Marine Veterans and Mesothelioma Lawsuits [2025 Update]

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While serving their country, many U.S. Marines were exposed to asbestos on equipment and installations, particularly during the 1930s through the 1990s. Hundreds of Marines developed mesothelioma decades later, and they say they were not warned about the dangers of asbestos.

Filing a civil lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure can help Marines recover their losses. Some veterans also choose to file VA claims or seek compensation through asbestos trust fund claims. Surviving family members of Marines who died from mesothelioma are also requesting wrongful death compensation through civilian and VA channels.

This page will help Marines and their families understand asbestos exposure during the line of duty and compensation options for those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

About the Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit:

The U.S. Marine Corps and Its History of Asbestos Use

Marines are the crisis responders of the U.S. military. People who join the U.S. Marine Corps have a willingness and dedication to protect our nation and its ideals. While Marines were protecting our nation, many of them were exposed to asbestos and later developed an asbestos-related disease.

Many marines served aboard U.S. Navy ships or on joint-service installations, where asbestos use was prevalent. During the middle to late 20th century, the U.S. military heavily relied on asbestos during the construction of buildings and vehicles. Asbestos at Marine Corps camps was common.

Marines were exposed to asbestos on ships, airplanes, aviation equipment, barracks, and when performing numerous types of maintenance. Asbestos use at military bases was very common. Here is a general timeline of the U.S. Marines’ use of asbestos:

• 1930 to 1945: The U.S. Marine Corps relied on asbestos insulation (like friable insulation) and fireproofing materials during WWII.
• 1950s and 1960s: The U.S. Marine Corps used asbestos in vessels, vehicles, and throughout bases. They also traveled on ships from the Navy and aircraft from the Air Force that contained asbestos.
• 1970s and 1980s: OSHA and the EPA issued regulations and warnings about workplace exposure to asbestos, encouraging employers to provide personal protective equipment and limit contact with asbestos.
• 1990s through 2000s: Government and civilian companies shifted away from asbestos, but many Marines were still exposed to asbestos during construction, maintenance, and demolition. They were also exposed when working on older Marine and Navy installations.

Many U.S. Marine Corps camps had extensive asbestos use, including at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, and El Toro. Marines who were stationed at these facilities or part of the cleanup efforts may have breathed in and ingested disturbed asbestos. This puts them at risk for developing mesothelioma in the future.

What Did the Marine Corps Use Asbestos For?

The U.S. Marine Corps depended on asbestos in many aspects of its operations, including:

• Insulating and fireproofing vehicles, airplanes, hangars, and ships.
• Lining administrative buildings, barracks, and mess halls with asbestos-containing material (like ceiling tiles, walls, floors, and pipes).
• Fireproofing equipment for tanks and trucks, such as brake pads, gaskets, valves, and clutches.
• Creating heat and fire-resistant gear, such as gloves and helmets.

Asbestos was used by the U.S. Marines as a valuable additive because it could withstand high heat and keep unwanted fires from spreading to people and equipment.

The material was seen as critical to keeping U.S. Marines safe in high-heat or high-friction environments. However, its widespread use caused many Marines to breathe in asbestos fibers. Some of those servicemembers may develop cancer, mesothelioma, and related diagnoses because of this exposure.

Which U.S. Marine Corps Bases Contained Asbestos?

Many U.S. Marine Corps bases incorporated asbestos into their operations, relying on it to shield people and equipment from heat and fire. Here are some of the major U.S. Marine Corps bases that contain asbestos:

• Camp Lejeune in North Carolina: Asbestos was used in barracks, utility systems, and boiler rooms. Camp Lejeune is also known for widespread water contamination.
• Camp Pendleton in California: Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles and flooring were installed in many of the buildings.
• MCAS El Toro in California: Asbestos was found in much of the 4,700 acres at this location, which has been declared a Superfund Site by the EPA.
• MCAS Yuma in Arizona: Several sub-sites have high amounts of asbestos-containing materials, and the entire Yuma installation is a Superfund under EPA oversight.
• MCAS Miramar in California: Asbestos products were used at MCAS Miramar before the phase-out began around 1989.

The EPA and other federal agencies are still monitoring asbestos abatement and use at these and other U.S. Marine Corps sites. Marines, federal contractors, and other people who work on these sites may inhale asbestos particles. They may develop mesothelioma decades after even minimal exposure to asbestos.

Marine Corps Jobs at Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Some assignments in the U.S. Marine Corps put Marines at a greater risk of asbestos exposure. Marines who worked in ship- and base-related jobs, mechanical & vehicle jobs, and aviation jobs all risked exposure to asbestos when supporting the mission.

Marine Corps members who worked in the following Military Occupational Specialties may have encountered asbestos:

• Machinists
• Engine room technicians
• Shipboard service members
• Mechanics
• Motor-transport technicians
• Construction engineers and workers
• Pipefitters
• Steamfitters
• Welders
• Aviation technicians
• Naval repair technicians
• Shipyard service members

Nontechnical staff and family members living in contaminated U.S. Marine Corps barracks may also have been exposed to asbestos. For example, they may have breathed in asbestos dust and particles from deteriorating insulation at the Marine Corps site.

Health Risks Linked to Asbestos Exposure While Serving in the Marine Corps

Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lining of the lungs and other organs and cause inflammation, cancer, scarring, and other complications. According to the OSHA and other leading authorities, any amount of asbestos is unsafe. U.S. Marines who inhaled or ingested asbestos may not develop disease until many years after their exposure on a contaminated site.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer of the lining of the organs (i.e., the mesothelium), and it is primarily caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma can develop in the pleural lining (the lungs), which is the most common form.

Mesothelioma can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart, or testicles. About a third of all people who die from malignant pleural mesothelioma each year are veterans, including those who served in the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Typically, people do not show signs of mesothelioma for 20 to 50 years or more after they encounter asbestos. The average onset of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure is 32 years. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer. However, a 2025 Johns Hopkins study discovered treatments that can improve outcomes for some patients with mesothelioma.

Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, And Other Conditions

Exposure to asbestos can also cause other diseases and cancers, including:

• Asbestosis
• Pleural plaques
• Asbestos lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Asbestosis occurs when someone breathes in asbestos fibers over a long period of time, and it scars their lung tissue. Someone with asbestosis may experience difficulty breathing and a dry, unproductive cough that does not go away. U.S. Marines who worked in areas with high asbestos contamination (like boiler rooms and shipyards) are at increased risk of asbestosis.

U.S. Marines who had asbestos in their work environment may develop lung cancer. U.S. Marines who smoke have a higher chance of being diagnosed with lung cancer than others.

Asbestos exposure from the U.S. Marine Corps can also cause pleural plaques, which is when some areas of the lining of the lungs thicken. Asbestos has also been linked to throat, ovarian, and gut cancer.

Who Can File a Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

U.S. Marines and their family members who developed mesothelioma may qualify for an asbestos settlement. Their mesothelioma may be related to their or their family members’ time with the U.S. Marine Corps. Additionally, family members can file a mesothelioma claim on behalf of a veteran, if that person is unable to do so on their own.

People whose family members served in the U.S. Marine Corps and died of mesothelioma may be able to receive wrongful death compensation. A skilled attorney who handles military mesothelioma cases can help people determine their eligibility for benefits through the VA, a civilian-based personal injury lawsuit, or an asbestos trust fund.

What Compensation Options Are Available to Marines Who Develop Mesothelioma?

Marines who develop mesothelioma can pursue compensation through a number of avenues, including:

• A personal injury lawsuit against an asbestos company
• A trust fund claim against a bankrupt asbestos company
• A VA disability claim

Many Marine veterans may be eligible for more than one type of compensation. A knowledgeable asbestos attorney will build your case to give you the best chance at the most compensation.

How Can I File a Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

In order to file a mesothelioma lawsuit due to asbestos exposure in the Marines, you should work with an attorney experienced in filing asbestos claims. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand claim options that best suit your individual needs.

You can bring a Marine Corps mesothelioma lawsuit by:

• Locating records to show you served in the Marine Corps and were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
• Gathering documentation about what Marine Corps installations you were assigned to and what your jobs were at those locations. For example, your Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs) or your DD Form 214.
• Consulting with a skilled Marine Corps mesothelioma attorney to see if you qualify for compensation.
• Hiring an attorney to prepare and file your asbestos case related to your Marine Corps history.
• Working with your Marine Corps attorney to submit a VA disability claim for your mesothelioma.

Many attorneys who handle mesothelioma cases for Marines do not charge veterans any upfront legal fees to hire them. King Law helps former U.S. Marines maximize their chances of receiving fair compensation by filing multiple types of claims (e.g., asbestos trust fund, VA disability, and civil lawsuit) at the same time. We do not charge any money up front and offer free consultations.

Will I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Against the Military?

No. When you choose to file a lawsuit or trust fund claim due to a mesothelioma diagnosis, you will not sue the military or the U.S. Government. Instead, you would file claims against the businesses and companies that supplied asbestos-based products to the U.S. military.

Is There a Deadline to File a Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

State laws dictate how long a U.S. Marine has to file their mesothelioma lawsuit. Typically, the filing window opens when the veteran discovers that their mesothelioma is related to their service as a U.S. Marine. Depending on the state your lawsuit is filed in (which may not be the state you live or worked in), the deadline is between 1 and 6 years.

Wrongful death claims also have specific state statutes. VA disability benefit claims for mesothelioma have less strict filing deadlines. However, these rules are technical, and they are also subject to change. A mesothelioma attorney for U.S. Marines is best positioned to help you determine when to submit your settlement request.

U.S. Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Mesothelioma settlements for U.S. Marines could reach up to $250,000 to over $1 million. The exact amount depends on the person’s losses, given their age, quality of life, earning potential, and other factors. The type of benefits they are seeking can also impact how much and what categories of compensation they receive.

For instance, a U.S. Marine filing a personal injury lawsuit could receive money for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. Other settlement options may be available for a U.S. Marine submitting VA disability benefit claims.

Past U.S. Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuit Payouts

A mesothelioma settlement for a U.S. Marine and their family reflects the type of compensation they are seeking and the losses they have suffered. For example, one former Navy member won a $40 million verdict after he developed mesothelioma from contaminated gaskets. A U.S. Marine who secures VA disability benefits for mesothelioma may receive monthly payments of $3,800 or more. Other types of VA benefits may be available to them, including Aid & Attendance.

Is There a United States Marine Corps Asbestos Trust?

There is no single U.S. Marine Corps asbestos trust fund. However, Marines who develop mesothelioma from service-related asbestos exposure can pursue payouts from mesothelioma trust funds.

Some companies that made asbestos-containing products for the U.S. Marine Corps have filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of that bankruptcy proceeding, the companies set money aside in asbestos trust funds. U.S. Marines and other mesothelioma patients can request compensation from these trusts by filing asbestos claims.

Receiving a mesothelioma settlement from one source (such as an asbestos trust fund) does not impact the U.S. Marine’s ability to seek a financial payout from another source.

King Law Is Investigating Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawsuits

King Law helps U.S. Marines discover and pursue their legal options after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our legal team can determine which asbestos companies exposed you while you were serving your country. We can investigate what companies made the asbestos-containing products that the U.S. Marine worked with. Our law firm is also prepared to pursue all potential sources of compensation for the person’s asbestos exposure at the U.S. Marine Corps.

Contact a Marine Corps Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

If you served as a U.S. Marine and developed mesothelioma, give our team a call at (585) 496-2648 to schedule a free case review. We have decades of experience handling mesothelioma claims for U.S. Marines, and we welcome the chance to talk to you about how we can help. We can discuss your filing options, including a mesothelioma lawsuit, and answer your questions so you feel informed about your decisions.

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