A widow filed a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her deceased husband, against Air & Liquid Systems Corporation and six additional companies that she alleges knowingly contributed to her husband’s death.

Plaintiff Sherri D., who represents the estate of Thomas D., alleges Thomas was exposed to asbestos during his employment for the defendants. He worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) between 1974-1981. While Thomas was there, Sherri alleges he was exposed to asbestos though products PSNS manufactured.

According to the mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, Thomas first learned that he was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to his exposure to asbestos in February 2015. Sherrie says that in addition to his mesothelioma condition, Thomas suffered from extreme nervousness, mental anguish, and great pain.

According to the mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, Thomas’ enjoyment of life was also greatly impaired due to his asbestos exposure which led to a greatly shortened lifespan. Sherri says that she “suffered and will suffer damages for loss of companionship, services and consortium.”

What is Mesothelioma?

According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma begins in the linings of the abdomen or chest. Specialized cells called mesothelial cells line our body’s abdomen, chest, and space around our hearts. This layer of cells, called the mesothelium, covers the outer surfaces of our body’s internal organs.

Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that grows in the mesothelium. It often begins in four main areas of the body. When it begins in the chest and abdomen it is termed a pleural mesotheliomas and peritoneal mesotheliomas, respectively. If the mesothelioma begins to grow in the lining of the heart it is termed a pericardial mesothelioma. And very rarely, if it begins in the covering layer of the testicles, it is termed a mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.

Mesothelioma Primary Risk Factor: Asbestos Exposure

According to the Mayo Clinic, asbestos is a mineral naturally found in the environment. In the past, it was used in a wide range of applications such as in brakes, flooring, insulations, and in many other products. What made asbestos so popular is that the mineral is naturally resistant to heat and is found to be very strong.

Exposure to asbestos occurs when asbestos is broken up and dust is created.  This often happens during the removal of asbestos insulation or during the mining process. Once the dust is swallowed or inhaled, asbestos fibers can settle in the body’s stomach or lungs. Irritation from asbestos fibers eventually occurs, although it can take anywhere between 20 to 40 years for a mesothelioma condition to develop after the initial asbestos exposure.

Development of mesothelioma is often uncertain because while some people with constant exposure to asbestos never develop mesothelioma, others, with only brief exposure do. Various risk factors, such as a predisposition to cancer may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, such as with a parent or sibling having developed the disease. Risks factors also include living with someone who works with asbestos and has the potential of carrying asbestos fibers home on their clothing and skin.

The Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-05965-BHS, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle.