Legal

Veterans of the United States military are entitled to the thanks of the nation, and are often recognized for their service and courage. These are well-respected, hardworking Americans who made great sacrifices to serve the country through the military. Unfortunately, many of these brave men and women spend their final days battling the illnesses triggered by years of exposure to asbestos, including mesothelioma.

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is one of the most important laws for seamen who have been injured on the job. As outlined in its Preamble, the Act is designed to support a vibrant maritime industry in the U.S. There are many sections to the Act and many components including regulations for maritime commerce and coastal shipping, and these have been revised many times, most recently in 2006.

Each year, an estimated 3,300 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare but virulent type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Of those patients, nearly a third are veterans who were exposed to high levels of toxic dust and fibers while serving on military bases and working on ships or in shipyards.