An asbestos lung cancer lawsuit has been filed aiming to hold various manufacturers accountable for the death of a former worker.

Plaintiff Deborah P., the administrator of the estate of deceased William P., has filed an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against Amchem Products Inc., Buffalo Pumps Inc., Spirax Sarco Inc., and other manufacturers alleging that they are responsible for William’s asbestos-related death. The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of $50,000 or more.

During William’s career from 1970 to 1995, he was allegedly exposed to asbestos fibers from the manufacturers’ products. In August 2015, he developed and was diagnosed with lung cancer, and he died in May 2016. The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit claims that the defendants are responsible because they failed to exercise appropriate caution and consider the safety of those working with their products.

The defendants allegedly knew that the asbestos fibers were toxic and intentionally included them in their products despite the risks they pose. The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit states that, if they wanted to include hazardous asbestos fibers in their products, the defendants should have provided warnings and instructions about working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which forms in fibrous crystals. The crystals can be pulled into fluffy fibers which are easily combined with other materials. Asbestos is naturally resistance to hear, electricity, and chemical corrosion and when mixed with other materials, imbues them with those properties. This quality made it a widely used material in construction and industrial work.

However, despite the practical uses of asbestos fibers, the fibers are extremely toxic. When materials containing asbestos are cut or moved, they can release small fibers into the air. These fibers can be swallowed, inhaled, or transferred on to clothing and brought home, furthering exposure to family members.

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos fibers are difficult for the body to expel and can accumulate in the lungs. The buildup of fibers in the lungs can cause chronic inflammation and scarring increasing the risk of respiratory conditions including lung cancer.

Asbestos is classified a known carcinogen by almost every major national and international organization including the American Cancer Society, World Health Organization (WHO), National Cancer Institute, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Heath and Human Services (HHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

After the effects of asbestos were known, it was largely banned in the United States. However, many workers who were exposed to the material in the past still suffer from respiratory illnesses including lung cancer.

Many workers, or their families, previously exposed to asbestos turn to an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, loss of income, wrongful death, and more. An asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, such as Deborah’s lawsuit on William’s behalf, usually aims to hold manufacturers and employers accountable for exposing them to asbestos and not providing appropriate warnings or safety gear.

The Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 18-L-186 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court.