May 26 marks the 54th official Memorial Day since Congress designated the last Monday of May a national observance in 1971. Memorialization and decoration services date as far back as 1868, during the American Civil War.
Memorial Day is woven into the fabric of U.S. history, and the holiday's importance can't be overlooked.
Amidst parades, backyard barbecues, and time with loved ones, it’s important for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices millions of soldiers have made to uphold the freedoms and liberties that define America.
Since the dawn of the Revolutionary War, more than 1.2 million American soldiers of all different backgrounds have given their lives in service to our country and its ideals.
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember these brave men and women in uniform, support their families and loved ones, and vow to pay their sacrifices forward.
Protecting and Serving Fallen Soldiers and Veterans Is Our Duty
It takes a truly special and selfless individual to join the military and put their life on the line to protect their fellow citizens. In the course of U.S. history, millions of brave Americans have answered this call.
It’s important to not only remember the sacrifices made by these individual soldiers, but to step up and support soldiers when they leave active duty and return to civilian life.
Each year, around 200,000 American soldiers retire from service and become veterans. Unfortunately, many of these veterans face an often overwhelming amount of difficulties upon leaving the military.
Around 33% of veterans suffer from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 53% of veterans experience chronic physical health issues from their time in the military, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Physical service-related health conditions can include:
- Brain and head trauma from injuries sustained during military service
- Diseases caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances like asbestos and arsenic
- Illnesses linked to firefighting foam or AFFF used on bases and ships
- Long-term health problems caused by military burn pits
- Tinnitus and hearing loss due to exposure to loud explosions/noises
- Wounds caused by shrapnel or gunshots
Each year, the VA Central Cancer Registry records around 50,000 new cases of cancer among U.S. veterans. Compared to the general U.S. population, veterans are 20-40% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos — and multiple cancers linked to the chemicals in firefighting foam are two such examples of how these diseases disproportionately impact veterans.
At Sokolove Law, we proudly support veterans and their families by getting them the help they need following a service-related illness. Contact us today to learn more about legal options and health care resources for veterans.
Help for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Approximately 33% of all mesothelioma cases involve U.S. veterans.
For much of the 20th century, nearly every U.S. Navy ship contained asbestos in some capacity. As a result, U.S. Navy veterans have a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Compensation for medical care and more is available for veterans with asbestos-related diseases from service or their work once home.
Mesothelioma compensation options may include:
- Claims with asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies
- Settlements or verdicts from mesothelioma lawsuits
- VA benefits, including health care, disability compensation, and pensions
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited mesothelioma attorneys fight to maximize the amount of money veterans with mesothelioma are able to receive by pursuing compensation from each option you qualify for.
Learn more about your legal options now for free. Call (800) 995-1212.
Military Firefighting Foam
Since the 1960s, military firefighters have used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to put out high-intensity fires. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, which may increase the risk of serious health problems.
Manufacturers of AFFF were reportedly aware of the risks linked to their products, but they failed to warn U.S. service members about these dangers.
Cancers and other illnesses caused by PFAS in AFFF include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer and disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
U.S. Navy firefighters and other veterans who were exposed to AFFF during their service may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for their illness. AFFF lawsuit settlements can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
When used, AFFF can release PFAS chemicals that then seep into water supplies, contaminating drinking water sources and exposing nearby residents as well.
At Sokolove Law, we have decades of experience seeking justice for veterans. Let our AFFF attorneys fight hard for everything you deserve.
Sokolove Law: Committed to Supporting Veterans for Over 45 Years
On special occasions like Memorial Day, it’s important for all U.S. citizens to take time to reflect on the freedoms we hold dear.
For the vast majority of Americans who aren't soldiers or veterans, simply expressing gratitude for the sacrifices soldiers make when they sign up for duty is one small gesture that can have a major impact.
For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has proudly supported veterans in getting the help they need after being diagnosed with service-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
To date, we’ve secured over $9.8 Billion for our clients nationwide.
If you are a veteran who developed an illness you believe to be a result of your service in the U.S. Armed Forces, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us today.
We are here to listen to your story and help you explore all of the options available to you. Get started today with a free case review.
