🛩 AV-8B Harrier Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

The AV-8B Harrier is a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Known for its ability to hover and land on short runways or amphibious ships, the Harrier’s design relies on a powerful jet engine system operating under intense heat and pressure. To manage these extreme conditions, asbestos-containing materials were used in various fire-resistant and thermal protection components.

Marine aviation mechanics, avionics technicians, and ground crew who maintained or serviced the AV-8B Harrier were frequently exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during repairs and routine maintenance. Many later developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. Our legal team helps Harrier veterans and families file lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits—with no upfront costs and no effect on VA entitlements.

Why Asbestos Was Used in the AV-8B Harrier

Due to its V/STOL propulsion system and compact airframe, the Harrier was built with heat control materials in almost every critical zone. Asbestos was used for:

• Engine bay insulation and afterburner heat shields

• Cockpit fireproofing and sound-dampening panels

• Avionics bay thermal liners and gaskets

• Brake systems used during short and vertical landings

• Wiring insulation in high-temperature compartments

These materials degraded with time and use, releasing harmful asbestos fibers during inspections, upgrades, and repairs.

AV-8B Harrier Deployment in the Marine Corps

The AV-8B Harrier served with Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), amphibious assault forces, and frontline squadrons.

Maintenance at forward bases and aboard ships increased the frequency and risk of asbestos exposure.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on AV-8B Harrier Aircraft

Thousands of Marine aviation personnel came into contact with asbestos during daily maintenance and system replacements.

Total Estimated Exposure: More than 71,000 Marine Corps personnel potentially encountered asbestos while working on AV-8B Harriers.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on the AV-8B Harrier

Engine Bays & Nozzle Assemblies

• Wrapped in asbestos insulation blankets and gaskets

• Disturbed during overhauls, replacements, and thermal checks

Cockpit & Avionics Panels

• Fire-resistant linings contained asbestos

• Fiber release during electronics upgrades or control system access

Brake Systems & Landing Gear

• Used asbestos linings to handle rapid deceleration and vertical landings

• Ground crew inhaled dust during brake pad changes

Exhaust Ducting & Heat Shields

• Lined with asbestos for fire protection

• Cracked or worn layers released fibers during inspection

Electrical Systems & Wiring Wraps

• Asbestos-insulated bundles in high-heat compartments

• Crews exposed while stripping or rerouting cables

AV-8B Harrier Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on the AV-8B Harrier

Engine Insulation & Heat Shields

• Lined nozzles and combustion zones

• Released fibers when cracked or removed

Cockpit Panel Liners

• Provided thermal and fire protection

• Shed fibers during access panel removal

Brake Linings

• Managed landing heat and vertical hover load

• Released asbestos during pad replacement

Thermal Gaskets & Seals

• Used in high-temperature engine connections

• Disturbed during inspection or replacement

Electrical Wire Insulation

• Wrapped avionics bundles and high-heat lines

• Wore down over time and released fibers

Adhesives & Soundproofing Mats

• Lined fuselage and cockpit bulkheads

• Exposure occurred during retrofits or vibration damage

Long-Term Health Risks from AV-8B Harrier Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma – Rare cancer linked solely to asbestos exposure

• Asbestosis – Chronic lung scarring from long-term fiber inhalation

• Lung Cancer – Often appears decades after service

• Pleural Thickening – Lung lining stiffens, reducing lung function

The Military’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• Government contractors and internal reports documented asbestos hazards by the 1940s

• Despite warnings, asbestos remained in aircraft systems into the 1990s

• Marine Corps mechanics and crew were not warned or given proper protection

Lawsuits Filed by AV-8B Harrier Veterans

Numerous veterans have filed asbestos exposure claims due to Harrier-related work:

• Mechanics inhaled asbestos during nozzle overhauls and panel replacements

• Avionics techs exposed inside cockpits and flight control bays

• Shipboard crews inhaled airborne dust near flight deck engine maintenance

• Family members filed wrongful death claims after mesothelioma diagnoses

AV-8B Harrier Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• McDonnell Douglas / Boeing (Harrier co-manufacturers)

• Owens Corning

• Johns-Manville

• Raybestos

• Bendix

• Uniroyal

• Westinghouse

• General Electric

• Eagle-Picher

These companies manufactured asbestos components used in Harrier jets and were later held liable in lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion remains available for asbestos victims

• Marine Harrier veterans may qualify for multiple trust payouts

• Filing is confidential—no court required

• Trust fund claims do not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for AV-8B Harrier Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating available

• Over $3,800/month in tax-free compensation

• Access to leading VA mesothelioma specialists

• DIC benefits for eligible surviving spouses and children

• Can file VA and legal claims simultaneously

AV-8B Harrier Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Case Evaluation
We confirm your diagnosis and service history with Harrier squadrons.

2. Investigation
We gather maintenance logs, flight crew records, and exposure data.

3. Filing Claims
We pursue lawsuits and/or trust fund submissions on your behalf.

4. Resolution
Most claims settle within 6–18 months. No legal fees unless you win.

Statute of Limitations

• Lawsuits: 2–3 years from diagnosis (varies by state)

• Wrongful death: 2–3 years from date of passing

• Trust fund deadlines may allow longer—contact us early

Frequently Asked Questions (AV-8B Harrier Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Did every Harrier jet contain asbestos?
Yes. Asbestos was found in insulation, gaskets, brakes, and wiring wraps.

Q. Can Marine veterans file claims now?
Yes. Most asbestos illnesses are diagnosed decades after exposure.

Q. Can families file on behalf of deceased veterans?
Yes. Spouses and children may pursue compensation and DIC benefits.

Q. Do I need to go to court?
No. Most claims resolve through private settlement or trust funds.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years of experience handling military aircraft asbestos claims

• Access to AV-8B tech manuals, squadron records, and base rosters

• Millions recovered for Marine aviation crews and ground personnel

• No legal fees unless we win your case

Free Case Evaluation for AV-8B Harrier Veterans

If you or a loved one maintained or flew in an AV-8B Harrier and developed an asbestos-related illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

We’re here to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve.