A man alleges he developed asbestos illnesses after he was exposed while working with products made by Air & Liquid Systems Corporation and other companies.

Plaintiff Lionel S. claims he has several asbestos illnesses, including, but not limited to, asbestosis and bilateral pleural plaques on his lungs.

Lionel says he worked as a pipefitter at several shipyards and on numerous ships from 1958 to 1979. He worked with asbestos-containing products such as boilers, pumps, turbines, motors, joint compound, hoses, transmissions, insulation and wire. He also worked on home renovations that included handling drywall and joint compound, both of which contained asbestos.

Plaintiff: Companies Should Have Known of Asbestos Illnesses

According to the complaint, Lionel developed the diseases because he was “unaware of the dangerous properties of asbestos” and “relied on Defendants’ instructions as to proper methods of handling the products.”

Lionel claims his asbestos illnesses were instigated by working with asbestos-containing boiler parts, pump components, valves, thermal insulation materials, decking and paneling.

All of the companies that manufactured, sold, supplied and/or distributed the products allegedly failed to warn that “the application and finishing of their products were designed to create asbestos-containing waste in the form of an incredibly fine powder that was readily and inevitably aerosolized” and breathed in by anyone using the products as directed.

The accused companies “should have known that Plaintiff’s exposures to their products were harmful and could cause serious injuries, including, but not limited to, mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and/or other forms of cancer,” says the complaint.

The businesses stand accused of failing to place suitable warnings on the containers of asbestos-containing materials that would have led Lionel to understand the gravity of the risk of exposing himself to the products.

Lionel says his illnesses have caused him to lose a substantial amount of income and caused him to become “permanently impaired.”

Lionel’s complaint says he “suffered pain, mental anguish, depression and other mental disorders; incurred medical expenses for the treatment of physical and mental injuries; and suffered physical handicap. Said injuries were permanent and continuing in nature, causing Plaintiff to horribly suffer.”

Lionel continues to suffer severe anxiety and strained family relationships because of his asbestos illnesses and the repercussions of fighting such medical problems.

What Are Asbestosis and Pleural Plaques?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems due to scarring of the lung tissues. Scars make the lung tissue thicken and tighten, inducing pain and difficulty breathing. Asbestosis worsens over time.

Pleural plaques are thickened areas on the lining of the lungs. These benign areas can calcify over the years and can cause pain or an uncomfortable rough feeling as the patient breathes.

If you or someone you love has developed an asbestos-caused illness, you could qualify for compensation from the companies that contributed to your exposure.

The Asbestos Illnesses Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-21429-CMA in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division.