A widow recently filed a lawsuit against numerous manufacturers and distributors, claiming that her deceased husband’s exposure to asbestos and lung cancer diagnosis were related.

Plaintiff Jackie S. recently filed an asbestos exposure lawsuit against numerous companies including Westinghouse, General Dynamics, General Electric, Goodyear, and Northrop Grumman, alleging that her deceased husband John S.’s exposure to asbestos and lung cancer were directly related. The lawsuit further alleges that John’s employers knew asbestos exposure was dangerous, but failed to warn John or provide protective gear.

According to Jackie, John entered the U.S. Navy in 1967. Throughout his naval career, John worked as a machinist mate on numerous ships. Jackie claims that as a machinist mate, John was repeatedly exposed to asbestos fibers released from repairs and installation until around 1980, according to his widow’s account. Jackie says John was later tasked with removing and installing asbestos-containing products. His duties during his naval career put John in close contact with disturbed asbestos containing products that released asbestos fibers which he inhaled and ingested, the complaint says.

“During the course of his employment at the worksites […], plaintiff believes and therefore avers that the decedent was exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos products manufactured, sold, distributed, or otherwise placed into the stream of commerce by the defendants,” the asbestos and lung cancer lawsuit claims.

In September 2016, John was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although John was a regular smoker, Jackie claims that his repeated asbestos exposure contributed to his lung cancer diagnosis and made him more likely to develop the condition than if he had only smoked.

Shortly after being diagnosed with the disease, John died in December 2016, allegedly from his asbestos and lung cancer injuries.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be mined and pulled into thin fibers. These fibers are naturally resistant to fire, electricity, and corrosion, which made them a popular additive in construction materials. Although asbestos reduced the risk of fire and other damage in construction materials, studies have shown that a conclusive link between asbestos and lung cancer. In fact, even a small amount of exposure to the substance can be dangerous.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release small asbestos fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or swallowed. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers are difficult to expel from the lungs. Instead of being expelled, they can stay in the lungs for long period of times and cause cellular damage. This cellular damage and inflammation can cause cellular mutation and subsequent cancer development, supporting the link between asbestos and lung cancer.

Plaintiffs like Jackie have filed lawsuits against companies which installed, manufactured, or distributed asbestos containing products. These lawsuits often argue that companies knew or should have known about the link between asbestos and lung cancer, but concealed the facts from individuals who would come into contact with their products. Plaintiffs often also claim that companies had a duty to warn individuals and provide recommendations about safety precautions which may have reduced the risk for exposure to asbestos and lung cancer occurrences.

Jackie seeks $50,000 in compensatory damages including interest and court costs in addition to $50,000 in punitive damages.

The Asbestos and Lung Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-03622-GEKP in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.