For "royal watchers", it is a well-known fact that Prince William served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a search and rescue pilot. This fact regarding his previous years of military service was thrust into the spotlight once again as news came to light that thousands of veterans may have been exposed to asbestos chemicals while serving.
The link between asbestos is actually connected to a specific type of helicopter, known as Britain’s Sea King. Notably, this helicopter is an aircraft Prince William flew during his time in the service. UK defence chiefs have already issued alerts to warn military personnel who may be at risk because they maintained Sea King helicopters or otherwise came into contact with them. Fortunately, however, Prince William is not believed to be at risk for asbestos exposure and a possible mesothelioma diagnosis at this time.
Still, thousands of veterans in the UK do have serious cause for concern that their time in the RAF could lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis, lung cancer or asbestosis. Sadly, this concern parallels the concern many of our veterans share here in the United States as well.
Mesothelioma Victims Are Often Veterans
In a statistic that has been cited previously on Ledger Law, military veterans tragically make up nearly one out of every three mesothelioma deaths. This dire statistic would be tragic enough on its own, but it is doubly so when one considers that military veterans make up less than 10 percent of the population.
As a result, military veterans file approximately 3 out of every 10 mesothelioma lawsuits nationwide. Our brave men and women deserve better than to spend their golden years struggling with a deadly form of cancer with low survival rates. When veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to explore all legal options and paths to compensation.
If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, know that you are entitled to VA benefits if you were discharged from the military under conditions other than a dishonorable discharge. The VA benefits you are entitled to receive if eligible include:
- Monthly disability compensation
- Survivor benefits for surviving loved ones, if and when applicable
- Healthcare
Further assistance with getting a VA claim approved or with potentially filing a legal claim against a responsible party will require a full investigation of the facts related to your asbestos exposure and disease. Veterans who sacrificed and served deserve a mesothelioma lawyer who will provide the resources and help needed to answer pressing questions regarding VA benefits and, when applicable, protect a veteran’s right to compensation through filing a legal claim.
For more information regarding your rights as a veteran who was wrongly exposed to asbestos, contact us for a free case evaluation with a Ledger Law mesothelioma lawyer to discuss your case and explore any and all legal paths toward the compensation you need and deserve.
