A widow from Oregon alleges her husband died of a rare asbestos lung disease after he was exposed to the dangerous material during his work career.

The woman recently filed an asbestos wrongful death lawsuit against General Electric Company and other manufacturers, alleging their products had contributed to the development of her husband’s asbestos lung disease.

Plaintiff Laura P. filed legal action on behalf of her late husband Clifford P., who had allegedly developed asbestos lung disease after working with products manufactured and installed by the companies named in the claim.

According to the asbestos wrongful death lawsuit, Clifford was exposed to asbestos between 1971 to 1979 while working in California. During this time, Clifford had allegedly experienced occupational asbestos exposure while having no knowledge of the potential health complications.

According to the asbestos wrongful death lawsuit, Clifford was diagnosed with mesothelioma on Sept. 13, 2017, and died soon after on Oct. 29, 2017. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of asbestos lung disease, which manifests in the membrane around the lungs.

This disease is specifically caused by asbestos exposure, in which the fibers cause severe scarring in the mucus lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a very slowly progressing disease, with patients often taking up to 50 years to show any symptoms.

This often means that patients are diagnosed at a late stage and will have limited treatment options, along with shortened life expectancies. This was allegedly the case with Clifford, whose asbestos lung disease was diagnosed too late and had no way to reasonably prolong his life.

Overview of Asbestos Mesothelioma

Asbestos
is a fibrous material that was popularly used for insulation purposes before the 1980s for its chemical and fire resistant properties.

Before the carcinogenic nature of asbestos was discovered, it was used in almost every aspect of the manufacturing industry. Asbestos was especially popular during World War II when it was utilized in United States Navy shipyards for insulation. But increasing awareness of the diseases caused by asbestos let to increasing restrictions on its use through the 1970s and 1980s.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become embedded in either the lungs or stomach and eventually fester into cancer.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest and deadliest variants of asbestos lung disease there is, with approximately 3,000 cases diagnosed per year in the United States. People who are at the highest risk for asbestos lung disease are those who previously worked in the manufacturing industry, and were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.

Their loved ones may also be at risk for second-hand asbestos exposure, due to handling clothes that may have asbestos fibers attached to them.

Even though asbestos lung disease is potentially fatal, General Electric and other companies allegedly failed to warn Clifford and other people against the adverse effects of asbestos exposure.

Along with Laura, the asbestos wrongful death lawsuit is also seeking damages on behalf of their son Clifford P. and daughters Alecia S., Natalie E., Stacey P., and Shelley P. This asbestos wrongful death lawsuit is seeking damages for negligence and failure to warn.

This Asbestos Lung Disease Lawsuit is Case No. BC-722111, in the Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles.