Vanderbilt Holding Company Inc. is facing a new asbestos lawsuit from a grieving mother who alleges her daughter suffered a wrongful death due to asbestos-related respiratory disease. The claim alleges the company did nothing to protect the deceased woman, causing her to suffer an asbestos cancer wrongful death.

North Carolina plaintiff Belinda F. is filing on behalf of her daughter Anneka F. Anneka was reportedly exposed to asbestos fibers when taking a ceramics class at Appalachian State University. According to the asbestos lawsuit, Anneka took the ceramics class in 1995 in which she reportedly handled ceramic materials composed of asbestos.

The clay used for the ceramics class was reportedly purchased from Vanderbilt. It allegedly contained no warnings against potential asbestos exposure complications. As a result of using the asbestos clay, Anneka allegedly developed long-term asbestos health complications.

Belinda states that her daughter never would have used the clay if Anneka had known it contained asbestos.

Anneka was diagnosed with asbestos-related respiratory disease on July 21, 2014, which had allegedly resulted in her asbestos cancer wrongful death. Even though Anneka underwent extensive medical treatment to prolong her life, she ultimately died on Feb. 10, 2015.

Belinda filed the wrongful death lawsuit soon after her daughter’s demise, alleging the company was liable for Anneka’s illness. Belinda further alleges the company failed to disclose the dangers of asbestos to her daughter or the university, and that Anneka’s asbestos cancer wrongful death could have been avoided.

Overview of Asbestos Exposure Complications

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was popularly used for manufacturing and insulation purposes before the 1980s. The height of asbestos popularity was during World War II, when the material was used on United States Navy ships for its fire and chemical resistant qualities.

However, experts became increasingly concerned over asbestos exposure, as a number of victims stepped forward. When asbestos fibers are swallowed or inhaled, the fibers become lodged in the lungs or stomach, where they can eventually cause disease.

Asbestos lung cancer is one such disease that can develop from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled can become trapped inside the patient’s lungs, where they can trigger growth of cancerous tissue.

Deaths related to asbestos respiratory disease may be grounds for an asbestos cancer wrongful death claim. Belinda is filing this asbestos lawsuit raising multiple claims including negligence and wrongful death.

This Asbestos Cancer Wrongful Death Lawsuit, is Case No. 5:17-CV-0007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Western Division.