Military Families File Class Action Lawsuit Against U.S. Marine Corps Over Asbestos Exposure at On-Base Housing

A group of military families recently filed a class action lawsuit against several residential entities associated with on-base housing for dependants at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Beaufort, South Carolina. Attorneys for the eleven named families in the lawsuit claim that the plaintiffs and potentially tens of thousands of others suffered exposure to several toxic and potentially carcinogenic substances, including asbestos, while living in military housing.

The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas Fourteenth Judicial Circuit for Beaufort County, claims that the defendants knew for decades about the seriously hazardous conditions many families lived in while acting as property and real estate managers for the military. The claim even goes so far as to state that the defendants “knowingly and intentionally” placed victims in harm’s way by refusing to alert residents to the dangers they faced.

The named plaintiffs allege that the presence of toxic substances, including cancer-causing pesticides, lead paint, and asbestos, was the direct and proximate cause of their cancer diagnosis and other serious health conditions. Specifically, the complaint alleges exposure to toxic pesticides from storage tanks built from the 1950s to the 1970s that were left near tennant housing. Those allegations first came to light many months ago when one of the lead plaintiffs posted a video on Youtube.

Furthermore, the class action lawsuit also claims that the government conducted an “Environmental Baseline Survey” prior to executing a long term lease with the defendants in 2003. The EBS study found dangerous conditions on the grounds, including asbestos and lead-based paint. The complaint goes on to outline numerous instances of the defendants knowing about asbestos and other dangerous conditions but failing to follow through on their duty to mitigate health risks for tenants.

Military Asbestos Exposure

Unfortunately, the case is another example of how members of the armed forces and their families suffered from asbestos exposure. While the complaint in this case does not specifically mention any diagnosis of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that commonly affects the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs and abdomen, the condition is an all too common occurrence for thousands of former Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

For decades, the military used asbestos in numerous applications for its heat resistant properties but failed to warn personnel about or takes steps to mitigate the dangers of breathing in asbestos particles. Former military members suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition may be able to hold asbestos manufacturers and other parties responsible for the harm suffered, including recovering compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.