A Florida widow has filed an asbestos lawsuit against the U.S. government after actions by the Department of Veterans Affairs allegedly caused the wrongful death of her husband.

Plaintiff Kathleen S. on behalf of Estate of Norman S., is accusing the Department of Veterans Affairs of “abandoning” her husband who needed treatment due to asbestos exposure.

According to the asbestos lawsuit, Norman was a veteran of the U.S. military and served in the U.S. Navy. He was entitled to medical services and treatments from the VA for a number of years prior to his death.

His widow claims that in June 2013, the VA saw Norman and requested that he blow into a tube. When Norman attempted to follow up with a VA doctor or specialist, they allegedly kept promising to call back but never did.

Kathleen believes the VA refused to treat her husband for asbestos related health issues by not setting an appointment or giving him any information.

The wrongful death asbestos lung cancer lawsuit alleges that the VA “denied treatment, did not discuss test results or provide any proper follow up treatment after the June 2013 appointment.”

The widow claims that the refusal and delay by the VA to treat her husband contributed and resulted in his untimely death in February 2014.

Asbestos Health Risks

Asbestos studies show that continuous exposure to the cheap material commonly used in construction, insulation and automobile parts can lead to a lung cancer medically referred to as mesothelioma.

Asbestos mesothelioma occurs when the tiny, jagged asbestos fibers are inadvertently inhaled and stored in the lungs. Over time, this build-up of asbestos fibers can lead to the cancerous development in cells. Asbestos lung cancer can take decades to develop but can spread throughout the lungs and into the heart within just a few months.

Unfortunately, asbestos lung cancer is almost always in an advanced stage of development when it’s diagnosed but there are some mesothelioma symptoms to watch out for including:

• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal swelling
• Retaining fluids
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Fatigue

Recent studies have determined that asbestos exposure is responsible for 12,000 to 15,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

According to Kathleen, the actions and omissions by the VA were a “reckless disregard” for the consequences which affected the life and health of her deceased spouse.

The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit claims that Norman’s surviving family, which includes his spouse and three adult children, have all suffered from his wrongful death.

Kathleen alleges that the family will continue to suffer from the loss of companionship, loss of parental advice, wounded feelings, grief and sorrow from the loss of Norman.

More than 600,000 plaintiffs have filed asbestos exposure lawsuits so far, making it one of the largest litigation movements in U.S. history.

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and suffered because of it, contact an asbestos attorney to find out if you have legal claim.

The Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-00367-JES-DNF in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division.