A mesothelioma claim after death has been filed against a large number of companies after a man died from malignant mesothelioma, allegedly as a result of his exposure to asbestos.

Plaintiff Samuel J. worked with asbestos and asbestos-containing products such as pumps, valves, clutches, air compressors, cranes, and other equipment for years. He died June 8, 2016.

The mesothelioma claim after death alleges that all of the defendants knew or should have known of the dangers that asbestos presented to Samuel and other workers, but failed to take the proper safety measures and failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos.

Samuel “suffered permanent injuries to his person, body and health, including, but not limited to, pain, discomfort, loss of weight, loss of appetite, fatigue, somnolence, lethargy, dyspnea, dysphagia, and other physical symptoms,” says the complaint.

Asbestos exposure problems can go undetected for decades, but the tiny fibers embedded in the body, most often the lungs, continually irritate the tissue and can cause tumors. Lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer are the two most likely cancers to develop as a result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma refers to a cancer that develops in the lining of an organ, such as the heart or lungs.

A naturally-occurring mineral, asbestos and its related exposure problems are not an issue until the material is disturbed and tiny particles release into the air.

When inhaled or swallowed, the microscopic fibers become embedded inside our bodies. It takes decades — sometimes 50 years — but the trapped fibers can cause inflammation, scarring and genetic changes that sometimes lead to cancer.

In addition to becoming trapped in the linings of the lungs, the fibers also can collect in the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining of the heart. When the fibers cause biological damage, they can incite malignant mesothelioma.

As far back as 1930, a connection between the inhalation of asbestos fibers and asbestosis has been known. A study of mine and mill workers at Asbestos and Thetford Mines in Quebec, Canada and a study of workers at Raybestos-Manhattan plants in Manheim and Charleston, South Carolina resulted in scientific information that was shared through the Asbestos Textile Institute to the defendants.

Even though Samuel did not appear injured at the time he was working, the asbestos fibers that embedded in his body were indeed injurious and led to his death, says the mesothelioma claim after death. The risks of asbestos were not shared with consumers from at least 1942 and 1950, the claim states.

Samuel and other workers didn’t know they were in danger when they were breathing asbestos fibers as they applied, mixed, cut, installed, sanded and otherwise used asbestos-containing materials. The mesothelioma claim after death alleges the defendants failed to provide protective masks and other precautionary equipment to Samuel and the workers.

The Mesothelioma Claim after Death Lawsuit is Case No. 4:17-cv-03893-DMR, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division.