A woman, on behalf of a loved one, filed a ship asbestos lawsuit in Texas federal court against BP Products North America, Inc. alleging that, due to asbestos exposure, her loved one suffered severe adverse side effects and death.

Plaintiff Joan C. filed the ship asbestos lawsuit on behalf of Leon B. The lawsuit was filed on Oct. 18, 2018 demanding a trial by jury.

According to the ship asbestos lawsuit, Leon died on Oct. 31, 2015. Joan says that he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer and soon passed away as a result. However, he obtained his cancer diagnosis though exposure while employed by one of the defendant’s vessels, the lawsuit states.

According to the ship asbestos lawsuit, Leon was employed by the defendant between 1977 and 1995. During his employment and while he sailed in and out of ports, he was exposed to asbestos on the ship.

He boarded multiple ships, Joan says, such as the Amoco Delaware in Texas City, Texas on June 9, 1980. He also boarded the Delaware Sea in Mobile, Ala. on April 29, 1985 the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, Leon was “required by his employers to perform duties which included the constant exposure to asbestos friable fibers causing him to breathe into his system carcinogenic asbestos dust resulting in harm.” The kinds of harm included development of lung cancer.

The asbestos lawsuit also adds that “[t]he asbestos and asbestos-containing products found aboard the vessels upon which … [he] sailed are known to be highly toxic to mankind, and the human body can be contaminated by asbestos and asbestos-containing products through inhalation and ingestion.”

The lawsuit alleges that BP should have known of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure and asbestos-containing product exposure.

According to the lawsuit, BP is responsible for failing to warn Leon of these potential adverse side effects in asbestos exposure. Other allegations include failing to provide a safe workplace and failing to warn of the health hazards of asbestos exposure.

Overview: Ship Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos can cause a multitude of adverse side effects including the development of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur anywhere, including from public buildings such as government offices or schools, at home, or on the job.

The number one cause of asbestos exposure while on the job. Those who are most at risk for on the job exposure to asbestos include firefighters, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, insulators, and roofers.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled by workers, they can become wedged into the pleural or lung tissue. When this occurs and asbestos becomes wedged into the tissues of the lung, it can cause lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma.

The Ship Asbestos Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00343, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division.