Man alleges asbestos led to lung cancer
In a recent lawsuit, a 68-year-old man alleges that asbestos on work sites led to his lung cancer.
The man is a former laborer who contends he developed asbestos-induced lung cancer after inhaling asbestos on several job sites in North Carolina dating back to the 1960s.
Because the latency period can be decades before an asbestos-related disease develops, the man’s lung cancer was not diagnosed until 2016.
Which companies are at fault?
Filed in Missouri, the lawsuit names several high-profile companies, including:
- CBS Corporation
- Dow Chemical
- Union Carbide
- General Electric
- Honeywell
- FMC Corporation
- General Gasket
- The lawsuit alleges these corporations knowingly used asbestos products on job sites despite knowing the dangers associated with it and they failed to warn the plaintiff and other similarly situated workers about the dangers of asbestos.
Why is asbestos so dangerous?
Asbestos is a fibrous material that, when inhaled or ingested, settles into the mesothelium or lung tissues and can cause an inflammatory response that may eventually lead to symptoms, disease, or death. It causes mesothelioma (a rare cancer in the lining surrounding either the lungs or abdominal organs), asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, and other non-malignant conditions like pleural plaques or pleural thickening.
Who is affected by asbestos exposure?
Many former laborers living in Tennessee or north Georgia today could be facing health issues because of asbestos exposure at job sites in the past. This is especially true in industries such as construction, mining, or manufacturing.
Others are at risk at well, however, including:
- Family members who suffered secondary exposure to asbestos, such as by washing or handling the clothes of a loved one
- Home owners or building contractors exposed to asbestos during home renovation work
- People using asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products such as baby powder
Understand your options
The dangers of asbestos-related disease can come from multiple directions. If your family has been affected, talk with a knowledgeable attorney about your options for pursuing proper compensation. You may be eligible for compensation without even having to file a lawsuit.