Asbestos suit names 134 defendants

Exposure to asbestos is a serious issue concerning workers around the world. While a select few may be exposed to the substance and the harmful ingredients that it contains only for a short time, most workers who suffer from mesothelioma and asbestosis come in contact with it for long hours on hundreds of different job sites over several years.

One man and his wife recently filed a lawsuit against 134 parties who he claims are responsible for his recent diagnosis of mesothelioma and asbestosis. He is arguing that the defendants did not warn him of the dangers of asbestos prior to working on several job sites that contained the toxic substance.

The suit also claims that the defendants are guilty of a conspiracy to keep the man and his family uninformed about the product in order to aid the efforts of selling more of it on construction sites.

It is important for workers to know the possible dangers they are getting into while on the work site. In order to provide a safe environment, this man’s employers should have set up warnings and provided the proper equipment for him to protect his lungs from breathing in the dangerous particles. Often times, workers who are injured or sickened on the job are eligible to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to help them deal with the financial toll of medical bills and lost wages.

This suit is another example of how victims of asbestos exposure are forcing companies to take responsibility for negligent business and safety practices, and will hopefully result in making workplaces across the country safer.

Source: The West Virginia Record, “Dunbar couple name 134 defendants in asbestos suit,” Kyla Asbury, Jan. 24, 2013

• Our law firm works with victims who have developed serious illnesses due to asbestos exposure on the job. For more information on the topics discussed in this post, please visit our page on workers’ compensation.