The family of a man who died after being diagnosed with mesothelioma has filed a lawsuit, alleging he was exposed to dangerous asbestos in his work life.

The decedent at the center of this lawsuit, Elmer C., held many jobs in his lifetime, several of which allegedly exposed him to asbestos and led to his being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Elmer served for twenty years in the U.S. Navy. He also worked as a shoe repairman, a crane operator, a foreman, and owned an upholstery shop.

The asbestos lawsuit was filed against a slew of companies that were manufacturers, installers, distributors, or otherwise involved in the manufacture and sale of asbestos and asbestos-containing products that Elmer was exposed to in his line of work.

According to the lawsuit Elmer was around asbestos products routinely in his time in the U.S. Navy, as well as during his employment as a crane operator and foreman. These asbestos products were “unreasonably dangerous and unfit” for use, the lawsuit claims, but the manufacturers and other defendants failed to warn users about the risks linked with their asbestos-containing products, and even actively concealed this information.

Elmer was diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of this exposure to asbestos, the lawsuit alleges. As a result of his mesothelioma diagnosis, Elmer died.

The mesothelioma lawsuit was filed by Elmer’s remaining family, including three daughters and four sons. The suit includes several counts, including strict liability, breach of warranty, negligence, aiding and abetting and conspiracy, and wrongful death.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for manufacturing and construction purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as countless other uses. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, a substance capable of causing cancer. Asbestos is closely linked with the development of mesothelioma cancer.

Mesothelioma is a dangerous form of cancer that unfortunately affects thousands of Americans each and every year.

Mesothelioma attacks the lining around the lungs, a thin layer of tissue known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma generally take a long period of time to develop, up to 30 years. Because of this, there is usually a delay of several decades between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, as in the case of this asbestos exposure claim.

Studies indicate that the vast majority of mesothelioma cases can be linked to exposure to asbestos. Some patients who develop asbestos mesothelioma cancer may not even have been exposed to asbestos directly, and may instead have been exposed to asbestos fibers secondhand over long periods of time, which allows fibers to build up in the body.

Filing an Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos, you may have a legal claim. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos mesothelioma or other asbestos injuries, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.

The Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-03596-RDB, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.