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USS America Asbestos Exposure

Legally Reviewed by Joseph P. Williams on September 25, 2024

What This Page Covers:

  • Asbestos on the USS America: Veterans serving aboard the USS America were exposed to asbestos, commonly used in the ship’s construction for fireproofing and insulation.
  • Health risks: Exposure to asbestos puts veterans at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases later in life.
  • Affected personnel: Sailors, officers, and maintenance workers, as well as shipbuilders, are among those most likely to have been exposed.
  • Legal help: The Williams Law Firm, P.C. offers over 30 years of experience helping veterans pursue compensation for asbestos-related diseases, with a track record of never losing a mesothelioma case.
  • Reach out to us today at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form.

The USS America, CV-66, was a large naval ship in the Kitty Hawk class. Despite serving as a powerful tool to the United States Navy, this ship was unfortunately made with a dangerous mineral called asbestos in many components and materials. Because of the asbestos present on board, many of the veterans who served on the USS America were exposed to the harmful mineral and developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in the following years after their service. If you served on the USS American and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you have the right to fight for justice by filing a personal injury claim.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our founding USS America asbestos exposure attorney, Joe Williams, has never lost a mesothelioma case for a client he has worked with. When you entrust your USS America asbestos exposure case to Attorney Williams, you can rest assured that a knowledgeable legal professional will handle your case with the personalized legal counsel necessary to help you fight for justice. Attorney Williams uses actual naval archive records that include a complete list of equipment from the ships to ensure he is able to build the strongest possible case for your unique situation. 

How Were Veterans At Risk of Asbestos Exposure Aboard the USS America?

The use of asbestos on United States Navy ships was unfortunately quite common from the 1930s through the late 1970s. While the use of asbestos was restricted by the federal government in the 1970s, this did not eliminate asbestos from Navy ships that had already been constructed using the mineral before the year 1980. 

The USS America was built in the 1960s. This means at the time of its construction, asbestos was still used extensively throughout naval ships. Some examples of why asbestos was used on the USS America include the following:

  • Fireproofing: Asbestos is highly effective at fireproofing, meaning that the mineral was widely used throughout the entirety of the ship. 
  • Not Heavy: Weight is always a key component when constructing a naval ship that will sail out to sea and remain buoyant. With asbestos being so lightweight, it made sense for the construction of the USS America and other naval ships like it.
  • Cheap: The cost of asbestos was very inexpensive at the time that the USS America was being constructed.

Asbestos was also used extensively in locations like boiler and engine rooms and around pipes carrying steam or hot water due to the mineral’s ability to insulate. Some other parts of the ship that contained asbestos include gaskets, pumps, and safety gear.

Personnel On Board the USS America Who May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos

It is an unfortunate reality that many of the veterans who fought for our country are now facing serious health concerns later in life due to asbestos exposure. Some of the personnel aboard the USS America who may have been exposed to asbestos are as follows:

  • Sailors
  • Officers
  • Maintenance and repair workers on the ship
  • Individuals who worked in shipyards
  • Those who built the USS America

These veterans were likely not only exposed to the dangerous mineral, but if the asbestos was disturbed or damaged, it is likely it became airborne and they were breathing it in for an extended period of time. In these cases, these veterans may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. 

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure on the USS America, our founding USS America asbestos exposure attorney will fight for you to pursue justice. Attorney Joe Williams will help you build a strong claim and pursue the damages you may be owed, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death

To learn more about what steps you need to take to file your asbestos exposure claim, contact our law firm today.

Get the Justice You Deserve with The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

If you or a loved one served aboard the USS America and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you deserve experienced legal representation. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our founding USS America asbestos exposure attorney, Joseph P. Williams, has over 30 years of experience fighting for asbestos exposure victims. With a proven track record of never losing a mesothelioma case, we’re committed to helping you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Take the first step by contacting us at (855) 575-6376 or filling out our contact form.

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