A grieving widow has recently filed legal action against Carrier Corporation, Flowserve US Inc., and Honeywell International Inc., alleging the companies contributed to her husband developing and later dying from asbestos related lung disease.

The woman’s husband reportedly developed asbestos related lung disease after working with asbestos materials manufactured by the companies, all of which allegedly failed to warn against potential asbestos exposure risks.

Plaintiff Vida R. filed this asbestos wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her husband Marvin R., who died from asbestos related lung disease on Feb. 16, 2017. According to the claim, Marvin had been exposed to asbestos throughout his career by working with materials containing the dangerous fiber.

Marvin was diagnosed with asbestos related lung disease on Oct. 26, 2016, and ultimately succumbed to the disease.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was popularly used for insulation purposes before the 1980s, and still found in older buildings to this day. Due to its fire and chemical resistant qualities, as well as being cheap to use, it was used for a variety of manufacturing purposes and was used for almost every industrial use purpose.

Asbestos reached its peak in popularity during World War II, when the United States Navy had utilized asbestos for insulation piping in its ships and shipyards.

But the health hazards associated with asbestos gradually became more widely known, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eventually severely limited its use.

In addition, federal authorities require contractors or other individuals with asbestos products to follow strict procedure when removing or transporting the material. Not doing so is illegal asbestos removal. Furthermore, companies must also provide disclosures and protective equipment to workers.

Overview of Asbestos Related Lung Disease

While asbestos may be harmless while dormant, it becomes very hazardous once released into the air. Asbestos fibers can either be inhaled or swallowed, which can then become lodged in the lungs and cause a variety of health problems.

Asbestos related lung disease is one of the most prevalent health concerns from exposure, with it taking the forms of either traditional asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma. In contrast to typical lung cancer, mesothelioma is specifically caused by asbestos exposure and manifests in the mucus lining of the lungs.

However, these asbestos diseases can often be misdiagnosed due to their latency period. Asbestos related lung disease can take up to 35 years to develop to the point of showing symptoms; mesothelioma may take longer, sometimes as long as 50 years to manifest.

This latency often causes patients to be diagnosed at a later stage, resulting in shortened life expectancies. With this in mind, it is vital for companies to provide proper disclosures of potential asbestos exposure if their products are made from the material.

Carrier Corporation or the other companies named in the lawsuit allegedly failed to do this, according to Vida. She alleges Martin was completely unaware that he was being exposed to asbestos daily. At all times relevant, Martin had relied on the product information and warning disclosures provided by the companies, Vida claims.

Vida states that Martin would have been able to take proper precautions against asbestos exposure if he had been aware of the potential risk. Vida is seeking at least $50,000 in damages, along with any other costs for further relief.

This Asbestos Wrongful Death Lawsuit is Case No. 1822-CC11417, filed in St. Louis 22nd Judicial Circuit Court.