Sixty-five companies have been named as defendants in a lawsuit claiming exposure to asbestos caused the development of mesothelioma in a worker.
The only established cause of mesothelioma is exposure to a member of the family of minerals known as asbestos.
The suit, filed in Kanawha Circuit Court on Feb. 6, names as defendants Hardman Supply Company, Vimasco Corporation, Nitro Industrial Coverings, Famous Furnace & Supply Co. a.k.a. Famous Supply Company of Wheeling, UB West Virginia Inc. f.k.a. Union Boiler Company, and C. David Williams LTD, which does business as Dave’s Auto Supply of Ripley, among others.
The Suit
According to the suit, James E. Rhodes worked as a laborer, usually making boilers.
The companies negligently used, transported, or produced products or materials containing asbestos, causing Rhodes to come into contact with them, the suit states.
Mesothelioma is usually caused be significant exposure to asbestos. Companies that deal with asbestos are required to train employees to safely handle the substance, and inform them on techniques to keep them from inhaling fibers, or bringing them home with them.
On Dec. 14, 2006, Rhodes was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma – an incurable cancer of the outer lung lining.
The defendant companies did not do this, and the suit claims that as a result of the negligence, Rhodes suffers from the serious illness, forcing him to obtain costly medical treatment, and also greatly reducing his ability to enjoy his life.
Rhodes seeks compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages for the reckless, malicious, willful, and wanton conduct of the defendant companies.
Harmed by asbestos? Please contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced and caring asbestos attorney who can examine your situation thoroughly to determine the cause of illness, and possibly help you recover the compensation you may be entitled to.
