Navy Landing Ship Tanks Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

For decades, Navy Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) were constructed using asbestos-containing materials in virtually every operational area. These amphibious vessels transported tanks, troops, and supplies directly onto hostile shores—and were packed with asbestos in engine rooms, bulkheads, ventilation systems, and berthing compartments. Sailors and Marines aboard LSTs were often unknowingly exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers, resulting in long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Our legal team helps LST Navy veterans and their families pursue compensation through asbestos trust fund claims, VA benefits, and lawsuits—with no upfront legal fees.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs)

Because LSTs supported beach landings under combat conditions, the Navy required materials that were fireproof, heat-resistant, and durable. Asbestos was used extensively for:

• Insulating steam and diesel propulsion systems

• Fireproofing compartments near fuel tanks and engine rooms

• Protecting electrical wiring and communications systems

• Insulating berthing and cargo areas in tightly confined spaces

Asbestos was present in nearly every part of the ship—from the vehicle deck to the bridge.

LST Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

All of these ships were loaded with asbestos insulation across propulsion, electrical, and structural systems.

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

Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) used asbestos extensively in engine rooms, pipe insulation, and fireproofing materials. Crews faced high exposure risks during amphibious operations and routine maintenance.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 95,000 U.S. Navy personnel served on asbestos-containing LSTs, facing significant asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy LSTs

Engine Rooms & Machinery Spaces

• Steam and diesel systems lined with asbestos insulation

• Sailors and technicians inhaled fibers during maintenance and repairs

Cargo & Tank Decks

• Fireproofing in vehicle bays and fuel storage areas

• Damage, vibrations, or heat caused insulation to break down

Berthing & Mess Areas

• Pipe insulation, tiles, and ventilation ducts exposed sailors in daily living spaces

• Fibers traveled into bedding and food prep areas

Electrical Control Stations

• Wiring, panels, and circuit breakers insulated with asbestos

• Maintenance disturbed brittle insulation, exposing electricians and nearby crew

Dry Dock Overhaul & Repairs

• Insulation removal, welding, and surface prep released fibers

• Exposure common among shipyard workers and onboard crew

Navy LST Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy LSTs

🔥 Boiler & Engine Insulation

Use: Wrapped around machinery to contain extreme heat
Exposure: Broke down with vibration or handling, releasing fibers

🔧 Pipe Lagging

Use: Insulated hot water and steam lines
Exposure: Repairs or cuts disturbed friable asbestos materials

🧱 Fireproof Bulkhead Panels

Use: Installed throughout the ship to resist fire
Exposure: Fibers released during drilling, welding, or battle damage repairs

⚙️ Gaskets & Valve Packing

Use: Found in joints and pumps across mechanical systems
Exposure: Replaced routinely, shedding dry asbestos dust

🪵 Flooring Tiles & Adhesives

Use: Contained asbestos in crew areas and common rooms
Exposure: Cracked or damaged tiles released microscopic particles

🧯 Protective Gear

Use: Fire blankets, gloves, and jackets made from asbestos
Exposure: Worn and reused gear shed fibers during training and emergencies

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Used in switchboards, panel boxes, and wiring
Exposure: Electricians and nearby crew inhaled fibers during upgrades

🎨 Adhesives & Coatings

Use: Asbestos added to paints, sealants, and caulks for durability
Exposure: Disturbed during repainting or patchwork

🌬️ Ventilation Duct Wrapping

Use: Lined air systems to prevent fire and heat spread
Exposure: Fibers circulated through onboard air with age and damage

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy LST Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma – Cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen

• Asbestosis – Lung scarring that causes breathlessness and fatigue

• Lung Cancer – Strongly linked to long-term asbestos exposure

• Pleural Thickening – Lung lining thickens, restricting breathing

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• Asbestos manufacturers knew of health risks as early as the 1930s

• Despite warnings, asbestos was installed in ships into the 1980s

• Navy personnel aboard LSTs were never warned or properly protected

Lawsuits Filed by Navy LST Veterans

Thousands of legal claims have been filed due to:

• Illnesses caused by exposure aboard asbestos-laden LSTs

• Manufacturers’ failure to disclose known health hazards

• Long-term exposure during service, drills, and shipyard work

• Family members filing wrongful death claims on behalf of loved ones

LST Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Owens Corning

• Armstrong World Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher

• General Dynamics

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies were responsible for manufacturing or installing asbestos products aboard Navy LSTs.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• More than $30 billion is available in trust funds

• Claims can be filed without going to court

• Many LST veterans qualify for multiple payouts

• Trust fund claims do not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy LST Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for mesothelioma

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

• Access to top VA cancer centers

• DIC benefits for surviving spouses and dependents

• Legal and VA claims may be filed together for full compensation

Navy LST Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your diagnosis and Navy service records

2. Investigation
Gather ship logs, maintenance history, and exposure documents

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

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases resolve without trial; no fees unless successful

Statute of Limitations

• Lawsuits must be filed 2–3 years from diagnosis in most states

• Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2–3 years of passing

• Trust fund claims may remain open longer—consult a legal expert early

Frequently Asked Questions (LST Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were LST sailors warned about asbestos exposure?
No. Most were never informed despite the known risks.

Q. Can I file a claim if I receive VA benefits?
Yes. VA benefits do not affect your right to legal compensation.

Q. Can surviving families file claims?
Yes. Spouses and children may file lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Q. How long do claims take?
Most resolve within 6–18 months, depending on complexity.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• 25+ years of experience in Navy asbestos lawsuits

• Access to LST ship blueprints, logs, and service records

• Millions recovered for veterans and their families

• No fees unless we win your case

• We handle trust fund and lawsuit claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy LST Veterans

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

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

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve while there’s still time to file.