A California couple has filed a lawsuit against multiple defendants claiming the husband’s asbestos related cancer was due to being exposed to asbestos on the job for many years.

Plaintiff Roy S. and Cynthia S. allege that Roy’s asbestos related cancer resulted from his working at various jobsites over the years. While he did so, he was exposed to asbestos. Roy was diagnosed with asbestos related cancer in January 2017.

Some of the named defendants include Honeywell International, CBS Corporation, Allied Fluid Products Corp. and Parker-Hannifin Corporation.

In this asbestos related cancer lawsuit, Cynthia and Roy are holding these defendants responsible for negligence, strict liability and loss of consortium.

Roy believes that he was exposed to asbestos at various jobsites. When Roy worked for the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1985, he worked in boiler rooms, installed and repaired various machinery and served as a Hull Technician, a Shipfitter, a Welder and a Pipefitter.

He also worked various construction jobs from 1955 to 1964 during which time he performed both new construction and remodeled residences in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Additionally, Ray performed auto repair work including brake repair.

Ray believes that during all of these occupations, he was exposed to asbestos that years later caused him to deevelop asbestos related cancer.

The asbestos related cancer lawsuit alleges that the defendants designed and manufactured products containing asbestos, that they negligently or carelessly failed to test products containing asbestos, and that they failed to adequately warn purchasers and consumers about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Why is Asbestos Related Cancer a Concern?

Asbestos is a mineral that is present in the earth. It has been mined for years for use as a fire retardant and insulator. In the last century, asbestos was used extensively in commercial construction, shipbuilding, and other industrial uses.

Although the prevalence of its use has declined over the last couple decade, contrary to popular belief, it is not banned in the United States. Many older buildings contain asbestos and asbestos related products, so when remodels or construction occurs, asbestos abatement procedures must be followed.

Employees who work in industries where asbestos is prevalent, like shipyard and rail yards, must also work in an environment where asbestos safety is practiced.

Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can be breathed into the lungs. When they enter the lungs, the asbestos fibers cannot be expelled. These tiny fibers lodge in the lungs and over time, cause inflammation.

Asbestos related cancer occurs when, over decades, that inflammation instigates tumors to form in the lining and other parts of the lungs. Most asbestos related cancer develops as a result of work-related asbestos exposure.

According to asbestos.com, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that 230,000 lives have been lost to asbestos related cancer and asbestosis since 1979.

Each year, they estimate, 1,200 people die from asbestos related gastrointenstinal cancer, 1,400 people die from asbestosis, 2,500 die from mesothelioma and nearly 5,000 people die from asbestos related cancer of the lungs.

Ray’s Asbestos Related Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-03283-LB in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.