Navy Landing Ship Docks (LSD) Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

For decades, U.S. Navy Landing Ship Docks (LSDs) were constructed with extensive amounts of asbestos-containing materials throughout their engine rooms, berthing areas, vehicle decks, and ventilation systems. Designed to carry and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, LSDs saw heavy-duty service across multiple conflicts. Sailors and Marines aboard LSDs were routinely exposed to asbestos, leading to serious illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Our legal team helps Navy LSD veterans and their families file asbestos lawsuits, VA claims, and trust fund claims—with no upfront legal fees or hidden costs.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Landing Ship Docks (LSDs)

Due to their complex structure, amphibious operations, and high heat-generating systems, LSDs required durable, fire-resistant materials. Asbestos was widely used for:

• Insulating steam lines, turbines, and diesel propulsion equipment

• Fireproofing control rooms, landing craft storage, and well decks

• Controlling heat in electrical rooms and combat information centers

• Insulating berthing, mess halls, and mechanical systems in tight, enclosed spaces

As a result, asbestos was found in nearly every section of an LSD.

LSD Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

All of these ships were outfitted with asbestos-containing products in critical systems throughout the vessel.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Landing Ship Dock (LSD)

Landing Ship Docks contained asbestos insulation and fireproofing in engine rooms and living quarters. Sailors and Marines aboard these ships faced asbestos exposure during amphibious operations.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 55,000 U.S. Navy and Marine personnel served on asbestos-containing LSDs.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy LSDs

Engine & Boiler Rooms

• Insulated turbines, valves, and boilers with asbestos

• Sailors exposed during inspection, repair, and day-to-day operation

Vehicle & Cargo Decks

• Fireproof wall panels and thermal coatings protected against fuel or combat fires

• Asbestos materials broke down with use, vibration, or equipment impact

Berthing Areas & Mess Halls

• Pipe wraps, tiles, and adhesives contained asbestos

• Fibers entered the air via ducts and settled on bunks and prep surfaces

Combat Information Center (CIC) & Electrical Rooms

• Electrical panels and wiring insulated with asbestos materials

• Upgrades and repairs disturbed these components, releasing fibers

Dry Dock Maintenance & Retrofits

• Overhauls disturbed old asbestos insulation, paints, and floor materials

• Exposure affected both shipyard workers and LSD crew

Navy LSD Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy LSDs

🔥 Boiler & Engine Insulation

Use: Lined high-heat machinery and steam components
Exposure: Damaged insulation released fibers into enclosed machinery spaces

🔧 Pipe Lagging & Valve Wraps

Use: Insulated high-pressure and steam lines
Exposure: Removed or cut during maintenance, releasing airborne fibers

🧱 Fireproof Panels & Bulkhead Boards

Use: Installed in engine rooms, CICs, and storage bays
Exposure: Fibers released when drilling or updating equipment

⚙️ Gaskets & Seals

Use: Installed in piping systems, pumps, and heat exchangers
Exposure: Replaced or scraped during maintenance, generating dust

🪵 Floor Tiles & Tile Adhesives

Use: Found throughout berthing, mess halls, and walkways
Exposure: Cracked tiles and old adhesives released asbestos over time

🧯 Protective Fire Gear

Use: Gloves, mitts, and fire blankets woven with asbestos
Exposure: Shed fibers during firefighting drills and emergencies

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Coated wires and panels in radar and control rooms
Exposure: Released fibers during rewiring, maintenance, or upgrades

🎨 Adhesives, Paints & Sealants

Use: Used for heat-resistance and corrosion prevention
Exposure: Sanding or chipping materials during repairs released asbestos

🌬️ HVAC and Duct Insulation

Use: Lined ductwork to prevent fire spread
Exposure: Aging insulation flaked off and circulated fibers into living areas

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy LSD Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Deadly cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure

• Asbestosis: Chronic, progressive lung damage

• Lung Cancer: Often occurs decades after exposure

• Pleural Thickening: Restricts lung function and worsens over time

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• Medical journals documented asbestos hazards as early as the 1930s

• Shipbuilders and contractors kept using asbestos without warning the Navy

• LSD sailors and Marines were never told about the dangers or issued proper safety gear

Lawsuits Filed by Navy LSD Veterans

Thousands of legal claims have been filed due to:

• Exposure to hazardous asbestos products aboard LSDs

• Manufacturer negligence and failure to warn

• Deaths and chronic illness linked directly to Navy service

• Legal rights of veterans and families to hold asbestos suppliers accountable

LSD Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Owens Corning

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Armstrong World Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher

• General Dynamics (shipbuilder)

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies supplied and installed asbestos-containing products used aboard Navy LSDs.

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

• Many LSD veterans qualify for multiple trust payouts

• Trust fund claims are separate from and do not impact VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy LSD Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-related mesothelioma

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

• Full access to VA healthcare and specialists

• DIC benefits available for surviving family members

• Can be filed alongside lawsuits or trust claims for added recovery

Navy LSD Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your medical diagnosis and LSD service record

2. Investigation
Collect duty logs, ship schematics, and product exposure records

3. File Claims
Submit legal and trust fund claims against asbestos manufacturers

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases resolve out of court—no fees unless we win

Statute of Limitations

• Lawsuits must be filed within 2–3 years from diagnosis

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

• Trust fund deadlines vary—act promptly to preserve your rights

Frequently Asked Questions (LSD Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were LSD crews warned about asbestos exposure?
No. Most were never made aware of the danger.

Q. Can I still file if I receive VA benefits?
Yes. Legal and VA claims are separate and do not interfere with each other.

Q. Can family members of deceased LSD veterans file claims?
Yes. Surviving spouses and children can pursue both legal and trust fund claims.

Q. What compensation can I receive?
Awards may include medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and family benefits.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• 25+ years of experience helping Navy asbestos victims

• Access to LSD ship logs, plans, and exposure records

• Millions recovered for Navy veterans and their families

• No upfront fees—you only pay if we win

• We handle both trust fund and legal claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy LSD Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a U.S. Navy LSD and later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us help you protect your rights, secure your benefits, and hold asbestos manufacturers accountable.