General Electric Company and other manufacturers are facing serious negligence and failure to warn allegations from a man claiming he developed asbestos-related lung disease.

Plaintiff Peter S. claims that his asbestos-related lung disease was directly caused by regular exposure to asbestos contained in the defendant company’s products. He alleges General Electric Company, Crane Co., and other manufacturers named in his liability claim had manufactured, produced, installed, and sold products used in his work place and that had caused him to develop asbestos-related lung disease.

Occupational asbestos exposure is most common in manufacturing and other industrial jobs, as well as in United States Naval shipyards. During World War II, asbestos was implemented in a number of United States Navy ships for piping and insulation purposes.

Asbestos is resistant to fire and chemical damage, and is a very cheap material to use. Because of these features, asbestos can still be found in United States Naval shipyards and the long term health effects of asbestos exposure is still a concern for veterans and former employees.

According to the asbestos disease lawsuit, Peter was employed at General Dynamics from 1964 to 2012, where he worked for the company as an electrician. Peter had to regularly board submarines that were under construction to do a variety of repair work.  Peter had also served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963, and was stationed onboard submarines and other Navy vessels.

In both time periods, Peter alleges he had been regularly exposed to asbestos and had no way of knowing the dangers at the time.

Peter says he was recently diagnosed with asbestos-related lung disease, which has shortened his life expectancy. He will most likely have to contend with aggressive treatment regimes.

Peter is filing this asbestos disease lawsuit against General Electric Company, Crane Co., CBS Corporation, and Foster Wheeler LLC, alleging the companies failed to warn him against potential asbestos exposure risks from their products.

Overview of Asbestos-Related Lung Disease

Before the 1980s, asbestos was used for almost every construction and manufacturing purpose, ranging from automobile to home appliances. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stated asbestos-related lung disease was a prominent risk in these industries, with other federal health officials stating asbestos as a carcinogen, so usage was stopped.

Interestingly, asbestos-related lung disease was first suspected in 1935, but was not followed up on until 1942 when a member of the National Cancer Institute confirmed that asbestos could cause lung cancer.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and may eventually cause cancer after decades of dormancy. The primary asbestos-related lung diseases are mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer, both of which are directly caused by exposure. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibers become lodged in the lungs’ outer lining, while asbestos lung cancer attacks the lung itself. Both diseases can take decades to progress to the point where symptoms are shown.

Asbestos is now heavily regulated, with federal officials requiring companies to follow strict guidelines in asbestos removal. Federal regulators also require companies to disclose the risk of asbestos exposure to their employees, as well as to customers who may work closely with their products.

While asbestos is harmless while dormant, the risk of asbestos-related lung disease becomes prevalent once it’s released into the air.

This Asbestos Lung Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00528-VLB, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.