An Illinois couple has filed an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against the companies the husband worked for, claiming that they were responsible for his lung cancer due to asbestos exposure.

Plaintiffs James H. and Mary H. of Illinois have filed this asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against Crown, Cork and Seal Co. Inc., Honeywell International Inc. and Union Carbide Corp alleging that James’ lung cancer was a result of asbestos exposure.

In their asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, the couple claims James was exposed to asbestos while working with products made, sold, distributed or installed by the named companies.

As a result of working with these asbestos-laden products for a long period of time, James claims he developed asbestos lung cancer. Allegedly, James inadvertently inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers in the course of his employment , which contributed to to his asbestos lung cancer.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is a mineral that is found in and mined from the ground. In the past, it has been used widely for its insulation and fire retardant properties. If left undisturbed, asbestos is not necessarily dangerous. However, if disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, thereby, become dangerous to humans.

When asbestos is inhaled, it can lodge in the lungs of the exposed person. These fibers cannot be exhaled and over time, they begin to cause inflammation in the lungs and sometimes in the lining of the lungs.

Inhaled asbestos fibers can lead to asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, asbestos mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs) and many other deadly conditions.

Asbestos was used in large amounts in certain industries including construction, shipbuilding and the military in the earlier part of the twentieth century. Since then, strict boundaries have been put in place for how businesses and industries can use asbestos. Additionally, employers have a responsibility to take care of their employees and protect them from asbestos exposure.

What is an Employer’s Responsibility to Employees Regarding Asbestos?

Under the law, workers have a right to a safe workplace. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the Department of Labor, has certain guidelines under which employees must operate.

According to OSHA, every industry has certain guidelines, however, “these standards reduce the risk to workers by requiring that employers provide personal exposure monitoring to assess the risk and hazard awareness training for operations where there is any potential exposure to asbestos.”

If there is exposure to asbestos, employers are required to “further protect workers by establishing regulated areas, controlling certain work practices and instituting engineering controls to reduce the airborne levels.”

Filing an Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit

If you suspect that you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has since developed lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney.

While monetary compensation cannot bring a loved one back to life or alleviate pain and suffering due to asbestos lung cancer, it may help with medical costs and lost wages.