CBS Corporation (Westinghouse) is facing a new asbestos injury lawsuit, from a South Carolina couple alleging asbestos in the workplace had resulted in the husband developing serious lung disease.

According to the asbestos injury lawsuit, the husband was allegedly exposed to asbestos in the workplace on a daily basis while he was working on a United States Navy ship.

Plaintiff couple Larry H. and Deborah H. had filed legal action against Westinghouse, after Larry allegedly experienced asbestos in the workplace and developed asbestos lung disease as a result. Larry had been reportedly exposed to asbestos in the workplace on the US Navy between 1971 to 1976 and during his work as a foundry worker in 1970.

The couple had opted to file legal action soon after Larry’s diagnosis, alleging the company either knew or should have known the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, Westinghouse had supplied alleged asbestos containing turbines and other equipment to United States Navy vessels.

This has had allegedly resulted in numerous people being exposed to asbestos in the workplace, and left many to develop asbestos lung disease. Larry was one of these people, and has had to contend with long term care for asbestos lung disease.

Overview of Asbestos Lung Disease Allegations

Asbestos is a microscopic fibrous material that is utilized for insulation and other manufacturing purposes, for its fire and chemical resistant qualities. Many companies also took advantage of the material for its low cost.

Asbestos was also used for numerous manufacturing purposes like construction materials and automotive products, making it one of the most popular materials for construction before the 1980s. The US Navy often used asbestos in their insulation piping for their ships, contracting many different manufacturing companies to supply the products between the 1900s and the 1970s.

However, thousands of veterans and laborers worked in the ships were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. These workers are at risk for developing long-term asbestos health complications. Former employees who also worked in manufacturing and construction occupations may also be at risk.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled by workers, the fibers become lodged in the lungs, where they can potentially cause asbestos lung disease. Fibers accidentally swallowed can be similarly lodged in the stomach as well.

Patients who fall victim to these conditions typically develop either asbestos lung cancer or its rarer counterpart, mesothleioma, which is directly caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma occurs when the asbestos fibers cause cancer in the membranes that surround the lungs after up to 50 years of dormancy.

Mesothelioma is different from asbestos lung cancer, which attacks the lungs directly and can take up to 30 years to show any symptoms. This often results in late diagnosis and short survival expectations.

While asbestos has been used significantly less since the 1980s, it is still a common element in many occupational fields today. Companies that utilize asbestos for their products or workplace are obligated to warn their employees, or at least provide safety equipment.

Westinghouse allegedly failed to do this when Larry was exposed to asbestos in the workplace, which allegedly resulted in him developing asbestos lung disease.

This Asbestos Lung Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-01278-WWE, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.