April 25, 2006
New Jerseys Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that retired steamfitter Anthony Olivo can sue Exxon Mobil, owner of a refinery where he worked, for damages in his wifes death.
Eleanor Olivo, who washed her husbands asbestos-contaminated work clothes, died from a rare form of asbestos-related cancer in 2001. According to the courts decision, Exxon should have foreseen the risk of exposure to spouses handling workers unprotected work clothing.
Anthony Olivo worked for 34 years as a steamfitter and welder for various contractors in New Jersey. While working at Exxon Mobils refinery in Paulsboro, Olivo was exposed to asbestos-laden pipe coverings and gaskets.
Olivo was not technically an Exxon Mobil employee, nor had his wife ever been on company property; both facts that the company argued should make them exempt from responsibility. However, the court has ruled otherwise, and Olivo is seeking unspecified damages.
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