Reynolds Metals Co. is facing a new lung cancer asbestos lawsuit filed by a woman over allegations that asbestos exposure caused the development of lung cancer and subsequent death of a loved one.

Plaintiff Brenda S. files the lung cancer asbestos lawsuit individually and on behalf of Joseph S.

According to the lawsuit, Joseph died on May 13, 2016 and was employed by Reynolds Metal Company between 1968 and 1972. While he was employed by Reynolds, he was allegedly exposed to asbestos dust and fibers, the lawsuit states. Accordingly, he contracted and developed asbestos-related lung cancer which “ultimately took his life,” the lung cancer asbestos lawsuit claims.

The lung cancer asbestos lawsuit accused the company of acting neglectfully in allowing Joseph to be exposed to asbestos and suffer a wrongful death as a result. The lawsuit states that the damages, injuries and death Joseph suffered were “directly and proximately caused by the acts and/or emissions of … [Reynold’s] constituting negligence, gross negligence, gross neglect and/or malice.”

Overview: Lung Cancer Asbestos Lawsuit

Asbestos is the name used for a set of heat-resistant silicate minerals that naturally develop in the environment. They occur as natural bundles of fibers that can be woven into fabrics, and used as insulating materials for things like the linings of brakes.

In fact, asbestos products have long been used as insulating products such as in floor tiles, pipes, stream lines, building materials and in clutches and brakes.

However, asbestos exposure has also been linked to the development of serious adverse side effects and complications, including lung cancer. What is worse is that in the event of asbestos exposure, signs and symptoms and the subsequent diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease may take years or even decades before becoming evident.

There are a number of symptoms, however, that may help individuals who have been exposed or suspect that they may have been exposed to asbestos. Some of the following symptoms that are known to develop include:

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, or wheezing
• Pain or tightening in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• A persistent cough that worsens over time
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia or fatuge
• Weight loss
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Blood in the fluid coughed up from the lungs

According to the Pleural Mesothelioma Center, lung cancer that develops from asbestos exposure forms in the lung tissue, and more than 220,000 Americans become diagnosed with lung cancer every year.

While lung cancer is developed through asbestos exposure, the tumors are well-defined masses that are easier to target than other cancers for treatment. Treatment for lung cancer includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. For almost 18 percent of people, however, there is a 5-year survival rate.

There are certain occupations, however, that are more at risk for asbestos exposure and thus development of lung cancer. Some of these occupations include:

• U.S. Navy
• Other U.S. Military
• Shipyards workers
• Auto mechanics
• Paper mill workers
• Construction workers
• Textile workers
• Insulation installers
• Sheet metal workers
• Roofers
• Toll collectors
• Tilers
• Linotype technicians
• Plumbers

The Lung Cancer Asbestos Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-00191, in the District Court of Nueces County, Texas.