Navy Amphibious Cargo Ships (LKA) Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

U.S. Navy Amphibious Cargo Ships (LKA-class) played a key role in transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment during military operations. These versatile ships supported beach landings and combat missions—but their design included extensive use of asbestos-containing materials in engine rooms, cargo holds, living spaces, and mechanical systems. Sailors, Marines, and shipyard workers aboard these vessels were exposed to asbestos daily, leading to serious illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer years later.

Our legal team helps LKA Navy veterans and their families file lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA claims—with no upfront legal costs and no effect on VA benefits.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Amphibious Cargo Ships (LKA)

Because LKA ships were designed to operate in combat zones with heavy loads and flammable cargo, the Navy relied on asbestos for:

• Insulating steam lines, boilers, engines, and turbines

• Fireproofing cargo compartments, ammunition storage, and engine rooms

• Protecting electrical systems, control rooms, and ventilation shafts

• Insulating crew berthing, mess decks, and ductwork throughout the ship

As a result, asbestos was built into nearly every major section of LKA-class ships.

Amphibious Cargo Ship Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

All ships in this class carried large amounts of asbestos insulation in their mechanical, structural, and living systems.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Naval Auxiliary Ships (AOG)

Naval auxiliary ships such as AOG-class gasoline tankers contained asbestos in piping insulation, boilers, and machinery to protect crew and cargo. Sailors serving on these support vessels were also exposed to asbestos hazards.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 45,000 U.S. Navy personnel served on asbestos-containing auxiliary ships, placing them at risk for asbestos-related health issues.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Amphibious Cargo Ships (LKA)

Amphibious cargo ships (LKA) used asbestos extensively for insulation and fireproofing in engineering and cargo handling areas. Sailors and Marines aboard these ships encountered asbestos exposure risks.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 50,000 combined Navy and Marine personnel served on asbestos-containing amphibious cargo ships.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Amphibious Cargo Ships

Engine & Boiler Rooms

• Turbines, pumps, and steam pipes wrapped in asbestos insulation

• Sailors exposed during maintenance, repairs, and inspections

Cargo Holds & Ammunition Storage

• Fireproofing materials contained asbestos to prevent cargo-related fires

• Vibration, heat, and cargo shifting released fibers into surrounding areas

Berthing & Mess Areas

• Pipe insulation, floor tiles, and adhesives contained asbestos

• Fibers traveled through air ducts and contaminated food and bedding

Electrical Rooms & Switchboards

• Asbestos used to insulate wiring and control systems

• Electricians disturbed insulation during rewiring or upgrades

Shipyard Overhauls & Retrofits

• Refits disturbed insulation in hulls, bulkheads, and mechanical spaces

• Crew and yard workers exposed during sanding, welding, and scraping

Navy LKA Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Amphibious Cargo Ships

🔥 Boiler & Engine Insulation

Use: Wrapped around propulsion systems and high-heat machinery
Exposure: Fibers released during inspection and repair in confined rooms

🔧 Pipe Lagging & Valve Wraps

Use: Covered hot water and steam lines shipwide
Exposure: Disturbed during pipe replacement or modification

🧱 Fireproof Panels & Deck Insulation

Use: Installed in cargo holds and weapons storage
Exposure: Combat damage, vibration, or maintenance released fibers

⚙️ Gaskets & Pump Seals

Use: Used in piping systems, engines, and generators
Exposure: Replaced routinely, creating fiber dust in the air

🪵 Floor Tiles & Adhesives

Use: Common in berthing areas, passageways, and kitchens
Exposure: Cracked tiles and old glue degraded and released asbestos

🧯 Fire Gear and Welding Blankets

Use: Contained asbestos in firefighting and maintenance gear
Exposure: Fibers shed during emergency drills and work routines

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Lined control boxes, transformers, and circuit panels
Exposure: Electricians and other crew inhaled fibers during upgrades

🎨 Sealants, Coatings & Adhesives

Use: Used to prevent heat and moisture damage in holds and seams
Exposure: Sanding or deterioration caused fiber release

🌬️ Ventilation Duct Insulation

Use: Wrapped ducts to resist fire spread through ship compartments
Exposure: Aging duct wrap broke down and circulated fibers shipwide

Long-Term Health Risks from LKA Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma – Aggressive and incurable cancer linked only to asbestos

• Asbestosis – Lung scarring that worsens breathing over time

• Lung Cancer – Often develops decades after initial exposure

• Pleural Thickening – Lung membrane thickening from chronic asbestos contact

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• As early as the 1930s, manufacturers and military contractors knew the risks

• Navy relied on contractor assurances and continued using asbestos

• LKA veterans were never warned, nor issued adequate safety equipment

Lawsuits Filed by Navy Amphibious Cargo Ship Veterans

Many sailors, Marines, and their families have filed legal claims for:

• Routine exposure aboard LKA-class ships

• Death and illness caused by faulty asbestos materials

• Failure of manufacturers to warn or protect service members

• Wrongful death and survivor claims by spouses and children

LKA Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Owens Corning

• Armstrong World Industries

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Foster Wheeler

• General Dynamics (shipbuilder)

• Eagle-Picher

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies supplied asbestos materials to LKA-class ships and have been held accountable through legal actions and bankruptcy trust funds.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion remains available through asbestos trust funds

• Most LKA veterans qualify for multiple payouts

• Trust claims can be filed without a trial or court appearance

• Trust claims are separate from and do not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy Amphibious Cargo Ship Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for asbestos-related mesothelioma

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

• Access to top-tier VA healthcare and cancer specialists

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members

• Can be filed alongside trust and legal claims

Navy LKA Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your service aboard LKA ships and your medical diagnosis

2. Investigation
Gather ship records, product exposure data, and co-worker testimony

3. File Claims
Submit lawsuits and/or asbestos trust fund claims on your behalf

4. Settle or Go to Trial
Most cases resolve privately—you pay nothing unless we win

Statute of Limitations

• Most states require claims to be filed within 2–3 years of diagnosis

• Wrongful death claims typically allow 2–3 years from the date of death

• Trust fund deadlines vary—early action is critical

Frequently Asked Questions (LKA Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were Navy crew informed about asbestos aboard LKA ships?
No. Most had no idea they were working in contaminated environments.

Q. Can I file a lawsuit and still receive VA benefits?
Yes. These are separate and can be pursued together.

Q. Can family members of deceased veterans file?
Yes. Spouses and children may file lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Q. How long does it take to get compensation?
Most cases resolve in 6–18 months, depending on the complexity.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years helping Navy asbestos victims

• Access to LKA-class ship records and exposure documentation

• Millions recovered for Navy veterans and their families

• No upfront fees—you only pay if we win

• Handle both legal and trust fund claims in one streamlined process

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Amphibious Cargo Ship Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a Navy LKA-class ship and later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Let us help you secure the compensation and justice you’ve earned through your service—before time runs out.