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Mesothelioma Contracted by U.S. Navy Officer

On Monday, May 11, the case began in California of a former U.S. Navy officer who developed terminal mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos on the ship on which he served for more than 20 years. He is now seeking damages from the shipbuilders and suppliers that he says exposed him.

Barry Kelly was diagnosed in 2011 with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is cancer of the membrane surrounding the abdominal organs and which did not respond to either chemotherapy or other treatments. Mesothelioma usually comes from exposure to asbestos, and Navy ships were filled with the insulation material in order to conserve energy and protect against fires.

Kelly first noticed symptoms of his illness in 2010 some 50 years after he started serving on naval ships, which is the classic latency period for mesothelioma. Kelly is seeking damages for his loss of income, as well as his medical expenses and his wife’s economic losses after he dies.

The defendants at trial include Todd Shipyards Corporation, which built the ship on which Kelly served, along with suppliers Cleaver Brooks Inc. and Crane Company.

The defendants said that they had built the ships under naval guidelines which included the use of asbestos, and that they were only doing as instructed by the Navy.

If you have been diagnosed with any an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To find out how we can help you recover for your asbestos related claim, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP  at  (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.