A man has filed a lawsuit against 40 companies, their successors and subsidiaries after having been given a mesothelioma diagnosis from his physician.

Plaintiff Jack W. is a resident of North Carolina and has filed his lawsuit against the large number of defendants who “during the pertinent times mined, manufactured, processed, imported, converted, compounded, supplied, installed, replaced, repaired, used, and/or retailed substantial amounts of asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products, materials, or equipment.”

Jack received a mesothelioma diagnosis on July 26, 2016, and his asbestos exposure allegedly occurred during his employment throughout the years.

He has worked as a warehouse man, driver, carpenter, electronics repair man and has also worked with agricultural products throughout his career lifespan beginning in 1956, according to his lawsuit.

As a result of his mesothelioma diagnosis, Jack claims he has suffered and sustained serious injuries, pain, and extreme nervousness, as well as mental anguish.

He says he has suffered from loss of enjoyment of life and has been forced to remove himself from his job, which has caused him to lose wages and earning capacity, according to the mesothelioma lawsuit.

Jack also alleges that due to his asbestos-related illness, he has had to incur large amounts of medical expenses and will have such expenses to incur in the future, and his lifespan has been greatly shortened.

Jack has brought forth a number of allegations against the defendants including negligent failure to warn, defective design, breach of implied warranty, negligence, negligent retention and supervision, gross negligence, willful wanton and reckless conduct, and failure to warn.

Jack is requesting a trial by jury and is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, expenses and fees to which he may be entitled and any additional relief deemed just and proper by the court.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Most commonly, individuals are diagnosed with the pleural type of mesothelioma, which is located on the lining of the lungs.

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in mines. It has insulating and fire-proofing properties that made it preferable for use in buildings and automotive parts.

Left undisturbed, asbestos is typically inert. It begins to cause harm when it has become airborne and can be inhaled. In addition to causing mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is also linked to lung cancer as well as asbestosis, an inflammation related to asbestos exposure

Even though the use of asbestos has declined in recent years, the number of mesothelioma cases has not declined and is even expected to grow. Mesothelioma is a slow-growing cancer that can take approximately 20 to 50 years to develop.

Some doctors and researchers expect that there will be a surge in mesothelioma cases in the near future as recovery workers and emergency personnel who were exposed to asbestos during the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Center begin to start showing signs of developing the disease in the next five years or so.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, and the prognosis is typically poor. Patients who develop mesothelioma will likely die from the disease.

Filing a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the employers or companies that may be responsible for the related asbestos exposure.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you explore your legal options that are available to you.

The Asbestos Mesothelioma Diagnosis Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-00310, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.