A couple in Massachusetts filed an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit against Air & Liquid Systems Corporation and other named defendants due to exposure to asbestos fibers.

Plaintiffs James C. and Gail C. filed the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court. The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 29, 2018.

According to the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit, the couple allege that after having worked for the defendants for a said period of time, James inhaled and ingested asbestos fibers that led to his cancer diagnosis.

James states that he worked for various job sites including serving in the Navy between 1952 and 1956. However, while serving on the USS Smalley, he “worked continuously around the defendants’ asbestos and asbestos-containing products during the course of his employment and Navy Service,” the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit states.

James states that because of his mesothelioma, he suffered serious personal injuries. He also says he suffered mental anguish, distress, endured significant pain in the body and mind, was required to step away from his business, and had to undergo medical treatment.

The asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy or concert of action, undertaking of special duty, and loss of consortium.

James demands a trial by jury.

Asbestos Mesothelioma

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos is the name given to six minerals that are naturally found in the environment. Asbestos fibers are durable and thin and have been used in a variety of contexts, such as commercial and industrial applications. Some reasons for this include the fibers’ ability to resist heat and fire and their inability to conduct electricity.

For example, asbestos has been used in the construction and building industries, such as in the strengthening of plastics and cement. It has also been used in roofing, sound absorption, fireproofing, and insulation. Within the automotive industry, asbestos has been used in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. It has also been used in paints, coating, floor tiles, and adhesives.

However, although the mineral has been extensively used, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned its use in gas fireplaces and wallboard patching compounds in the 1970s. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) further banned all asbestos uses in 1989, though that ban was later undone in part by a federal appeals court. Nonetheless, the presence of asbestos fibers is still causing a wide range of adverse side effects including the development of cancer.

There are many health hazards tied to asbestos exposure, including the development of cancer in the form of mesothelioma. With exposure to asbestos, fibers are lodged into a person’s lungs, becoming entrapped for long periods of time. Over time, lodged asbestos fibers accumulate and scar causing inflammation. This then leads to additional serious health complications.

Some agencies that have classified asbestos as a human carcinogen include U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-10168-NMG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.