Paper Mill Worker Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

March 14, 2006
Two Maine men and their wives have filed a lawsuit against asbestos makers and distributors after they were diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Emile Richard, a former employee of International Paper in Jay and James Crowley, a former employee of the Oxford Paper Mill in Rumford, claim that they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibers while working at the paper mills.

While the plaintiffs are not allegedly including the paper mills in the lawsuit, they are naming an insurance company, a plumbing company and several dozen other businesses they believe to be liable for their injuries.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs that is characterized by a gradually thickening mucous that eventually will block air passage ways and cause the patient to be unable to breathe.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that has elicited frequent reports of the onset of mesothelioma and other serious forms of cancer. According to records, there are still tens of thousands of people suffering from asbestos related illnesses that have not been properly compensated for their pain and suffering.

Suzanne Johnson, a Pennsylvania attorney representing the two plaintiffs commented, Its a pretty awful disease. Its a very painful process of dying. The plaintiffs are requesting co-counsel from two Pennsylvania attorneys, based on their experience in dealing with asbestos related claims.

In February of 2006, a bill failed in the Senate proposing the creation of a $140 billion asbestos trust fund for victims of asbestos exposure. The bill, which was created in response to growing cases of bankrupt companies, would put an end to individual asbestos claims and seek to reimburse people using the fund for settlement.

Senator Arlen Spector, a major supporter of the bill, is currently seeking reconsideration in the House and the Senate.

Opponents of the bill believe that the fund is not nearly enough to compensate all the victims of asbestos exposure and is merely giving liable companies a major break.

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