USS Forrestal Asbestos Exposure

What This Page Covers: 

• Legacy: The USS Forrestal was a pioneering supercarrier with innovative design features.
• Asbestos Risk: Extensive asbestos use aboard the ship exposed many veterans to hazardous fibers, leading to long-term health issues.
• Negligence: Manufacturers knew of asbestos risks but failed to warn those serving, resulting in mesothelioma and lung cancer cases among veterans.
• Support: The Williams Law Firm, P.C. helps veterans exposed to asbestos seek compensation through personalized legal guidance and support.
• Reach out to us today at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form.

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. 

History of the USS Forrestal Aircraft Carrier 

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.

How Were the USS Forrestal Aircraft Carrier Workers Exposed to Asbestos? 

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: 

• Gaskets: Due to the durability and resistance to heat and saltwater, asbestos was a common material in gaskets. These were typically used in crucial components like main feed water pumps, tube sheet exchangers, and main condensate pumps.
• Insulation: Asbestos insulation was widely used aboard Navy ships for protection. It was sprayed onto hulls and used as wrapping for pipes and pumps. Asbestos was also used for packing in pumps and found in various areas such as navigation rooms, mess halls, and sleeping quarters.
• Marine Furring: Asbestos was utilized in marine furring to insulate boiler stacks.
• Textiles: Documentation from the Navy details the use of asbestos textiles, including asbestos cloth in main boilers, asbestos blankets in water drums, and woven asbestos in flanged casing panels.
• Valves: Asbestos was incorporated into valves to withstand high temperatures and prevent erosion from saltwater.
• Vinyl Floor Tiles: Vinyl floor tiles often contained asbestos, as did the adhesives used for their installation.

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.

How the USS Forrestal Asbestos Exposure Lawyers at The Williams Law Firm P.C. Can Help You 

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: 

• Legal Guidance: We possess in-depth knowledge of the laws surrounding asbestos exposure and the specific circumstances of Navy veterans. Joe Williams uses actual naval archives and records so he can exhaustively go through the list of equipment used on these ships.
• Compensation Pursuit: We will seek maximum compensation for our clients. This includes covering medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
• Document Handling and Case Preparation: Joe Williams takes over the heavy lifting of obtaining medical records, military documents, and other evidence necessary to substantiate your claim. Our goal is to prepare a thorough and compelling case without adding stress to your life.
• Personalized Attention: At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., every client is treated with the utmost respect and consideration. We provide personalized attention to ensure you feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.

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.

Speak With the USS Forrestal Asbestos Exposure Lawyers at The Williams Law Firm P.C. 

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.