A recent asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit was brought forward by a Texas man, who did not find out about the health hazards of exposure until recently due to an extensive mesothelioma latency period.

The claim states that the man had been working at a Texaco facility in the 1940s, where he was exposed to asbestos and began the development of mesothelioma. Patients who are exposed to asbestos and later develop mesothelioma may not know they have the disease for decades, due to the mesothelioma latency period that can up to 50 years.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer specifically caused by asbestos exposure. It attacks the membrane that lines the outside of the lungs. This disease is oftentimes diagnosed at a late stage, due to the mesothelioma latency period.

Plaintiffs Willie A. and Doris A. filed this asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit against Texaco and other affiliated companies on July 3, 2013, for allegedly failing to warn him against the dangers of asbestos exposure. Other companies named as defendants in the asbestos mesothelioma case include 3M Company, Able Supply, Guardline, Metlife, Ownes Illinois, and TMR Company.

According to the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit, Willie had worked at the Texaco station from 1947 to the 1970s where he was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Willie had stayed with the company until 1985, where he worked with asbestos products manufactured and sold by the companies named in the suit.

The companies allegedly failed to warn Willie against the dangers associated with exposure to asbestos.

Overview of Mesothelioma Latency Period

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was popularly used before the 1980s, that reached its popularity peak during World War II. Due to its fire and chemical resistant qualities, asbestos was used in a number of applications like insulation and other manufacturing purposes like machine works.

In addition, asbestos was considered very affordable, making it fiscally attractive to big companies like Able Supply.

While asbestos may be harmless in its dormant stage, it becomes dangerous once released into the air. When asbestos fibers are released into the air, employees could either swallow or inhale the fibers.

The fibers can become embedded in either the lungs or stomach, and may eventually fester into cancer cells. In the past few years, reports of asbestos exposure injuries had significantly increased due to the number of veterans and retired laborers being exposed to asbestos when they were younger.

The mesothelioma latency period can take up to 50 years to develop to the stage where symptoms are exhibited. This often results in late diagnosis and limited treatment options. This places employees and other environmental residents in danger of asbestos exposure, making it vital for companies to provide employees with protective gear.

This asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit has been assigned to 172^nd District Court Judge Donald Floyd, who will be supervising the litigation process. At this point in time in the litigation, Willie continues to suffer from mesothelioma and is seeking compensation for pain and medical expenses.

This Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit is Case No. E-200326, in the District Court for Jefferson County, Tex.