3M Company and a number of other manufacturing companies are facing a new asbestos wrongful death lawsuit filed by a grieving daughter alleging her father died of malignant mesothelioma after exposure during his career.

This asbestos wrongful death lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Joann E. of Arizona, who alleges her father died of malignant mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.

Malignant mesothelioma is a very rare type of lung cancer that forms in the lining around the lungs after asbestos fibers become embedded or scar the organ’s tissue. Malignant mesothelioma is specifically caused by asbestos exposure and has been diagnosed throughout the country in United States Navy veterans, former manufacturing workers, and other retirees who worked in a high risk environment for asbestos exposure.

In addition to this first hand exposure, spouses and other loved ones were at risk for second hand asbestos exposure because they most likely handled contaminated clothing.

It is important to note that malignant mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to develop to the point of exhibiting symptoms, resulting in late diagnoses that may not be caught in time to treat. Along with the disease having no cure, malignant mesothelioma patients are not expected to live much longer after their diagnosis.

This was allegedly the case for Emmanuel E., who Joann says had been exposed to asbestos on a regular basis from the equipment manufactured by 3M and other companies and then developed malignant mesothelioma.

According to the asbestos wrongful death lawsuit, Emmanuel had regularly worked with products and equipment that were composed of asbestos and breathed in the fibers on a regular basis throughout his working years. Emmanuel was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, and later died from the disease on May 8, 2018.

Joann argues the companies either knew or should have known about the potential asbestos exposure associated with their products.

Overview of Asbestos Health Dangers

Asbestos is a microscopic fibrous material that was popularly implemented as an insulation and building materials before the 1980s.

Asbestos reached its peak in popularity during World War II, when it was used for insulation piping in United States Navy ships and shipyards. Along with being cheap to use, asbestos is resistant to fire and chemical damage, making it very popular for insulation materials.

While asbestos is harmless when dormant, it can become potentially deadly once released into the air. Once inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers can scar the lungs or stomach and give way for potential cancer development.

For this reason, the United States federal government has strict policies and codes for removing asbestos that minimize the risk of the fibers escaping into the environment. In addition, manufacturing companies are required to provide disclosures to clients and employees about potential exposure if their products contain asbestos.

Joann alleges that 3M Company and other manufacturers named in this claim failed to disclose to her father about the asbestos laden products he was working with. Joann alleges that Emmanuel developed malignant mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos he wasn’t aware of. Joann is seeking multiple damages against these companies for counts of negligence and failure to warn, stating their products contributed to her father’s death.

This Asbestos Wrongful Death Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-08214-ESW, in the Superior Court of the state of Arizona, in and for the County of Coconino.