Asbestos exposure on the job has led to a man developing asbestosis, asbestos-related lung disease and loss of lung function, claims a man in a new lawsuit.

Plaintiff Frank P. alleges he was exposed to various asbestos products from 1967 to 2001. Over the years, he worked on board submarines to complete construction and repairs. He also worked at a nuclear power plant where he says he came into contact with asbestos fibers and asbestos dust.

Frank worked on submarines for General Dynamics/Electric Boat Corp. from 1969 until 1981.  He worked at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant from 1981 to 2001.

Named defendants are CBS Corporation, formerly known as Viacom Inc., Crane Company, Elliott Company, Foster Wheeler LLC, and General Electric Company.

Crane Company also lists Chapman Valve Company, Cochrane Corp., Chempup, Crane Supply, Crane Pumps and Systems Inc., and Jenkins Valves among its alternatively named or successor-in-interest companies.

Frank’s work allegedly included contact with asbestos and asbestos-related insulation products that were so dangerous, they were considered “ultra-hazardous,” according to the asbestos exposure on the job complaint.

The defendants are accused of violating the Connecticut Products Liability Law in several ways. The asbestos products “were designed so as to represent an inherent risk of harm to the plaintiff,” alleges the asbestos exposure on the job lawsuit.

The employers were aware or should have been aware that asbestos was unsafe and exposed Frank to dangers. Still, the employers allegedly failed to provide Frank with information that would have let him know to wear protective clothing and protective equipment prior to working with harmful asbestos-related insulation materials.

The employers allegedly failed to warn Frank and other workers of the dangers of asbestos exposure on the job and failed to create or enforce a safety plan or a safe method of handling and installing asbestos.

Frank claims he and his fellow co-workers were never warned of the health hazards of breathing asbestos fibers as they installed and removed insulation daily, according to the asbestos exposure on the job complaint.

He argues the defendant companies should have been aware that medical studies done since 1929 showed a clear indication that asbestos and asbestos-containing products were hazardous to human health. Some of the studies even were conducted by or on behalf of the defending companies.

Frank contends his asbestos exposure on the job was caused by his employers’ “wanton, willful and malicious misconduct” that demonstrated a lack of regard for the consequences the employees working with asbestos would suffer.

Even after learning other employees became ill after asbestos exposure, the employers failed to act in any way that would protect Frank and others from asbestos exposure on the job.

The Asbestos Exposure on the Job Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-01930-AWT in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.