelioma attorney, Joe Williams, fights for your rights and provides legal guidance every step of the way.
The USS Forrestal, one of the earliest supercarriers in the U.S. Navy, was one of four Forrestal-class aircraft carriers constructed in the 1950s. The Forrestal, spanning 1,067 feet, was groundbreaking as the first aircraft carrier designed with an angled flight deck, steam catapult, and optical landing system, rather than receiving these updates through later modifications. It served actively for nearly 40 years, being decommissioned in 1993.
Many who served on the USS Forrestal were exposed to asbestos. Despite knowledge of its hazardous effects, the manufacturers supplying asbestos to the Navy failed to warn those aboard the USS Forrestal and similar ships. Consequently, numerous Navy veterans later developed mesothelioma, a serious cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Veterans affected by asbestos exposure on the USS Forrestal or similar vessels during their service have the right to seek compensation. This compensation aims to cover medical expenses and provide additional support for the pain and suffering associated with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Prior to the decline in asbestos usage during the 1980s, this hazardous material was prevalent throughout most areas of Navy aircraft carriers. The following are ways you may have been exposed to asbestos materials on the USS Forrestal:
Nearly every part of Navy aircraft carriers contained materials with asbestos, posing a risk to all aboard. However, certain roles carried a higher exposure risk. Those tasked with maintenance, repairs, or removal of damaged materials frequently came into direct contact with asbestos. This was especially true for individuals responsible for the upkeep of boilers and engine rooms, who dealt with asbestos-containing gaskets and valves and removed insulation.
Shipfitters and pipefitters were also particularly vulnerable. Their work often involved cutting through asbestos-wrapped pipes, releasing fine asbestos fibers into the air. Given the generally poor ventilation on these ships, these fibers could remain airborne within the enclosed spaces, significantly worsening exposure risks.
If you or a loved one served on the USS Forrestal and have been affected by asbestos exposure, The Williams Law Firm, P.C. is equipped to provide comprehensive legal support and representation. Our legal team can help you in the following ways:
By choosing The Williams Law Firm, P.C., you’re partnering with a team that cares about your well-being and will fight to secure the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one served on the USS Forrestal and have developed an asbestos-related illness, you deserve justice and compensation for the challenges you now face. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our lead USS Forrestal asbestos exposure attorney, Joseph P. Williams, has extensive experience handling asbestos exposure cases, having never lost a mesothelioma case. We are committed to guiding Navy veterans through this complex legal journey with compassion and dedication.
Our firm’s approach focuses on personalized service, ensuring that your case receives the detailed attention it deserves. From gathering critical evidence to navigating the legal process, we manage every aspect while you concentrate on your health. Contact us today at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form for a free consultation and to explore your options.
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