On-the-job asbestos exposure is a serious concern for former industrial and manufacturing workers, with numerous reports of asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma and companies facing legal action for negligence.

One case of on-the-job asbestos exposure comes from two Peoria residents, alleging one of the claimants developed asbestos lung cancer as a result of his job.

Plaintiff couple Patrick A. and Patricia A. are filing legal action against Archer Daniels Midland Co., Chicago Wilcox Co., and Hercules LLC, alleging the companies named failed to protect Patrick from on-the-job asbestos exposure.

According to the asbestos disease lawsuit, Patrick worked at various locations in Peoria between 1967 to 1973 and allegedly experienced on-the-job asbestos exposure on a regular basis. The asbestos exposure allegedly came from the products Patrick had to work with, which were manufactured, sold, and distributed by the companies.

The couple claims Patrick had regularly inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers, which ultimately contributed to his development of asbestos lung cancer. According to the asbestos disease lawsuit, Patrick was diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer on Dec. 20, 2017, and has been contending with the condition ever since.

Patrick is like numerous other industrial retirees who developed a chronic illness allegedly as a direct result of on-the-job asbestos exposure. In addition, Patricia may also be at risk for asbestos disease due to second-hand exposure.

Overview of On-The-Job Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was popularly used before the 1980s for a variety of manufacturing purposes, for its fire and chemical resistant qualities. The product reached its height in popularity during World War II, when asbestos was utilized for insulation piping on United States Navy ships.

This means numerous retired industrial workers and the United States military veterans sustained on-the-job asbestos exposure, and are at risk for developing chronic health conditions.

It is important to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not regulate occupational asbestos exposure until 1971, and had implemented a number of different regulations throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

One of these policies was requiring companies to provide protective equipment to employees and to warn the general public against asbestos lung cancer and other chronic health problems. Asbestos lung cancer occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and embeds itself in the lungs, and eventually festers into cancer cells.

Patients who develop asbestos lung cancer are likely to be diagnosed at a late stage of the disease due to the long dormancy period. It can take between 15 to 35 years before developing to the point where it shows any symptoms, with patients often experiencing limited treatment options and face a shortened life expectancies.

According to the couple’s asbestos disease lawsuit, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Chicago Wilcox Co., and Hercules LLC allegedly failed to warn Patrick against the dangers of on-the-job asbestos exposure, with the couple alleging the disease was completely preventable.

Patrick and Patricia are filing the legal action seeking compensation for all past and future medical expenses, including more than $50,000 in damages. Patrick and Patricia are alleging multiple counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This Asbestos Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 18-L-103 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.