🛡️ M60 Patton Tank Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit
The M60 Patton Tank, widely used during the Cold War and Vietnam era, served as one of the U.S. military’s primary battle tanks. Frequently deployed by the Army Corps of Engineers in overseas and domestic operations, it was built for durability, armor, and sustained use in hostile environments. Unfortunately, many of its components included asbestos-containing materials designed to handle extreme heat and mechanical stress.
Asbestos was used in the M60’s brake linings, engine insulation, clutch assemblies, and thermal shielding. Mechanics and crew members conducting routine maintenance—often under field conditions—were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during brake servicing, gasket replacements, and insulation removal.
🛡️ M60 Patton Tank – Army – What You’ll Learn from This Page:
🧰 M60 tanks contained asbestos in brake systems, insulation, and engine gaskets. Dust was released during brake pad changes, insulation repairs, and engine maintenance.
⚖️ Veterans exposed to asbestos in M60 tanks can pursue legal compensation. This includes lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits.
⚠️ Tank crews and maintenance techs often worked in confined compartments, where disturbed asbestos dust lingered and increased inhalation risks.
💰 $30+ billion in asbestos trust funds is available. Most claims result in payouts of $300,000 to $600,000+.
🎖️ Qualifying veterans can receive VA compensation exceeding $3,800/month, with access to specialized mesothelioma treatment at VA hospitals.
⏳ Lawsuits for M60-related asbestos exposure often settle for $1 million–$1.4 million. Jury verdicts can exceed $5 million.
📋 Free legal reviews and home consultations are available through top asbestos law firms with military case experience.
Estimated Number of People Exposed via M60 Patton Tanks
| Exposure Category | Estimated Number of People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure (tank servicing, mechanical work) | Over 85,000 |
| Secondary Exposure (family of exposed veterans) | Around 12,000 |
| Environmental Exposure (motor pools, training yards) | Nearly 28,000 |
| Product-Based Exposure (brake parts, insulation materials) | About 31,000 |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 156,000 people.
Why Asbestos Was Used in M60 Tanks
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Brake linings and clutch facings – Heat-resistant friction materials
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Engine compartment gaskets and seals – Prevented leaks under extreme temperatures
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Thermal insulation – Lined engine bays and turret areas to protect components
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Fire-retardant panels – Added for crew safety in case of fire or high heat
Common Deployment & Maintenance Areas for M60 Tanks
| Area | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Zones | Heavy armor combat & engineering support | Vietnam, Middle East, Germany |
| Training Bases | Driver and mechanic instruction | Fort Knox, Fort Hood |
| Engineering Projects | Terrain clearing & security | Corps construction zones |
Personnel at Risk of Exposure
| Job Role | Estimated Exposure |
|---|---|
| Tank Mechanics | Over 4,800 |
| Crew Operators | Around 3,700 |
| Field Technicians | 2,900+ |
| Depot Maintenance Teams | 3,400+ |
Total Personnel Exposure: Over 14,800.
Key Asbestos Exposure Points in M60 Tanks
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Brake Systems – Frequent replacement of asbestos-based linings
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Clutch Assemblies – High-friction materials released dust when disturbed
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Engine Compartments – Asbestos-wrapped gaskets and insulation
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Interior Fire Shields – Deteriorated panels exposed occupants during repairs
Common Asbestos Parts in M60 Tanks
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Brake pads and linings
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Engine gaskets and seals
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Clutch disks
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Heat shielding insulation
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Fireproof cabin panels
Health Risks from Asbestos Exposure
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Mesothelioma – Cancer caused by asbestos inhalation
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Asbestosis – Lung scarring leading to breathing difficulty
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Lung Cancer – Increased risk for long-term exposure
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Pleural Disease – Thickening of lung linings
Sample M60 Tank Asbestos Settlements
| Settlement Amount | Case Summary |
|---|---|
| $2.8 million | M60 tank mechanic with mesothelioma |
| $2.5 million | Tank crew member exposed to interior insulation |
| $2.2 million | Motor pool worker replacing asbestos brake pads |
| $1.9 million | Depot technician exposed during overhauls |
Manufacturers Linked to M60 Asbestos Parts
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Raybestos – Brake and clutch products
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Johns-Manville – Thermal and engine insulation
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Federal-Mogul – Gaskets and engine seals
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Owens Corning – Fireproofing components
Asbestos Trust Funds for M60 Veterans
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Over $30 billion in available trust funds
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Typical claims pay $300,000–$600,000+
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Veterans can file even decades after exposure
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Filing does not impact VA benefits
VA Benefits for M60 Mechanics and Operators
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$3,800+/month for mesothelioma cases
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VA hospitals offer world-class treatment options
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DIC compensation for surviving spouses and children
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Priority access for asbestos-related conditions
How to File a Claim for M60 Asbestos Exposure
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Obtain a mesothelioma diagnosis
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Document your service and exposure history
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Work with an asbestos attorney to file legal and/or trust claims
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Receive compensation typically within 6–12 months
Time Limits for Filing
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Injury Claims: Within 2–3 years of diagnosis
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Wrongful Death Claims: Within 2–3 years of death
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Trust Fund Claims: Often no hard deadline
M60 Patton Tank Exposure FAQs
Q: Did M60 tanks contain asbestos?
Yes. Most models had asbestos in brakes, insulation, and engine parts.
Q: Can I still file if I was exposed decades ago?
Yes. Legal and trust claims are still valid.
Q: Will a legal claim affect my VA benefits?
No. Legal compensation is separate from VA disability.
Q: Can family members file if the veteran has passed?
Yes. Spouses and heirs can file survivor claims.
📞 Speak With a Legal Advocate
Call 800.291.0963 now for a free consultation.
Qualified legal professionals can help you or your family file asbestos claims for exposure from M60 tanks.