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33 Defendant Companies Named in Asbestos Lawsuit
This lawsuit alleges that the defendant companies failed to adequately test for dangerous health effects on people working with their products and failed to adequately warn Lawrence Baggett of the known health risks.
June 11, 2009 /Publishing and Books PR News/ -- 33 Defendant Companies Named in Asbestos Lawsuit
Article provided by Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman, LLC. Please visit our Web site at http://www.jeffreysglassman.com
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos is a type of mineral that occurs naturally as bundles of silicon fibers that are resistant to heat and chemicals. It has been mined for use in various products since the late 1800s, including home and plumbing insulations. In the late 1970s, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began recognizing potential health risks of developing mesothelioma, a specific type of cancer caused by inhaling the microscopic silicon fibers, which become attached to the lung wall or enter the blood stream.
After inhaling asbestos dust, the silicon fibers become attached to the lung wall and can remain there forever. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take up to 30 or 40 years or more to affect the health of patients. For this reason, mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose immediately. In its early stages, the general symptoms stages often resemble viral pneumonia, including difficulty breathing accompanied by a persistent cough and some chest pain. Chest x-rays often reveal a slight build-up of liquid in the lung. In addition, some victims complain of fever, night sweats, swelling of the abdomen and nausea leading to weight loss. The Mayo Clinic reports three primary risk factors for contracting mesothelioma, including high levels of exposure, prolonged low-level exposure and exposure at a young age.
The National Cancer Institute reports that individuals coming in direct contact with the product over a long period of time are at greatest risk, but people may also develop cancer after getting even a small amount in their lungs and blood stream. Workers in construction and demolition trades are often at highest risk because of their exposure to insulation and other building materials composed of high levels of asbestos. Individuals who lived or worked in older buildings constructed before the asbestos was identified as a carcinogen are also at risk. Spouses and children of asbestos workers have also contracted mesothelioma after inhaling the fibers brought home on a family member's clothing and skin.
Since 1979, asbestos has been outlawed in many residential building products. For the past several years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increasingly mandated stricter safety warnings and protective equipment for people handling or working around products containing asbestos.
Each of the plaintiffs has been recognized by the courts for their rightful claim to seek damages on behalf of Mr. Baggett's estate. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks undisclosed compensation for loss of financial support for the family. The suit also seeks punitive damages for the manufacturers' negligence that resulted in physical pain and disfigurement prior to Mr. Baggett's death. The court may also consider exemplary damages for legal fees and interest payments related to the claim.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include:
• A.O. Smith Corporation
• A.W. Chesterton Company
• Bechtel Corporation
• Certainteed Corporation
• Crane Company
• Exxon Mobil
• Fluor Enterprises
• Foster Wheeler
• Garlock
• General Electric
• Ingersoll Rand
• Lockheed Martin
• 3M
• Owens-Illinois
• Union Carbide
• Uniroyal
• Goodrich Tire
• Zurn Industries
Article provided by Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman, LLC. Please visit our Web site at http://www.jeffreysglassman.com
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