A man who filed a lawsuit against the United States Navy and Japanese government for failing to protect workers at the Yokosuka Naval Base from asbestos exposure died from malignant mesothelioma on May 19—just 10 days after he filed the complaint.

The U.S. navy identified the man as 51-year-old Hitoshi Taima. According to the lawsuit, Taima worked from 1977 to 1995 as an air conditioner and refrigerator repairman for U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command where he suffered exposure to asbestos particles.

Taima was seeking more than $700,000 in damages. His family is expected to continue the lawsuit—which accuses the Navy and Japanese government of failing to provide workers with proper protection and equipment—on his behalf.

(Source: Stars and Stripes)

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