Navy Hospital Ships (AH) Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

Throughout the 20th century, U.S. Navy Hospital Ships (AH-class) were constructed using significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials. Though these vessels were meant to provide life-saving care for wounded service members, the very ships designed to heal often exposed their own crews and medical personnel to deadly asbestos fibers. Sailors, doctors, nurses, engineers, and shipyard workers serving aboard Navy hospital ships were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer due to long-term asbestos exposure.

Our legal team helps Navy veterans and medical staff who served on AH-class ships file lawsuits, VA claims, and asbestos trust fund claims—with no upfront legal fees and no impact to VA benefits.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Navy Hospital Ships (AH)

Hospital ships required thermal protection, electrical insulation, and fire-resistant materials to support continuous medical operations in combat zones and high-risk environments. Asbestos was widely used for:

• Insulating steam lines, engine rooms, and laundry systems

• Fireproofing walls, doors, and operating suites

• Reducing fire risk in medical wards, pharmacies, and storage compartments

• Soundproofing in surgical bays and sleeping quarters

Despite being floating hospitals, these ships were densely packed with asbestos products in critical areas.

Hospital Ship Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

All of these hospital ships contained asbestos in operating rooms, engine rooms, ventilation systems, and crew spaces.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Hospital Ships (AH)

Hospital ships used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing in machinery spaces to protect patients and crew. Medical and support staff aboard faced potential asbestos exposure.

Total Estimated Exposure: About 20,000 U.S. Navy and medical personnel served on asbestos-containing hospital ships.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Hospital Ships

Engine Rooms & Boiler Spaces

• Asbestos wrapped turbines, pipes, valves, and pumps

• Engineering crews regularly disturbed insulation during maintenance

Medical Wards & Operating Theaters

• Fireproof wall panels and acoustic insulation behind surgical bays

• Asbestos dust released during upgrades, retrofits, or water damage

Berthing, Galleys & Mess Decks

• Asbestos-containing floor tiles, pipe lagging, and adhesives

• Fibers traveled through ventilation into crew quarters and dining areas

Pharmacies & Storage Rooms

• Asbestos-lined fireproofing for controlled substance storage

• Fibers released as insulation aged or degraded

Dry Dock Repairs & Overhauls

• Shipyard personnel and onboard crew disturbed asbestos during structural maintenance

• High exposure risk during re-coating, rewiring, and refitting procedures

Navy Hospital Ship Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Hospital Ships

🔥 Boiler and Pipe Insulation

Use: Wrapped around heating and steam lines
Exposure: Insulation decayed and flaked, especially during repairs

🔧 Valve Packing and Gaskets

Use: Used in medical machinery, autoclaves, and ship piping systems
Exposure: Replaced frequently, releasing fibers into enclosed areas

🧱 Fireproof Wall and Ceiling Panels

Use: Lined surgical rooms and storage areas to prevent fire spread
Exposure: Fibers became airborne during maintenance and renovations

⚙️ Deck Tiles and Adhesives

Use: Contained asbestos in berthing areas, labs, and galley floors
Exposure: Worn or cracked tiles shed dust into air systems

🧯 Firefighting Gear and Blankets

Use: Made from woven asbestos for use in surgical and ship fires
Exposure: Regular drills and emergencies disturbed fibers

📦 Electrical Panel Insulation

Use: Wrapped around control boards and high-voltage systems
Exposure: Electricians disturbed insulation during upgrades

🎨 Sealants, Caulks & Paints

Use: Applied in surgical bays and around pipes for fire resistance
Exposure: Scraping or sanding released fibers into confined areas

🌬️ Ventilation Duct Wraps

Use: Ducts insulated to control heat and prevent fire
Exposure: Contaminated air circulated asbestos fibers throughout wards

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy Hospital Ship Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Aggressive, incurable cancer of the lung or abdominal lining

• Asbestosis: Lung scarring that causes breathing difficulty

• Lung Cancer: Common among long-term asbestos-exposed veterans

• Pleural Thickening: Causes chest pain, shortness of breath, and worsens over time

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• Medical literature cited the dangers of asbestos as early as the 1930s

• Contractors failed to warn the Navy and continued using asbestos products

• Service members aboard AH-class ships were never made aware of the risk

Lawsuits Filed by Navy Hospital Ship Veterans

Thousands of veterans, nurses, and shipyard workers have filed legal claims after:

• Developing asbestos-related illnesses from onboard exposure

• Being exposed during shipyard refits and onboard medical operations

• Losing loved ones due to mesothelioma and lung disease

• Holding manufacturers accountable for knowingly supplying unsafe materials

Hospital Ship Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Owens Corning

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Armstrong World Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher Industries

• General Dynamics

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies knowingly supplied asbestos products to Navy hospital ships and were later held liable for damages.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds

• Veterans do not need to go to court to file a claim

• Most Navy hospital ship veterans qualify for multiple trust fund payouts

• Trust claims are separate from VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy Hospital Ship Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-related mesothelioma

• Monthly tax-free compensation (over $3,800/month)

• Free access to VA mesothelioma treatment centers

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses

• May be filed alongside lawsuits or trust claims

Navy Hospital Ship Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your ship assignment, diagnosis, and service history

2. Investigation
Gather ship logs, product records, and service documentation

3. File Claims
Submit asbestos trust fund claims and/or lawsuits against manufacturers

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases settle out of court—no legal fees unless successful

Statute of Limitations

• Most lawsuits must be filed within 2–3 years of diagnosis

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

• Trust fund deadlines vary—early action is critical

Frequently Asked Questions (AH Ship Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were medical personnel warned about asbestos exposure?
No. Nurses, corpsmen, and staff were never warned about exposure risks.

Q. Can I file a claim if I received VA benefits?
Yes. VA benefits are separate from legal claims.

Q. Can families of deceased veterans file?
Yes. Surviving spouses and children may pursue claims.

Q. What kind of compensation is available?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and survivor benefits.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years of success with Navy asbestos cases

• Access to AH-class blueprints, records, and exposure documentation

• Millions recovered for veterans, nurses, and families

• No upfront costs—you only pay if we win

• Handle trust fund and lawsuit claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Hospital Ship Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a U.S. Navy hospital ship and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 now for your free, confidential case review.

Let us help you secure compensation and justice before time runs out.