A family says that the husband and father in the family died of asbestos related pleural disease that resulted from exposure to products that contained asbestos, made by Kelly-Moore Paint Co. and Grinnell LLC.

Plaintiff Billie B., the surviving spouse of Donald B., has filed a lawsuit with her two children, Kathleen B. and James B. claiming that Donald’s death from asbestos related pleural disease was the result of the negligence of Kelly-Moore Paint Co. Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., and Grinnell LLC. The family filed the asbestos lawsuit on Oct. 10, 2018.

The family says that Donald was diagnosed with asbestos related pleural disease in 1995. They claim that he was diagnosed with lung cancer and asbestosis in May 2018, and died of lung cancer on May 20.

Allegedly, Donald worked in California and Michigan during his career, and was exposed to asbestos over the course of his career. Allegedly, he may have been exposed to asbestos at more than one location.

The family aims to hold Kelly-Moore Paint Company, Metropolitan Life Insurance, and Grinnell responsible for Donald’s death because they allegedly designed products containing asbestos, and failed to warn Donald of the hazards associated with asbestos exposure.

They argue the companies knew or should have known of the dangers associated with asbestos, and intentionally or negligently failed to inform Donald of the dangers associated with working around asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has long been used in building materials. Its long fibers make it strong and heat-resistant and therefore advantageous for building materials, but those same fibers pose a hazard to human health. When breathed in, asbestos fibers can cause people to develop a range of health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestos related pleural disease.

Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer since the beginning of the 20th century, but it was not until the middle of the 20th century that the U.S. government began to strongly restrict the use of asbestos in building materials. Though asbestos is largely no longer allowed in new building materials, it is still present in many older building materials, because the fibers are not dangerous if they are contained and not breathed in.

However, many workers like Donald are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. Many works who work in older buildings may be exposed to asbestos-containing materials, and are at risk of developing diseases like asbestos-related pleural disease.

Workers who are exposed to older buildings or building materials that are deteriorating are especially at risk of of developing diseases like asbestos-related pleural disease. Some people who have developed asbestos-related conditions are holding companies accountable for exposing workers to asbestos or for making and selling asbestos-containing materials.

Some workers are able to hold companies accountable for not providing a safe workplace, or for not warning people adequately of hazards, so they can determine how much possible danger they are willing to be exposed to.

The Asbestos Related Plueral Disease Lawsuit is Case No. CGC18276739, in the San Fransisco Superior Court.