Several companies including Boeing Company, Curtiss-Wright, and Dana Companies LLC are facing an asbestos mesothelioma claim from a South Carolina man alleging the companies directly contributed to his disease.

The man’s mesothelioma claim alleges he was exposed to the fibrous material on a regular basis by products made by the defendants. He claims these products were often utilized during the man’s employment which resulted in first hand asbestos exposure.

Plaintiff James M. filed the asbestos mesothelioma claim alleging the companies failed to disclose the fact that their products contained asbestos and that it could have long term health consequences. According to the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit, James served in the United States Air Force at the Langley Air Force Base in Virginia between 1954 to 1982.

During his time in the United States Air Force, James says he performed a variety of occupational duties and held a number of job titles including maintenance worker, repair man and operator of military aircraft, mechanic, assistant crew chief, engineer and other similar occupations.

On a daily basis, James says, he was exposed to asbestos when performing his occupational duties and was not aware of the danger. James was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma on Feb. 17, 2017, and has since had to contend with the disease.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer specifically caused by asbestos exposure in which the fibers become lodged in the mucus lining of the lungs. It is important to note that it can take up to 50 years before progressing to the point of exhibiting symptoms, often resulting in latent diagnosis and short survival expectancies.

Overview of Asbestos Exposure History

Asbestos was popularly used before the 1980s for various industrial purposes and was a popular choice for insulation uses due to its fire and chemical resistant qualities. Along with being a cheap material to use, various manufacturing and construction companies utilized asbestos for a wide range of purposes.

The popularity of asbestos reached its peak in World War II when the United States Navy utilized asbestos for insulation and piping on a number of the Navy ships. This was also the case with the United States Air Force, during which time manufacturing companies provided them with numerous parts and components made with asbestos.

While using asbestos was commonplace at the time, it was known that asbestos exposure could induce serious long term health problems. The EPA classified asbestos as a carcinogen, which means it has been proven to increase the risk of cancer.

Currently the federal government has strict regulations requiring companies to provide warnings and instructions to employees about asbestos hazards and how to mitigate the associated risk. In addition, employees must be provided protective equipment to prevent asbestos exposure.

At no point in time did the companies contact James to disclose the potential risks of asbestos exposure, nor was any protective equipment provided. James states he had no reasonable way of discovering the risk of mesothelioma before his diagnosis. James is filing this asbestos mesothelioma claim seeking multiple damages for negligence and failure to warn.

This Asbestos Mesothelioma Claim is Case No. 4:17-cv-00144-AWA-LRL, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.