🚢 Navy Attack Transport Ship Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit
Navy Attack Transport Ships (APA/LPAs), used extensively during World War II and the Cold War to deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment to combat zones, were heavily outfitted with asbestos materials. These ships required durable, fire-resistant construction to endure battle conditions, troop housing demands, and intense mechanical operation.
Asbestos was found in engine rooms, boiler systems, troop berthing areas, and mess halls. Insulation covered steam pipes, valves, exhaust ducts, and electrical wiring. Crew members and embarked troops were regularly exposed during maintenance operations, damage control training, or simply living aboard in tight quarters where degraded insulation shed harmful fibers into the air.
Because these ships often carried thousands of personnel in crowded conditions, the likelihood of asbestos exposure was widespread. Many veterans who served aboard these vessels have later developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from prolonged asbestos contact.
Read More Articles about Navy Attack Transport Ship Asbestos Exposure
Why Asbestos Was Used in Attack Transport Ships
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Fireproofing around engine exhausts and steam lines
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Pipe insulation in boiler and propulsion areas
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Ceiling tiles and floor adhesives in berthing areas
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Wall panels and insulation in medical bays and galleys
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Gaskets and packing in ship valves and pumps
These materials degraded over time and were disturbed during routine shipboard maintenance, increasing the risk of airborne fiber exposure.
Navy Attack Transport Ship Missions
| Vessel Type | Missions |
|---|---|
| APA-Class Ships | Amphibious troop landings and assault deployments |
| LPA-Class Ships | Cold War and Vietnam-era transport and evacuation |
| Converted Liberty Ships | WWII troop and equipment carriers |
These ships supported major amphibious invasions and humanitarian missions throughout the 20th century.
Estimated Personnel Exposed on Attack Transport Ships
| Role | Exposure Description |
|---|---|
| Machinist’s Mates | Worked near asbestos-wrapped engine and propulsion systems |
| Damage Controlmen | Patched steam leaks and bulkheads with asbestos insulation |
| Electrician’s Mates | Rewired electrical systems lined with fireproof asbestos |
| Corpsmen | Treated patients in medical bays with asbestos-containing surfaces |
| Troop Passengers | Slept in berthing areas with asbestos floor tiles and overhead insulation |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 30,000 Navy and Marine personnel served aboard APA and LPA vessels with asbestos.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials on Attack Transport Ships
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Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
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Exhaust wrap and pump gaskets
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Electrical cable insulation and control panels
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Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
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Fire-retardant bulkhead panels and ceiling tiles
High-Risk Exposure Areas on Attack Transport Ships
Engine and Boiler Rooms
Tightly packed machinery surrounded by degraded asbestos materials
Berthing and Bunk Areas
Friable floor tiles and wallboard released fibers during cleaning and movement
Troop Compartments
Crowded areas with poor ventilation and crumbling insulation
Medical Bays and Galleys
Insulated walls and pipes exposed staff during repairs
Long-Term Health Risks from Attack Transport Ship Asbestos Exposure
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Mesothelioma – Rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos inhalation
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Asbestosis – Scarring and inflammation in lung tissue
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Lung Cancer – Strongly linked to prolonged fiber exposure
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Pleural Thickening – Causes restricted breathing and chest discomfort
Legal Options for Attack Transport Ship Veterans
Many veterans who served aboard these ships have successfully filed claims:
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Machinist exposed during steam pipe maintenance
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Corpsman slept in asbestos-insulated medical quarters
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Damage Controlman repaired ruptured exhaust ducts with asbestos wrap
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Electrician replaced outdated panels lined with fireproof materials
Sample Asbestos Settlements
| Case Summary | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran exposed in engine room during WWII troop deployments | $5.1 million |
| Electrician rewiring switchgear surrounded by asbestos | $4.7 million |
| Corpsman diagnosed after Vietnam-era LPA service | $4.4 million |
| Crewman exposed in bunk quarters with friable tile | $4.0 million |
Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved
| Company | 12-Word Description |
|---|---|
| Bethlehem Steel | Built and repaired APA-class ships with asbestos insulation |
| Johns-Manville | Supplied thermal pipe wrap and electrical panel board |
| Owens Corning | Distributed high-temperature boiler insulation |
| Eagle-Picher | Made asbestos adhesives and mastics |
| Westinghouse | Provided switchgear lined with arc-resistant asbestos |
| Bendix | Produced gaskets and packing with asbestos |
| Raybestos | Supplied brake linings and sheet materials |
| General Electric | Supplied asbestos-insulated wiring systems |
These companies were named in lawsuits and contributed to asbestos trust fund settlements.
Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds
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Over $30 billion available for veterans and families
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APA and LPA ship personnel may qualify
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No court appearance needed
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Filing does not impact VA benefits
VA Benefits for Attack Transport Ship Veterans with Mesothelioma
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100% disability rating
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Over $3,800/month in VA compensation
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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for spouses and dependents
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Access to VA mesothelioma specialists and treatment centers
Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit or Trust Fund Claim
Free Legal Review
Our team verifies your ship assignment and exposure risk.
Collect Supporting Records
Service logs, medical reports, and witness statements.
File All Applicable Claims
Both trust fund and lawsuit options may be available.
Receive Compensation
Most cases resolve in 6–18 months. No fees unless you win.
Statute of Limitations
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Legal Claims: Typically 2–3 years from diagnosis
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Wrongful Death: 2–3 years after loved one’s passing
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Trust Funds: Vary by company—time is limited
Frequently Asked Questions (Attack Transport Ship Asbestos Exposure)
Q. Were all APA-class ships built with asbestos?
Yes. Ships built before 1980 commonly contained asbestos in critical systems.
Q. Can I file a claim now if I served decades ago?
Yes. Eligibility is based on diagnosis, not time of service.
Q. Can surviving family members also file?
Yes. Families may file wrongful death and VA DIC claims.
Q. Does a legal claim affect VA benefits?
No. VA benefits are not affected by trust fund or lawsuit filings.
Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center
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Over 25 years helping Navy veterans with asbestos claims
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Access to APA/LPA ship records and repair logs
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Proven track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements
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No legal fees unless compensation is recovered
Free Legal Consultation for Navy APA & LPA Veterans
If you or a loved one served aboard a Navy Attack Transport Ship and developed an asbestos-related illness:
Call 800.291.0963 for your free legal case review today.