A recent asbestos lung cancer lawsuit was filed by two former industrial workers, alleging their employer and other companies failed to warn them and others about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit names many different companies as defendants. These defendants include A.O. Smith Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent Inc., AT&T Corporation, and other companies. The lawsuit asserts that the companies failed to warn and protect their employees from asbestos exposure.

Plaintiffs John M. and Ada Q. are filing this asbestos lung cancer lawsuit, alleging they were exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis during their employment. John worked in the allegedly dangerous environment between 1960 to 2009, where he would regularly inhale and ingest asbestos fibers released from the products manufactured, sold, distributed, or installed by the defendant companies.

John was diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer in May 2017, which spurred him to file this asbestos lung cancer lawsuit against the companies after learning about their alleged use of asbestos in their products. Ada worked in similar conditions and is at high-risk for potentially deadly asbestos disease development.

Under federal law, companies are supposed to warn residents or employees if they are working with asbestos products and provide protective equipment to prevent exposure. John and Ada’s asbestos lung cancer lawsuit alleges this did not happen, with the companies leaving them and others similarly situated in a vulnerable position.

Both John and Ada are raising claims for negligence and failure to warn, claiming the companies knew their products contained asbestos as well as the health risks associated with them. Furthermore, the companies allegedly failed to provide sufficient warnings and instructions regarding asbestos exposure or provide any safety equipment.

Overview of Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos was a widely used building material that reached its peak of popularity during World War II when it was utilized for insulation and piping in various U.S. Navy ships and shipyards.

Even before this time, asbestos was often used for various manufacturing and industrial purposes due to its fire and chemical resistant qualities. Additionally, asbestos was also cheap to use and was the ideal choice for many building applications before the 1980s.

For this reason, former employees and military veterans are considered high risk for asbestos-related diseases. Other high-risk occupations include:

• Auto mechanics
• Paper mill workers
• Construction workers
• Textile workers
• Insulation Installers
• Sheet metal workers
• Roofers
• Toll collectors
• Tilers
• Linotype technicians
• Plumbers

Eventually, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began warning the public about long-term health problems associated with asbestos exposure and implemented strict procedures for removal.

While asbestos is harmless when dormant, the fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed once released into the air. Once the fibers are inhaled, they can become embedded in the lungs and eventually fester into cancer cells.

It is important to note that asbestos lung cancer can take up to 30 years before showing any symptoms, which often results in latent diagnosis and limited treatment options. Patients are generally not expected to live much longer after this diagnosis, as asbestos lung cancer is an incurable disease.

This Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 17-L-665, in the St. Clair County Circuit Court.